The Flagstaff area sits at approximately 7,000 feet elevation in northern Arizona, creating distinct camping seasons with temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Ponderosa pine forests dominate the landscape, with overnight temperatures often dropping below 50°F even in summer months. Fire restrictions frequently limit glamping options between May and September when forest fire danger is highest.
What to do
Hiking the Arizona Trail: At Double Springs Campground, you can access the Arizona Trail directly from your site. "The tiny nearby creek can almost be heard from the site, and to the right there is a small field that the Arizona Trail crosses through. I made use of my time here by hiking both directions of the trail straight from the campground," notes Kaysha R.
Mountain biking: Fort Tuthill County Park offers extensive trail networks for riders. "Review for the activities only. Tons of fun stuff for the kids and adults. Bike park is a blast. Also have an adventure course and zip line. Bike park is free ropes course has fee. Also has an easy mountain bike trail around the area," says Bryan S.
Wildlife viewing: Bearizona is accessible from Williams Circle Pines KOA. "Camped in 32 Foot Class C. Easy to maneuver and great hooks ups. VERY Kid friendly. We to Bearizona, Rode go-carts, played mini golf," shares Dave R.
What campers like
Creek access in Sedona: Rancho Sedona RV Park provides water features not found near Flagstaff. "You can walk down along the creek and find some peaceful rocks for sitting on to read or contemplate. There are also a couple of hikes accessible 1/4-1/2 mile from the RV park," writes Kim G.
Winter accommodations: Arizona Nordic Village offers heated yurts for winter glamping in Flagstaff. "Nordic Village is the perfect place to stay after a visit to the Grand Canyon for some solitude. Flagstaff is seeing some snow in mid-November, and the yurt is so warm from the contained fireplace," reports Anne Marie A.
Tent camping with shade: Cave Springs Campground provides tall trees and water. "This campground has tons of sites to choose from many of them a short walk from the creek. There's a swimming hole on the creek nearby. The hosts are very helpful and keep the place looking really nice. It's an idyllic spot with sycamores, oaks, and pines," says Victor R.
What you should know
Train noise: Many Flagstaff glamping locations experience railroad noise. At Woody Mountain, one reviewer noted: "Well, we had planned to stay 3 nights. We'd been on the road and sightseeing for 2 weeks and wanted a couple chill-at-the-park days. It was beautiful with the tall pines. We left after 1 night. 1st, no fault of the rv park, trains ran on nearby tracks all night! Waking us on/off all night."
Restricted fire use: During dry periods, fire bans affect even glamping sites with built-in fire pits. One camper at Rancho Sedona RV Park mentions: "Laundry list of rules at this place, but never were an issue. The biggest was outdoor lights out and be inside by 10 pm."
Reservation windows: Most premium glamping sites fill 60-90 days in advance. At Village Camp Flagstaff, availability decreases in summer: "We have been here twice in a months time with grand kids. It is a great location to enjoy things to do in Flagstaff, Williams (mountain coaster) and even headed up to the Grand Canyon."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Williams-Circle Pines KOA offers multiple activities. "Lots to do for kids. Nice wooded sites. Rzr trails in the area and close to lots of fishing. Town of Williams is a tourist adventure and Bearzona is a Blast!!" advises David G.
Educational opportunities: Children can learn about local wildlife at nearby forest locations. "We were here for a group event and had a great time. Sites were large and shady. Great temps," reports Christina S. about Fort Tuthill Recreation Area.
Weather preparation: Fort Tuthill Luke AFB Recreation Area offers multi-season options. "The military side of this campground has studio cabins, 2 bedroom cabins, yurts, and even hotel rooms for rent in addition to tent spaces. There is a nice office with coffee and hot chocolate, a fireplace, movies to rent, and various sundries for sale," explains Jason H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Flagstaff KOA locations provide varying levels of privacy. "Tent sights are on top of each other and back up to other sites. Limited shade but showers included & picnic tables. Overall we had 2 great nights there. Convenient location close to supermarket, gas, gym, banks," shares Sable.
Utility limitations: Many glamping sites near Flagstaff have restricted water access. At Double Springs Campground, campers note: "The hosts warned us about the hammer noise from a water pump close by. My daughter's wanted to be near the water.. we heard the noise, but It didn't bother us."
Seasonal timing: Village Camp Flagstaff offers upscale glamping options with amenities. "RV or tiny homes…this place is AMAZING. We were in the RV side very clean, level elite back in with a concrete patio. Picnic table AND propane fire pit provided. The clubhouse has a bar and grill with a GIANT patio, live music, a store, heated pool and spa," reports Jennifer O.