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Dispersed Camping

Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed is located in the Coconino National Forest, featuring flat terrain with scattered trees. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the scenic views of the San Francisco Peaks and the trails of Walnut Canyon National Monument.

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Location

Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.98938246 N
111.70294482 W

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Connectivity

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    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Forest Road 535

Forest Road 535

17 min away

Forest Road 535 - East

Forest Road 535 - East

17 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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

  • 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 Service Rd 253 Dispersed needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2025

As I hoped.

Beautiful forest boondocking. Many different types of sites to pick from. Full sun, full shade or partial sun. An occasional 🐄 may stroll by.

SiteBoondocking
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2025

Nice quiet spot

Lovely spot! Nice & shady with the trees on a hot summer day. Road from I-17 is quite bumpy but manageable (we were in a camper van)

Sitena
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed by Helen F., August 20, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed by Helen F., August 20, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2025

Great Spot for a night

Lots of places to camp all over this road. Most size rigs can find a spot but we did see some people trying to take big rigs too far. If you have something big, stop at the gravel part and find a spot.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed by Joshua M., July 11, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed by Joshua M., July 11, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2024

Holy rocks

This place is nothing but a bumpy ride. Once you find a spot it’s nice and quiet but the road to get there is crazy

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed by Nathaniel F., June 13, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2022

Very accessible

A very easy place to get to if you dont have a truck. I will definitely be going back. A bit crowded, but still a nice place to spend the weekend

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2021

Popular dispersed spots

Popular amongst trailer campers as this spot is right next to a cellular town and requires no 4x4. Get out there early for the prime spots!

Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Munds Park?

No permit is required for dispersed camping along Forest Service Rd 253 in Munds Park. This area follows standard US Forest Service dispersed camping regulations, which typically allow stays up to 14 days in a 30-day period. While no formal permit is needed, always practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware that fire restrictions may apply seasonally. It's recommended to check with the Coconino National Forest office for any temporary restrictions or closures before your trip.

What amenities are available at Munds Park dispersed camping sites?

Forest Service Rd 253 dispersed camping sites offer very minimal amenities, as is typical with dispersed camping. There are no designated fire rings, picnic tables, potable water, or restroom facilities. Campers need to be self-sufficient and bring all necessary supplies, including water. The area does have good cell service due to its proximity to town, which is an advantage for those needing connectivity. The natural amenities include shade from trees, which provides relief during hot summer days, and the peaceful forest setting.

When is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Munds Park?

Summer is an excellent time for dispersed camping in Munds Park, with the shady tree cover providing natural cooling on hot days. The area is accessible during spring and fall as well, offering pleasant temperatures and less crowding outside peak summer weekends. Winter camping is possible but less advisable due to potential snow and cold temperatures at this elevation. For the best experience, consider weekdays if possible, as the area's accessibility and proximity to I-17 make it popular on weekends, especially during summer months.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas in Munds Park?

Forest Service Rd 253 offers numerous dispersed camping spots in the Munds Park area. The road is accessible from I-17 and provides multiple pullouts and clearings suitable for camping. While the road can be bumpy in places, it's navigable without 4x4 vehicles, making it popular and accessible. Camping spots are distributed all along this road, with some of the best sites located in the gravel areas. For larger rigs, it's advisable to find spots closer to the entrance rather than venturing too far down the road.