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
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
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.
Guide
I 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.
Scout
This 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.
ScoutA great spot to stay with options for tents or RVs. The bathrooms are easily accessible from all areas, and water is available near the sites. A few things to note: if the host isn’t present when you arrive, you might need to wait until they’re free to complete your check-in. A ranger was inviting guests to a morning session, but my family wasn’t included, which upset my youngest. Lastly, there’s a coyote that roams the campground and has been known to attack, so stay alert.
ScoutA pleasant place to stay, offering both tent and RV spots. The bathrooms are conveniently close to all the sites, and there’s water available nearby. A few things to keep in mind: if the host isn’t around when you arrive, you may need to wait until they’re done to complete your check-in. Additionally, a park ranger was inviting guests to a morning talk, but for some reason, they didn’t invite my family, which upset my youngest child. Lastly, be cautious—there’s a coyote that’s been seen around the campsite and has attacked people before.
Scout10-21-2024 Went to site. No camping signs now posted. Road is now a designated OHV trail known as "Outlaw OHV Trail".
Scout
We camped there for several days in Oct.2024. Road was rough but solid. Most any size rig could access this site. Good Verizon signal. Our biggest disappointment was the red dust. It got into all our rigs and is a mess to clean up. Overall it's a good site.
Traveler
Our experience at this campsite near Sedona was amazing! The host was great help making sure we were settled in for the night. The camping spots were clean, well-spaced, and surrounded by stunning scenery. One of the highlights was the nearby creek, which was perfect for unwinding and added a peaceful ambiance to the whole experience. A great place for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the area!
Guide
The peace and quiet and beauty of this place far outweighs the drive in from the 40. I have a 29’ motorhome with low ground clearance and I made it just fine.
Legend
Located inside the NP and close to the south rim made for place to spend 5 days. Checking in was ok, the guy checking us in appeared to be a bit stressed when 4 RV's wanted to check in at once. He did a great job of getting our group of three together. Utilities were well placed and trash cans we close by. Rode our bikes from the park to the various places on the south rims. I would put this on the list of the places I would come back to.
Scout
Easy to find. The roads arnt too bad, there’s definitely some rocky spots but I have an SUV that does not have 4x4 and it did just fine. Not too busy of campers/ day users. Only reason for 4 stars is you can kinda hear the freeway. (From where I stayed)
Scout
Large trucks speeding down the gravel road kicking up large plumes of dust. Rager in the woods playing music until 1am and then again early in the morning. This used to be a great spot where people were chill and the area was quiet.
Guide
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Scout
I left my camera at home, so I used my Android phone to snap some pictures and edited them in the PS CC app. The results turned out amazing!
GuideAs I came in there seemed to be allot of fellow campers, but the further back I drove the less people I came across. Until I came to a spot with no other campers around. I was looking for peace and quiet and found exactly that. Beautiful view and plenty of open space. I will definitely return.
Traveler
I’ve been in some pretty bad roads for dispersed camping but this one takes the cake. These are by far the worst roads and not well marked spots for camping.
GuideThe park is wonderful got to see it. The camping spot are worn out in here section I was in some other of the others are real nice
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 30 tent camping locations near Kaibab National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
