Coconino National Forest stretches across 1.8 million acres of northern Arizona, with elevations ranging from 2,600 to 12,600 feet. Temperature variations between camping areas can exceed 30 degrees, with higher elevation sites remaining 10-15 degrees cooler than lower areas during summer months. Most dispersed camping locations require campers to position tents at least 200 feet from water sources and one mile from established campgrounds.
What to do
Paddle boarding at Mormon Lake: After setting up camp near Mormon Lake, visitors can enjoy calm waters for paddleboarding. At FR 240 Dispersed Camping, one camper mentioned they enjoyed "paddle boarding up at Lake Mary" after getting settled in their campsite.
Canyoning adventures: The area offers challenging opportunities for water-based adventures through slot canyons. Near Manzanita Campground, a visitor notes, "If you're looking for an intense, gorgeous, canyoning trip, there's no better place! The canyon itself is beautiful and presents multiple places to camp or you can just explore the freezing cold pools and repel down the drop offs!"
Wildlife observation: Set up early morning viewing positions to spot elk herds. A camper at Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed shared, "Saw a herd of elk," making this a practical location for wildlife enthusiasts.
What campers like
Temperature relief: Higher elevation camping areas provide significant cooling during hot months. A visitor at Forest Road 535 noted, "At 7000 feet the temps here are at least 10 degree cooler than Sedona area. Pretty setting with the Ponderosa Pines stacked all around."
Cellular reception: Unlike many remote areas, some dispersed camping locations maintain usable connectivity. A camper at FR 222 Dispersed shared, "Very usable two bars of Verizon, one bar AT&T. This probably varies depending where you set up."
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate the presence of streams and water access. At Manzanita Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The creek running by the campsites is amazing," highlighting the value of natural water features.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary significantly: Some roads demand high-clearance 4x4 vehicles while others accommodate standard cars. A visitor at Schnebly Hill Road advised, "The road is totally doable in a minivan or the likes if you have some experience driving on rougher terrain, but only if you are coming in off of hwy 17. If you are in Sedona and decide to take 89A... you will be met with a side by side trail. It is not a road."
Seasonal obstacles: Weather can create unexpected challenges for camping access. One visitor attempting to reach Edge of the World noted, "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."
Site selection timing: Popular areas fill quickly, particularly on weekends. A camper at FR 222 Dispersed shared, "We came in on a Thursday and found only a few open spots along FR 222. But there were plenty of opportunities on the side roads."
Tips for camping with families
Site safety assessment: Check for hazards before setting up with children. At Edge of the World (East Pocket), a visitor cautioned, "It's always super windy as you are on the side of a cliff. All dirt if you're on the edge and many trees."
Natural water play: Select sites with safe creek access for children. A visitor to Manzanita Campground mentioned, "The campground has restrooms, a natural water pool (cold), and 5 mins away from the Sedona natural slides."
Evening sky viewing: Position tents in clearing areas for stargazing. One camper at Edge of the World shared, "Absolutely absurd views and stars. Cannot recommend enough. Bit of a drive but stick on it and see the view."
Tips from RVers
Size-appropriate route selection: Choose access roads based on your RV dimensions. At Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed, a visitor advised, "Lots of places to camp all over this road. Most size rigs can find a spot but we did see some people trying to take big rigs too far. If you have something big, stop at the gravel part and find a spot."
Surface preparation: Pack leveling equipment for uneven surfaces. A camper at FR 222 Dispersed explained, "Many of the sites are suitable for even large rigs, with space to turn around," but noted variations in ground conditions.
Dust management: Position RVs away from main roads to minimize dust issues. A reviewer at FR 222 Dispersed shared, "There is dust, lots of it, right off the road in the turnoffs. But we found it quite simple to drive in a little further where the ground is a carpet of pine needles, soft, fragrant, and no dust at all."
