Looking for the best options for tent camping near Flagstaff? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Flagstaff, Arizona's most popular destinations.
Manzanita Campground is a small, year-round, tent-only facility with campsites that fill up very quickly. Visitors enjoy the campground for its fishing and swimming holes along Oak Creek, beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife watching. Oak Creek Canyon is very crowded, especially on weekends; to get a campsite, it is best to reserve a weekday.
Recreation and relaxation abound in Oak Creek Canyon. Camping, fishing, swimming, wading and hiking are some of the activities awaiting visitors. Anglers have the convenience of creekside campsites, where they can cast a line for trout. Families love driving down the road to nearby Slide Rock State Park, one of Arizona's most popular swimming spots, or trying out several nearby hiking trails.
The campground borders Oak Creek in a lush, forested riparian zone with Arizona ash and box elders, gravel beaches and stream-bed boulders. Colorful songbirds add flashes of brilliance to the trees. The creek's crystal clear waters are cool and refreshing on hot summer days.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.
The well-known town of Sedona is popular for its red rock vistas, resorts and shopping. Slide Rock State Park is a great local spot for swimming and only a few minutes away. Campers can also explore the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, which boasts a spectacular variety of scenery and outdoor activities.
$26 / night
Dispersed camping has increased throughout the Flagstaff wildland urban interface in the past several years. In many areas, this has caused resource impacts such as soil compaction and erosion, loss of vegetation, increased fire risk, displacement of wildlife, and accumulation of trash and human waste. To help prevent unacceptable resource damage, disturbance to wildlife and reduce fire risk from dispersed camping, the Forest Service has designated 14 campsites along the Freidlein Prairie road for dispersed camping. Camping and campfires are allowed only at designated sites along Freidlein Prairie Road. There is a map in the area showing site locations. All designated campsites along Freidlein Prairie (FR 522) are located on the south side of the road, with the exception of campsite #1 and #3. Signs have been placed along the road when entering and leaving the designated camping area. The designated campsites are marked with a brown vertical fiberglass post with a site number and a "Designated Campsite" decal. Each designated dispersed campsite has a place to park, fire ring, a place for a tent and no fees. Once you have found a designated site you will find another fiberglass sign that reads "Camp within 50 feet of this post to reduce impact to forest vegetation. Please take all of your trash with you and leave only one fire ring." The east end of Freidlein Prairie Road (approximately 1.5 miles) has a seasonal camping closure for campsites 10 through 14. This seasonal camping closure means campsites 10 through14 will be closed to camping from March 1 to August 31 to reduce disturbance to Mexican spotted owls during the breeding season. This area has traditionally been used by Mexican spotted owls for nesting and a pair of owls are being impacted by increased recreational use and are failing to reproduce. Most sites cannot accommodate RV. Seasonal closures or fire restrictions/closures may be in place. During both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, campfires are prohibited at this site. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed.
This primitive campground offers a scenic view of the San Francisco Peaks and dry camping in the cool aspen trees that surround Lockett Meadow. This is a terrific campground for those who cherish a real mountain camping experience and love to hike wilderness trails. You may catch a glimpse of the natural residents, porcupine or elk or thrill to the song of a hermit thrush that sings his best here. Even black bear have been known to stroll right through groups of picnickers without as much as a glance at their lunches.The San Francisco Peaks are actually the remains of an extinct volcano, which mllions of years ago shattered and reshaped these great peaks, forming four of the highest individual peaks in Arizona and is home to the only region of tundra in Arizona. Inside the now quiet caldera a lush alpine environment has blurred evidence of that cataclysmic event.The Inner Basin Trail that leads into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. Starting at this island of emerald, which is ringed with quaking aspen stands and majestic high peaks, it leads into the mountains now quiet Inner Basin. The spring and summer wild flowers add a sprinkling of blue, red and yellow to the peaceful scene. While fall turns the extensive stands of aspen, which cover the steep slopes of the caldera, to solid gold, Winter avalanche tracks streak down the talus slopes exposing remnants of old lava flows which bear witness to the mountains turbulent heritage.__Hover mouse over photo to display slideshow controls. View album on Flicker
While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=54884&actid;=34 Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District. Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. Where can I have a campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions?
There is no better place to escape the well-known Arizona summer heat than Flagstaff. Visit the Arizona Nordic Village in summer and get your fill of wildlife, wildflowers, monsoon, and green! During the summer trails are open for hiking, biking, horse riding, wildlife viewing, and so much more. The Arizona Nordic Village is also the perfect location to hold a rustic outdoor wedding, business retreat, race, etc. Visit the Arizona Nordic Village website for detailed information, lodging reservations, and event bookings. Visit Arizona Nordic Village in the Winter for more about winter sports and activities during the winter season. SUMMER ACTIVITIES Hiking Horseback Riding Picnicking Visitor Center Wildlife Viewing Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight
Dispersed Camping Guidelines: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/home/?cid=stelprdb5313448
Scout
LoLoMai is our go-to campground. It has an ideal 2h drive distance, is nestled into the oak creek canyon, and secluded from the road. Kids can roam freely. From sitting in the creek during the summer heat, to exploring the nearby wineries, venturing to the parks, or just sitting by the fire enjoying the cicadas sing, there is something nice for every day. The mix of full hookups, cabins and tent camping allows for every style that you might prefer.
Legend
I've parked my van as well as my skoolie out there many times over 5 years. It is under the canopy of the trees, very popular place so it gets crazy crowded. Think off grid intentional community. Is your are into herbal medicine, usnea grows here in mass. Mushrooms, yarrow herb. It is usually quiet at night, busy in the day. The road through there is a direct route from Belmont to flag, so expect that traffic. Also they shut down the interstate, this road actually becomes the route to flag. Everything from sheriff to semi trucks will drive it, and not slow! But tons of space in the forest.
Legend
I've parked my 36 foot skoolie out on the Kaibab plateau here for 2 years now. The most incredible peace I've found near Flagstaff. If you want quiet, wilderness, peace and natural beauty, this is the place. The further back you go, the better it gets, although the road sucks, my skoolie and Honda Van navigate it slowly.
Scout
Rock quarry right next to the site is great for shooting some rounds. There’s a mini lake next to the spot as well. Beautiful area.
Guide
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.
Traveler
Spent a few days here last Spring and loved it. The sites were decent. I was lucky to have one with a view but overall the site was decent. There are quite a few campgrounds and a couple were up the mountain slightly. Def suggest checking those campgrounds out - not much shade in those areas. The Quail campground had ample shade. Nearby towns - Cottonwood, Jerome - have lots of shopping, dining options. Sedona is also not a far drive and beautiful. Definitely recommend staying in this area if not at Dead Horse.
Scout
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 because you don’t want to drive out to hwy 17 like we did you will be met with a side by side trail. It is not a road. We barely made it in a 2025 Subaru Outback wilderness. If you have 4x4 and a solid 12 inches of ground clearance then go for it cause it is fun but damn. We took hwy 17 the rest of the days we camped here and it was a breeze. Beautiful views!
Scout
We only stayed 2 nights. Spot E2 was a bit tight to back up into, needing to weave in-between obstacles. 220 power wasn't working, but maintenance was out here immediately and fixed it. Was here in winter, with showers and bathrooms closed, so never saw them.
TravelerOutstanding one night stay at the DHR Cabins. The family had an awesome stay. Cabins right on the river, quiet and spread out enough. Walked and fished the river, so peaceful. Cleanest bathrooms I have ever been to at a campsite. Would suggest this to anyone, had a blast!
Guide
We came in after dark and still easily found the sites. We quickly got settled for the night. Our dog was excited to be able to get out and stretch her legs after spending two days in Death Valley.
Guide
Decent dispersed spot, the road in is old asphalt with some big dips and holes but mostly avoidable. Bunch of rocks sticking up in the dirt as you drive around the loop of the campsite but my truck was fine. Stayed here a couple times, first time was almost a week and second time was a few days. Can hear a little bit of highway noise but mostly white noise which I did not mind.
ScoutThe 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. Around dusk, I saw a guy come in from 17 and start dropping down towards town. He had Honda Goldwing strapped in the bed of his pickup. He made it a few hundred yards down and decided to go back the way he came.
Ranger
This place is huge! Nestled in the red rock country of Arizona, this Thousand Trails campground offers a scenic and tranquil escape. The sites are well-spaced, and the amenities include a pool, hot tub, 2 dog parks, hiking trails, river access and clubhouse. Its proximity to Sedona, Jerome and local wineries makes it an excellent choice for those seeking relaxation and exploration.
Guide
Perfect for stargazing, camping, or parking your RV. Enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets in a peaceful, off-grid setting.
Guide
This was not an easy place to find. We came through Jerome and took 89A S all the way through. If you get to Potatoe Patch campground you are very close, but make a left off 89A South to get to these spots instead of a right (where the fee site Potatoe Patch campground was closed)
Guide
Very nice spot. A little rocky, but the view was fantastic. Very remote and quiet with a beautiful dark night sky. Roads are a little rough getting up but we did ok with our rig.
Scout
Overcrowding has ruined this place. 95 percent of all spots were closed off for camping, and the few spots that were available had multiple ppl in them. Would not recommend
Guide
At the start of the road there are a couple of large areas where there were multiple vans parked but we kept going further down until we found a spot on our own. It was flat and we had a nice quiet night.
Guide
Plenty of sites up this road although not all level. Surrounded by trees. Some traffic up and down the road but that settled by evening. We couldn’t hear the highway. Recommended.
Ranger
I stay here for 3 days while visiting meteor crater. There is a constant background of traffic on I-40 but for the most part it's pretty eventless. Not only is this a ghost town but is a ghost RV park as well. I visited the nearby death caves. Very interesting.
Traveler
The area is beautiful Forrest not far off the highway. We drove well past the initial sites and found a pretty quiet spot with neighbors barely visible. The site nearest was full of trash left behind and processed by wildlife. So sad! The road had some pretty big mud puddles along the way, but were passable. There were some pretty big rigs that made it through. I could hear trains in the distance the whole time through Williams or going to the Grand Canyon. Cell service was good for T-Mobile. Level and spacious sites are easy to find. Beautiful place!
Guide
We recently spent 4 nights here, along with about 10-15 other camping vehicles, ranging from a Toyota Camry to 5th wheels and horse trailers. Easy access for our 39ft class A and toad, but it was busy around 2pm when we arrived and filled up even more afterward. Every day a few spots opened up by 10/11a but filled by 5p. There were a couple of port-a-potties, if needed. The camping site is actually bumpier than the gravel road coming in. Not much noise, considering proximity to highway and other campers, surprisingly.
ScoutThis spot was great to stop for the night. It’s close enough to I-40 to be viable for a quick night, but far enough to be quiet. We don’t see anyone. The road was washboards, so getting to it was slow. Other then that it was great
TravelerThis exact campsite is in a nice area, but right across the street from a rock/sand mine of some sort
GuideCamping is only allowed in the big designated campsites, which is not what I thought driving in. It took a bit to find a spot because there are “no camping signs” all over. Once we found a good spot tho, it was awesome. There was a lovely backdrop of the mountains and portapotties.
Scout
Great area to camp. Lots of roomy campsites and close to groceries.
Scout10-21-2024 Went to site. No camping signs now posted. Road is now a designated OHV trail known as "Outlaw OHV Trail".
Tent camping near Flagstaff, Arizona offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Flagstaff, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Flagstaff, AZ is FR 222 Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.
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