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Dispersed Camping

Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171

7 Reviews

Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171, near Flagstaff, Arizona, is a unique spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This area offers a laid-back camping experience with plenty of space for tents and RVs, making it a great choice for a night under the stars.

Campers appreciate the easy access along the wide dirt roads, which are suitable for various vehicles. Many have found the open areas to be perfect for setting up camp, with some shaded spots available to escape the sun. One visitor noted, “Great weather, great spots that are shaded all day,” which is a definite plus during the warmer months.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to have fires and the absence of permits make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more rustic experience. Just be sure to bring your own water, as the nearest supply is quite a distance away.

For adventure seekers, the nearby lava tube cave is a must-see, although some have mentioned that navigating the area can be tricky due to GPS inaccuracies. The sounds of nature, including the occasional train passing by, add to the ambiance, though it might not be for everyone.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with a touch of adventure, Lava Tube Cave Path is worth considering. Just remember to pack your essentials and enjoy the great outdoors!

Description

USDA Forest Service

Road conditions can change seasonally. Please be aware there is the potential for road closures.

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Location

Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171 is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.26233379 N
111.8329682 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

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 Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171 needs a permit.

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Reviews

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72%
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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

CThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2024

Fully satisfied

We loved the area. Drive around a few times checking it out easy to find and plenty of space for all kinds of campers. Even my Camry made it out. The lava cave was a decent hike but my two year old and pregnant fiancé made it down and up. Camp ground not crowded but the cave was

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171 by Charles G., September 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171 by Charles G., September 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171 by Charles G., September 24, 2024
  • (5) View All
James G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 20, 2024

Fantastic Forest Campsite!

I really enjoyed our night here! The road was very accessible and wide so pretty much any vehicle or trailer combo can make it through. It was busy so we had to drive a few miles before we found a quiet spot but we were there during Overland Expo so that might be why.

The only downside was the weird intersection you have to go through right off the hwy. When we went Google hadn't updated yet so our directions were a bit confusing.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171 by James G., May 20, 2024
TThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 6, 2024

Cold and kinda creepy

Went in to check out lava cave tube. Plenty of camping along roads into cave area, found private spot with fire pit. Super cold, woke up to weird animal noises at night and in morning. GPS then took us almost Jeep trails through forest service for very long time. Probably wouldn’t stay here again.

Month of VisitMay
AThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 10, 2024

Easy in & out

Plenty of room. Easy to find and the dirt road was great for a car. Stopped in mid-March and there was still a few places with snow and it got down to 30 degrees at night.

Month of VisitMarch
Kirk H.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2023

Excellent camping in the pines

Great camping and I only went about 1.5 miles up the dirt road as my camper is new to me and I didn't want to go to far off the beaten path in case i needed something from town. Turns out both of my rv batteries needed replaced so we made a 15 min drive to Walmart before they closed and were back in business with everything working on the rv. Also a nice thing is the pilot 24 hour gas station in only about 2 miles away if you needed something as well. Gives my wife peace of mind as she is a city slicker and not real sold on boondocking. Also Verizon signal was good and allowed my daughter to attend her online college courses with zoom, Tmobile had no signal.

SiteDispersed camping
Month of VisitSeptember
SThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2023

Beautiful and peaceful

Great weather, great spots that are shaded all day. Beginning of July and it didn’t even spike above 85. Only issue is you’ve got to bring a lot fo water cause the closest water is in the middle of flagstaff

Siteabout 3 miles down there’s a clearing and a path to the side I set up in the middle of the trees
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171 have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171 does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.