Camper submitted image from Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM - 4
Activities

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM

Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the fuss of traditional campgrounds. This area offers free camping with no permits required, making it a breeze to set up your tent or park your RV and enjoy the great outdoors.

Visitors rave about the easy access to the site, with one camper noting, “This was one of the quickest and easiest dispersed camping spots I've set up in.” The open spaces are surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and Ponderosa pines, creating a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience. If you’re lucky, you might even find a quiet meadow nearby to relax in.

Located just outside Sunset Crater National Monument, this area is perfect for those wanting to explore the stunning volcanic landscape and hit the trails. Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, with some mentioning it’s mostly quiet, aside from the occasional UTV rider during the day.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to camp in such a beautiful setting is a major draw. Just be prepared to pack out what you pack in, as there’s no trash service. If you’re looking for a serene escape close to Flagstaff, this spot is definitely worth checking out.

Description

National Forest

Coconino National Forest

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?

Suggest an Edit

Location

Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.38485146 N
111.561878 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2023

Very easy access, free camping

This was one of the quickest and easiest dispersed camping spots I've set up in.  In the morning, it's super easy to get back onto the road, hit the trails, or head into Flagstaff.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2023

Beautiful area outside of Sunset Crater

This is a really nice area on forest road 545 comma just outside of sunset crater national monument. when you turn to go to Sunset Crater as soon as you go over the cattle guard take a left and follow that road around lots of camping spots, the road isn't really bad there's a few washed out areas but my van was able to manage it

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM by Chris W., August 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM by Chris W., August 1, 2023
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2022

Great dispersed camping

This is a great spot close to flagstaff. It was mostly quiet with some people riding UTVs during the day. Would recommend this place to others.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM by Anahi B., March 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM by Anahi B., March 29, 2022
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2022

Beautiful and Alone

There are many dispersed areas around Sunset Crater Volcano NM. I stayed off FS road 545B. There was a meadow nearby with a lot of Ponderosa pines. FS 545B is the first road to the left as you leave route 89 heading toward SCVNM. Only one here. If you stop by the SCVNM visitor center, ask the ranger for a map of dispersed camping. Very helpful. Shows lots of options. The FS dirt road is a little challenging, but I got through it in my campervan without going into 4-wheel drive. Might be a different story if it's muddy.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM by Bill , January 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM by Bill , January 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM by Bill , January 21, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM?

    Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM is located at 7102 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is fair.