Best Tent Camping near Cornville, AZ

Dispersed tent camping dominates the landscape near Cornville, Arizona, with several free primitive sites available in the surrounding national forest areas. Edge of the World (East Pocket) and Schnebly Hill Road offer tent-specific camping options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Forest Service Road 253 and FR 240 provide additional dispersed camping opportunities within reasonable driving distance of Cornville, while Manzanita Campground offers an established tent camping alternative with more facilities.

Most dispersed tent sites require campers to be self-sufficient, as amenities are minimal or non-existent. The majority of tent camping areas lack drinking water, toilets, and trash collection, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Access roads to many sites, particularly Edge of the World, can be challenging and may require high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "The road in is bumpy and rocky, but not impossible." Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others enforce complete fire bans during dry periods. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with some areas offering reasonable coverage while others remain completely disconnected.

Tent campers at Edge of the World enjoy spectacular views from cliff-side sites, though early arrival is recommended, especially on weekends when the area becomes crowded. The pine forest setting provides natural shade at many sites, offering relief during hot summer months. Areas farther from main roads generally offer more solitude and less traffic noise. Visitors to Manzanita Campground appreciate the creek access, with one camper describing it as "beautiful" with "the creek running by the campsites is amazing." Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Seasonal considerations include summer heat, even at higher elevations, and potential for sudden weather changes, making proper tent setup and anchoring essential.

Best Tent Sites Near Cornville, Arizona (42)

    1. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    53 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "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)."

    2. Manzanita Campground

    25 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 204-2034

    $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."

    3. Schnebly Hill Road

    3 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    15 miles

    "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."

    4. Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 526-0866

    "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!"

    "Full sun, full shade or partial sun. An occasional 🐄 may stroll by."

    5. East Pocket in Sedona

    2 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    18 miles

    "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."

    6. Forest Road 535

    6 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    23 miles

    "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."

    7. FR 240 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "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."

    8. FR 222 Dispersed

    36 Reviews
    Bellemont, AZ
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "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."

    9. Ewe Tank

    2 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    19 miles

    10. Cherry Area

    1 Review
    Camp Verde, AZ
    13 miles
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Tent Camping Reviews near Cornville, AZ

1479 Reviews of 42 Cornville Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas

    Very nice wooded lake camp near I40

    We 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.

  • Donna V.
    Apr. 8, 2022

    Houston Mesa Campground

    Nice and quiet

    We 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.

  • A
    Oct. 23, 2020

    Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    Nice state park for camping

    We 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

  • Jake-lela C.
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Mingus Mountain Campground

    #mingusisamust

    In 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👍

  • Leesa
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Pine Flat Campground West

    Pro tips...

    All 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:

    1. Since the first come sites are booked by midday...come early and talk to the hosts about who is scheduled to leave that day. You can then pre-pay for your chosen site and go to town until after checkout time (1:00pm).
    2. Best first come sites: Site # 4, no doubt. It’s farthest from the highway and farthest from other tent pads. The heavy tree canopy keeps you in the shade and is near the river. Site # 3 is also good, but gets full sun mid afternoon and is closer to the bathrooms.
    3. Bring your telescope or binoculars. Set up a star gazing perch at night.....it’s spectacular. The downside of the first come area....both tents and RVs (generator noise) will be side by side. It’s very popular for families: we had a home schooling family on one side and a generator(RV) on the other. Busy as to be expected in this area, especially in October.
  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2019

    Lakeview Campground (Az) — Coconino National Forest Recreation

    Nice respite from the Sonoran Desert heat

    In 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.

  • Colette K.
    Sep. 19, 2018

    Eagle Ridge Group Campground

    Eagle Ridge Group Campground, Prescott, AZ

    Eagle Ridge Group Campground is located within walking distance of Lynx Lake Recreation Area. At the lake, there is no swimming, but you may fish and use water craft. North Shore and South Shore areas each require a $5 per vehicle day use fee, but it is free to walk in.

    There are two group sites: Osprey can accommodate 25-75 people; Peregrine can accommodate 15-25. There are covered picnic table areas, fire rings, areas for tents, vault restrooms, water on taps. Be sure to make a reservation for one or both sites, depending on your group's size.

  • E
    May. 3, 2021

    FR 222 Dispersed

    Bittersweet

    Long 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. :)

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2019

    Pine Flat Campground West

    An unexpected gem!

    After 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!


Guide to Cornville

Tent camping near Cornville, Arizona offers a mix of high desert and forest environments at elevations ranging from 3,200 to 7,000 feet. The surrounding Coconino National Forest terrain transitions between pinyon-juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine forests, creating significant temperature variations between camping areas. Summer nighttime temperatures at higher elevation sites can drop 30+ degrees from daytime highs, requiring campers to pack appropriate clothing layers.

What to do

Hiking to natural pools: Forest Road 535 provides access to several trailheads where hikers can discover seasonal pools and streams. "Nice hikes and mountain biking. At 7000 feet the temps here are at least 10 degree cooler than Sedona area. Pretty setting with the Ponderosa Pines stacked all around," notes Michael F. about Forest Road 535.

Night sky photography: The lack of light pollution at dispersed sites makes for excellent stargazing opportunities. "Absolutely absurd views and stars. Cannot recommend enough. Bit of a drive but stick on it and see the view. Worth every second," shares Lewis M. about Edge of the World campsites.

4x4 driving routes: The network of forest roads offers challenging terrain for off-road enthusiasts. "The drive itself is an adventure, but doable in just about any car if it hasn't rained, or isn't going to rain. I would still recommend some kind of SUV," explains Chris K. about East Pocket in Sedona.

What campers like

Morning temperatures: Higher elevation camping areas provide relief from summer heat. "Nice and cool under the trees, able to do some hiking around camp and paddle boarding up at Lake Mary," reports Zach H. about FR 240 Dispersed Camping.

Accessible wilderness: Many camping areas balance remoteness with reasonable access. "This was easy to get to, and quick to take a trip into Munds Park or Flagstaff as well. We had a 21 and 31' trailer with us and found a great spot about 6 minutes after hitting the dirt road," explains Robert P. about FR 240.

Wildlife encounters: The forested areas support diverse animal populations. "In the morning I was awakened by lots of bird sounds," shares Mikayla M. about her tent camping experience at FR 222 Dispersed. Campers also report occasional cow sightings, with one camper noting, "An occasional 🐄 may stroll by."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to prime camping spots often requires navigating rough roads. "The climb from Sedona was a bit torturous for my poor 3" lifted Tacoma. The road has intentionally been unmaintained to make it spicy for the paid ORV tours," warns David S. about Schnebly Hill Road.

Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly during peak periods. "Top Tier Campsite. The best sites do fill up early but you won't go without a site as there is tons of room all over the road," advises Joshua M. about Edge of the World.

Weather preparedness: Mountain camping areas experience sudden weather changes. "Just next to the stream, perfectly secluded with decent bathrooms. However don't recommend going in the winter, there was an unexpected snowstorm and our tent collapsed, our mistake!" cautions Kristen from her experience at Manzanita Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Creek access campsites: Sites with water features provide natural entertainment for children. "The campground has restrooms, a natural water pool (cold), and 5 mins away from the Sedona natural slides," notes Fatima V. about Manzanita Campground.

Private sites away from traffic: Look for camping spots set back from main forest roads. "You want to be off the road as the dust from atv and cattle trucks can get thick," advises Tony B. about dispersed camping areas.

Campsite arrival timing: Plan to reach primitive sites with enough daylight for setup. "It was hard to find a flat surface but we arrived at night. During day time should be easier," mentions Eri T. about her experience at Forest Road 535.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger vehicles: Forest roads offer varying degrees of accessibility for different rig sizes. "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," recommends Joshua M. about Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed.

Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require additional work to create level parking. "This place is nothing but a bumpy ride. Once you find a spot it's nice and quiet but the road to get there is crazy," notes Nathaniel F. about Forest Service Rd 253.

Mobile connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically between camping areas. "Verizon and ATT both have cell service. 1-2 bars of LTE," reports Drew R. about FR 222 Dispersed, while another camper mentions, "Solid T-Mobile reception - a rarity in NorthernAZ" at Forest Road 535.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cornville, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cornville, AZ 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 Cornville, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near Cornville, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.