Hikers heading to the West Fork of Oak Creek will find Forest Road 535 - East a practical base camp, set within ponderosa pine forest in Coconino National Forest outside Munds Park, Arizona. The road climbs through thick tree cover, with dispersed sites scattered along its length. Some highway noise carries in from below, though reviewers note it fades by evening and isn't especially intrusive during the night.
Road conditions are the most important factor to understand before arriving. Low-clearance vehicles can make it in, as one reviewer confirmed reaching a site in a Honda Civic, but the road is rocky and requires slow, careful driving. RV users should expect to travel roughly half a mile or more before finding a reasonably level spot, and not all sites are accessible for larger rigs despite the big-rig-friendly designation. Site leveling is a recurring challenge, particularly for trailers.
Crowds pick up quickly, especially on weekends and even some weekdays. Arriving by late afternoon may mean limited options for flatter ground. Those who drive further up the road tend to find more solitude, and some spots near the top look out over the valley below. Fire rings are present at some sites. Cell service is available. Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area sits less than a mile away and is worth checking if this road is full or closed, as seasonal closures have been reported.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsForest Road 535 is located in Arizona near Munds Park
Coordinates
35.0483889 N
111.7348902 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 61 usersLast on 7/26/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 60 usersLast on 7/26/26
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 7/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 61 usersLast on 7/26/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 60 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 7/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
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 Forest Road 535 - East needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 13 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 1 hr 17 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 51 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 7 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
