RV camping near Coconino National Forest offers diverse options within high-elevation terrain ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during daytime with cooler evening drops to 50-60°F. Most campgrounds in this region maintain level gravel sites to accommodate vehicles on the forest's varied terrain, with peak season running April through October when water systems are fully operational.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: Thousand Trails Verde Valley provides direct access to the Verde River where campers can cool off during hot months. "River access is available at site C which we stayed at and our furbabies loved it! Sedona is only 45 mins from here so an even bigger two thumbs up!" reports Rebecca N. from Thousand Trails Verde Valley.
Hiking access: Several campgrounds offer immediate trail access without needing to drive to trailheads. "You can walk out the back gate right onto a wonderful network of trails, everything from easy walking to a run on the AZT to a solid hike up Elden Mountain," notes Marcy about Flagstaff RV Park.
Historical exploration: The region provides convenient base camps for visiting archaeological sites. "We stayed for two nights to visit Meteor Crater and to stand on the corner in Winslow. Meteor Crater is a well presented privately held site. We commented that the displays and information definitely showed great stewardship of this geological attraction," shares Tom D. from Meteor Crater RV Park.
What campers like
Convenient location: Many campers appreciate RV parks positioned between major attractions. "Great location as you can walk right into Sedona. Very well kept RV park with very clean bathrooms. There are also a couple of hikes accessible 1/4-1/2 mile from the RV park," notes Kim G. about Rancho Sedona RV Park.
Swimming options: Pools and natural water features rank high among summer visitors. "This place is huge! Nestled in the red rock country of Arizona, this Thousand Trails campground offers a scenic and tranquil escape. The sites are well-spaced, and the amenities include a pool, hot tub, 2 dog parks, hiking trails, river access and clubhouse," shares Paulina B.
Alpine forest settings: Higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from desert heat. "Mormon Lake is an astonishing campground: all in alpine forests, at about 6500'. Mild summer, with cool nights, many escape the heat of PHX up here," explains Paul W. about Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. "Although you don't get much of a change in elevation to have cooler weather, it's a little cooler than Phoenix or Tucson as far as temperatures go," reports Brian P. about Distant Drums RV Resort.
Reservation requirements: Cancellation policies vary significantly between parks. "A minimum $50 penalty is assessed if you make any change to your reservation after hanging up the phone when making them. Latest change must be no later than 72 hrs before arrival with added cost penalties," warns Gregory T. about Munds Park RV Resort.
Tight spaces: Site dimensions vary dramatically between parks and sections. "The old campground has lots of trees but parking is TIGHT," shares William C. about Munds Park RV Resort. Check site dimensions against your RV size when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly amenities: Most parks accommodate pets but facilities vary. "The dog park is nice sized and has poop bags and garbages. The whole RV park has poop bags and garbages around it- which is awesome!" mentions Katy R. about Meteor Crater RV Park.
Recreation options: Several parks maintain extensive on-site activities for children. "They have a pool, family room full laundry, showers and bathrooms that are immaculate, a weight room, a library with massage couch, swimming pool and beautiful lights almost like Christmas. After many games of foosball and air hockey, we highly recommend," shares Timothy T. about Distant Drums RV Resort.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be significant between day and night. "We are here in January and the end of December and it was a lot colder than I would have imagined. That doesn't change it for us it's still a great Park and we will come back," notes Brian P. about Verde Ranch RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: Some facilities present barriers for travelers with disabilities. "The shower and restroom at this location is some of the best I've seen so far. The only bad thing is the entryway is an extremely tall door frame on top of a concrete lip that causes a big jump to get up and over. The RV sites have difficulty that they have gravel entryways and my wheelchair continue to get stuck because they weren't compacted enough," advises Lara O.
Parking challenges: Tight maneuvering space affects larger rigs at certain parks. "We loved our site it had so much space and we were shaded by beautiful trees! Already booked two future stays and 100% recommend others to stay too!" shares Claire G. about Munds Park RV Resort.
Riverside camping options: Several parks offer premium sites along water features. "Our site was down by the Verde River and even though a busy highway was right there we never heard much road noise at all. There is a nice walking path next to the river and nice places to take your pet," reports Debbie H. from Rio Verde RV Park.
