KAIBAB NATIONAL FOREST
KAIBAB NATIONAL FOREST
800 South Sixth Street
Williams, Arizona 86046
Kaibab National Forest 'Northern Kaibab Bison'
© Joe Leavitt 2009
Located in northern Arizona, lies the Kaibab National Forest. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River divides the North Kaibab and Tusayan Ranger Districts of the Kaibab National Forest. Elevations within the forest are as low as 5,500 feet in the southwest to a high of 10,418 feet on Kendrick Mountain near the east boundary. Most of the terrain is relatively level, except for numerous small knolls, a few mountains, the Mogollon Rim that cuts diagonally across the southwest portion of the forest, and Coconino Rim on Tusayan Ranger District. Pinon-Juniper woodlands are at lower elevations, Pondersoa pine forests are at middle elevations, and mixed conifer interspersed with aspen are at the higher elevations.
Wilderness is part of the American Heritage. Viewed with awe and some misgivings by early settlers of the New World, the American wilderness has been interwoven into the nations's folklore, history, art and literature. Some of its key elements are solitude and freedom. The wilderness that witnessed the birth and early growth of this nation no longer spreads from ocean to ocean. As our country developed, the majority of wild lands gave way to cities, farms, and other commercial uses. However, many untamed lands, the majestic reminders of primeval America, have been preserved in our U.S. National Forest System.
These wilderness areas are held in trust by the Forest Service for the use, enjoyment and spiritual enrichment of the American people. The Forest Service accepts with pride its stewardship of these lands, and is dedicated to keeping them in pristine condition for this and future generations.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
The main camping season in the district is from the Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, but most campgrounds remain open well after the busy season. In all, more than 150,000 visitors stay at the four developed campgrounds of the forest each year. Cataract Lake, Dogtown Lake, Kaibab Lake, and White Horse Lake campgrounds are operated under Forest Service Permit by Southwest Recreation.
Camping on the Kaibab-National Forest is limited to 14 days in any 30-day period. Developed campsites are available for a fee on a first-come, first-served basis; group sites, however, must be reserved in advance. The number to call for reservations can be obtained from the Visitor Center. Each campground has water faucets and toilets and each site has a picnic table and fire ring with grill. No electrical, sewage or water hookups are available at any of the campgrounds. A fee dump station is available at Kaibab Lake, Dogtown and Whitehorse Lake campgrounds. Campfires are restricted to existing fire rings or fire grates. At times of extreme fire danger, all fires may be prohibited. Firewood is available for sale at any of the campgrounds, and dead and fallen wood may be gathered for fires. The law requires that you NEVER leave a fire burning and unattended. Picnicking is permitted anywhere in the South Kaibab, including the developed campgrounds, but campers have first right to a site there. A fee may charged for picnicking within developed campgrounds.
There are many undeveloped campsites and picnic spots in the forest. Visitors are welcome to use any of them, but remember that camping is not permitted within 1/4 mile of water, except in developed campgrounds. This protects our wildlife. Surface water in its natural condition may be unsafe to drink and should always be properly treated. Please do not leave trash behind. Remember, others also have the right to unspoiled camping or picnic spots.
All streams located on the Williams Ranger District are intermittent (i.e., flow only part of the year) and are not suitable for sport fishing. Fishing here occurs at lakes, many of which have developed campgrounds nearby. Some people do fish at a few of the larger tanks, including J. D. Dam, Perkins, Hells Canyon and Bar Cross Tanks. With the exception of J. D. Dam, all these are warm water fisheries.
Due to the scarcity of navigable waters, only a limited amount of boating is done on the forest. Boating is limited primarily to Dogtown Lake, White Horse Lake, Cataract Lake, and Kaibab Lake. Of these reservoirs, all but White Horse Lake are part of the domestic water supply for the City of Williams. No swimming is allowed in any of these lakes and power boats are restricted. On J. D. Dam, Dogtown Lake, and White Horse Lake only single electric motors of one horsepower or less are permitted. Single electric motors or single gasoline engines with 8 horsepower or less are permitted on Cataract and Kaibab Lakes.
Most boating on these lakes is done in conjunction with fishing activities. Lake surface areas vary from about 40 to 70 acres. They can accommodate small fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, and small (one- or two-person) sailboats or rafts.
Parking is available near the lakes for boating and fishing. If you choose to use a campsite be advised that a day-use fee may be charged. A fee is charged for overnight camping in campgrounds.