K
KC H.
Scout
ScoutFS 609 - Dispersed Camping
Pretty solid spot. Road is rutted in a lot of spots but my 2wd sedan was able to make it to some spots about 1/4 mile in.
Dispersed Camping near Clarkdale, AZ
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Several dispersed camping areas surround Clarkdale, Arizona on Forest Service and State Trust lands. Forest Service Road 761 offers numerous free sites between Cottonwood and Sedona, with both large open areas near the entrance and more private spots further along the dirt road. The area has mixed reviews, with some campers reporting abandoned vehicles and occasional homeless encampments. A recent visitor noted, "We wanted to go to Greasy spoon but the road was too rough. Nice view on the mountains."
North Mingus Mountain provides more reliable dispersed camping along Forest Road 413. These sites feature flat terrain with mountain views and good cell service, though limited shade. "Spaces are spread out and if you keep going down the 413 road another 3 miles there are about 40 camping spots," one camper shared. Most areas permit campfires when restrictions aren't in place, but no amenities like water, toilets or trash service are available. Arizona State Trust Land camping requires purchasing a permit, and the 14-day stay limit is standard across these free sites. Road conditions deteriorate after rain, particularly on forest roads leading to more remote locations.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Clarkdale (185)
1. Surprise, West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping
"No amenities but it was quiet. Hot air balloons and early morning adventurers made it fun."
"GPS Got me here. Parking area about a half mile in has lots of campers so no privacy. Two porta-potties. Seems likely better spots farther down the road but this is fine for tonight."
2. Nolan Tank Large Dispersed Area
"Site is relatively level and there are trees/brush around to offer some privacy. There's a porta potty here which seems regularly maintained."
"Nolan Tank dispersed campground, Coconino forest, FR525 and highway 89a is a nice place. Clean. One port-a-potty. No trash receptacles. No water."
3. Edge of the World (East Pocket)
"The trail is a commitment as it can take 2 hours or so to get up. But once you’re there it’s so nice and peaceful. There are no facilities, you do get decent service near the edge."
"I rented a camper van for my desert road trip with my daughter, and read about this spot on Dyrt, the pictures look breathtaking and I really want to try and get here to see it for myself."
4. North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413
"It is also a local hang-out, so expect vehicles flying back and forth along the well-maintained dirt road at all hours (and logging trucks)."
"Many free campsites to choose from, primitive roads are ok enough for my Corolla to navigate. One of the few free campgrounds I’ve been to that was actually clean."
5. Forest Service Road 761
"Dirt road goes down several miles with spots on both the left and right hand sides. I went back over a mile and had good Verizon Cell Service. Beautiful sunset the night I was there."
"Be extra careful with big rigs, there are some very tight spaces, but overall it was a good place for boondocking for the night."
6. Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area
"We stayed over the Easter weekend, arrived on Thursday and got a fantastic spot on the edge of the campground facing the mountains."
"Just keep going down the road Also dirt road is full of rocks"
7. Forest Road 525 Camping Area
"Many of the dispersed sites were closed but 10 miles out we were able to find an open marked dispersed site at 525C and 9525. Verizon and AT&T both have 2 bars. Beautiful views."
"Free dispersed campground. I saw every type of rig from Class A to tents. The views were the highlight of this location."
8. Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site
"The location was very easy to get to off of the freeway but still had pretty views. There are two spots to park at within reason. It is not meant for anything larger than a camper van though."
"It was the sweet easy spot to spend the night after a long day of hiking Sedona, easy access even when raining, we made breakfast chilled for a little while and then vi tibie our journey more hikes, heading"
9. Windmill Camp
"I got here around 9pm on a Tuesday evening and it was somewhat full. Pulled into a "spot" and everything was good. I was surprised at how quiet it was."
"It's a relatively small lot but much more quiet and intimate than Surprise closer to the highway. Two clean portapotties onsite which was very appreciated. Spots for tent camping."
10. Arizona State Trust Land FSR 761 Dispersed
"Convenient location between Cottonwood and Sedona. I drove past the big lot to a smaller area that offered more privacy."
"It was flat and we had a nice quiet night."
Drive Time
- 43 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 5 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 1 hr 23 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 44 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Clarkdale, AZ
514 Photos of 185 Clarkdale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Forest Service Road 761J
Sycamore Canyon Rd Coconino National ForestT
Arizona State Trust Land FSR 761 DispersedT
Woodchute Wilderness
FR131 Dispersed Camping
North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413K
Forest Road 525 Dispersed Site - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Surprise, West Sedona Designated Dispersed CampingK
Windmill CampA
Forest Road 525C -Sycamore Pass Dispersed - TEMPORARILY CLOSEDC
Forest Road 525 Camping AreaL
Greasy Spoon Dispersed AreaJ
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clarkdale, AZ
989 Reviews of 185 Clarkdale Campgrounds
Connie H.
RangerBadger Springs
We pulled in after dark for a quick overnight stop and headed out early in the morning. We stayed up in the large gravel lot and didn’t venture any farther as it was dark. There were a few other campers/tents in the area, one was stopped and set up in the middle of a side road. Road noise wasn’t too bad, but you could definitely hear it. There was a lot of trash left scattered around the entire area which is always crappy to see. I did collect and pack out some of other people’s leftover trash that was in our close vicinity… I always try to leave it as clean or cleaner than we found it… too bad other people don’t feel the same :/ For a quick overnight stop, it worked out well, and it was free.
- MMary A.Scout
Marshall Lake
The main road up to and into the campground is a bit bumpy but easily negotiated. The roads leading off the main road to the various campsites were deeply rutted and rocky. Admittedly, I didn’t venture far from the front gate. I drive a minivan with about a foot of ground clearance. Very difficult to find a level spot. In the end, I managed to do $1,100. Worth of damage to the undercarriage of my van. Ouch. I stayed for a few days in order to get van repaired and pick up Amazon packages but I won’t be back. I was here in mid November and camp was still open. Two bars Verizon near the gate but a bit further back— no cell service. Perhaps if you venture further back you’ll get a signal. I was here last year and “law enforcement” was ridiculously militant. Yea, all- in - all — worst disbursed experience in 3 years.
Sarah W.RangerSchnebly Tank North
Definitely a nice option to dispersed camp in the area. The road was easy in my van, but long and washboard. Not much else out there to do, but certainly quiet and easy to stay a few nights while checking out Sedona.
Bryan L.
TravelerFS 609 - Dispersed Camping
Took the loop into the rim, the first road into the left was blocked by a tree so had to go to the second road into the loop. It was pretty wet but still passable and a lot rockier than I expected.
Varazdat Y.
GuideNolan Tank Large Dispersed Area
Site is relatively level and there are trees/brush around to offer some privacy. There's a porta potty here which seems regularly maintained. The entrance to this lot might be a little tricky if coming in at night and you don't have a high clearance vehicle/rig.
There's some noise from ATVs and side by sides passing by during the day, but nothing horrible.
A lot of these dispersed camping lots fill up pretty quickly during the weekend during the season, so I would try and get here early or during the week
The dirt road in from the highway is pretty long ago and a bit rough, but doable. There's an alternative route where you come in through Sedona, head towards Bear Mountain Trail - Oski Approach/Doe Mountain Parking but instead of turning into that lot, you keep going straight. Most of this drive will be on a paved road, but will eventually turn into a dirt road. The perks of this is that the drive on the rough dirt road will be much shorter
William M.GuideFS 618 Dispersed
Back again
Camped here two years ago and finally made it back. One of my favorite boondocking locations. Still a little traffic noise, but that was expected. This place can accommodate any size rig and good paved road all the way in. Decent Verizon signal. I will definitely stop here again I'm my way back birth in the spring
Mike S.GuideEdge of the World (East Pocket)
This review is from my stay back on May 12, 2025. Before I left Michigan to head west, I located this spot using The Dyrt. I showed many people at work what I found and made it a goal to stay here. It didn’t disappoint. With such beautiful views and relatively clean sites it needs to be on everyone’s bucket list. It was very windy when I first arrived but after a couple of days it was perfect. I ended up staying for 5 days.
Edward M.TravelerFR 222 Dispersed
Easy to find a spot as there is plenty and lots of flat ground. You will still be able to see other campers so if you want the free campsite feel this is it. If you want a more alone feel I’d look at Hart Prarie
Guide to Clarkdale
Dispersed camping areas near Clarkdale, Arizona provide primitive overnight options on public lands within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 3,500 feet elevation with terrain transitioning from desert scrub to pine forests depending on elevation. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F while winter nights often drop below freezing.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Access several trail networks directly from Edge of the World (East Pocket). The area features intermediate to advanced trails with rocky sections and elevation changes. "One of the best campsites around. The best sites do fill up early but you won't go without a site as there is tons of room all over the road," notes Joshua M.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies create optimal viewing conditions. The lack of light pollution makes this region ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. "Absolutely absurd views and stars. Cannot recommend enough. Bit of a drive but stick on it and see the view. Worth every second," reports Lewis M. from Edge of the World.
Hiking to Subway Cave: Plan for an early start to avoid crowds. This popular hike becomes busy by mid-morning. "We hiked Subway cave while in Sedona and recommend the hike but you definitely want to start as early in the morning as you can because the people flock in droves," advises Andrew S. who stayed at Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area.
What campers like
Cell service reliability: Many sites offer workable connectivity. This allows remote workers to stay connected while camping. "Cell service was ok, not great but it was usable. Some hikes and trails in the area. People come to this area for day use hiking as well," according to Laura M. at FR689 Dispersed Camping.
Red rock formations: The geological features provide dramatic backgrounds for campsites. The colorful landscape creates memorable camping experiences. "Great spot for an overnight. There are several camping areas along Loy Canyon road. This one has room for several camps. Great views," Jason W. shares about Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area.
Hot air balloon viewing: Morning launches visible from certain campsites. This unexpected bonus adds to the camping experience. "We pulled in passing thru Sedona, there were about 20 campers in a big dirt lot. By morning 60+ campers but quiet the whole night. Hot air balloons and early morning adventurers made it fun," writes Momo H. about Surprise, West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: High-clearance vehicles recommended for certain areas. Some roads become impassable after rainfall. "This was not an easy place to find. We came through Jerome and took 89A S all the way through. If you get to Potatoe Patch campground you are very close," explains Jason W. about North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413.
Red dust impacts: Fine red soil gets everywhere during stays. Protect electronics and gear accordingly. "We camped there for several days in Oct.2024. Road was rough but solid. Most any size rig could access this site. Our biggest disappointment was the red dust. It got into all our rigs and is a mess to clean up," Cliff R. warns about Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area.
Campfire restrictions: Policies change seasonally with high restrictions during dry periods. Check current fire regulations before your trip. "Though it was a mission to get to the spot, me personally I would say it's worth the effort to get to the spot. The peacefulness, the beautiful scenery it's a spot I definitely will make my way back too," Angel T. says about Edge of the World.
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water: No potable water sources at most sites. Bring 1-2 gallons per person per day. "Large camping site, very open space with clear sky-view. 1 site with 1 fire ring but it could share more than 1 group if needed. Each site far from each other where you can notice their existence," Korapin S. shares about FR689 Dispersed Camping.
Prepare for exposure: Limited shade at many primitive camping locations. Bring canopies or shade structures for comfort. "The coordinates got you exactly where you need to be. Please keep driving as there are way better sites past there. Some sites don't have many so bringing a canopy just in case. Very stunning location," advises Haley D.
Wildlife awareness: Encounters with local fauna common at rustic camping sites near Clarkdale. "Bad part is no campfires allowed. A few did it anyways but it was pretty dry. Not the best, but not the worst. Very good jumping off point for MYB though," notes Glyn P. about Forest Road 525 Camping Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Arrive on weekdays for better spots. Weekend congestion limits options for larger vehicles. "Great place to stay for one night if you are passing through. A little sketchy with some abandoned vehicles. Be extra careful with big rigs, there are some very tight spaces, but overall it was a good place for boondocking for the night," advises Venture Fam 7.
Level parking considerations: Scout for flat areas suitable for overnight stays. Many areas have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. "Easy in and out. Dirt road goes down several miles with spots on both the left and right hand sides. Clearly marked spots with fire rings. The road is dirt but smooth. I saw several large rigs coming in and out," Jeffrey F. reports.
Overnight temperature fluctuations: Prepare for significant cooling after sunset. Temperature drops of 30+ degrees common in rustic camping areas near Clarkdale. "Free designated spot outside of Sedona with gorgeous views. I got here early on a Friday and found a site just as someone was pulling out. Lots of folks in and out all weekend but quiet during the day," Kathy B. mentions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Clarkdale, AZ?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clarkdale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clarkdale, AZ is Surprise, West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping with a 3.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Clarkdale, AZ?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Clarkdale, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 185 dispersed camping locations near Clarkdale, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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