Shade levels vary across Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed, from open sun to full tree cover, giving campers some control over their site conditions. Set within Coconino National Forest, this free dispersed area runs along a bumpy dirt road off I-17 near Munds Park, with no hookups, no fees, and no reservations required. Elk have been spotted here. Cell service is available, which is worth noting for anyone who needs connectivity on a weekend trip.
The road itself is the main variable to plan around. Multiple reviewers flag it as rough, though camper vans and standard rigs have made it through without issue. Larger rigs should stop where the gravel begins and pick a spot there rather than pushing further down the track. Sites include basic fire rings, and the tree canopy provides meaningful shade during summer months when temperatures climb. As one reviewer put it, "the road to get there is crazy," but conditions improve once you settle in.
Crowding can be a factor, particularly on weekends, since the road's proximity to the interstate and available cell signal make it accessible to a wide range of campers. Getting out early gives you the best pick of sites. FR 253 Dispersed, Coconino NF near Munds Park and Forest Service Road 253 Dispersed are nearby alternatives worth checking if this stretch fills up, and Cave Springs offers a more developed option a short distance to the west.
Description
Dispersed Camping Guidelines: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/home/?cid=stelprdb5313448
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsForest Service Rd 253 Dispersed is located in Arizona near Munds Park
Coordinates
34.98938246 N
111.70294482 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
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
- 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.
Drive Time
- 13 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 59 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 34 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 7 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
