Best Dispersed Camping near Flagstaff, AZ

This was our first time boondocking in the forest of Williams, AZ.  A friend told us about the free dispersed camping along Dog Town Rd. which is only about 5 miles outside of the cute town of Williams.  There are many spots available to boondocks amidst the cool pines and forest.  Tent camping, RV's, 4x4s, were everywhere.  We give this area 4 stars only because recent logging in the area left some areas with ugly burn piles and stacks of burned wood.  Otherwise, it was a great location.

Close to the Grand Canyon, Bearizona, Route 66, Dog Town Lake, Coleman Lake, Flagstaff, Lava Tubes Cave, Deer Park

As of May 1, 2023 the Coconino National Forest Service has closed down many dispersed camping areas around the city of Flagstaff. This area is included in that. You can still drive off-road and explore during the day when the Walnut Canyon National Monument is open, but no camping and no camp fires are allowed.

This was one of the quickest and easiest dispersed camping spots I've set up in.  In the morning, it's super easy to get back onto the road, hit the trails, or head into Flagstaff.

This is a good dispersed camping spot with lots of sites and vegetation to keep you hidden. Flat level terrain.

Just a nice dispersed camping spot, easy access off the main road, and not too far out of Sedona. Loved this spot!

Corroborate the most recent reviews. Giving it a 3 becuz we've had such gr8 times there and last time showed up at nite to discover all the spread out dispersed sites were now mining claims but we stayed anyway. Not all the sites have signs stating (as of Aug 22) the mining claim, but are blocked off by rocks. Def a hassle to park so far away from where u would wanna camp. Obvs ur own discretion. Did prompt some reading on mining claims on federal land blm land and it seems pretty screwed. Jus the thought they might be destroying this beautiful location for whatever mining purpose, also not good cuz it's so close to ancient cliff dwellings. Truly still wildin in the west when it comes to mining.

What an awesome area with an endless amount of spots to set up camp at. Like others my wife and I drove way past the turn to the dispersed camping area and made our way down to the water. But like Boss Ross always said, that turned out to be a happy mistake because it was so beautiful down there. We felt like we were in Colorado. We went to the end and turned around and ended up finding a camping spot in a very secluded area that over looked the cliff. Also, I did not know the Arizona Trail goes right through this area. RAD!! Over all, an epic spot and we will be back. Next time we will try and find that overlook spot of the view of the reservoir.

We opted to come up Schnebly Hill Rd from the west side (downtown Sedona). If you take this approach, a 4x4 with high clearance is a must. Bonus if you have some off-roading experience. There were some pretty gnarly rock patches that required some skill to traverse safely (thanks to my husband!) We camped at two different spots along the road on consecutive nights. Both nights were relatively quiet with only a few vehicles passing. Secluded, quiet, beautiful, flat - overall the perfect dispersed camping spots! If you drive in from the I-17 side, the spots get really sweet about 5-6 miles in. Not suitable for RVs but perfect for RTT or tent camping

Dispersed camping down a long, dirt road overlooking beautiful canyon and Sedona red rock. Rock fire rings at some sites, but signs indicated camp fires were not allowed. This is a very popular camping spot, so arrive early or try to camp during the week. Off-road vehicle recommended. We encountered many mosquitoes and bees, so bring big spray.

Great dispersed camping spot close to Sedona!

Heads up we camped a little further down on Beaverhead Rd where there were more open spots and an easier dirt road to drive onto. Plenty of spots to choose from which was surprising on a holiday week (Christmas to New Years). The camping was a lot quieter than I expected even though there were a bunch of other campers. Everyone seemed to be able to find a spot far enough from another to have a secluded space.

The location is super convenient from Oak Village and downtown Sedona. There is even a back way on highway 89 if you find yourself in West Sedona and don't want to drive through traffic to get to highway 179.

This isn't designed for your average RV or car the road is crazy rough. We had been in the area and stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Dove and met some other campers who were staying here. They asked us if we wanted to come out and dispersed camp here and we really wanted to, but my little car couldn't make the drive. We ended up 4 wheel driving up to the site with them and it was beautiful!!

We spent a little time here before returning to the bottom but it was well worth the travel up. I just wish we had a place we could have left the car and taken our tent up or had a vehicle that would have made it.

This location is great from Flagstaff and close to all the snow facilities in the area so it would not be a great place to try to camp during winter. It was only about 25 minutes from the chapel including the rough road but only about 5 minutes to where it started to get all rocky with the turn off.

TIPS:

• Check out that lava cave also when in this area it is between the chapel and the turn off. It is crazy to think that this are has such a large tube. It does somewhat look like a hole in the ground with retainers but inside it is a whole different exploration.
• Check out the chapel, I have included a few photos but this landmark is something that is a must see on your own. Open 24 hours a day to the public one of the neatest structures in this area.

We stopped here for the night after spending all day in Sedona.  Sedona turned out to be incredibly crowded and busy when we were there, and there was no room for us anywhere even to pull over and park somewhere.  Definitely not the mystical healing relaxing place I'd heard so much about.

We thought at least if Sedona was a disappointment, hopefully the surrounding dispersed camping land would be beautiful.  However, all the Forest Service land surrounding Sedona that we thought would be great to boondock on had roads that were way too rough and rutted for us in our 26ft motorhome.

So we stopped here at this spot for the night, at the very beginning of FS Rd 525 (Loy Butte Rd), along with lots of other RVs and vans and busses, and left first thing in the morning.  The area was really crowded, but we were pleasantly surprised at how quiet and respectful everyone staying here was. 

Good cell reception.

In order to decrease the risk of wildfires, the city of Flagstaff has placed a ban on dispersed camping within a certain perimeter near the city and this site now falls within this banned zone. A friendly ranger was parked there to divert campers and help guide to other dispersed camping options

Great spots in between flagstaff and Sedona. Literally 10 minutes from flagstaff. Campfire pits. If you’re coming from flagstaff, there’s a left turn lane to take you into the area

We went through Flagstaff and past Snowbowl to a dispersed camping area. Found a great site with a cleared area containing a rock campfire ring. Lots of level spots for tents. Plenty of shade from the tall pine trees.

Dispersed camping along this road with a convenient location to Fossil Creek and Wet Beaver Creek trails.  The campsite was clean and had a fire ring, no facilities so pack out what you pack in! The one we picked had a great view and the STARS WERE INSANE

I’m unsure of how it is in summer months but we came March 2nd and it’s fairly quiet. The weather was in the 70s in the day and the day we got her it dropped to 28 and snowed.

The ride in is rocky, I came in very slowly in a Toyota sienna van, just be careful for sharp rocks.

The campsites are all designated free camping with numbers and all have stone fire pits. Lots of spots to explore

About the same as camping on the west side of the hwy. There’s a ton of traffic, no respect from other campers who blast music, trash the forest, fire off guns at all hours, and overall not a great vibe.

Camped here over 2 days and the land, trees and forest are beautiful all around so IF you can find a secluded area you’ll be ok.

NO CELL service so take that into consideration when dispersed camping

This was dispersed primitive camping off 89A. Right in between oak creek canyon and Flagstaff. All the spots were designated which was nice. Plenty of trees if you wanted to set up a hammock. I saw others mention trash but I didn’t really see much. Some here and there. There’s no bathrooms or water. If you’re looking to fill up water the closest place we found was Sterling Spring which was south on the 89A just after you get down the mountain. If you need a bathroom there’s a Swift gas station maybe 15 minutes away toward flagstaff

West fork trail and slide rock state park are well worth it and pretty close!

Had a great time, dispersed camping, free spot, lots of spots, clean. Just a short drive to some great watering holes. Took a star off because there was no water within walking distance, and not much of a view from our spot. I also took a star off because it was busy and loud.

So sorry tobbe the bearer of bad news. As of May 2023, dispersed camping is not allowed within 20 miles of Flagstaff. We were not aware of this new regulation and so set up camp at the Schultz TH parking lot. Local police officer filled us in and was very nice about it. Bummer!

You might get away with 1 overnight if you're in a pinch. Parking lot is large, flat and gravel. There is a nice portapotty.