The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Cameron, AZ

1,057 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping dominates the landscape around Cameron, Arizona, with several free sites accessible on Forest Service roads within driving distance of Grand Canyon National Park. Coconino National Forest provides numerous primitive tent campgrounds in the region, including Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed and Old Route 64, both offering free camping options for tent campers. These areas serve as strategic base camps for exploring the Grand Canyon's South Rim and nearby attractions while avoiding developed campground fees and reservation systems.

Most dispersed tent sites near Cameron require campers to bring all necessary supplies, as amenities are extremely limited. Forest roads accessing tent camping areas typically feature dirt or gravel surfaces with varying conditions—some passable in passenger vehicles while others require high-clearance. According to one visitor, "The road got progressively worse, but we found a spot and enjoyed the star-filled night sky." Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during summer drought conditions, though most areas permit campfires when conditions allow. Campers should pack out all trash and bring ample water, as no drinking water sources exist at these primitive tent campgrounds.

Tent campers in the Cameron area benefit from greater flexibility compared to RV travelers. Walk-in tent sites allow access to more secluded camping spots away from forest roads, providing enhanced solitude. A recent review noted that "This road was nice and secluded, I don't think anyone else was even here when we went." The tent camping options near Cameron offer excellent night sky viewing, with minimal light pollution and often unobstructed views. Temperatures vary significantly with elevation and season—higher elevation sites like those near Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument provide cooler summer camping conditions but may close during winter months. For tent campers seeking established facilities, Lockett Meadow Campground offers designated tent sites with toilet access approximately 90 minutes from Cameron, though the approach road requires careful driving.

Map showing campgrounds near Cameron, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Cameron, Arizona (23)

    1. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed

    125 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    41 miles

    "So glad we found this place since Mather campground was full when we arrived into town around 6pm."

    "Really close to anything you could need and your entrance to GCNP is covered for a week after paying the one time."

    2. Old Route 64

    2 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    21 miles

    "Very close to Grand Canyon Only downside was our first spot we picked some one had decided to break some glass wine bottles in the fire pit, so we had to go find a second spot."

    "Late arrival after dark but had several options nearby so felt okay taking the chance on finding a spot in the dark. The first few spots were occupied and the road got progressively worse."

    3. FR 222 Dispersed

    36 Reviews
    Bellemont, AZ
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Very upsetting to see most of the sites are littered with trash."

    "Picturesque forest boondocking not far from Flagstaff off of highway 180. Turn onto Forest Road 222 and take the first road on the right."

    4. Lockett Meadow Campground

    12 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    36 miles
    Website

    "The aspens were beautiful and the campsites gave enough spacing for other campers. The meadow is decent, not too big. There is a trail to hike, which is free."

    "Great place to camp near the pay for sites but it’s near the road and a lot of the sites are on a slope."

    5. Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM

    7 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 526-0866

    "Just outside flagstaff. Ita much cooler at night than surrounding areas so a huge plus. Simple dirt road with some bumps and ruts but any 2wd car will be okay. The sites are spread out."

    "This was one of the quickest and easiest dispersed camping spots I've set up in.  In the morning, it's super easy to get back onto the road, hit the trails, or head into Flagstaff."

    6. Coconino Forest Road 9125F

    7 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 526-0866

    "The road was primitive but in very good shape. Maybe about a 15 minute drive from Flagstaff. Park next to campsite. Fire ring available 😊😊 very pleased"

    "It was about 25° cooler than Phoenix and was gorgeous!"

    7. Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping

    18 Reviews
    Bellemont, AZ
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "This place was great, quiet, lots of space for our kids and dog to explore. The camping is in designated spots only which are really spaced out."

    "One of my first options in Flagstaff...now, don't share it or the crowds will come..."

    8. Bright Angel Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    13 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-7888

    "No showers, no electricity, no cell phone service... Why would anyone do this? But he was serious!"

    "It gets hot quickly during the day; shade is valuable and limited depending on site and season."

    9. Forest Road 305 - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    39 miles
    Website

    "Here are the coordinates for the place I slept. 35.8428720, -112.1266171 There's a fire ring and privacy. I did not see any people. I arrived after dark and I left at dawn."

    "Doesn't look designated, but plenty of space to park in. Pretty close to the main road and town, so you're not too far away from everything."

    10. Cottonwood Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    9 Reviews
    North Rim, AZ
    41 miles
    Website

    "It followed a river along on the canyon floor with mostly shade and level ground."

    "At the second-most visited national park, getting away from the hustle and bustle takes a little more work."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Cameron Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cameron, AZ

58 Photos of 23 Cameron Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Cameron, AZ

1057 Reviews of 23 Cameron Campgrounds

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Granite Rapids Area Campsites — Grand Canyon National Park

    Granite Rapids Primitive Campsite

    This is a common area for rafters to run the river and take a break. It's also a good place to witness the power of the Colorado River. There are only two ways to get to the Granite Rapids Primitive Campsite- ride a raft or hike a trail. We hiked from the Grand Canyon South Rim starting at the Hermit Trail trailhead, down the Hermit Trail, to the Granite Rapids campsite. The descent down the Hermit Trail requires hiking down a rocky trail with some rough dirt or stone steps. There are segments of the trail with exposure and steep drops.

    Along the way, you'll see dramatic views of the Grand Canyon and a variety of rock formations and geological features. In the spring there were some beautiful flowers budding on the cacti. There are no real facilities at this site, the beauty of this site is that it is rustic with great views and there will likely be no one else around. There is no water available along the trail until you reach the bottom of the canyon and the Colorado River. It is possible to take a detour to collect water near the Monument Creek campsite. 

    The NPS recommends that people do not try to day hike (in one day) to this location from the South Rim trailhead. The hike down is simple enough, but the hike up is steep, rocky, has no water and is not often traveled by other hikers or the rangers. The water and rapids are fast, so exercise caution if you enter the river.The site is a primitive campsite so you simply find a clear area and pitch your tent. Leave No Trace principles should be applied.

  • Clint G.
    Jul. 20, 2021

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    Location Plus

    This campground is very close to the south rim of the Grand Canyon which is great!  Camping here is dry, no hook ups at all, which was disappointing.  There is potable water to fill your tank and a dump at exit.  Our site was unlevel on asphalt  and tight to squeeze into.  There was a fire ring and picnic table provided as well as vault toilets.

  • Megan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2025

    Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed

    Quiet wooded camp site

    Easy to navigate even towing a vehicle behind our RV. Quiet, wooded site away from road noise. Our site had a fire pit and wood provided when we pulled in. Approx 11 miles from the town Grand canyon village/ South rim of the grand canyon. 14 days consecutive stay limit. Dry camping. Leave no trace.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Horn Creek Campsites — Grand Canyon National Park

    Horn Creek Primitive Campsite

    To get to this backcountry campsite one must hike along the Tonto Plateau to reach this primitive site. The site is nestled within a riparian zone. The site is a primitive campsite so you find a clear area and pitch your tent. There were some hard packed areas to pitch a tent on top of the flat rock and near the cottonwood tree. Leave No Trace principles should be applied. There is no water source at this site, so you must carry in your own water.

    We hiked from the Grand Canyon South Rim starting at the Hermit Trail trailhead, down the Hermit Trail, across the Tonto Plateau to this campsite. The hike from Monument Creek is mostly at the same elevation with some ups and downs. Be sure to load up on water when you leave Monument Creek.

    Along the way, you'll see dramatic views of the Grand Canyon and a variety of geological features such as copper shale and rock formations. In the spring there was some beautiful prairie grass along the plateau. There are no real facilities at this site, the beauty of this site is that it is rustic with great views and there will likely be no one else around.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Hermit Rapids

    Hermit Rapids Primitive Campsite

    There are only two ways to get to the Hermit Rapids Primitive Campsite - hike a trail or ride a raft. This campsite may be reserved through the National Park System (NPS). The NPS recommends that one not attempt to hike from the trailhead to this area and back as a day hike due to the steepness and potential mid-day temperature. You may see rafters passing through the rapids. Our group hiked from the Grand Canyon South Rim starting at the Hermit Trail trailhead, down the Hermit Trail, to the Hermit Rapids area. The descent is about 4000+ feet. The descent can be pounding on one's legs, so trekking poles are highly recommended.

    The decent down requires hiking down a rocky trail with some rough dirt and stone steps. Along the way, you'll see steep canyon walls, desert flora and amazing panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. There are no real facilities at this site, the beauty of this site is that it is rustic with great views and there will likely be no one else around. There is no water available until you reach the bottom of the canyon and the Colorado River so be sure to start your hike with 2 to 4 liters of water. It is possible to take a detour to collect water near the Monument Creek campsite.

    The site is a primitive campsite so you find a clear area along the beach and pitch your tent. Leave No Trace principles should be applied. The water and rapids are fast, so exercise caution if you enter the river.

  • Megan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2025

    Fire Road 688

    Quiet wooded camp spot

    Very quiet wooded camp spot off of the highway, away from road noise. Shades by all the large trees. A fire pit with fire wood was already here when we pulled up. Lots of extra spots along the dirt road. Depending on your length of rig could fit several rigs within a mile stretch of dirt road. There were other campers along the road. Be respectful and leave no trace!!

  • c
    Aug. 10, 2021

    Tusayan-Montane — Grand Canyon National Park

    Premier Forest Service Campground

    Just outside of the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park, Ten-X is tops. This place is undergoing significant expansion with new infrastructure. It looks like by 2022, there will be electric and water at the new sites (I counted at least 120 more). Right now, there is only one fill point for water and it is only for toting away water not filling RVs. I was concerned because the USFS website did not accurately describe this campground. There is indeed room for a 43 foot rig in maybe 8 spots. The expansion will include more as well. The sites are nicely spaced for privacy. I hate vault toilets but these are brand new and very clean. No dump site here but I saw indications there may be one with the expansion. This was an extraordinarily clean campground and well laid out. There are some walking trails and that was a nice touch. Big elk walking through camp! Update September 2022: expansion occurred, decent sites, no water expansion to new loops, still same set up, no hookups. Still very well maintained although they could maintain the walking trails better. Yes, yellowjackets.

  • Kayla M.
    Apr. 28, 2018

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    Cold but fun!

    A friend and I stayed at Mather for two nights in January on our cross country road trip from NC to CA. The temperature got into the 20’s at night, so it was chilly, but we had layers, sleeping bags, and blankets. The campsite had a picnic table, a fire ring, a grill cover for the fire ring, and bathrooms nearby. The bathrooms had flush toilets and sinks along with a water spicket outside. There was also a facility near the campground with pay hot showers, laundry, and nicer bathrooms. I loved the location of this campground because it was so close to everything! It was near the market, bus stop, visitor center, and the middle of the South Rim. Would definitely stay there again!

  • Russ M.
    May. 12, 2015

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    Site 145, Mather Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

    Located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon NP, Mather campground has all the amenities of a modern camp site, i.e., hot water showers, restrooms with designated sinks to wash dishes, fire rings and picnic tables. Camp site 145 is partly shaded, and a short walk from the restroom. Like all sites at this campground site 145 is also within earshot of neighboring sites so it's easy to make new friends while sharing stories of the day's activities over the campfire.

Guide to Cameron

Tent camping near Cameron, Arizona offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region, with various campgrounds providing access to breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities.

Explore Scenic Trails and Wildlife

Affordable Tent Camping Options

Unique Attractions and Experiences

  • The Bright Angel Campground is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those willing to hike down.
  • Havasupai Gardens Campground serves as a beautiful resting point along the canyon trails, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife.
  • For a cozy stay, consider the Arizona Nordic Village, which offers yurts and cabins, perfect for those who want a unique camping experience with modern amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cameron, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cameron, AZ is Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 125 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Cameron, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Cameron, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring