Best Campgrounds near Lake Montezuma, AZ

Dispersed camping options abound in the vicinity of Lake Montezuma, Arizona, with several established and primitive sites scattered throughout nearby National Forest land. FR121 Dispersed Camping, Montezuma Well USFS Dispersed, and Forest Road 689 provide free camping opportunities within easy driving distance. Dead Horse Ranch State Park and Verde Ranch RV Resort offer more developed alternatives for those seeking amenities like hookups and facilities. The area features a mix of accommodations including tent sites, RV parks with full hookups, and cabin rentals at locations like Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort and Verde River RV Resort.

Road conditions vary significantly across the region's dispersed camping areas, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles for comfortable access. Forest Roads 618, 689, and 121 all feature unpaved, sometimes rutted surfaces that may become challenging after rain. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions. Most dispersed sites have 14-day stay limits and require visitors to pack out all waste. Cell service remains spotty throughout much of the public land surrounding Lake Montezuma. A camper at Montezuma Well USFS Dispersed noted, "There are lots of established spots on the forest lands in this area, but nothing that we could reach in our 26ft motorhome. Easy access from the road, but watch for ruts from water runoff."

Campers consistently praise the area's scenic vistas and stargazing opportunities, particularly from elevated dispersed sites. Several forest road camping areas provide expansive views of surrounding terrain, with FR618 receiving positive reviews for its proximity to both Fossil Creek and Wet Beaver Creek trails. Dispersed sites tend to offer more privacy but minimal shade, which becomes critical during summer months. Reviewers frequently mention the need for shade structures or proper timing to avoid intense heat. Noise levels remain generally low, though sites near major roads experience intermittent traffic. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "If you want to get away to a site that is fairly secluded but still be near the trappings of town, go here. Also, visit Sedona while you're here." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, particularly at sites near water sources.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Montezuma, Arizona (343)

    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

    22 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

2152 Reviews of 343 Lake Montezuma Campgrounds


  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    So Worth it!

    I rented a camper van for my desert road trip with my daughter, and read about this spot on Dyrt, the pictures look breathtaking and I really want to try and get here to see it for myself. I greatly underestimated how long it would take to get here as the road was terrible, mostly because it was severely washboard nearly all the way and there were several large “puddles” we needed to navigate around and some muddy spots that made me nervous because we didn’t have any service most of the way if we got stuck. I highly recommend taking a vehicle with good suspension and higher clearance just because it was very bumpy. We didn’t arrive until nearly 10pm, so what looked like an hour drive in my maps, took nearly 2.5hrs.

    Hoping and praying the whole time that I didn’t make a bad decision, and that it would be worth all the trouble, we found the dispersed camping sites and after winding down and enjoying the amazing stars because the light pollution was nearly nonexistent, we went to bed.

    I woke up just as the sun began to rise, and walked toward where I thought the cliff was, passed through some bushes and lo and behold.. a breathtaking view from atop a Canyon at “The Edge of the World” East Pocket, as the sun illuminated the Sedona valley below me… it was so worth “the trouble” 1000 times over! 🥹 The journey, the stars, the view, the canyon at nearly 8,000 ft.. this was my most memorable and favorite part of our road trip.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Windmill Camp

    Nice place for a night or two

    I got here around 9pm on a Tuesday evening and it was somewhat full. Pulled into a "spot" and everything was good. I was surprised at how quiet it was. Not a creature was stirring except some crickets. This is just a circle of dirt with a couple of porta-potties. It's not very level, so try and find a level spot if you can. Some beautiful views. Great hiking opportunities. There were some dump trucks that came through the main road around 7 am and I'm sure that is what woke everyone up. There are a couple of trees around the site, but none in the site.

    The only reason I gave 4 stars is because no campfires are allowed. Personally doesn't matter to me, but some people are big on campfires. The porta johns were clean. The entire campsite is trash free! No other services. Any car can access the site and there is space for large RVs.

    Very conveniently located between Cottonwood and Sedona. Visit Belfry Brewing in Cottonwood and get the Ruben it's amazing!

  • Greg H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Forest Road 104, near Mingus Mtn, AZ

    Several spots along this Forest Road

    Was going to head deeper along the road but came across this spot a little hidden back among the trees. All the spots are close to the road but this was set back about 50 yards. You can get something as big as a "skoolie" if you finesse a bit. there is a couple of fire rings. So you could easily get a couple of vans back there.

  • Greg H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Soda Springs Road

    Red Clay but wide open next to the canyon

    Drove up here from Jerome AZ, plenty of spaces and you are next to Beaver Creek Canyon.. If you are willing you can set up about 40 feet from the edge. If it has been raining the road can be a bit of a challenge but I made it in an SUV just fine. Not many there on a Sunday evening but you can easily get a trailer in, plenty of fire rings. Spotty cell coverage. Truly roughing it car camping.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Flagstaff KOA

    Beautiful setting in the pines

    This KOA feels more like a National Forest Service site but with the added perks of electric hook-up and hot showers! Yes, the entry driveway and roads are narrow, but for our class B they were fine. We were greeted warmly by the young staff and given the low-down, including access to hiking trails and biking trails right from the location. The campground is fairly empty on October 16 so doesn’t feel crowded. The laundry is $3 wash, $2 dry - about what I’m used to paying. And the machines take credit cards! Yay! The bathrooms are a tad dated, but clean and adequate. We would definitely stay here again.

  • Brooke C.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Surprise, West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    Not good for tent camping

    Just looked like parking lots packed full with rvs and trucks. Not recommended if you are looking for somewhere scenic to relax with your family. We turned around and found some first come first served camping at Pine Flat

  • Stacia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

    Loved this place — The town is beautiful too

    This was a great stop on our trip. Great RV park in a cute little town. We loved staying here. Showers were great, laundry was cheap and you get access to the hotels pool and spa!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Easy off/on I-17 dispersed camping

    Easy on and off. Road is well packed and in good condition with a few smaller ruts, but not bad. Nice views. There is some road noise from the interstate on the closer areas. Nice night sky.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    169 BLM Camp

    Nice spot easy off 17!

    BLM site is only a mile off I-17. Great night sky! Typical dispersed type site. Road was actually pretty decent to drive on for my small SUV. A tiny bit of road noise, but not much (and I didn’t go far in).


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.