Best Campgrounds near Lake Montezuma, AZ

Searching for the best camping near Lake Montezuma, AZ? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Lake Montezuma. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lake Montezuma. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Montezuma, Arizona (339)

    1. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Cottonwood, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 634-5283

    $25 - $70 / night

    "Dead Horse Ranch is a beautiful Arizona state park."

    "The forest was closed in Northern Arizona so I decided to camp out at Dead Horse Ranch SP.  I was pretty pleased overall with my trip. "

    2. West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    72 Reviews
    Coconino National Forest Recreation, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "The best dispersed camping options in Sedona Arizona! There are many options off of the main road."

    "My friend from Maryland came to visit me here in Arizona, I told him we had to go to Sedona so we decided to camp, I heard about forest road 525 and it exceeded my expectations, never saw more stars in"

    3. Verde Ranch RV Resort

    28 Reviews
    Camp Verde, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 567-7126

    $45 - $85 / night

    "Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons: 

    Pros: 

    Resort-Style Amenities: This resort boasts impressive amenities, including a sparkling pool, a well-equipped rec room, close proximity to sightseeing"

    "But what made our stay here awesome was the proximity to everything. Hiking, backpacking, off roading, and of course access to all the cool places in Flagstaff and Sedona."

    4. Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort

    41 Reviews
    Cornville, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 634-4700

    $59 - $150 / night

    "We stayed here in June which is a hot time to camp in Arizona. This campground has Oak Creek running through it which is a great place to cool off."

    "Lo Lo Mai Springs has scores of beautiful shaded RV sites, many near the creek beneath the branches of ancient cottonwoods and soaring sycamores."

    5. Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site

    21 Reviews
    Rimrock, AZ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "Only need 4 x 4 if you go off trail. Lots of biting bugs at night."

    "Great area we camped here for a night not too far away from road or gas station, still had phone service but had great views and a nice layout for our camp. We only had two cars but can fit more."

    6. Thousand Trails Verde Valley

    24 Reviews
    Cornville, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Nestled in the red rock country of Arizona, this Thousand Trails campground offers a scenic and tranquil escape."

    "This is part of the Encore/Thousand Trails network (although anyone can use it).  They do offer a 20% military discount."

    7. Rancho Sedona RV Park

    40 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 282-7255

    $42 - $84 / night

    "Compared to another campground close by that is a little less but we had double the space and trees and a creek behind us. They’re very busy and we were only able to get two nights."

    "Sites a little close to each other. Grounds were surrounded by nature and close by main Sedona street. Check in after hours were smooth."

    8. FR689 Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Rimrock, AZ
    5 miles
    Website

    "I found a spot at the end of the trail next to a gated fence. Nice location, nice firepit, very quite. If windy, definitely gets dusty, cover your stuff. No trees, no shade, but still nice."

    "It is close to the highway (convenient if you’re arriving late), but far enough to be isolated from the noise."

    9. Verde River RV Resort & Cottages

    12 Reviews
    Camp Verde, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 202-3409

    "Which is OK in the Arizona winter, but not when it is still hot.

    We were here when it as really slow, not sure what it will like when the campground is full."

    "There are lots of trees and it’s a great park to walk around. At the back you have the River you can walk around and you are surrounded with mountain views."

    10. Zane Grey RV Village

    12 Reviews
    Camp Verde, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 567-4320

    $60 - $75 / night

    "Shady, lots of trees, pristine condition of all facilities including dog park, walking trail next to the creek, and large enough sites for our 42' rig. There was live music on night!"

    "If you want a shady site in a cooler location, this is it. The temperature was consistently 5 degrees below the towns of Camp Verde and Cottonwood."

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Recent Reviews near Lake Montezuma, AZ

2111 Reviews of 339 Lake Montezuma Campgrounds


  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

    Peaceful area within the trees

    1st loop of designated camp sites (24 in total) was easy to get to a site. Clearly marked with fire pits. Highway noise in the distance but not a issue. Peaceful area within the large trees.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam

    Great wild camping

    Plenty of spots to set up, road in isn't very manageable. Cell service was great too. Very pretty site to camp.

  • Jared M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Mayer dispersed camping

    Little to no service but peaceful

    No service for boobdocking but nice veiw and quit

  • Corinne J.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites

    Enchanted forest trail campsites

    I would not bring a travel trailer or larger rv in but tent or van camping spots. Nice trees and trails. Verizon is doable even with the tall pines. Quiet considering the closeness of the campsites

  • Michael Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Point of Rocks RV Campground

    Great lil quiet place

    Great place, with laundry and clean restrooms. Would definitely stay again..

  • Angela A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Winona Dispersed Camping

    Plenty of spots

    I arrived after dark and there were several pullout spots. I chose to just park behind the trees which allowed privacy, but i could have followed the forrest road further in. There was a camper made rock fire pit. The area is packed rock and flat . I was just car camping but i feel i could have easily pulled my 24 ft rv as well and had plenty of room to turn around. I can hear distand traffic from I40 but not a single car came down this road. I would definitely come back here.

  • Nina M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Canyon Vista Campground

    Beautiful and spacious spots!

    Super nice host, spots were well spaced. Vault toilets were well kept, I will saw that the Dyrt app has the cost as $22, but we paid $30 so the price must have increased recently. However, cost is worth it :)

  • Sonja T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    FS Road 219 Mormon Lake

    Great dispersed campsite right outside of Mormon Lake Village

    This is a hidden gem right as you enter Mormon Lake Village. Even though it is free dispersed with no amenities, The Mormon Lake General store is within a short walk. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday offering essentials, fuel and water. As of 9/1/25 price is 20 cents a gallon. Cash is NOT accepted so have debit or credit ready. There are about 4 large sites right at the entrance and several more smaller ones further in. Once pass the cattle guard on FS219 the road gets rough. Passable if you take it easy with most sturdy vehicles. Our Hyundai Santa Cruz made it in and out about a mile in.

    The site is quiet on most days, but holidays can be pretty full and noisy.

    Our site was full of trash, wweended up collecting a full contractors bag in addition to our own garage.

    The town and the locals are friendly and helpful.

    Keep in mind Mormon Lake Lodge closes November 1st, not sure if FS219 closes as well. There is a large barrier gate at the entrance so it is possible that the site closes as well.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

    Amazing spot!

    What a great dispersed camp site! Do not pull of at the first site. Keep driving along the rim and you’ll find the perfect spot for you with an amazing view.


Guide to Lake Montezuma

Camping near Lake Montezuma, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique vibe.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground rave about the "lots of great trails for hiking in the park," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, the lakes around Lake Montezuma provide great opportunities. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful views of the lake, plenty to do," highlighting the recreational options available.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers have spotted "wild burros in the park," adding a unique touch to the outdoor experience.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers," which is a big plus for families.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts can make a big difference. One camper shared, "Camp hosts are friendly and responsive," at Cave Springs, making the stay more enjoyable.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review from Houston Mesa Campground mentioned, "We love the ample space at each campsite," which is great for families and groups.

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Flagstaff KOA mentioned, "Laundry was not in service. Internet was not usable," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy. One visitor at Cave Springs said, "Packed in like sardines," so consider visiting during the week for a quieter experience.
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds offer showers. A reviewer at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground pointed out, "No hot water in bathrooms. No showers," which is something to keep in mind.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids. One family at Houston Mesa Campground enjoyed the "proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails," making it a fun spot for children.
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds can be crowded, having games or outdoor activities can keep kids entertained. A camper at Cave Springs mentioned, "The kids' favorite part was the soft sand base for the site," which is perfect for play.
  • Plan for Meals: Cooking can be a fun family activity. Campers at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort enjoyed the "nice river runs through the campground for swimming in the summer," making it a great spot for picnics.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Flagstaff KOA noted, "Roads were a little tight," so be cautious when maneuvering.
  • Use Your Own Facilities: If your RV has a shower, it might be worth using it. A camper at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground mentioned, "Most people with RV's use their own showers," due to limited options.
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A visitor at White Spar Campground said, "Quite a bit of highway noise," so consider this when choosing your spot.

Camping near Lake Montezuma, Arizona, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots in Lake Montezuma, Arizona?

While Lake Montezuma itself has limited camping, the surrounding Verde Valley offers excellent options. Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping provides free primitive sites with beautiful views, accessible via I-17 with standard vehicles. For those seeking facilities, Verde Ranch RV Resort in nearby Camp Verde offers resort-style amenities including a pool and recreation center. Both locations provide convenient access to Lake Montezuma while serving as excellent base camps for exploring Sedona and the Verde Valley area.

Is there a campground with facilities at Montezuma Lake?

There isn't a developed campground directly at Lake Montezuma itself, but nearby options with facilities include Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort, which features Oak Creek access, mature shade trees, and developed amenities—perfect for summer camping. Another excellent option is Pinegrove Campground, which offers spacious sites with level paved parking pads, fire pits, picnic tables, flush toilets, and pay showers. Campsites are nicely spaced with flat tent areas and convenient access to drinking water.

What lodging options are available near Lake Montezuma for non-campers?

Non-campers visiting Lake Montezuma have several comfortable lodging alternatives. Pine Flat Campground West offers a middle ground between camping and lodging with its accessible facilities in a heavily wooded setting near Oak Creek. For those wanting full amenities, Verde River RV Resort & Cottages provides rental cottages in Camp Verde with all the comforts of home. The broader area also features numerous bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and hotels in Camp Verde and Sedona, allowing visitors to enjoy Lake Montezuma's natural beauty while returning to comfortable accommodations.