Best Campgrounds near Mormon Lake, AZ

Mormon Lake's surrounding region features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within Coconino National Forest. The Pinegrove Campground provides amenities like flush toilets, pay showers, and access to the Arizona Trail, while Double Springs Campground offers a quieter, more secluded experience. Several dispersed camping options exist along Forest Roads near Mormon Lake, with FR 240 dispersed camping providing free sites that accommodate tents and some RVs. Campers seeking full hookups can find them at Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground, though spaces there tend to be more limited and packed together.

Summer brings pleasantly cool temperatures to the Mormon Lake area, with daytime highs typically between 65-70°F even in July, dropping to around 50°F at night. Fire restrictions are common during drier months, with complete bans sometimes implemented. The area experiences regular afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season (July-September), which can temporarily affect road conditions on the forest service roads. Most dispersed camping areas have limited or no cell service, particularly with carriers other than Verizon. As one visitor noted, "Do note: Campsite does not have cell service (and I have Verizon). You can walk out to the camp entrance just at the main road and pick up some service there if needed."

Proximity to Mormon Lake itself represents a key draw for many visitors, though the lake itself is known for frequently having little to no water, depending on seasonal rainfall. "Mormon Lake - notorious for never actually having any water - this time it also didn't," mentioned one camper. Despite this, the nearby Upper Lake Mary provides opportunities for fishing and water recreation. The Arizona Trail passes through several camping areas, offering excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities directly from campsites. Wildlife viewing is common, with elk frequently spotted in the area. Campers consistently praise the tall pines that provide ample shade throughout developed campgrounds, while the dispersed sites allow for more space and privacy, though they lack amenities like toilets or trash service.

Best Camping Sites Near Mormon Lake, Arizona (296)

    1. Pinegrove Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mormon Lake, AZ
    8 miles
    Website

    $34 / night

    "Close to Mormon Lake. Access to Arizona Trail right by camp."

    "Our site was among the pines bordering a meadow. Each site had a fire pit and picnic table. Campground had wood for sale, clean bathrooms, and pay showers located near the host sites."

    2. Cave Springs

    45 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 282-1629

    $30 / night

    "Location: The location of the campground is perfect for all of the Sedona activities. This campground is only a few miles from the popular Slide Rock State Park."

    "Tucked into Oak Creek canyon, surrounded by trees, red dirt mountain sides, and a creek this campground is stunning."

    3. Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

    51 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    18 miles
    Website

    "Google may try to take you all the way through from I17 on FR237...suggest going past to exit 337 and coming back down 89A. The campsites are all on that end of the FR anyway."

    "Lots of campsites available and a good location between Sedona and Flagstaff. It tends to fill up quick, at least in the summer months."

    4. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

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

    "The road in is bumpy and rocky, but not impossible (a Ford Mustang in the site next to us clearly made it)."

    "It is a bumpy road with large portion of potholes so drive cautiously but once you get to the location you get a number of different spots to camp at."

    5. Rancho Sedona RV Park

    40 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    17 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."

    6. Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam

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

    "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."

    "Exit 226 off of I-17 and head west on Schnebly Hill Rd. There is dispersed camping all along the road for the first mile or two. It is first come first serve."

    7. Pine Flat Campground West

    34 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 282-3233

    $30 / night

    "Other than being close to the highway, we love this campground. It is in a heavily wooded forest next to Oak Creek. It has multiple bathrooms and accessible drinking water."

    "What I liked about this was the great hosts (who seemed on constant patrol in their golf cart), the level sites for tents, and the great access to trails."

    8. Flagstaff KOA

    68 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 526-9926

    $100 / night

    "Nice campground near highway. Nice pleasant staff. Bathrooms were clean. Beautiful setting with mountain right behind the campground. Short walking trails within campground."

    "There is access to some great trails right behind the park. Sites are descent size but definitely not level but that is an easy fix."

    9. Manzanita Campground

    25 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 204-2034

    $30 / night

    "The river access also added to the positives of the spot.

    My only complaint is that a handful of sites are where you park on the pavement and have to walk down into your actual site."

    "This is pretty close to Sedona (10 minutes) and right along a river that’s fun to wade in (not sure if you can canoe it?), plus long hiking trails nearby."

    10. Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping - CLOSED UNTIL 2025

    36 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    19 miles
    Website

    "Not super dispersed, but the access road is accessible to most vehicles. However, some side road pulloffs are definitely better suited for 4WD vehicles."

    "This spot had good cell service with Verizon and AT&T, nice hiking or biking trails, and was within walking distance of the national monument and Flagstaff. Would definitely stay here again!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 296 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mormon Lake, AZ

2149 Reviews of 296 Mormon Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Mormon Lake

Camping near Mormon Lake, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the short walking trails within campgrounds like Flagstaff KOA, which has a beautiful setting with mountains nearby.
  • Fishing: Mormon Lake is known for its fishing opportunities. Campers have reported enjoying the peaceful experience of casting a line and waiting for a bite.
  • Exploring: Check out the nearby attractions like the stunning views at Edge of the World (East Pocket). One reviewer mentioned, “It’s actually very easy to get to and not too bad of a drive. It takes about an hour to get to the stunning views.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. For example, at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground, one visitor said, “Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly hosts who are eager to help. A reviewer at Cave Springs noted, “The camp host was very friendly and put me on a wait list for a first-come, first-serve spot.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort offer activities for kids, making it a great choice for families. One camper mentioned, “There are a few activities for the kids.”

What you should know:

  • Crowded Spaces: Some campgrounds can get packed, especially during peak season. A visitor at Cave Springs said, “Packed in like sardines. Spaces are pretty small.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping does not offer drinking water or electric hookups, which some campers found disappointing.
  • Noise Levels: Campers should be prepared for some noise, especially near highways. One reviewer at Flagstaff KOA mentioned, “Mild but constant car noise.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground that have playgrounds and clean facilities. A camper shared, “Great area with lots to do and see.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Cave Springs enjoyed making a “small network of roads with their little construction trucks.”
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Temperatures can drop at night, so pack extra blankets and warm clothes. A visitor at Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) noted, “Temperature drops at night are huge.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rancho Sedona RV Park mentioned, “Sites a little close to each other.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds that offer electric and water hookups, like Meteor Crater RV Park. One camper said, “The campground had a wonderful view of some mountains.”
  • Be Mindful of Fire Restrictions: Some campgrounds don’t allow fires, so check the rules before you go. A visitor at Rancho Sedona RV Park noted, “Lovely spot near the creek with plenty of trees but contrary to the listing here they don’t allow fires.”

Camping near Mormon Lake, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring an RV to Mormon Lake camping areas?

Yes, RVs are welcome at Mormon Lake camping areas. Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground offers dedicated RV sites with hookups, including some with 50-amp service while most have 30-amp connections. All sites include water and sewer hookups. However, be aware that RV sites are quite close together, which can make extending slides and awnings challenging. For those seeking more space, Verde Ranch RV Resort offers more spacious accommodations. Many surrounding forest roads also accommodate RVs for dispersed camping, though without hookups.

Where is Mormon Lake campground located in Arizona?

Mormon Lake camping areas are located approximately 35 miles southeast of Flagstaff in Arizona's Coconino National Forest. The area sits at around 7,000 feet elevation in a scenic ponderosa pine forest. Double Springs Campground is one of the established campgrounds in the Mormon Lake area, offering a quieter alternative to the busier sections. Dairy Springs Campground is another nearby option that provides access to Mormon Lake for fishing and recreation. The Mormon Lake area serves as a good base for exploring northern Arizona, including day trips to Flagstaff and the surrounding natural attractions.

What amenities are available at Mormon Lake campgrounds?

Amenities vary across Mormon Lake area campgrounds. Pinegrove Campground offers flush toilets, pay showers, spacious sites with level paved parking pads, fire pits, picnic tables, and weekend ranger talks at a small amphitheater. It also provides access to the Arizona Trail. Lakeview Campground is a quieter national forest campground in the area. Most developed campgrounds include drinking water, toilets, and designated camping spaces, while some have additional amenities like firewood for sale. The RV park offers full hookups. Amenities decrease as you move to more primitive and dispersed camping options in the surrounding forest.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Mormon Lake?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas around Mormon Lake. FR 240 Dispersed Camping provides numerous free camping spots along the forest road, with sites shaded by trees. These dispersed sites offer a more primitive experience with no facilities but allow you to camp with more privacy and space than developed campgrounds. Another option is Manan Spring on Forest Road 135, which is about 35 miles south of Flagstaff and offers dispersed camping opportunities. Remember that dispersed camping typically means no restrooms, water, or other amenities, so come prepared to be self-sufficient.