Looking for tent camping near Leupp? Find the best information on tent camping near Leupp, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Leupp, Arizona's most popular destinations.
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
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
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.
While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=54884&actid;=34 Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District. Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. Where can I have a campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions?
While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information.
Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District.
Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. Where can I have a campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions?
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
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
Check in was quick and easy. Camp sites are kept well and clean. Beautiful view on the land/mountains. Visitor center is small but nice w/ friendly staff. A couple hiking trails to some very sacred/historic spots. Watch out for rattle snakes.
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
Scout
Great area to camp. Lots of roomy campsites and close to groceries.
GuideJust a quick stop over, but I made time to check out the ruins.
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!
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
Used one night. Lot of old long term trailers. Had reservations arrived 10 min after closing. Went to assigned site and it was occupied. No emergency number, no after hours contact. Even the restaurant has no way to contact anyone. Finally just used a random empty spot. Better management would be to have someone on call for issues. Got a discount after complaining. Would use them again if I had to I guess. Will not be my first choice next time though.
Traveler
We loved the area. Drive around a few times checking it out easy to find and plenty of space for all kinds of campers. Even my Camry made it out. The lava cave was a decent hike but my two year old and pregnant fiancé made it down and up. Camp ground not crowded but the cave was
Traveler
It’s been a very pleasant stay here. Wildlife of all kinds are abundant. People keep primarily to themselves. Pilot Truck Stop is only 5 miles away. Cell signal is pretty good depending on where you’re located. Lava Tube Cave is only 2.5 miles North of this spot and of free to visit but I’d recommend going during the week, it’s very busy in the weekends.
Traveler
We made an impromptu trip to escape the heat and unwind. We were grateful the stars aligned and snagged a FF spot! The sites are spacious and very well kept. Yes, you are right next to 89 regardless, but it worked fine for us. The creek is easily accessible and walking distance to a trail head as well. Firewood and ice are available on-site and the camp hosts graciously drop it off at your site. It is a quiet campground and to note is that music is not allowed.
Afternoon rain in the canyon is such a treat and we couldn't have ordered it!
RangerStopped here to overnight. Beautiful forest with a lot of camp sites. We found one with no problem and it was clean and well kept. We stayed the night , went to the lava tube (just North of where we camped). Great free sites.
Ranger
Pristine and usually unoccupied lake off the beaten path. 17 miles of dirt road from Highway to the lake and the last 7 are truly a challenge for anything other than a slightly lifted vehicle. Four camping areas near or with access to Lake with two of them having boat ramps. Skip the first turn off to the right as that is the very narrow part of the lake and rather ugly. The second turn off has two to four campsites with vault toilets and access to the lake through a boat ramp which allows camping and small trailer access lakeside. The churn out to the right is, Really rough and has very little camping or RV access. One of the pictures shows how rough the road is. I took the fourth turn off which is 747 and has one to two camping sites with a fire pit and good RV access along with a boat ramp. Note that fires are allowed in the fire pits because this is above 6, 000 feet but there is no water or trash. Pack it in, pack it out.
Scout
Even on a busy holiday weekend we found a perfect spot and the only truck and voices were our own. PERFECT when looking to camp in a quiet relaxing place with the kids to get away from it all. My new fav spot for sure!!
Traveler
It will have a gate at the beginning- just go past that and drive down the road. Anywhere you see an opening with tire tracks, take it and you’ll find a campsite. Plenty of spots and endless little trails to take. Beware during Monsoon season, it will be flooded in some parts so 4x4 is recommended the farther back you go into the woods. It down-poured hours after we got there and luckily we had a well maintained trail.
Guide
the entrance is a rocky uphill climb but my 30 year old truck did just fine, very busy and very noisy, sooooo many big families here with big rigs and blasting music but tbh i dont mind (it made me jealous, wish i had a big family😭) lots of atvs here too and you’ll have to drive a good bit to find a spot but its a fairly easy drive and beautiful views
TravelerNice campground Close to Walmart, Flying J, Standing on a Corner Close to town and restaurant’s Within 2 mile diameter
Scout
We have a 30ft Skoolie (2002 bluebird) and tow a 17ft cargo trailer conversion and there were countless spots for us to fit in without having to drop the trailer! This area is VAST and breathtaking. There were a lot of campers when you first enter, but if you drive around you will find something perfect for your setup no doubt.
The only thing I would say to be mindful of and I say this with regard to pets is that there were jeeps, trucks and 4x4s driving past occasionally during the night and they FLY down the gravel roads. We were not at all bothered by it - they’re out there having a good time enjoying the mountains and forests in their way just like we are but just keep your doggos and cattos close 🐾
The roads are gravel and they are pitchy and rutted in areas. Some roads have a several inches droop off too but our bus did great through it. If you pay attention and arrive in daylight you’re absolutely fine. There are VERY few spots to turn around and to take the loop is several miles of gravel road out of the way so just look at the satellite on maps, take it slow and enjoy the view. We only had the time to stay one night but we will absolutely be back. CAUTION: elevation is 7500ft. If you are prone to altitude sickness be wary. You ascend from about 5000 to 7000 pretty quickly. Other than that watch the weather. The roads flood and wash out with rain from the mountains so be alert and plan accordingly and you will be fine. ENJOY and remember to LEAVE NO TRACE 🫶🏻
Traveler
The City try’s is best to keep it clean and so do the camps host as we saw both city works and the host walking around picking up trash is a nice little weekend trip for dry camping. The camp host are from Winslow so they are very knowledgeable about the area and very nice and willing to help no matter the circumstances. They do have bathrooms but no showers as they are out of order. Camp sites are right by the water for good fishing or you can park up above if you do not like bugs as they are worse down by the water than on the upper campsites.
Traveler
Great dispersed camping area.
The road leading to the sites is dirt and rock and easy to navigate. I have a high clearance SUV that is NOT 4wd but I had no issues. I saw several sedans. We even came after a pretty heavy storm and didn’t have any issues.
Plenty of spots right as you start but we chose to drive back a little further which was also higher in elevation. Our spot was about 3 miles off the main road and we had an epic view.
PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE AND PACK OUT YOUR TRASH. It amazes me that people trash these areas up and leave all sorts of garbage.
We came the last weekend of July. Evening temperatures were in the low 60’s.
Scout
Very well kept first come first served campground
GuideWe stayed one night at Homolovi and it was nice. Only one bathroom facility. Very cool ruins but we didn’t get to explore too much. It gets hot in summer-be prepared.
ScoutAwesome spot with lots of space to spread out. All long the road there are pull offs and you can go quite far in away from road. Was here on 4th of July weekend and still plenty of room.
GuideWe had a pull through for one night on our trip. It was an easy hookup. The trails are a 1mile hike from camp. It was hot so we didn’t get all the way. The bathrooms are ok. We didn’t check out the showers.
TravelerI drove to the very top and ended up veering off to the left. There were several spots tucked in on the rim where I could just look down into the valley. It was beautiful. I was not bothered.
Traveler
Very clean and very nice camp hosts. The bugs were super intense. We didn’t have a screened in “porch” and it was brutal. Maybe it was just the time of year, I don’t know. But we came from 2 days in Strawberry and didn’t have anywhere near the bug problem.
Lots of people. Pretty typical amount of people, but still lots of people as the places was at capacity.
The free dump was good. ( with paid visit ).
Wasn’t quite cool enough to fully enjoy with air conditioning. It’s Arizona so it’s to be expected. Our high was roughly 88-89. Which was just on the cusp of too hot to not have A/C when hanging out at camp. Coupled with the insane amount of bugs/nats. It just wasn’t a 5 experience.
Lastly, on the way there, there are a TON of boondocking spots. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back in that area to boondocking.
Lake Mary was a fun day for the family. But know that Ashurst lake across the street is for boat fishing. We drive the entire perimeter and there was nowhere to pop up a tent and fish from shore comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Leupp, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Leupp, AZ is FR 222 Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Leupp, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Leupp, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
