Fourteen numbered dispersed sites spread along a bumpy forest road, each tucked back from the main route to provide spacing between campers. Freidlein Prairie sits within Coconino National Forest, offering free camping about 15 minutes from Flagstaff on a rocky access road that challenges low-clearance vehicles but remains passable for most cars with careful driving.
The forested setting provides natural privacy screens between sites, with many campers noting how the spacing makes each spot feel isolated. Sara S. describes the experience: "Very private camp spots so the whole forest feels like it's yours." Deer frequent the area, and the forest canopy offers shade during warmer months. Some sites feature small driveways that lead further back from the road, adding to the secluded feel.
Direct trail access from several campsites connects to the Arizona Trail system, making this a base camp for hikers and mountain bikers. The area attracts trail runners and provides immediate access to forest roads for exploration. Cell service reaches most sites, and campfires are typically allowed when fire restrictions aren't in effect. Picnic tables are available at designated spots.
The rough access road requires slow speeds and careful navigation around rocks and bumps. Lance A. notes "Lots of dispersed campsites on a trail that seems to go on forever." Sites closest to the highway may pick up some road noise, while those further back remain quieter. Weekend use can bring younger crowds and occasional noise issues. The area typically closes during winter months due to snow and seasonal wildlife nesting restrictions that may limit available sites.
Arrive early during peak seasons, as the limited number of first-come, first-served sites fill quickly on weekends.
Description
Dispersed camping has increased throughout the Flagstaff wildland urban interface in the past several years. In many areas, this has caused resource impacts such as soil compaction and erosion, loss of vegetation, increased fire risk, displacement of wildlife, and accumulation of trash and human waste. To help prevent unacceptable resource damage, disturbance to wildlife and reduce fire risk from dispersed camping, the Forest Service has designated 14 campsites along the Freidlein Prairie road for dispersed camping. Camping and campfires are allowed only at designated sites along Freidlein Prairie Road. There is a map in the area showing site locations. All designated campsites along Freidlein Prairie (FR 522) are located on the south side of the road, with the exception of campsite #1 and #3. Signs have been placed along the road when entering and leaving the designated camping area. The designated campsites are marked with a brown vertical fiberglass post with a site number and a "Designated Campsite" decal. Each designated dispersed campsite has a place to park, fire ring, a place for a tent and no fees. Once you have found a designated site you will find another fiberglass sign that reads "Camp within 50 feet of this post to reduce impact to forest vegetation. Please take all of your trash with you and leave only one fire ring." The east end of Freidlein Prairie Road (approximately 1.5 miles) has a seasonal camping closure for campsites 10 through 14. This seasonal camping closure means campsites 10 through14 will be closed to camping from March 1 to August 31 to reduce disturbance to Mexican spotted owls during the breeding season. This area has traditionally been used by Mexican spotted owls for nesting and a pair of owls are being impacted by increased recreational use and are failing to reproduce. Most sites cannot accommodate RV. Seasonal closures or fire restrictions/closures may be in place. During both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, campfires are prohibited at this site. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed.
Fee Info
There is no fee for dispersed camping at undeveloped camping areas on the Coconino National Forest. There are no amenities at this camping area.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFreidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping is located in Arizona near Bellemont
Directions
From Flagstaff drive north on US 180 for about 7 miles to FR 516 (Snowbowl Road). Drive approximately 2.25 miles on this paved road to a dirt road, FR 522, and turn right. The Dispersed Camping area begins about a quarter mile from Snowbowl Road. Location: Off Snowbowl Road on the southern flank of the San Francisco Peaks, north of Flagstaff, AZ. Access: From Flagstaff drive north on US 180 for about 7 miles to FR 516 (Snowbowl Road). Drive approximately 2.25 miles on this paved road to a dirt road, FR 522, and turn right. The Dispersed Camping area begins about a quarter mile from Snowbowl Road.
Coordinates
35.29375247 N
111.70294997 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/4/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 12/11/25
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/4/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 12/11/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
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 Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 13 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 1 hr 23 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 58 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 10 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ






















