Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Coconino National Forest, AZ is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Coconino National Forest campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Coconino National Forest camping trip.
"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."
"Due to the ease of access from Sedona and Flagstaff this campground sees a lot of action."
"Campground Review:
Couple things to say about this campground... it's dispersed but in numbered lots and unless you have a high clearance 4x4 you must enter from West (89A)."
"Lots of spots that had existing fire rings. I used my propane fire pit since there were fire restrictions. If you drive down Schnebly hill road there a plenty of sites."
"The road from the I-17 entrance was well maintained and can be driven on with any vehicle. I had my Chevy trax (front wheel drive) and made it fine. There are plenty of pull off trails we explored."
"If you take this approach, a 4x4 with high clearance is a must. Bonus if you have some off-roading experience."
"Just follow dirt road all the way down past the water tanks (it might feel wrong, but you’re going the right way!). Several spots with fire pits not far from the Schnebly vista point."
"This spot is perfect for boondocking or car camping, but we decided against popping up our camper here and just car camped instead."
"10-15 minutes from Walnut Canyon National Monument off a side dirt road."
"I thought we would be able to set up a fire once we got there but I didn’t see online that there was a fire ban so if you come here just make sure you check that before."
"There is no water, power, pavement, or bathrooms anywhere in sight... perfect for star gazing. Pet friendly. Elk are abundant, as well as grazing cows, and the waterfowl is like a symphony of sounds."
"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."
"Spots here 14 days, rangers will take down your license and take a pic. Close to Sedona... very clean and quiet"
"We had a 21 and 31’ trailer with us and found a great spot about 6 minutes after hitting the dirt road. It was great scenery with no one else near us."
"Nice and cool under the trees, able to do some hiking around camp and paddle boarding up at Lake Mary.
Lots of sites open along this road leading to Mormon Lake, some sites were closed down though."
"The location here is wrong and that's probably why there are bad reviews.... You can access off i17 by taking exit 320 and then driving down the forest road toward Sedona."
"The coordinates here are incorrect but if you keep driving northwest of them on the road you'll find it right off the 17."
"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."
ScoutAs 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.
TravelerI 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!
RangerBear Canyon campground and lake located off AZ260 north east of payson. Near Woods Canyon lake(larger and more accessible), and Knoll lake(smaller than Bear Canyon)
Bear Canyon campground is easily accessible and free. No reservations. No water/electric hookups. No picnic tables. No trash service-pack it in, pack it out. It will fill up on weekends during the summer as the weather is so temperate. We came up on a weekday and stayed to the beginning of the weekend and it wasn’t too crowded.
Pros: The weather was amazing. High of 75-78 in the day and high 40’s at night. There was a constant breeze which kept it cool and fresh feeling. The lake is a short hike(0.2 miles) from the trailhead. And provides good fishing from the shore. There is plenty of free firewood’s around; just bring a saw and splitting axe. Near the Rim and other lakes (Woods Canyon and Knoll). Pit toilets were a far walk depending on where you camped but they were clean.
Cons: This entire area is very rocky! We have a pop up but I can’t imagine tent camping without an air mattress. Each campsite maybe has a fire pit and that’s it. Boats and Kayaks would be a real challenge to bring down and up as the trail is very steep, rocky, and loose.
Overall, we were disappointed that we were unable to use our kayaks but the weather make up for it and it was a great, relaxing trip.
GuideThis 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.
GuideDispersed camping off dirt roads. Highly Used but still space for privacy. Fire restrictions in the summer. No cell service. Some groups were loud and some vehicle traffic throughout the night. Sites are not numbered, just camp near the road. Check out Woods Canyon Lake on the way in!
GuideStandard 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.
Scout10-15 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!
GuideThis is a really nice area on forest road 545 comma just outside of sunset crater national monument. when you turn to go to Sunset Crater as soon as you go over the cattle guard take a left and follow that road around lots of camping spots, the road isn't really bad there's a few washed out areas but my van was able to manage it
GuideWe 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 🫶🏻
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Coconino National Forest in Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene lakeside retreats to rugged mountain views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping in Coconino National Forest?
Coconino National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping areas across its vast terrain. Popular spots include Lockett Meadow Dispersed Camping, which features vast open spaces that can accommodate large rigs including converted school buses with towed trailers. The Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM on Forest Road 545 provides easy access camping just outside the national monument with multiple spots available despite some washed-out areas. Additional options include West Clear Creek, Bear Willow Road, and FS 609 areas. However, be aware that as of May 2023, some dispersed camping areas around Flagstaff have been closed, including Walnut Canyon dispersed sites (closed until 2025), so always check current status before traveling.
Is free camping allowed in Coconino National Forest?
Yes, free camping is allowed throughout much of Coconino National Forest in designated dispersed areas. Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area offers free camping with no reservations required, though it lacks amenities such as water/electric hookups, picnic tables, or trash services. Similarly, West Clear Creek Dispersed Camping provides standard dispersed camping along off-road trails at no cost. Most dispersed sites in the forest follow a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Remember that free sites typically have no facilities, so you must pack out all trash and come prepared with your own water. Be aware of seasonal fire restrictions, particularly during summer months, and always check current forest regulations before your trip.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Coconino National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Coconino National Forest 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 Coconino National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 152 dispersed camping locations near Coconino National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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