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Best Dispersed Camping near Clarkdale, AZ

783 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Clarkdale, Arizona (164)

    1. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    53 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Finding the area was slightly a challenge but the drive was more than worth it. We went with huge puddles and mud so I recommend a high clearance 4x4 vehicle for the drive up. Views were stunning"

    "High clearance vehicle recommended but I don’t feel it’s required. Saw some rogues and rav4s make it."

    2. Forest Service Road 761

    10 Reviews
    Cottonwood, AZ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 567-4121

    "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."

    3. Surprise, West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    Coconino National Forest Recreation, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "No amenities but it was quiet. Hot air balloons and early morning adventurers made it fun."

    "There are a lot of off roading that goes on in the area but it stops before dusk."

    4. Nolan Tank Large Dispersed Area

    14 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "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."

    "The first 4 blm sites on the forest service road were packed and this one almost so but luckily I was able to find a spot."

    5. North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413

    7 Reviews
    Jerome, AZ
    6 miles

    "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."

    "Not much shade at the top. But have cell phone and wifi service."

    6. Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site

    22 Reviews
    Rimrock, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "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"

    7. Arizona State Trust Land FSR 761 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Cottonwood, AZ
    5 miles

    "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."

    8. FR689 Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Rimrock, AZ
    19 miles
    Website

    "The drive, while do-able, is not necessarily preferable in something 20+ feet long. Narrow dirt road, closer to one lane than two, and no guard rails."

    "Felt very safe, always one or two other cars/trailers in the area, but plenty of trees to feel private. Existing fire pits were very nice! There is a 14 day maximum stay."

    9. Forest Road 525 Camping Area

    6 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "Free dispersed campground. I saw every type of rig from Class A to tents. The views were the highlight of this location."

    "There are a scattering of dispersed sites of this road. This is the first of the three at the top. These three have the best views."

    10. Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area

    6 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "Most any size rig could access this site. Good Verizon signal. Our biggest disappointment was the red dust. It got into all our rigs and is a mess to clean up. Overall it's a good site."

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Clarkdale, AZ

444 Photos of 164 Clarkdale Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clarkdale, AZ

783 Reviews of 164 Clarkdale Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Walnut Canyon USFS Dispersed Camping

    NO DISPERSED CAMPING ALLOWED!!!

    As of May 1, 2023 the Coconino National Forest Service has closed down many dispersed camping areas around the city of Flagstaff. This area is included in that. You can still drive off-road and explore during the day when the Walnut Canyon National Monument is open, but no camping and no camp fires are allowed.

  • Angela G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 24, 2021

    Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping - CLOSED UNTIL 2025

    Great Boondocking/Car Camp Spot

    This spot is perfect for boondocking or car camping, but we decided against popping up our camper here and just car camped instead. Not super dispersed, but the access road is accessible to most vehicles. However, some side road pulloffs are definitely better suited for 4WD vehicles. I would suggest walking the route first to make sure your particular vehicle can make it.

    I loved this campsite due to its proximity to the three National Monuments near Flagstaff: Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, and Sunset Crater Volcano. We decided to stop at these monuments on a whim during our National Park tour and they did NOT disappoint! I highly recommend visiting all three, and perhaps ending with Walnut Canyon, as it was my favorite. This campground is great for visiting all three, as each monument is only 10-25 minutes away. They are all incredible and very worth the visit if you’re in northern AZ for the staple Grand Canyon.

  • J
    Jul. 21, 2022

    FS 609 - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect Getaway

    I was very skeptical about visiting this campsite at first, because I felt the information that I could find online was minimal. After visiting, however, I would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone. It was spacious enough to spread out from other campers. It was lovely to be right in the middle of the forest. I'd recommend driving further in to be away from the noise of the highway. I saw some reviews saying the gate was closed, but it was open when we were there in July 2022. Important things to note: This campground is located in the Coconino National Forest, please follow their rules and fire restrictions. No reservations are necessary for this campground. We found service to be a little spotty, but not impossible. Dogs are allowed. The turn in was pretty subtle, so definitely keep an eye out for it and use Google Maps over Apple Maps, because Apple Maps has no idea where this site is! All in all, I would visit again!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great spot to pull in

    Drove a mini van on the road, wasn’t too washed out or anything. A sedan could definitely drive to many of the spots. Many campsites available, beautiful scenery! Please help keep this place clean by leaving no trace!

  • Gillian C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    West Clear Creek Dispersed Camping

    Pretty Dispersed Camping

    Standard dispersed camping along many off-road trails. Quiet and clean with no amenities. Fire restrictions in the summer. The West Clear Creek trailhead is nearby, so light vehicle trafiic for the trail. Tons of available spaces with privacy. No cell service.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2022

    Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping - CLOSED UNTIL 2025

    Great experience for dispersed camping with family

    10-15 minutes from Walnut Canyon National Monument off a side dirt road. We are a family of 4 in a 26’ RV and were able to find a beautiful, private, remote spot on a Sunday with gorgeous trails to explore. Would absolutely come back and recommend!

  • RGR D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great Rest Overnight

    The Bloody Bath access road was an easy drive (F250 SD with a truck camper). Washboards were easy to navigate but watch your speed on the down hill turns. We initially selected the site closest to Bloody Bath Road but decided to move further back to a site about a 1/4 mile in. The road (trail) back to the final site was a bit washed out (dry) with some deep ruts but again easily navigated in our truck. A 2WD Van or a SUV could easily access the site. The site was quiet. The biggest bummer was the amount of trash and empty beer cans strewn around the site. Real bummer.

  • Toree M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2023

    FR689 Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, scenic, easy to locate

    We are in a 34 footer! The drive, while do-able, is not necessarily preferable in something 20+ feet long. Narrow dirt road, closer to one lane than two, and no guard rails. We just took it slow and that worked fine for us! It has been pretty quiet (even compared to other BLM sites we’ve visited this month). It’s also January which absolutely plays into the noise/traffic level! It’s chilly but nothing a sleeping bag can’t help! Really pretty walks, and hikes, and lots of room for our pups and kiddos to play. Super easy to navigate, which is always a big plus! We’re camping almost exactly where the pin is dropped. We’ve been able to visit Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and just come back here at night to camp so location isn’t bad either.

  • Mallory D.
    May. 25, 2018

    Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping

    Rough terrain, busy

    The road into the campgrounds are very rough, small cars are not advised. There are only 10-14 sites available (first come first serve) depending what time of the year you arrive, since a pair of endangered owls nest between some of the campsites for a few months and will have the sites closed down. Be cautious of the stage of fire alert going on, when I went no campfires were allowed so I used a propane stove.

    The surrounding areas are beautiful and a family of deer made appearances regularly. Also its free, so it was nice to avoid a hotel cost for the night.

    The cons are that its hard to reach camp due to rough roads, very few campsites, and it seems the local teenagers really enjoy partying and screaming at all hours of the night. I assume you're better off on a weekday when all the kids are still in school.

Guide to Clarkdale

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Clarkdale, Arizona, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Clarkdale

  • Experience breathtaking vistas at Edge of the World (East Pocket, where majestic views overlooking Sedona create a perfect backdrop for your camping adventure.
  • The Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam area provides ample opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the colors are simply mesmerizing.
  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site offers a tranquil setting with beautiful skies, ideal for stargazing at night.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Clarkdale, Arizona

  • Always bring your own supplies, as many spots like Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; for example, accessing FR689 Dispersed Camping may require a vehicle with good clearance, especially if you venture off the main paths.
  • Respect the environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that areas like Nolan Tank Large Dispersed Area remain pristine for future visitors.

Hiking Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • The Forest Service Road 761 area is perfect for those looking to explore hiking trails that lead to stunning views and diverse wildlife.
  • A short hike from Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area can take you to nearby trails that offer a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
  • For a more adventurous trek, consider the trails accessible from Montezuma Well USFS Dispersed, where you can discover unique geological features and rich history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clarkdale, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clarkdale, AZ is Edge of the World (East Pocket) with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Clarkdale, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 164 dispersed camping locations near Clarkdale, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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