1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent camping options surround Lake Montezuma with several established and dispersed sites scattered throughout the surrounding public lands. Edge of the World (East Pocket) and Schnebly Hill Road provide tent-specific primitive camping in the Coconino National Forest, with most sites permitting fires and allowing pets. Manzanita Campground offers a more developed tent-only camping experience with amenities like drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables about 20 miles from Lake Montezuma.
Access to tent sites varies significantly based on location, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles on unpaved forest roads. Schnebly Hill Road presents particular challenges as one camper noted, "The road is totally doable in a minivan if you have some experience driving on rougher terrain, but only if you are coming in off of hwy 17." Most dispersed camping areas lack basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, requiring campers to pack in everything needed and practice proper waste disposal. Free dispersed camping is available at several locations including FR 240 and FR 222, though these primitive tent sites typically have a 14-day stay limit per Forest Service regulations.
Sites closer to water tend to attract more visitors, particularly during summer months. Manzanita Campground provides access to Oak Creek with tent sites situated near the water. A visitor commented, "Right on oak creek with good entry to the creek, shaded, and good location from Sedona." This makes it popular for tent campers seeking relief from summer heat. The primitive dispersed camping areas provide more seclusion but fewer amenities. Childs Camping Area offers a more remote tent camping experience near the Verde River, though the 20-mile unprepared road requires careful navigation. Most tent sites throughout the region feature dirt or gravel surfaces with varying amounts of shade depending on elevation and proximity to water sources.
"The trail is a commitment as it can take 2 hours or so to get up. But once you’re there it’s so nice and peaceful. There are no facilities, you do get decent service near the edge."
"I’d definitely recommend patience and a vehicle that you’re comfortable hitting ruts, rocks, etc with depending on which route you choose to take into this location."
"We got there around 4 pm on a Saturday and got one of the last spots with a pretty good view. The spots are secluded enough you don’t see or notice your neighbors when you farther down the road."
"We took the Schnebly Hill rd exit in downtown Sedona. We decided not to take the I-17 route because we wanted an off-roaring experience."
"We checked in with the camp host, who was very kind and helpful, and set up. The creek running by the campsites is amazing. The campground also sells firewood if you happen to forget it."
"The campground has restrooms, a natural water pool (cold), and 5 mins away from the Sedona natural slides."
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"This was a great desert campground that was outside of Sedona. A lot of camping around there was part of the national Forest and was no fires so we went further and found this beautiful spot."
"Very close to Sedona and you get some great sunsets but the roads are a little bit rough even from the outset."
"Pulled off the I-17 to FR 153/Schnebly Hill Road, pitched my tents and relaxed for four days. Fun drive down to Sedona for half a day (truck or 4-wheel rec)."
"The location here is wrong and that's probably why there are bad reviews.... You can access off i17 by taking exit 320 and then driving down the forest road toward Sedona."
"Pros: This location has an amazing stunning view of the buttes, valley and nature surrounding Sedona. It’s a gorgeous and great location to set up camp."
"There was quite a bit of traffic on the trail, but drive up from Sedona is worth it because the views are simply incredible!"
"Not too noisy all the time but definitely had our fair share of UTV/ATV friends going by all weekend."
"We found an awesome area to camp in this disperse area closer to Mormon lake. Very quiet and I don't think a car has gone by while being here overnight. There's plenty firewood."
"NOT family friendly...unless you don't mind your tiny humans seeing naked people wandering around. Other than that, awesome place to visit!! Dispersed camping right on the Verde River."
"Trails to a hot spring and next to fossil creek water fall. Vault toilet and camping right next to the river. Watch for bulls roaming the campground!"
"First time off roading, didn’t feel like driving all the way out to the Edge of the World. Saw a herd of elk. Your basic site, good fire ring, good spots for tents."
"Popular amongst trailer campers as this spot is right next to a cellular town and requires no 4x4. Get out there early for the prime spots!"
LegendA decent place but the dry camping has gone up to $35 a night. The best part about here is the proximity to the hiking trailer around the Dells and Willow Lake. Ive camped here for years but probably won't be back do to the increase in price.
TravelerGot a first come, first serve site. The campground was clean and there were a couple of trails to walk along the river. Highly recommend this campsite!
TravelerCamped here the last weekend of the year. It’s closed for the season on 10/25/26. It was the perfect camp site. We had the fall foliage and had views of one of the canyon walls. Staff was friendly and campsite was spacious. Definitely would stay again.
GuideThis review is from my stay back on May 12, 2025. Before I left Michigan to head west, I located this spot using The Dyrt. I showed many people at work what I found and made it a goal to stay here. It didn’t disappoint. With such beautiful views and relatively clean sites it needs to be on everyone’s bucket list. It was very windy when I first arrived but after a couple of days it was perfect. I ended up staying for 5 days.
TravelerEasy to find a spot as there is plenty and lots of flat ground. You will still be able to see other campers so if you want the free campsite feel this is it. If you want a more alone feel I’d look at Hart Prarie
TravelerLoads of good camping spots that are hidden away. Can be tough to find flat ground and there is some logging but I’d definitely stay here again.
TravelerGood place
TravelerHighly recommend this park. The amenities are fantastic and if you are a rail fan you can watch the Grand Canyon Railway go and return every day. Close to I-40 so some noise there but all of Williams is like that. There is a helipad not far and there is some noise from the air ambulance coming and going at any hour of the day but also kind of fun to watch.
TravelerFriendly staff. Clean.
Dispersed camping areas surrounding Lake Montezuma provide access to the Coconino National Forest at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-100°F during day and drop to 60-70°F at night, while winter brings freezing nights and occasional snow at higher elevations. Weather conditions change rapidly during monsoon season (July-September) when afternoon thunderstorms can create flash flood risks on forest roads.
Creek access for cooling off: Manzanita Campground offers direct access to Oak Creek, making it popular during hot summer months. One camper noted, "The Creek is gorgeous, clean water thats great for a morning plunge."
Hot springs exploration: Childs Camping Area serves as a base for hiking to Verde Hot Springs. "The 1.5 mile hike from the campground to the hot springs is absolutely worth the effort. You will have to cross the river, so don't take anything that can't get wet," explains one visitor. The hot springs feature multiple soaking pools with views of the Verde River.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote, high-elevation sites at East Pocket in Sedona offer exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. A camper described the experience: "Absolutely absurd views and stars. Cannot recommend enough. Bit of a drive but stick on it and see the view. Worth every second."
Seclusion from crowds: East Pocket in Sedona provides isolation despite its popular views. "Keep going, don't settle for the first few. The views toward the end sites are well worth it," advises one visitor who found the more distant sites offered greater privacy.
Diverse terrain options: FR 222 Dispersed camping areas feature varying landscapes within a single area. A camper described it as "One of the most scenic dispersed campsites we have found... Our site was very dusty, which was the only downside. Our neighbor was visible through the trees, although we never heard them."
Extended stay potential: Most dispersed sites permit camping for up to 14 days, allowing for longer vacations. For those planning extended stays, one camper at FR 222 advised, "About 20 minutes outside Flagstaff, past the 'luxury resort' gated communities, up the mountain, is a well-maintained though narrow hard gravel road with many dispersed campsites right off of it."
Vehicle requirements vary significantly: While some areas require high-clearance 4WD vehicles, others can accommodate standard cars. Regarding Schnebly Hill Road, a camper warned, "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."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically between camping areas. At FR 222, campers reported, "Verizon and ATT both have cell service. 1-2 bars of LTE," while at East Pocket, "We lost service about 30 minutes in, but the map kept tracking us. We regained signal near the top."
Animal encounters: Several camping areas feature wildlife and livestock that may interact with campers. At East Pocket, campers reported, "There were cows lowing at around 4:30am one morning and it was unsettling, but, they are cows." At Childs Camping Area, visitors are advised to "Watch for bulls roaming the campground!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Montezuma, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Montezuma, AZ is Edge of the World (East Pocket) with a 4.5-star rating from 60 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Montezuma, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 tent camping locations near Lake Montezuma, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
