Dispersed camping in the Coconino National Forest offers dogs and their owners access to multiple no-fee sites with varied terrain. The forest spans elevations from 3,100 to 12,633 feet, creating distinct temperature zones that affect camping comfort throughout the year. Most sites along forest roads don't provide water sources, so campers must bring adequate supplies for themselves and their pets.
What to do
Hike Arizona Trail sections: The Arizona Trail passes near Pinegrove Campground, providing excellent day hiking options. "There was a trail that went under the road that led to the lake and another that went up to great views and the Arizona Trail. There was tons of elk scat on the upper Trail but I never saw any elk," notes Annie C.
Cool off in creek swimming holes: Oak Creek provides relief from summer heat at Manzanita Campground. "The creek running by the campsites is amazing," explains Holly R., while Scotti M. adds, "One of the highlights was the nearby creek, which was perfect for unwinding and added a peaceful ambiance to the whole experience."
Explore off-road trails: The forest roads leading to dispersed sites offer adventure for properly equipped vehicles. Adrian C. says about Schnebly Hill Road, "The Sedona route is SUPER BUMPY! We're in a Ford Raptor and it took close to an hour or more to get to the top."
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Darker skies away from city lights make for excellent night viewing. At the West Sedona camping areas, Emma A. reports, "Great sunrises and sunsets. Cell reception was marginal on both Verizon and AT&T." Emily R. from Pinegrove notes, "The night sky there took our breath away."
Accessible wildlife viewing: The forest supports diverse wildlife year-round. "There is a spring near the north end of the CG which attracts a lot of attention from the locals," mentions Bill R. about Pine Flat Campground West.
Fire pit availability: Most dog-friendly campgrounds in Coconino National Forest include established fire rings when fire restrictions aren't in place. At West Sedona, Alex H. notes, "There were fire pits so we had a fire one night in an unseasonably warm evening in December."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to many pet-friendly sites require careful driving. Joe F. from Edge of the World warns, "We never made it to the campground. The rocky trail ended with a flat tire on our truck (as we were hauling our truck camper.)"
Seasonal crowd patterns: Sites fill quickly during peak periods. "This is a popular spot, arrive early to set up your spot. Mostly avid travels in big campers and RVs that stay for a while," advises Nicole V. about Schnebly Hill.
Noise considerations: Some forest camping areas experience more noise than others. G D. reports about Manzanita, "Nice, pretty well kept site but just way too many people. Not my type of 'camping'. (Lots of charcoal lit with lighter fluid, yuck)."
Tips for camping with families
Plan water activities: Kids enjoy creek access during warmer months. Victor R. shares about Cave Springs, "This campground has tons of sites to choose from many of them a short walk from the creek. There's a swimming hole on the creek nearby."
Look for designated play areas: Some established campgrounds offer recreation spaces. Ryan M. notes that Flagstaff KOA has "dog and kid play areas. Highly recommend travelers start here before looking elsewhere."
Choose sites with shade: Summer temperatures can be intense despite higher elevations. Krista Z. writes, "Some were super shaded all day long and others (like site 11) didn't have a single tree over the tent pad so you were relying on the canyon walls for shade."
Tips from RVers
Check site sizes before booking: Many forest sites have limited space. Shirlee A. cautions about Cave Springs, "The sites are super small and close together. For camping with groups it may work but for RV I do not recommend. Such a tight fit in (we are 32 ft and barely fit in the site)."
Locate nearby dump stations: Most dispersed dog-friendly campgrounds in Coconino National Forest lack sanitation facilities. Chad E. mentions, "The free dump was good (with paid visit)" at Pinegrove Campground.
Consider generator restrictions: Rules vary between sites. Dan K. observes about West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping, "We tow a travel trailer with a high clearance pickup and did it fine. Amazing views, beautiful area, breathtaking scenery. Fairly close to Sedona if you need to pop into town for supplies."
