Best Tent Camping near Flagstaff, AZ

Dispersed tent camping opportunities surround Flagstaff, Arizona in the Coconino National Forest, with numerous free primitive sites along forest roads. FR 222 Dispersed and Edge of the World (East Pocket) offer popular tent campsites within 15-20 minutes of town, while established options like Manzanita Campground provide more amenities for tent campers seeking designated sites with facilities.

Most primitive tent areas around Flagstaff require campers to be self-sufficient, as these sites typically lack water, toilets, and trash service. Forest roads accessing tent camping areas vary significantly in quality, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles while others remain accessible to standard cars. A camper noted, "Roads weren't as bad as mentioned here or on Google Reviews. We scanned the entire place on my Honda Accord sedan just fine. Just go slow and be mindful of the terrain for rocks and bumps." Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and many sites feature pre-existing stone fire rings. Designated dispersed areas like Freidlein Prairie have specific tent pads rather than allowing camping anywhere.

Tent campers in the Flagstaff area experience significant temperature variations, with cool nights even during summer months due to the 7,000+ foot elevation. Walk-in tent sites at Lockett Meadow Campground (open May to October) provide more secluded experiences than roadside camping. The forest setting offers welcome shade for summer tent camping, though sites closer to highways may experience traffic noise. One visitor to FR 222 Dispersed camping shared, "Picturesque forest boondocking not far from Flagstaff off of highway 180. Plenty of 'campsites' with existing fire rings and places to park and set up a tent." Wildlife sightings are common, including deer and coyotes, with some areas reporting bear activity, making proper food storage essential for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Flagstaff, Arizona (28)

    1. FR 222 Dispersed

    35 Reviews
    Bellemont, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Picturesque forest boondocking not far from Flagstaff off of highway 180. Turn onto Forest Road 222 and take the first road on the right."

    "Very upsetting to see most of the sites are littered with trash."

    2. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

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

    "The whole forest has tons of great spots, and it’s a great stop on the way to Sedona from Flagstaff."

    "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."

    3. Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Bellemont, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "This place was great, quiet, lots of space for our kids and dog to explore. The camping is in designated spots only which are really spaced out."

    "One of my first options in Flagstaff...now, don't share it or the crowds will come..."

    4. Manzanita Campground

    25 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    18 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."

    5. Lockett Meadow Campground

    12 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    12 miles
    Website

    "The aspens were beautiful and the campsites gave enough spacing for other campers. The meadow is decent, not too big. There is a trail to hike, which is free."

    "Great place to camp near the pay for sites but it’s near the road and a lot of the sites are on a slope."

    6. Forest Road 535

    5 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    12 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."

    "At the top of the mountain so pretty good signal and incredible views of the southeast Flagstaff forest. Would recommend this spot!"

    7. Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM

    7 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 526-0866

    "Just outside flagstaff. Ita much cooler at night than surrounding areas so a huge plus. Simple dirt road with some bumps and ruts but any 2wd car will be okay. The sites are spread out."

    "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."

    8. Coconino Forest Road 9125F

    7 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 526-0866

    "The road was primitive but in very good shape. Maybe about a 15 minute drive from Flagstaff. Park next to campsite. Fire ring available 😊😊 very pleased"

    "It was about 25° cooler than Phoenix and was gorgeous!"

    9. Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    14 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!"

    10. Arizona Nordic Village

    5 Reviews
    Bellemont, AZ
    16 miles
    Website

    "Arizona Nordic Village, previously known as Flagstaff Nordic Center, has a lodge, front country cabins and yurts (which are all within a few hundred feet of the lodge and nearby the highway), as well as"

    "It was quiet, especially considering it was NYE (no wild parties, noisy neighbors, etc) which was nice and what we were hoping for."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Flagstaff, AZ

1257 Reviews of 28 Flagstaff Campgrounds


  • Prayash T.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping

    Close to Flagstaff, decent camping.

    Roads weren’t as bad as mentioned here or on Google Reviews. We scanned the entire place on my Honda Accord sedan just fine. Just go slow and be mindful of the terrain for rocks and bumps. The spot itself is ok, try to find a site that moves away from the dirt road. You can hear the highway outside a bit as well so it’s not a full escape with lots of privacy. We could hear loud party music from the other sites. But for a 15 min drive from Flagstaff, it’s great!

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    FR 222 Dispersed

    Dispersed in the Forest

    Picturesque forest boondocking not far from Flagstaff off of highway 180. Turn onto Forest Road 222 and take the first road on the right. Plenty of "campsites" with existing fire rings and places to park and set up a tent.

    There were less than 10 groups in this entire area over Memorial Day Weekend.

    Got a little cold at night since it's at decent altitude.

    Would definitely stay here again

  • 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.

  • 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

  • A
    Jun. 27, 2019

    White Horse Lake Campground

    Great escape

    We camp here with a group and reserve the entire D loop. It is a great little campground with large campsites. Many sites have two tent pads. The park hosts are friendly and keep the vault toilets very clean. They don't smell like vault toilets at all. There's lots of shade, but not a lot of foliage between the sites for privacy. If you're looking for seclusion, this may not be the place for you. But it's definitely a quiet campground, and we enjoy our time here with friends. They have a little snack shack where you can but burgers and snacks, even giant snow cones. Bring a fishing pole and a kayak or raft to enjoy the lake. You can't swim in the lake, but our kids love catching frogs and crawdads. To get there, if you're coming from Flagstaff, don't take the exit before Williams like Google will try to take you. Those dirt roads are often flooded, especially during monsoon season where they are impassable. Go all the way into Williams and come in from that route. The roads are MUCH better.

  • M
    Jul. 8, 2016

    Cave Springs

    Excellent Location and Wonderful Staff!

    Location: The location of the campground is perfect for all of the Sedona activities. This campground is only a few miles from the popular Slide Rock State Park. It is also not too far from Flagstaff if you want to head further north to take in the lush pines of Northern Arizona. Campsites: The campsites were pretty good sized. They all come with a picnic table and fire ring. The campsites that are on the outside perimeter of the campground have more privacy than those on the inner loops. I wouldn't call them private though by any means. Campground Amenities: The Oak Canyon Creek flows through the campground which allows for fishing onsite. There is a large open area to play frisbee or catch. The bathhouse was clean, and costs $4 for a shower. The toilets are satellites. In the morning, these facilities are very busy. There is firewood for sale and a nice small store for necessities. Campground Staff: Everyone that I talked to was incredibly nice and kind. They were very helpful and knowledgable with recommendations on surround area activities.

    I will absolutely stay here again and I cannot wait for my next visit!

  • Carly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2018

    Pine Flat Campground West

    Peaceful, scenic wooded campsites outside of Sedona

    Pine Flat was a very pleasant camping experience just outside of Sedona. We stayed here for two nights in late April. The campground is just off 89A, so there is a bit of road noise (I didn't find it bothersome). There is a loop on each side of the road. We were in site 24, a nice large site along the creek. Sites were fairly close together, ours didn't have much privacy but there were some trees to hang hammocks from which was very relaxing. Campground was very quiet and clean. Toilets were pit toilets, but were very clean. Potable water is available. There are no showers here - coin showers are available at Cave Springs campground just down the road if needed. The camp hosts were very personable and helpful. Firewood was available to purchase at the campground for $7 a bundle. Site was $22 per night. Nice location, convenient for hiking and exploring the Sedona area and just a short distance from Flagstaff as well.

  • 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.


Guide to Flagstaff

Tent camping near Flagstaff, Arizona offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $18

  • Enjoy free camping at FR 222 Dispersed, where you can find numerous spots and trails to explore.
  • The Manzanita Campground charges an overnight fee of $18, providing a well-maintained site with access to a nearby creek.
  • For a budget-friendly option, Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping offers free camping, though it lacks amenities like drinking water and toilets.

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • Hike the scenic trails around Lockett Meadow Campground, famous for its autumn foliage and proximity to the inner basin trail.
  • Explore the beautiful landscapes near Coconino Forest Road 9125F, where you can enjoy quiet camping and access to various biking routes.
  • Visit the stunning Sunset Crater area, perfect for those looking to camp close to a national monument and enjoy the unique volcanic landscape.

Tips for tent camping near Flagstaff

  • Arrive early at FR 240 Dispersed Camping to secure a good spot, especially on busy weekends when many sites fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as noted by visitors at Arizona Nordic Village, where snow can occur even in the summer months.
  • Pack out all trash and be respectful of the environment, as emphasized by campers at Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed, ensuring these beautiful areas remain pristine for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping amenities are available at Flagstaff tent campgrounds?

Amenities vary widely across Flagstaff's tent campgrounds. Arizona Nordic Village offers a unique experience with yurts and cabins that provide more comfort than traditional tent camping, with some cabins being well-stocked with necessities. For a more traditional experience, Manzanita Campground features clean vault toilets, firewood for sale, and the beautiful ambiance of a creek running alongside campsites. Dispersed camping areas typically offer fire rings but few other amenities. Most sites require campers to bring their own water and pack out all waste. Cell service availability varies by location but is generally available at sites closer to Flagstaff.

What is the best time of year for tent camping in Flagstaff?

The prime tent camping season in Flagstaff runs from late spring through early fall (May to September), with summer being particularly popular. At 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff offers a cool mountain escape from Arizona's desert heat. Long Lake Dispersed Camping and other higher elevation sites can be especially refreshing during summer months. Memorial Day through Labor Day typically sees the most visitors, as noted at popular areas like Coconino Forest Road 9125F. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in July and August, and significantly cooler nights year-round. Winter camping is possible but requires cold-weather gear, and many forest roads become impassable with snow.

Where are the best tent camping sites in Flagstaff, Arizona?

Flagstaff offers excellent tent camping options for every preference. FR 222 Dispersed provides picturesque forest camping with existing fire rings and flat areas ideal for tents, all within 10 miles of town. The road is accessible without 4WD. For those seeking spectacular views, Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM offers cooler nighttime temperatures and mountain vistas. Most sites are accessible by 2WD vehicles despite some bumps and ruts. Other excellent options include Freidlein Prairie for easy access, Coconino Forest Road 9125F for proximity to town, and Edge of the World for secluded forest camping.