Several dispersed camping areas surround Mormon Lake in Coconino National Forest, offering free sites along various forest service roads. FS Road 219 provides camping near Mormon Lake Village, with the general store within walking distance for essentials, fuel, and water. Forest Road 240 offers multiple dispersed sites with pine forest cover, though reviews indicate some sections may close seasonally. West Wiemer Springs Road provides more secluded options that remain quieter even during holiday weekends.
Most dispersed sites in the Mormon Lake area include established fire rings but no other amenities. Roads vary in condition, with some becoming challenging after weather events. A review noted, "The road gets rough. Passable if you take it easy with most sturdy vehicles." Cattle are present throughout the area, with several visitors mentioning hearing cows at night. Summer temperatures stay cooler than Phoenix due to the 6,800-foot elevation, but winter access becomes limited as gates close several forest roads during snow season. Pack out all trash, as no disposal services are available except at Lake Mary recreation area about 5 miles north.
"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 rented a camper van for my desert road trip with my daughter, and read about this spot on Dyrt, the pictures look breathtaking and I really want to try and get here to see it for myself."
"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)."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Decided to drive a bit further and this was sure worth it. About a mile drive up the Forest Service road. Little bumpy but my car did fine. Then plenty of nice spots to the right."
"We went through Flagstaff and past Snowbowl to a dispersed camping area. Found a great site with a cleared area containing a rock campfire ring. Lots of level spots for tents."
"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"
"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!"
ScoutAs 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.
RangerBear 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideDispersed 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!
LegendAs soon as you pull off the highway, there's an obvious ongoing commercial operation, just past the graffiti gas station. As you go straight down the road to the south, you will enter an abandoned RV park as evidenced by the numbered power poles. If you turn west (right) before the graffiti gas station you will come to the ruins and Diablo Canyon bridge. However, my app shows that the area is all part of Historic Two Guns Property LLC, and if you travel further south of the highway you find yourself on Hopi owned land (not part of the reservation). The ruins themselves are also on Historic Two Guns properties LLC, which I read may be owned by actor Russell Crowe and was bought in 2011 for a remake of Westworld. There is some really good graffiti on the remaining structures from the RV park. There is Arizona State trust land about 1/2 mile to either side of this private property which does require a $15 to $20 permit to camp for up to 14 days. Directly across the highway is a parcel of Arizona State trust land if you are reluctant to stay here on private property.
TravelerI 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!
GuideStandard 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.
Scout10-15 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!
GuideThis 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
Primitive camping near Mormon Lake, Arizona offers access to cooler mountain temperatures and pine forests at elevations around 6,800 feet. Dispersed camping sites extend beyond the immediate lake area, with many locations situated along forest service roads throughout Coconino National Forest. Sites typically feature natural clearings under ponderosa pines with established fire rings but require visitors to pack out all waste.
Fishing opportunities: Both Mormon Lake (when filled) and nearby Lake Mary provide fishing options. "I went on a trip here in late monsoon season, and the yellow flowers on the rolling hills was the prettiest landscape I've ever seen. The weather that day was perfect," notes a camper at Stoneman Lake Dispersed Area.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including elk, deer, and various bird species. At Marshall Lake, one visitor reported, "Elk are abundant, as well as grazing cows, and the waterfowl is like a symphony of sounds. Even saw a bald eagle!"
Stargazing: The area's elevation and distance from urban light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. "Quiet and peaceful, my closest neighbors that I know of were over a mile away," writes a camper at Schnebly Hill Rd, while another mentions the "clear starry night" at Stoneman Lake.
Varied terrain: The surrounding forest offers diverse landscapes from pine forests to meadows. A camper at Edge of the World (East Pocket) shares: "Though it was a mission to get to the spot, me personally I would say it's worth the effort. The peacefulness, the beautiful scenery it's a spot I definitely will make my way back too."
Temperature relief: The high elevation provides cooler temperatures than Phoenix and other desert areas. "Pretty much the only negative is Razors ripping up and down the road all day. Great opportunity also to see deer, elk and javelina," notes a visitor to Stoneman Lake Dispersed Area.
Accessibility: Many dispersed sites can accommodate various vehicle types. A reviewer at FR 240 Dispersed Camping comments: "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."
Road conditions: Access roads vary widely in quality and may worsen after precipitation. "The road is interrupted by private land with a gate and signs. The Arizona Trail goes through this area," reports a camper at Marshall Lake.
Limited facilities: Prepare for self-contained camping without amenities. "No bathrooms, no RV hook ups, whatever you bring in you take out. It's truly for those who like to camp out under the stars and not the glamping experience," explains an Edge of the World visitor.
Seasonal closures: Many forest roads close during winter months. "Attempted to camp on 3/10 but road to campsites was closed," reports a visitor to Pumphouse Wash, while another noted: "Entrance very rocky and then road was closed to vehicles."
Fire restrictions: Check current fire restrictions before visiting. "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," advises a Marshall Lake camper.
Site selection: Choose sites with natural play areas and level ground for tents. "We found a spot with a fire pit left from previous campers. Plenty of room to spread out, quiet and mostly tidy," notes a Marshall Lake visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for encountering livestock and wildlife. A camper at Pumphouse Wash shares: "It is very bumpy when you first enter," and another adds, "The panels are rigid except for the hinges that are actually fairly stiff but slightly flexible."
Pack for variable weather: Weather can change rapidly at high elevations. "I'm unsure of how it is in summer months but we came March 2nd and it's fairly quiet. The weather was in the 70s in the day and the day we got her it dropped to 28 and snowed," reports a Pumphouse Wash visitor.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require equipment for leveling. One camper at Forest Road 689 notes: "Road is a wash board but not that bad. Level for the most part and not tire rutted so your not rocking back and forth in an RV."
Space considerations: Larger RVs should scout sites before committing. "There are way better sites past there. Make sure to have a vehicle that can take a ton of dirt, gravel and some rocks," advises an Edge of the World camper.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies throughout the area. A camper at Schnebly Hill Rd reports, "I have Verizon cell service, had 2 bars, enough for phone calls and texting," while others note complete absence of service in some locations.
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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