Dispersed tent camping around Mormon Lake, Arizona offers varied backcountry experiences at elevations averaging 7,000 feet. Summer nights in this ponderosa pine forest regularly drop into the 40s even during July and August, making warm sleeping gear essential year-round. The area experiences heavy monsoon activity from July through September, with afternoon thunderstorms common.
What to do
Paddle boarding on nearby lakes: Both Upper and Lower Lake Mary provide water recreation opportunities near the Mormon Lake tent camping areas. One camper at FR 240 Dispersed Camping mentioned "nice and cool under the trees, able to do some hiking around camp and paddle boarding up at Lake Mary."
Canyoning with professional guides: The Oak Creek area near Sedona offers technical canyoning opportunities for adventurous campers. A visitor to Manzanita Campground noted it's perfect "if you're looking for an intense, gorgeous, canyoning trip" with "multiple places to camp" and opportunities to "explore the freezing cold pools and repel down the drop offs," though they caution a "guide required."
Morning cold-water plunges: Several creeks in the region provide natural swimming opportunities. One camper at Manzanita Campground described the creek as "gorgeous, clean water that's great for a morning plunge."
What campers like
Isolation from crowds on weekdays: The more remote dispersed tent camping areas offer greater privacy when timed properly. A reviewer at Edge of the World (East Pocket) advised "it's always super windy as you are on the side of a cliff" and recommended bringing a "canopy just in case."
Natural soundscapes: The moving water features near some campsites create pleasant ambient noise. One visitor to Manzanita Campground praised "the closeness to oak creek" noting that "listening to the babbling brook at night is priceless."
Star visibility at higher elevations: The clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Edge of the World described the "absurd views and stars" adding it was "worth every second" despite being "a bit of a drive."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many dispersed tent camping sites require navigating unpaved roads with varying conditions. A visitor to Forest Service Rd 253 Dispersed warned "this place is nothing but a bumpy ride. Once you find a spot it's nice and quiet but the road to get there is crazy."
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Open fires are permitted in some areas during wetter periods but often restricted during dry seasons. A reviewer at Edge of the World emphasized the primitive nature of the camping: "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."
Cell service varies by location: Some areas have surprisingly good coverage while others are completely disconnected. One camper at Forest Road 535 noted "solid T-Mobile reception - a rarity in NorthernAZ" and mentioned the site sits "at 7000 feet the temps here are at least 10 degree cooler than Sedona area."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites with facilities: Younger children may need access to basic amenities. A visitor to Manzanita Campground noted "the campground has restrooms, a natural water pool (cold), and 5 mins away from the Sedona natural slides."
Prepare for traffic noise at some locations: Some family-friendly campgrounds have road proximity issues. A reviewer at Manzanita mentioned "sites are close to each other and you will be right off Hwy 89A so expect traffic noise until late evening."
Scout tent sites for pine needle coverage: Areas with pine needle ground cover can provide more comfortable tent surfaces. A visitor to FR 222 Dispersed described how they "found it quite simple to drive in a little further where the ground is a carpet of pine needles, soft, fragrant, and no dust at all."
Tips from RVers
Access FR 240 with larger trailers: Several forest roads can accommodate modest-sized RVs. One camper mentioned bringing both a "21 and 31' trailer with us and found a great spot about 6 minutes after hitting the dirt road" adding that despite some traffic from "side by sides and oddly enough large cattle trucks," the location offered "great scenery with no one else near us."
Stick to gravel sections with big rigs: The condition of forest roads deteriorates quickly. A visitor advised "if you have something big, stop at the gravel part and find a spot" after seeing "some people trying to take big rigs too far."
Arrive early for prime spots: Dispersed tent camping near Mormon Lake can fill quickly during peak season. One RVer noted that FR 253 is "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!"
