Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Montezuma, AZ

Dispersed camping opportunities near Lake Montezuma, Arizona include several free primitive sites on public lands. Forest Road 689 Dispersed Site and FR689 Dispersed Camping offer highly-rated free camping options with established fire rings and no facilities. These sites feature drive-in access suitable for various vehicle types, though narrow dirt roads require cautious navigation. According to camper reviews, FR689 provides "quiet, scenic" camping with enough space for privacy, making it a good base for visiting nearby attractions like Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

No amenities exist at these dispersed sites. Campers must bring all necessary water, as no drinking water is available. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply to all trash and waste. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier. Several campers noted that Verizon typically provides better coverage than T-Mobile in this region. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, so portable propane fire pits are recommended as alternatives to traditional campfires.

Road conditions to most sites require careful driving. While many dispersed areas are accessible to standard vehicles, high-clearance is beneficial and 4WD becomes necessary after rain. As one visitor reported, "If it has been raining heavily, ensure you have 4WD as roads can get muddy and slippery." The terrain is generally rocky, so tent campers should bring appropriate sleeping pads. Weather varies seasonally, with summer daytime temperatures reaching 75-85°F and nights cooling significantly. Winter camping is possible but prepare for near-freezing overnight temperatures. Always check current Forest Service regulations before your trip, as closures and fire restrictions change frequently.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Montezuma, Arizona (179)

    1. Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site

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

    "The location was very easy to get to off of the freeway but still had pretty views. There are two spots to park at within reason. It is not meant for anything larger than a camper van though."

    "It was the sweet easy spot to spend the night after a long day of hiking Sedona, easy access even when raining, we made breakfast chilled for a little while and then vi tibie our journey more hikes, heading"

    2. FR689 Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Rimrock, AZ
    5 miles
    Website

    "The drive, while do-able, is not necessarily preferable in something 20+ feet long. Narrow dirt road, closer to one lane than two, and no guard rails."

    "Felt very safe, always one or two other cars/trailers in the area, but plenty of trees to feel private. Existing fire pits were very nice! There is a 14 day maximum stay."

    3. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

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

    "Finding the area was slightly a challenge but the drive was more than worth it. We went with huge puddles and mud so I recommend a high clearance 4x4 vehicle for the drive up. Views were stunning"

    "High clearance vehicle recommended but I don’t feel it’s required. Saw some rogues and rav4s make it."

    4. Soda Springs Road

    6 Reviews
    Rimrock, AZ
    4 miles

    "No shade, no water, etc. but we weren't here to stay. Packed and back on the road by 9am.

    Probably not a great spot for multiple days, at least when the creek is dry (it was when we were there)"

    "The road is a little rocky but accessible by any vehicle. Hilly desert landscape. No shade, which is great for solar systems."

    5. FR618 Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Lake Montezuma, AZ
    4 miles
    Website

    "Dispersed camping along this road with a convenient location to Fossil Creek and Wet Beaver Creek trails.  The campsite was clean and had a fire ring, no facilities so pack out what you pack in!"

    "Good place to tent camp. Fire ring. Not too much traffic. Good views. No complaints."

    6. Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam

    20 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Lots of spots that had existing fire rings. I used my propane fire pit since there were fire restrictions. If you drive down Schnebly hill road there a plenty of sites."

    "The road from the I-17 entrance was well maintained and can be driven on with any vehicle. I had my Chevy trax (front wheel drive) and made it fine. There are plenty of pull off trails we explored."

    7. Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    18 miles
    Website

    "If you take this approach, a 4x4 with high clearance is a must. Bonus if you have some off-roading experience."

    "Just follow dirt road all the way down past the water tanks (it might feel wrong, but you’re going the right way!). Several spots with fire pits not far from the Schnebly vista point."

    8. Surprise, West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Coconino National Forest Recreation, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "No amenities but it was quiet. Hot air balloons and early morning adventurers made it fun."

    "There are a lot of off roading that goes on in the area but it stops before dusk."

    9. Montezuma Well USFS Dispersed

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

    "Good boondocking. Great location."

    10. Flower Pot USFS Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Camp Verde, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 567-4121

    "A couple of ATVs riding around as well.

    There's some hiking available on the various forest service roads. Be sure to close gates behind you as there are free roaming cattle all over."

    "PROS: close to the 17 and good Verizon service, peaceful setting, bright and gorgeous stars at night, lots of firewood to gather from surrounding juniper trees."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake Montezuma, AZ

795 Reviews of 179 Lake Montezuma Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Walnut Canyon USFS Dispersed Camping

    NO DISPERSED CAMPING ALLOWED!!!

    As of May 1, 2023 the Coconino National Forest Service has closed down many dispersed camping areas around the city of Flagstaff. This area is included in that. You can still drive off-road and explore during the day when the Walnut Canyon National Monument is open, but no camping and no camp fires are allowed.

  • Nolan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    Bear Canyon

    Bear Canyon campground and lake located off AZ260 north east of payson. Near Woods Canyon lake(larger and more accessible), and Knoll lake(smaller than Bear Canyon)

    Bear Canyon campground is easily accessible and free. No reservations. No water/electric hookups. No picnic tables. No trash service-pack it in, pack it out. It will fill up on weekends during the summer as the weather is so temperate. We came up on a weekday and stayed to the beginning of the weekend and it wasn’t too crowded.

    Pros: The weather was amazing. High of 75-78 in the day and high 40’s at night. There was a constant breeze which kept it cool and fresh feeling. The lake is a short hike(0.2 miles) from the trailhead. And provides good fishing from the shore. There is plenty of free firewood’s around; just bring a saw and splitting axe. Near the Rim and other lakes (Woods Canyon and Knoll). Pit toilets were a far walk depending on where you camped but they were clean.

    Cons: This entire area is very rocky! We have a pop up but I can’t imagine tent camping without an air mattress. Each campsite maybe has a fire pit and that’s it. Boats and Kayaks would be a real challenge to bring down and up as the trail is very steep, rocky, and loose.

    Overall, we were disappointed that we were unable to use our kayaks but the weather make up for it and it was a great, relaxing trip.

  • Angela G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 24, 2021

    Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping - CLOSED UNTIL 2025

    Great Boondocking/Car Camp Spot

    This spot is perfect for boondocking or car camping, but we decided against popping up our camper here and just car camped instead. Not super dispersed, but the access road is accessible to most vehicles. However, some side road pulloffs are definitely better suited for 4WD vehicles. I would suggest walking the route first to make sure your particular vehicle can make it.

    I loved this campsite due to its proximity to the three National Monuments near Flagstaff: Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, and Sunset Crater Volcano. We decided to stop at these monuments on a whim during our National Park tour and they did NOT disappoint! I highly recommend visiting all three, and perhaps ending with Walnut Canyon, as it was my favorite. This campground is great for visiting all three, as each monument is only 10-25 minutes away. They are all incredible and very worth the visit if you’re in northern AZ for the staple Grand Canyon.

  • Gillian C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping

    Highly Used Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping off dirt roads. Highly Used but still space for privacy. Fire restrictions in the summer. No cell service. Some groups were loud and some vehicle traffic throughout the night. Sites are not numbered, just camp near the road. Check out Woods Canyon Lake on the way in!

  • J
    Jul. 21, 2022

    FS 609 - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect Getaway

    I was very skeptical about visiting this campsite at first, because I felt the information that I could find online was minimal. After visiting, however, I would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone. It was spacious enough to spread out from other campers. It was lovely to be right in the middle of the forest. I'd recommend driving further in to be away from the noise of the highway. I saw some reviews saying the gate was closed, but it was open when we were there in July 2022. Important things to note: This campground is located in the Coconino National Forest, please follow their rules and fire restrictions. No reservations are necessary for this campground. We found service to be a little spotty, but not impossible. Dogs are allowed. The turn in was pretty subtle, so definitely keep an eye out for it and use Google Maps over Apple Maps, because Apple Maps has no idea where this site is! All in all, I would visit again!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great spot to pull in

    Drove a mini van on the road, wasn’t too washed out or anything. A sedan could definitely drive to many of the spots. Many campsites available, beautiful scenery! Please help keep this place clean by leaving no trace!

  • Gillian C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    West Clear Creek Dispersed Camping

    Pretty Dispersed Camping

    Standard dispersed camping along many off-road trails. Quiet and clean with no amenities. Fire restrictions in the summer. The West Clear Creek trailhead is nearby, so light vehicle trafiic for the trail. Tons of available spaces with privacy. No cell service.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2022

    Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping - CLOSED UNTIL 2025

    Great experience for dispersed camping with family

    10-15 minutes from Walnut Canyon National Monument off a side dirt road. We are a family of 4 in a 26’ RV and were able to find a beautiful, private, remote spot on a Sunday with gorgeous trails to explore. Would absolutely come back and recommend!

  • RGR D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great Rest Overnight

    The Bloody Bath access road was an easy drive (F250 SD with a truck camper). Washboards were easy to navigate but watch your speed on the down hill turns. We initially selected the site closest to Bloody Bath Road but decided to move further back to a site about a 1/4 mile in. The road (trail) back to the final site was a bit washed out (dry) with some deep ruts but again easily navigated in our truck. A 2WD Van or a SUV could easily access the site. The site was quiet. The biggest bummer was the amount of trash and empty beer cans strewn around the site. Real bummer.


Guide to Lake Montezuma

Primitive camping near Lake Montezuma, Arizona offers campers easy access to high desert terrain at approximately 3,500 feet elevation. Seasonal temperature fluctuations create distinct camping environments, with summer nighttime temperatures typically 30°F cooler than daytime highs. Red rock formations and juniper-dotted landscapes dominate the region's dispersed camping areas.

What to do

Visit Montezuma Well: Located near Montezuma Well USFS Dispersed camping area, this natural limestone sinkhole contains over 15 million gallons of water. "It's hot. Be prepared," notes camper Janay M., who adds that "montezuma's well is one of my favorite monuments" despite the camping area having "no shade" and "lots of fire ants."

Explore Wet Beaver Creek trails: Several primitive camping sites provide access to local creek trails. A camper at FR618 Dispersed Camping noted its "convenient location to Fossil Creek and Wet Beaver Creek trails. The campsite was clean and had a fire ring, no facilities so pack out what you pack in!"

Stargazing opportunities: The limited light pollution makes this area excellent for night sky viewing. "It was quiet, private, and a ba-jillion stars," reports Adria K. about her stay at Forest Road 689. Another camper at Soda Springs Road described it as having "decent stargazing" despite being "cold overnight for mid April."

What campers like

Proximity to attractions: Many campers appreciate how these free sites serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. "Great location close to Sedona," writes Beth M., while another notes that Edge of the World (East Pocket) provides "incredible views" though requires effort to reach: "Though it was a mission to get to the spot, me personally I would say it's worth the effort to get to the spot. The peacefulness, the beautiful scenery it's a spot I definitely will make my way back too."

Solitude at select locations: Despite some areas becoming crowded, campers report finding secluded spots by traveling further down access roads. "Spots here are somewhat clustered together, but we found one that was a little separated from the rest," notes Laura M. about FR689 Dispersed Camping. "Cell service was ok, not great but it was usable."

Established campsite features: Many dispersed sites have user-created improvements. At Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam, visitors report "lots of dispersed sites on this road" with one camper noting they "stayed overnight in the camping area just beyond the dam. Beautiful forest. No amenities, okay cell service."

What you should know

Seasonal bug activity: Several campers report insect issues during warmer months. "Lots of biting bugs at night," warns Justin Y. about Forest Road 689 Dispersed Site. Another camper at Schnebly Hill reports "some noticeable trash at the sites" and "lots of flies buzzing around but nothing biting."

Road conditions vary significantly: While main forest roads are typically passable in standard vehicles, side routes require appropriate vehicles. At FR689 Dispersed Camping, Rebecca H. notes "depending on the road you take you may need 4wd. Easy access to interstate." Similarly, at Edge of the World, a visitor warned it's "a bumpy road with large portion of potholes so drive cautiously."

Extended stay regulations: Forest Service rules permit longer stays at most sites, typically with a maximum duration. "We camped here with a tent three nights this past March, and would have stayed longer. Felt very safe, always one or two other cars/trailers in the area, but plenty of trees to feel private. There is a 14 day maximum stay," notes Rebecca O.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for tents: Families tent camping should carefully consider ground conditions. "The terrain is rocky," reports one camper, while another at Flower Pot USFS Dispersed mentions "it was a little muddy and rutted, but it was raining." Tent campers should "be sure to close gates behind you as there are free roaming cattle all over."

Day trip planning: Plan activities around water access points. "Very clean and quiet," writes Beth M., noting the campsite is "close to Sedona" making it suitable for family day trips. Another camper suggests visiting "Beaver Creek and Bell Trail trailhead parking lot" which are just "a few miles out."

Safety considerations: Some camping areas have reported safety concerns. At Forest Service Road 761, Kristen P. warns of encountering "some strange people" and describes it as a "very crowded area." Another camper reported theft issues, stating "we set up the tent and the tent was stolen."

Tips from RVers

RV-suitable locations: Many dispersed areas accommodate larger vehicles with varying degrees of access. "We pulled a 16ft trailer without issue," reports Adria K. At Forest Service Road 761, an RVer advises to "be extra careful with big rigs, there are some very tight spaces, but overall it was a good place for boondocking for the night."

Leveling challenges: Terrain variability affects RV parking options. "Level for the most part and not tire rutted so you're not rocking back and forth in an RV," notes Vincent B. about Forest Road 689, though he cautions "I started getting that nervous feeling when the road narrows and I can't find a decent place to turn around."

Connectivity reports: Cell service information varies by carrier and specific location. Laura M. reports that at Flower Pot "Verizon service was fairly weak" while Jeffrey F. found at Forest Service Road 761 that he "went back over a mile and had good Verizon Cell Service."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there toilet facilities available at Lake Montezuma dispersed camping areas?

No, dispersed camping areas around Lake Montezuma do not provide toilet facilities. This is typical of dispersed camping in this region, as seen at sites like West Clear Creek Dispersed Camping and Montezuma Well USFS Dispersed. These areas offer standard dispersed camping with no amenities. You'll need to pack in your own portable toilet or waste disposal system and follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all waste. Always maintain proper waste disposal at least 200 feet from any water source.

Is potable water available near Lake Montezuma dispersed camping sites?

No, potable water is not available at Lake Montezuma dispersed camping areas. Dispersed sites like Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping and Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping have no water sources. You must bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. The nearest reliable water sources are likely in nearby towns. Before heading out, fill up all water containers and plan for at least 1 gallon per person per day, with extra for emergencies and dry conditions.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake Montezuma, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Montezuma, AZ is Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake Montezuma, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 179 dispersed camping locations near Lake Montezuma, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.