Best Dispersed Camping near Clarkdale, AZ
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.