Looking for the best Coconino National Forest Recreation tent camping? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Coconino National Forest Recreation. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Coconino National Forest Recreation, Arizona's most popular destinations.
Manzanita Campground is a small, year-round, tent-only facility with campsites that fill up very quickly. Visitors enjoy the campground for its fishing and swimming holes along Oak Creek, beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife watching. Oak Creek Canyon is very crowded, especially on weekends; to get a campsite, it is best to reserve a weekday.
Recreation and relaxation abound in Oak Creek Canyon. Camping, fishing, swimming, wading and hiking are some of the activities awaiting visitors. Anglers have the convenience of creekside campsites, where they can cast a line for trout. Families love driving down the road to nearby Slide Rock State Park, one of Arizona's most popular swimming spots, or trying out several nearby hiking trails.
Recreation and relaxation abound in Oak Creek Canyon. Camping, fishing, swimming, wading and hiking are some of the activities awaiting visitors. Anglers have the convenience of creekside campsites, where they can cast a line for trout. Families love driving down the road to nearby Slide Rock State Park, one of Arizona's most popular swimming spots, or trying out several nearby hiking trails.
The campground borders Oak Creek in a lush, forested riparian zone with Arizona ash and box elders, gravel beaches and stream-bed boulders. Colorful songbirds add flashes of brilliance to the trees. The creek's crystal clear waters are cool and refreshing on hot summer days.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.
The well-known town of Sedona is popular for its red rock vistas, resorts and shopping. Slide Rock State Park is a great local spot for swimming and only a few minutes away. Campers can also explore the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, which boasts a spectacular variety of scenery and outdoor activities.
$26 / night
Dispersed camping has increased throughout the Flagstaff wildland urban interface in the past several years. In many areas, this has caused resource impacts such as soil compaction and erosion, loss of vegetation, increased fire risk, displacement of wildlife, and accumulation of trash and human waste. To help prevent unacceptable resource damage, disturbance to wildlife and reduce fire risk from dispersed camping, the Forest Service has designated 14 campsites along the Freidlein Prairie road for dispersed camping. Camping and campfires are allowed only at designated sites along Freidlein Prairie Road. There is a map in the area showing site locations. All designated campsites along Freidlein Prairie (FR 522) are located on the south side of the road, with the exception of campsite #1 and #3. Signs have been placed along the road when entering and leaving the designated camping area. The designated campsites are marked with a brown vertical fiberglass post with a site number and a "Designated Campsite" decal. Each designated dispersed campsite has a place to park, fire ring, a place for a tent and no fees. Once you have found a designated site you will find another fiberglass sign that reads "Camp within 50 feet of this post to reduce impact to forest vegetation. Please take all of your trash with you and leave only one fire ring." The east end of Freidlein Prairie Road (approximately 1.5 miles) has a seasonal camping closure for campsites 10 through 14. This seasonal camping closure means campsites 10 through14 will be closed to camping from March 1 to August 31 to reduce disturbance to Mexican spotted owls during the breeding season. This area has traditionally been used by Mexican spotted owls for nesting and a pair of owls are being impacted by increased recreational use and are failing to reproduce. Most sites cannot accommodate RV. Seasonal closures or fire restrictions/closures may be in place. During both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, campfires are prohibited at this site. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed.
Dispersed Camping Guidelines: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/home/?cid=stelprdb5313448
This primitive campground offers a scenic view of the San Francisco Peaks and dry camping in the cool aspen trees that surround Lockett Meadow. This is a terrific campground for those who cherish a real mountain camping experience and love to hike wilderness trails. You may catch a glimpse of the natural residents, porcupine or elk or thrill to the song of a hermit thrush that sings his best here. Even black bear have been known to stroll right through groups of picnickers without as much as a glance at their lunches.The San Francisco Peaks are actually the remains of an extinct volcano, which mllions of years ago shattered and reshaped these great peaks, forming four of the highest individual peaks in Arizona and is home to the only region of tundra in Arizona. Inside the now quiet caldera a lush alpine environment has blurred evidence of that cataclysmic event.The Inner Basin Trail that leads into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. Starting at this island of emerald, which is ringed with quaking aspen stands and majestic high peaks, it leads into the mountain___s now quiet Inner Basin. The spring and summer wild flowers add a sprinkling of blue, red and yellow to the peaceful scene. While fall turns the extensive stands of aspen, which cover the steep slopes of the caldera, to solid gold, Winter avalanche tracks streak down the talus slopes exposing remnants of old lava flows which bear witness to the mountain___s turbulent heritage.__Hover mouse over photo to display slideshow controls. View album on Flicker__
As I came in there seemed to be allot of fellow campers, but the further back I drove the less people I came across. Until I came to a spot with no other campers around. I was looking for peace and quiet and found exactly that. Beautiful view and plenty of open space. I will definitely return.
Office ladies were very rude and had no people skills!
We arrived around noon on Friday, and within an hour or two there were two others who arrived--but thankfully turned around to find another spot. The views were extraordinary as we parked the Land Cruiser with the Roofnest in the ideal spot to not just soak up the afternoon and evening views, but to be blessed by a great sunrise from inside the tent.
The stars... I mean, wow! The starry sky at night was one of the best we've see anywhere, just stunning.
Felt very safe in the area for our 3 year old boy to explore with us, so if you expect any sheer cliffs or dangerous drop-offs, they aren't really there. There were gradual declines from the top, and they aren't immediately near where you'd park.
We will be back--this was a real gem... but expect wind throughout the night being this exposed!
A nice campground has about seven spots, sign said it was a fee area. However, the camp host said it was free.
Used one night. Lot of old long term trailers. Had reservations arrived 10 min after closing. Went to assigned site and it was occupied. No emergency number, no after hours contact. Even the restaurant has no way to contact anyone. Finally just used a random empty spot. Better management would be to have someone on call for issues. Got a discount after complaining. Would use them again if I had to I guess. Will not be my first choice next time though.
We stayed here for a night and it was great. It was busy but the main reason we picked it was because it was close to Sedona so it was nice and easy for us to go in for a sunrise hike. We stayed in the first pull off lot on the left hand side that didn't have no camping signs (past Surprise), it had a porta potty which was definitely nice to have. Seems like they must block off sites every now and then because some of the ones marked on dyrt were blocked with rocks but still lots of space!
About like most Forest Service campgrounds. Quiet. Easy access. Some nice big sycamores for shade.
We stopped here because it is conveniently located between Los Angeles and Colorado. At 7000 feet not too hot. Sites are well separated and level. Great place for an overnight stay. Or longer if you like to fish or just enjoy the quiet. No swimming in the lake. But boats and fishing are allowed. We saw several Osprey fishing in the lake successfully. Only vault toilets, but they are clean. Campground hosts are friendly. Some spigots for water. There is a tent only section with no generators. Also a group area. 5G T-Mobile. Quiet.
We loved the area. Drive around a few times checking it out easy to find and plenty of space for all kinds of campers. Even my Camry made it out. The lava cave was a decent hike but my two year old and pregnant fiancé made it down and up. Camp ground not crowded but the cave was
It’s been a very pleasant stay here. Wildlife of all kinds are abundant. People keep primarily to themselves. Pilot Truck Stop is only 5 miles away. Cell signal is pretty good depending on where you’re located. Lava Tube Cave is only 2.5 miles North of this spot and of free to visit but I’d recommend going during the week, it’s very busy in the weekends.
Very easy to stop by when we where om the road and just needed a place to sleep. Open fields gave a nice view. Very close to the highway so easy to stop and continue our journey. Stayed in an rv, so the level surface was nice.
All in all good place to stay for the night.
We made an impromptu trip to escape the heat and unwind. We were grateful the stars aligned and snagged a FF spot! The sites are spacious and very well kept. Yes, you are right next to 89 regardless, but it worked fine for us. The creek is easily accessible and walking distance to a trail head as well. Firewood and ice are available on-site and the camp hosts graciously drop it off at your site. It is a quiet campground and to note is that music is not allowed.
Afternoon rain in the canyon is such a treat and we couldn't have ordered it!
Stopped here to overnight. Beautiful forest with a lot of camp sites. We found one with no problem and it was clean and well kept. We stayed the night , went to the lava tube (just North of where we camped). Great free sites.
Pristine and usually unoccupied lake off the beaten path. 17 miles of dirt road from Highway to the lake and the last 7 are truly a challenge for anything other than a slightly lifted vehicle. Four camping areas near or with access to Lake with two of them having boat ramps. Skip the first turn off to the right as that is the very narrow part of the lake and rather ugly. The second turn off has two to four campsites with vault toilets and access to the lake through a boat ramp which allows camping and small trailer access lakeside. The churn out to the right is, Really rough and has very little camping or RV access. One of the pictures shows how rough the road is. I took the fourth turn off which is 747 and has one to two camping sites with a fire pit and good RV access along with a boat ramp. Note that fires are allowed in the fire pits because this is above 6, 000 feet but there is no water or trash. Pack it in, pack it out.
beautiful views! super duper underrated and conveniently close to sedona access: 3stars (for my car, yours will do way better lmao) easy to find on the map! not a difficult road (at first), but gravelly for sure. i drive a 1995 ford f150 2 wheel drive and found that after 2-3 miles in, the road up to the overlook becomes too steep and rocky for my truck to climb, but a 4x4 definitely can do it! if u have a car like mine take it nice and slow and you will do just fine :3 business/safety/people: 5stars! not a SINGLE other camper here and i arrived on a friday night! its like i have the whole desert to myself. all you hear are crickets and very very distant highway sounds. maybe its because i came in early september but this is by far the most quiet of blms ive ever been to sites: sites are easy to back in and most come with rock firepits! in the site im at, people left piles of firewood close to the pit which was an amazing help bc i arrived so late
the only con that i can think of is that there r a lot of bugs (ants and moths especially), which doesnt bother me at all but for some it could be a little annoying. if you have full cover (tent, rv, camper, van, etc) then do not worry at all, but i camp in the bed of my truck so its a lil different for me.
if u want solitude come check this place out !
Tried this place on a whim. Lots of people pass by here but it has such a cozy homey feel we ended up loving it and extended our stay from one night to two nights. Lots of forest roads to play on near by as well if you have off-road toys.
Went up there Labor Day weekend. Wasn’t sure what we would find or how much room there would be. Got there late at night drove past the initial open area right off the road about 1/2 mile back and nothing but great open quiet spots. I will frequent here for sure
Road was marked as private property, for invited guests only.
Addendum: very annoying meat eating bees invaded while cooking dinner. Had to walk around to avoid bee entering mouth while eating. And putting away washed dishes was a challenge to keep none from entering storage bag. Otherwise the ospreys were awesome. In site B19 mid week just after Labor Day. It is quiet. Many if not most sites in B loop are reserved for tonight and following nights. Osprey, raven, great blue heron and other birds near the lake. Lake is down about 10 feet from high water mark. No swimming, just fishing and paddle craft. Sites are fairly level and paved. Distance between sites is about 100 feet in fairly dense pine forest. Outhouses are clean. Drinking water spigots. About mid 80 degree temperature. Very nice compared to the 110 deg F we had driving here from California. Has boat launch ramp, fishing dock, amphitheater. Just a couple of miles from I40.
It will have a gate at the beginning- just go past that and drive down the road. Anywhere you see an opening with tire tracks, take it and you’ll find a campsite. Plenty of spots and endless little trails to take. Beware during Monsoon season, it will be flooded in some parts so 4x4 is recommended the farther back you go into the woods. It down-poured hours after we got there and luckily we had a well maintained trail.
the entrance is a rocky uphill climb but my 30 year old truck did just fine, very busy and very noisy, sooooo many big families here with big rigs and blasting music but tbh i dont mind (it made me jealous, wish i had a big family😭) lots of atvs here too and you’ll have to drive a good bit to find a spot but its a fairly easy drive and beautiful views
Went down here mid August and it was a beautiful view. Thick tree coverage which hid us from the winds that day / night and the rim was a 200 foot walk away. Able to get there in my Chevy Trax which is front wheel drive only, without any problems. There are there are plenty of spot to pull off into on that forest road. If you don’t get this exact spot just keep driving the road and you’ll find something in no time. A lot of dead trees laying around for firewood, but did need axe and hacksaw to cut size them down. Area had a lot of pine needles on the ground.
Plenty of space. Drive deeper in (after the forbidden signs) you will see a big tent sign with an arrow pointing left (see pics)
It's called "Surprise"
Love this place. Was very private. Not bothered by other people. Dogs were able to run free.
Already wrote a note not sure if my 6 pictures were saved
Great views, 1/2 a mile west on dirt road. Very clean. Forest Service checks all sites in this area to keep it clean and safe.
We have a 30ft Skoolie (2002 bluebird) and tow a 17ft cargo trailer conversion and there were countless spots for us to fit in without having to drop the trailer! This area is VAST and breathtaking. There were a lot of campers when you first enter, but if you drive around you will find something perfect for your setup no doubt.
The only thing I would say to be mindful of and I say this with regard to pets is that there were jeeps, trucks and 4x4s driving past occasionally during the night and they FLY down the gravel roads. We were not at all bothered by it - they’re out there having a good time enjoying the mountains and forests in their way just like we are but just keep your doggos and cattos close 🐾
The roads are gravel and they are pitchy and rutted in areas. Some roads have a several inches droop off too but our bus did great through it. If you pay attention and arrive in daylight you’re absolutely fine. There are VERY few spots to turn around and to take the loop is several miles of gravel road out of the way so just look at the satellite on maps, take it slow and enjoy the view. We only had the time to stay one night but we will absolutely be back. CAUTION: elevation is 7500ft. If you are prone to altitude sickness be wary. You ascend from about 5000 to 7000 pretty quickly. Other than that watch the weather. The roads flood and wash out with rain from the mountains so be alert and plan accordingly and you will be fine. ENJOY and remember to LEAVE NO TRACE 🫶🏻
Camping near Coconino National Forest Recreation, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and diverse camping experiences. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a secluded getaway, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Coconino National Forest Recreation, Arizona, has its perks and challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Coconino National Forest Recreation?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Coconino National Forest Recreation is Manzanita Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Coconino National Forest Recreation?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Coconino National Forest Recreation, with real photos and reviews from campers.
