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.
"I’d definitely recommend patience and a vehicle that you’re comfortable hitting ruts, rocks, etc with depending on which route you choose to take into this location."
"The road in is bumpy and rocky, but not impossible (a Ford Mustang in the site next to us clearly made it)."
$30 / night
"We checked in with the camp host, who was very kind and helpful, and set up. The creek running by the campsites is amazing. The campground also sells firewood if you happen to forget it."
"The campground has restrooms, a natural water pool (cold), and 5 mins away from the Sedona natural slides."
"Not too noisy all the time but definitely had our fair share of UTV/ATV friends going by all weekend."
"It was great scenery with no one else near us. There is a bit of traffic from side by sides and oddly enough large cattle trucks but it wasn’t bad."
"Popular amongst trailer campers as this spot is right next to a cellular town and requires no 4x4. Get out there early for the prime spots!"
"There was quite a bit of traffic on the trail, but drive up from Sedona is worth it because the views are simply incredible!"
"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."
"Worth driving in about 1.5 miles. The road is pretty good as far as FRs go. Solid T-Mobile reception - a rarity in NorthernAZ. Nice hikes and mountain biking."
"Very upsetting to see most of the sites are littered with trash."
"Picturesque forest boondocking not far from Flagstaff off of highway 180. Turn onto Forest Road 222 and take the first road on the right."
"I stumbled upon this area after catching some fish are ashurst lake. What a gem. The area I stayed is about a mile from the lake."
"Plenty of shade from the tall pine trees."
"There are people whose idea of camping is sharing their music with everyone well into the night and can't respect a shared space. It ruins the experience."
"There is a high wind advisory until tomorrow night but other than that what a great site."
RangerWe 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.
TravelerWe enjoyed a couple of days car/tent camping at this multiuser campground . We parked on a private shaded pad next to a fire pit and table. Very quiet (mid week). Showers were closed but the bathrooms were spotless. Camp host on grounds firewood for sale. Close by Payson.
GuideWe stayed at this campground for 3 nights in mid-October and recommend this state park for camping in the Sedona area.
Pros:
-all sites in the Blackhawk Loop where we stayed had a level pad for tents (either small gravel or a wood platform), picnic table, and fire pit (though they could not be used due to a fire ban
-can easily fit 2 smaller tents on the tent pad or 1 jumbo family tent
-good amount of shrubbery in between sites so it didn't feel like you were right on top of your neighbors
-driveways have space for 2 cars if needed
-shower house was fairly clean and had hot showers
-dishwashing sink behind the shower house was a nice perk
-usable cell phone service (T-mobile)
-no tent sites with power if you need that. We filled up an air mattress using the outlet in the bathroom which worked fine.
Cons:
-sites really vary in terms of how far back from the road they are. Our site (122 in the Blackhawk loop) was a bit back from the road and had plenty of shrubbery, but some don't have as much privacy
-not a ton of water fill up stations, but our loop was pretty small, so it was fine
-you have to pay $15 per night for a 2nd car, which was a little steep, but given the campground is reasonably priced, this was fine
TravelerIn one word views, views for miles some of the best I’ve seen in Arizona. The campground itself is nice so spots not as amazing as others and be prepared to always watch your step because some spots literally are on the side of a cliff. Still plenty of room to set up camp and not worry but 100ft from the cliff side is pretty amazing. Clean restrooms hosts seem to keep campsites and fire pits clean and leave you to yourselves. Close by is a hang glide launch pad and amazing views. Only negative is the road up is unpaved and rough 5-10mph for about 7-10 miles but definitely worth the trip. Electric was struck by lightning a few years back so no hookup but water and toilet and only $10 a night. Stop reading and go👍
GuideAll the other reviews are spot on - Clean sites, fire rings and the hosts are spectacular. Wood/ice available. We stayed in mid October. We were pleasantly surprised that while we weren’t allowed to use the charcoal grill, we were allowed to have a small campfire. Tips for this popular campground:
LegendIn the off season, this sweet little national forest campground is a quiet oasis in one of the beautiful “islands of the sky” which are scattered throughout Arizona. Up at 5000 feet, this place becomes a busy retreat for Tucsonians seeking to escape some of the summertime heat, according to the park ranger we spoke too. It's also a haven for birds!
The campground has designated section for RV’s and tents, though they are same price at just $10 per night. Many pull-through sites are available for larger RV’s, as well as some back in spots. Each site has a HUGE cement picnic table and fire ring and are a nice size with plenty of space between sites. There are trash cans (though no recycling) throughout the campground, and a water spigot near the very clean pit toilets, thanks to the dedicated and very friendly camp hosts. The tent sites overlook the Parker Canyon Lake and are quite spacious. There are few tent sites for groups too.
There is a nice boat dock, as well as small store near the water that sells snacks/drinks, bait, and a few camping necessities. You can rent kayaks, paddle boats, SUPs, sailboats and small motorized fishing boats…or bring your own. There is also a nice and easy trail that follows the lake shore for about 6 miles, accessible to both hikers and mountain bikers. From the lake trail, you can also access the Arizona Scenic Trail (the southern terminus is about 15 miles south of the lake). We also saw quite a few fisherman out enjoying the lake during mid-week.
The closest grocery stores and gas stations are in Sonoita, about 30 miles away. Cell coverage is limited here as you are very close to the Mexican border – none in RV campground, just a bit of coverage in the tent campground.
ScoutLong gravel road with plenty of pull offs close and far from it. Nice flat areas for camping. Very upsetting to see most of the sites are littered with trash. Please remember to practice “Leave No Trace” principles, disposing of trash and human waste appropriately, so we can all continue to enjoy the places we love so much. :)
LegendAfter four failed attempts to find a place to land for the night (two campgrounds not yet open for the season in mid-April and two dispersed sites that would not have been navigable in our low clearance van), we would have camped just about anywhere! Fortunately there were spots available here and we were greeted by a super friendly and welcoming camp host. Sites were all flat with tent pads; most had decent privacy between sites. All have fire rings, large picnic tables in good shape, grills, and lantern hooks. Vault toilets were clean. Artesian well that some reviews said the water quality was questionable; camp host says she drinks it but others do not. We filled up our water jugs and will give it a go. If it weren’t for the proximity to the road (89A) and the noise that goes with it (site 18 you might as well BE in the road!), I would have given this place 5 stars! For $11 (50% off with senior pass), this place was perfect for us!
LegendIf you go during the winter months (that is, if roads are open), you may likely be the only one there! The lake is not very easily accessible for camping but it's an easy hike down for fishing, photography, and simply enjoying nature. Keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a bald eagle. The actual campground is usually crowded with no privacy. Perhaps suitable for a large group. Restrooms, never mind, just bring a shovel and use the woods; it's cleaner. Just don't be disgusting and leave it all out. Leave No Trace, PLEASE. Also, you'll need to carry out all your trash. On a holiday weekend (Labor Day especially) there are so many visitors but otherwise only a few venture out that way. Your best bet for solitude is to drive 2-4 miles passed the campground which will be on your right and find a good dispersed spot. Just bring ribbon or rope to mark a tree from the road in case you need to travel down to Woods Canyon Lake store or out to a Rim viewpoint for cell service.
Tent camping near Coconino National Forest in Arizona offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Coconino National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent 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 tent camping near Coconino National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Coconino National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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