Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping
About
USDA Forest Service
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Road closed
There was not snow but the road was closed. Probably a seasonal closure. We stayed nearby and a strom did come in overnight. 4-6 inches of snow.
Closed as of may 2023 until 2025
Was excited to camp here during a visit to flagstaff..but its closed due to wildfire potential danger. Which makes sense to ban campFIRES but all camping? On public land? Lame.
Cozy
Lots of dispersed campsites on a trail that seems to go on forever. Some sites are pretty large which makes for some fun group camping
Typically closed during winter
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Location
Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping is located in Arizona
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