Forest Road 545B winds through ponderosa pine stands and open meadows, providing access to multiple dispersed camping spots within Coconino National Forest. Campers can pull off at roadside locations or venture deeper for more secluded sites, though weekend spots fill quickly according to frequent visitors.
The dirt road handles standard vehicles without four-wheel drive in dry conditions, though some washouts and ruts require careful navigation. Bill O. notes getting through in a campervan "without going into 4-wheel drive" but cautions conditions change when muddy. Sites spread along the route offer varying degrees of privacy, with those closer to the main road providing easier access and mountain views, while deeper locations provide more isolation among the trees.
Cell coverage varies by location, with Verizon users reporting 1-3 bars depending on positioning. The area stays notably cooler at night compared to lower elevations around Flagstaff, making summer camping more comfortable. Most sites lack established fire rings, though campfires are permitted following forest service regulations.
The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument visitor center provides detailed maps showing additional dispersed camping options throughout the area. Plan to arrive early on weekends to secure preferred spots.
Description
While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=54884&actid;=34 Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District. Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. Where can I have a campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions?
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingDispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM is located in Arizona
Coordinates
35.38485146 N
111.561878 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/27/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/27/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/27/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/27/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/27/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/27/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 17 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 1 hr 30 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 5 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 54 min from St. George, UT
