Best Tent Camping near Coconino National Forest Recreation
Dispersed tent camping dominates the landscape surrounding Coconino National Forest Recreation in Arizona, with multiple primitive tent campgrounds scattered across forest roads. Edge of the World (East Pocket) offers free tent camping with a 4.5-star rating, while Manzanita Campground provides established tent sites with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and vault toilets near Sedona. Most locations maintain a rustic, undeveloped character suited for self-sufficient tent campers seeking natural surroundings.
Forest road access varies considerably among the tent sites, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles. FR 240 Dispersed Camping and Forest Service Road 253 allow tent camping directly off forest roads, but neither provides drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Most tent campgrounds permit fires when no seasonal restrictions are in place, though firewood is rarely available for purchase at dispersed sites. Campers must pack out all trash and bring sufficient water supplies, as most areas lack basic facilities. Walk-in tent sites are available at several locations including Beaver Flats Road Dispersed and Edge of the World, allowing campers to establish more secluded setups away from vehicle traffic.
Sites along Schnebly Hill Road offer tent campers dramatic views into Sedona, though access conditions vary significantly by season and recent weather. The eastern approach from I-17 provides easier access than the western route from Sedona, which requires four-wheel drive vehicles with substantial ground clearance. A visitor noted, "The road is totally doable in a minivan if you have some experience driving on rougher terrain, but only if you are coming in off of Highway 17." Tent campers at Manzanita benefit from creek access and natural shade, though sites fill quickly during peak seasons. The campground's proximity to Oak Creek provides natural sounds that help mask nearby road noise, and central locations offer convenient access to Sedona's hiking trails.
