Dispersed camping near Bellemont, Arizona provides tent campers with cooler temperatures due to the area's 7,000-foot elevation. Summer nights typically drop into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s. The high-altitude environment features predominantly ponderosa pine forests interspersed with occasional meadows, creating natural windbreaks during frequent afternoon breezes.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: While camping at Coconino Forest Road 9125F, keep an eye out for native wildlife. One camper noted, "Great place for hiking and at least trying to spot elk," making this area ideal for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Volcanic explorations: The dispersed sites surrounding Sunset Crater Volcano NM offer unique geological features. A camper described their experience: "I camped right at the base of an ancient Cinder cone volcano. Very cool." The area contains multiple hiking trails through volcanic terrain within a short drive.
Mountain biking access: Several forest roads provide direct access to biking routes. At Forest Road 9125F, a reviewer mentioned, "My husband left our campsite for a gravel bike ride right after we camped because there are routes along this road." Most routes range from beginner to intermediate difficulty.
What campers like
Temperature relief: The higher elevation around Bellemont provides significant cooling compared to lower desert areas. A camper at Forest Road 535 shared, "At 7000 feet the temps here are at least 10 degree cooler than Sedona area. Pretty setting with the Ponderosa Pines stacked all around."
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, some sites maintain usable connections. A reviewer at Forest Road 535 commented, "Solid T-Mobile reception - a rarity in NorthernAZ," while another at Sunset Crater noted, "1-3 bars of Verizon signal depending on where you stop."
Private tent camping spots: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at Edge of the World. A reviewer stated, "Several camp sites in the east pocket and it will feel secluded even if there are people around." The dispersed nature allows campers to find isolation despite popularity.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads range from well-maintained to challenging. At Edge of the World, a camper warned, "The rocky trail ended with a flat tire on our truck. We were looking forward to the views, but we were forced to turn back." Four-wheel drive isn't always necessary but can prevent issues.
Weather preparedness essential: The area experiences sudden weather changes year-round. A camper at Lockett Meadow Campground advised, "Prepare for wind! It (the wind) was loud at night." Temperature swings between day and night often exceed 30 degrees.
Alternative sites during crowds: During peak seasons, have backup locations planned. A visitor noted, "We were going to go to Lockett but it was closed due to recent fires. There were tons of options and we found a nice area." Forest Road 535 and Garland Prairie Road frequently have availability when other areas fill.
Tips for camping with families
Flat terrain options: When camping with children, seek out level ground for tent setup. A visitor to Garland Prairie Rd shared, "Very quiet spot we had with our friends camping for the weekend. It is open range in the evening we do have some cattle around us but not in our campsite."
Wildlife education opportunities: The varied ecosystems provide natural learning experiences. At Coconino Forest Road 9125F, a parent mentioned, "Camped with 1 year old and it was quiet," making it suitable for families seeking gentle introduction to outdoor experiences.
Proximity to facilities: Some dispersed areas provide easier access to town than others. As one camper noted, "Town is close enough that if you need any additional supplies, or just want to poke around in Flagstaff for a bit, it's an easy and quick drive," which helps when camping with children who may need unexpected items.
Tips from RVers
Size-appropriate site selection: Many tent campsites near Bellemont accommodate smaller RVs but with limitations. At FR 222 Dispersed, an RVer advised, "We have a 26 ft class c RV and there was plenty of spots for us. There were a lot of ATVs and dirt bikes which were pretty noisy but other than that this place was great."
Leveling challenges: The terrain often requires preparation for uneven ground. One RVer shared, "Our site was very dusty, which was the only downside. Our neighbor was visible through the trees, although we never heard them." Bringing leveling blocks and dust mats improves comfort.
Weather considerations: High-altitude camping means planning for temperature variations. A camper advised, "We are here in late October three days before the temperature is scheduled to plummet and the place will be covered in snow, but it's in the 70s now." RVers should monitor weather forecasts consistently before and during stays.
