Red dust coats everything at Nolan Tank Large Dispersed Area, a free dispersed site in Coconino National Forest that sits roughly four miles down Forest Service Road 525 from the highway 89A turnoff. The road in is long and washboarded for much of its length, though multiple reviewers note that standard passenger cars handle it without trouble. Nolan is the largest of several dispersed areas strung along FSR 525, and that extra size translates to more space between campers than at the sites closer to the entrance.
Crowding is the most consistent theme across reviews, and it's worth planning around. Weekends and holidays fill the area quickly, and spring break conditions can push cars into makeshift spots with little separation. Mid-week arrivals tend to find more breathing room. Katelin M. describes it as a "large dispersed camping area" where most spots are packed in, though she notes that arriving early can land a more secluded position. Reviewers who drive to the back of the area consistently find additional spots and a second porta-potty, which is worth knowing when the front looks full.
Amenities are minimal. There is no water on-site and no trash service, so campers need to arrive self-sufficient. Porta-potties are scattered through the area. Cell service is listed as available. Nearby trails give hikers a reason to use this as a base rather than just an overnight stop, and the Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area sits just down the road for those who want a comparison before committing to a spot.
The surrounding hills and open sightlines toward the red rock formations make morning the most rewarding time of day. MATTHEW R. calls it his favorite of the camping areas on FSR 525, citing well-spaced spots and tree cover. Campers planning a longer stay in the region can explore camping near Sedona or look into dispersed camping around Coconino National Forest for additional free options. Arrive early, bring all your water, and the site holds up well.
Description
Dispersed Camping Guidelines: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/home/?cid=stelprdb5313448
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNolan Tank Large Dispersed Area is located in Arizona near Sedona
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
34.884523364788365 N
111.91091119218571 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 9/12/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 91 usersLast on 9/12/26
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 9/12/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 9/12/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 91 usersLast on 9/12/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 9/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
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 Nolan Tank Large Dispersed Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 1 hr 9 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 44 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 4 hrs 2 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
