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Best Dispersed Camping near Mormon Lake, AZ

749 Reviews

Mormon Lake in Arizona provides dispersed camping options throughout the surrounding National Forest land. You won't find any facilities here - no bathrooms or drinking water - so you need to come prepared. All campers need to follow Leave No Trace practices, taking out everything you bring in. The Mormon Lake Recreation Area has basic sites where you can camp away from crowds. Remember to set up at least 200 feet from any water or roads to follow regulations. Fire bans are common in this area, so always check current rules before planning to have a fire. Mormon Lake City Park Campground has some remote spots good for getting away from everything. You'll probably want a vehicle with good clearance to reach many of the camping areas. The terrain can get rough in places, so it helps to know where you're going. You can stay up to 14 days in most spots before needing to move on. When boondocking around Mormon Lake Area State Park, bring everything you'll need for your entire stay. Since there are no services, water and waste management are entirely up to you. Summer can get very hot, so bring plenty of shade and water. Winter nights get cold at this elevation. The area's location makes it a good base if you're also visiting the Grand Canyon or desert regions. Check road conditions before driving out, especially after rain. Respecting the land and following the rules helps keep these areas open for everyone to enjoy.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mormon Lake, Arizona (154)

    1. Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

    52 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    18 miles
    Website

    "Due to the ease of access from Sedona and Flagstaff this campground sees a lot of action."

    "Campground Review:

    Couple things to say about this campground... it's dispersed but in numbered lots and unless you have a high clearance 4x4 you must enter from West (89A)."

    2. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    53 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    19 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."

    3. Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam

    20 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    12 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."

    4. Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping - CLOSED UNTIL 2025

    36 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    19 miles
    Website

    "This spot is perfect for boondocking or car camping, but we decided against popping up our camper here and just car camped instead."

    "10-15 minutes from Walnut Canyon National Monument off a side dirt road."

    5. Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    13 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."

    6. Marshall Lake

    12 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "I thought we would be able to set up a fire once we got there but I didn’t see online that there was a fire ban so if you come here just make sure you check that before."

    "There is no water, power, pavement, or bathrooms anywhere in sight... perfect for star gazing. Pet friendly. Elk are abundant, as well as grazing cows, and the waterfowl is like a symphony of sounds."

    7. FR 240 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Nice and cool under the trees, able to do some hiking around camp and paddle boarding up at Lake Mary.

    Lots of sites open along this road leading to Mormon Lake, some sites were closed down though."

    "We had a 21 and 31’ trailer with us and found a great spot about 6 minutes after hitting the dirt road. It was great scenery with no one else near us."

    8. Stoneman Lake Dispersed Area

    4 Reviews
    Happy Jack, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "So be sure to check the forecast, and set up camp as soon as possible if you see clouds forming. 

    Also, I'm used to camping in Payson, and the biodiversity here was INSANE in comparison."

    "We love this area for dispersed camping. Easy access from I-17, beautiful views, wildlife, nice weather!"

    9. Dispersed Camping FS 124

    2 Reviews
    Mormon Lake, AZ
    4 miles

    "If you like dispersed camping, this is a great area.  Loads of hiking, tons of animals (elk, deer, coyotes, foxes and more). "

    10. Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site

    21 Reviews
    Rimrock, AZ
    22 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."

    "Spots here 14 days, rangers will take down your license and take a pic. Close to Sedona... very clean and quiet"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mormon Lake, AZ

423 Photos of 154 Mormon Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mormon Lake, AZ

749 Reviews of 154 Mormon Lake 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!

  • 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!

  • Chris W.
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM

    Beautiful area outside of Sunset Crater

    This is a really nice area on forest road 545 comma just outside of sunset crater national monument. when you turn to go to Sunset Crater as soon as you go over the cattle guard take a left and follow that road around lots of camping spots, the road isn't really bad there's a few washed out areas but my van was able to manage it

  • Sonja T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Manan Spring on Forest Road 135

    Pretty quiet camping off N Lake Mary Rd

    We tried finding some dispersed camping near Payson though all of the sites we visited were full. We ended up 35 miles south of Flagstaff off FS 135. After having to leave Payson we arrived very late at night. At the base of the campsite there were a lot ofvRVs set up. This was technically the FS 135 dispersed site. However we continued in for about 3 miles to the Mahan Ranch site. We got lucky and found an empty site off FS135 and FS135B. We spent a ptetty quiet week there at the base of Hutch Mountain. The next morning we found quite a bit of trash around the site. We cleaned it up and packed everything out when we headed out. There are quite a few cows in the area so watch where you step. OHV traffic wasn't too bad, much quieter than our stay at Badger Flats in Colorado. Folks were friendly and passing on the narrow roads was easy. The entire campsite was pretty quiet, a couple of generators off in the distance. Pretty much the loudest part of the stay was tge cows, lol.

    Where we setup there were maybe 5 sites along the 3 mile stretch of 135B. Plenty of RV sites closer to the highway. After our week there may have been about 50 or more larger RVs setup in the msin area near Lake Mary Rd. Sedona, Flagstaff, Cottonwood were the major cities webused for water and food. Each within an hour drive. The FS roads were fairly smooth, our Hyundai Santa Cruz had no issues. But DO watch out for small stumos near the edge of the roads and for Deer and Elk. For us cell service with ATT/Cricket was NONEXISTENT. We had to get up to about mile marker 315 on Lake Mary Rd or into Mormon Lake. Service heading into Sedona and Cottonwood along Stoneman Lake Road was unavailable until we got within a mile of I17. Of course cell services was decent in Flagstaff, Sedona and Cottonwood. Spotty coming diwn 89A from Flagstaff into Oak Creek.

    I gee up in the area in the 80s, much has changed, Sedona is quite a bit larger with a ton of traffuc, prices are also very high. Lunch at McDonald's ran us $35 for two people and shopping at Bashas in Sedona put a big dent in our food Budget. Water in Flag, Sedona Nd Cottonwood was around 50 cents a gallon at automated machines. We found the General Store in Mormon Lake to be the best place to refill at 20 cents a gallon. They even have laundry and bathrooms at the Lodge. No trash servuce though, they ask you to oack it out, the dumpster was reserved for the paid sites at the lodge. Though the Lake Mary recreation area about 5 miles north had a large dumpster to use.

Guide to Mormon Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mormon Lake, Arizona, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the confines of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

  • This area offers a spacious environment with plenty of room for multiple groups, making it a great choice for those seeking a more open camping experience.
  • Located conveniently between Flagstaff and Sedona, Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area provides easy access to scenic drives and outdoor activities.
  • While there are no amenities like toilets or trash services, the natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere make it a well-reviewed spot for adventurous campers.

Top activities while free camping near Mormon Lake

  • Enjoy stunning views and hiking opportunities at Edge of the World (East Pocket), where the breathtaking scenery is perfect for photography and exploration.
  • For those who love off-roading, the rugged terrain around Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam offers numerous trails to explore, making it an exciting destination for adventure seekers.
  • Stargazing is a must at FR 240 Dispersed Camping, where the clear skies provide an excellent backdrop for a night under the stars.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mormon Lake, Arizona

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping, which can fill up quickly on weekends.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions; temperatures can drop significantly at night, so pack accordingly for your stay at Marshall Lake.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially in areas like Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site, to help preserve the natural beauty for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping at Mormon Lake?

Mormon Lake offers several dispersed camping options in the Coconino National Forest. For similar experiences nearby, check out Lockett Meadow Dispersed Camping which offers vast camping areas with plenty of space for privacy. Some sites are accessible to most vehicles, though higher clearance is beneficial for accessing more remote spots. Be aware that the Coconino National Forest has implemented closures on some dispersed camping areas around Flagstaff, so always check current regulations before your trip. Most dispersed sites are free with no amenities, following standard forest service regulations that require camping in previously used sites and practicing Leave No Trace principles.

How do I get to Mormon Lake dispersed camping areas?

To reach Mormon Lake dispersed camping areas, take Lake Mary Road (Forest Highway 3) south from Flagstaff for approximately 25 miles. Watch for forest service roads branching off toward Mormon Lake. Similar to the access at Dispersed Camping around Sunset Crater Volcano NM, look for established dirt roads leading to camping spots after crossing cattle guards. For an alternative experience, FR689 Dispersed Camping demonstrates that while some access roads are manageable for larger vehicles, higher clearance is recommended for the best spots. Most sites are accessible to standard vehicles, though 4WD may be necessary after rain or snow. Always check road conditions before heading out.

What is the current water level at Mormon Lake for camping?

Mormon Lake's water level fluctuates seasonally and annually based on precipitation. The lake can completely dry up during drought conditions, becoming a meadow, while in wet years it can reach significant depth. For current conditions, check with the Coconino National Forest Service before your trip. Nearby alternatives with more reliable water include Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area, which offers free camping near a permanent lake northeast of Payson. Another option is West Clear Creek Dispersed Camping, where you can find quiet camping with access to water. Water availability is unpredictable, so always bring your own water supply.

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