Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Kaibab National Forest? Find the best information on tent camping near Kaibab National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Kaibab National Forest, Arizona's most popular destinations.
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
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
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.
$26 / night
On a road trip? Heading to the GC? Retreating? Looking for a place to park for the night? You’ve found the spot!
Located in Valle Arizona. About 32 minutes from the Grand Canyon ( w/no traffic).About 5 minutes to the main road. About 8 minutes to the gas station subsequently to local coffee shop/s, etc.
Camping Area: Raw land with continues improvements.
Dirt Roads: SUV’s, Trucks, 4 wheeler, ATVs etc. are preferable to get to the site. . Due to the unpaved roads, passing the main roads (180 & 64). All roads are dirt with hard surfaces , making it unsuitable for your day to day city life car. Please be aware.
$10 - $25 / night
Located on 10 off-grid acres near the Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon Glamping invites you to be immersed in the serene landscape of our Northern Arizona property. This is the native land of the Hualapai, Havasupai, Hopi, and Dine people.
Awarded "Best Hipcamp in Arizona" by Outside Magazine!
On our mostly untouched hillside you can disconnect from the day-to-day hustle, see local wildlife, lie back in a hammock, and have the chance to interact with the land in its unaltered form.
Our entire setup is done in a way to be as sustainable as possible. Most items are built from up-cycled wood and we tried to limit the use of concrete and plastics. The goal was for you to feel like you are comfortably part of the natural environment. Please respect the land and it will take care of you! We respectfully ask that you try your best not to use single-use plastic during your stay with us. We really need to change our habits in order to save the earth! We have reusable metal water bottles for sale if you need them.
We started in 2019 with a piece of untouched, hilly land, and created a natural sanctuary for mindful retreats. We now have 3 glamping yurts open half the year, a tiny A-frame cabin which is open year round, a yoga deck, a sauna and cold tub, composting bathrooms and open-air hot showers, a picnic area, and more projects in the works. You're welcome to walk around exploring to see what animals you might see! We also offer 4-day yoga retreats which run most weekends from Friday through Monday. Yoga classes, guided hikes, Reiki, massage, or sauna use are available as add-ons for any guests!
Glamping is a great option for first-time campers since you don't have to buy or bring any gear! Our yurts and tiny cabin are fully furnished with comfortable beds, solar power, lights, and lots of extra blankets for those chilly mountain nights! Some listings come with a camp stove and cooking gear, or you can ask about adding on Chef Zach's famous vegetarian breakfast!
Please realize that this is an off-grid experience in nature. You will encounter nature and things that come with nature like insects, weather, etc. We don't have enough power for you to use things like hair dryers or curling irons on our system. If you consider yourself "high maintenance" please stay somewhere else.
$45 - $135 / night
Guide
Full hook up right by Grand Canyon. Free shuttle buses every 15 mins to the rim and various visitors centers. $85 a night in January a nit steep!
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.
ScoutEasy access with class C camper. 2 bars with Verizon. Site was very quiet.
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.
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.
Guide
Perfect for stargazing, camping, or parking your RV. Enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets in a peaceful, off-grid setting.
Guide
Fantastic little fire ring and plenty of pine needles around for easy kindling. 10/10
Scout
Fantastic spot for camping. We went in late November so pretty cold but nothing a camp fire can’t fix. Great open space. Easy access for my 4Runner. Would recommend this camping spot.
GuideYou turn off for this site in the Grand Canyon national park. The road then takes you just off the national park onto national forest land - make sure you go through the gates and see the forest signs. Room in the trees for a few vehicles, it was just us for the night and silently quiet.
ScoutEasy to find, many spots. Quiet overall. Easy access.
Scout
recently visited Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park, and I had an amazing experience! This campground is the perfect place to stay if you're looking to explore the Grand Canyon. It’s very close to the South Rim, so getting to the viewpoints and trails is super easy. The campground itself is spacious and surrounded by beautiful trees, which gives it a peaceful and relaxing vibe. There are picnic tables at each site, and I loved having a fire ring to enjoy a cozy campfire in the evenings. The restrooms were clean, and there’s fresh water available, which made things very convenient. I also appreciated how easy it was to make a reservation ahead of time. Since Mather Campground can get busy, especially during peak seasons, booking early is a great idea. It was nice knowing I had a spot waiting for me when I arrived. Although it can get a little crowded during the busy months, the atmosphere was still calm, and I met some friendly fellow campers. I would definitely recommend Mather Campground to anyone visiting the Grand Canyon. It’s a great place to stay, and the location couldn’t be better for accessing the park’s attractions. I'll definitely return on my next trip!
GuideThis site was just inside the Kaibab National Forest. Beautiful trees, nice dark sky with a million stars and a stones throw to the south rim. Would highly recommend.
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
didnt like it when pulling in but after spending the night ive changed my mind. The showers are good size and clean. The floors by the showers were warmed so that was nice. pool is empty and no jacuzzi. I would stay again.
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
Ranger
Spent two nights here. 10/10 spot. Close to Grand Canyon south rim and town. I would get groceries and gas before coming here as it was quite expensive at 4.99/gal for diesel on 11/2
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.
GuideI was uncertain if this was a legitimate site or not, as we seemed to be on National Park land, but once you turn off onto Coconino Rim road, and pass the cattle grid you are on Forest land. So all good! Lots of space on flat land.
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!
RangerI stayed at the top of the first Hill on the left near the information station. T-Mobile cell service is decent. You're far enough away from the road to not hear traffic noise however the helicopters go by from 8:00 a.m. until about 8:00 p.m.. they come by about every half hour. Being that it's the beginning of the road 302 you do get a little bit of cars driving for further spots. All in all great little 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
Traveler
This 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.
Scout
A nice place to stay with tent and RV options. Bathrooms are close, and there’s water near the sites. Just a few things: if the host isn't around when you arrive, you might have to wait to check in. A ranger was inviting guests to a morning talk, but my family wasn’t included, which made my youngest upset. Also, be careful of a coyote that’s been seen around the campsite and has attacked people before.
Tent camping near Kaibab National Forest in Arizona offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kaibab National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kaibab National Forest is Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kaibab National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Kaibab National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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