Best Campgrounds near Munds Park, AZ

Several good camping spots surround Munds Park, Arizona, each with its own character. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground sits 25 miles away and gives campers easy access to the Verde River for fishing trips and kayak outings. Pumphouse Wash Dispersed Camping Area lies just 9 miles from Munds Park with basic forest sites and no facilities, so you'll need to bring everything with you. Cave Springs is closer at only 7 miles away, with sites that catch good shade along Oak Creek. Fire restrictions happen regularly in this area, particularly during dry summer months, so always check current rules. You should book ahead for Cave Springs, as it fills up fast in busy seasons. Both the Grand Canyon and Sonoran Desert are within driving distance for day trips. Dead Horse Ranch has restrooms, showers, and picnic tables for more comfortable camping. Spring and fall bring the best weather to Munds Park, with pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes. Winter camping can be tricky when snow hits the higher areas, sometimes making campgrounds harder to reach. Competition for Cave Springs sites gets fierce, so reserve as early as possible. Munds Park's camping ranges from fully developed grounds to simple backcountry spots.

Best Camping Sites Near Munds Park, Arizona (269)

    1. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    53 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    9 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."

    2. Cave Springs

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

    $30 / night

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

    "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."

    3. Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

    52 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    9 miles
    Website

    "Highway noise in the distance but not a issue. Peaceful area within the large trees."

    "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."

    4. Rancho Sedona RV Park

    40 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    9 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."

    5. Pine Flat Campground West

    34 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    8 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."

    6. West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    72 Reviews
    Coconino National Forest Recreation, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "The best dispersed camping options in Sedona Arizona! There are many options off of the main road."

    "My friend from Maryland came to visit me here in Arizona, I told him we had to go to Sedona so we decided to camp, I heard about forest road 525 and it exceeded my expectations, never saw more stars in"

    7. Manzanita Campground

    25 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    6 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."

    8. Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam

    20 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Schnebly Hill seems like a campground more geared toward off-roaders though. We saw at least 40 ATVs, Polaris, quads, etc...and we were only there for 24 hours."

    "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."

    9. Flagstaff KOA

    69 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    21 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."

    10. Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    5 miles
    Website

    "We took the Schnebly Hill rd exit in downtown Sedona. We decided not to take the I-17 route because we wanted an off-roaring experience."

    "For the first few miles most sites were filled with 5th wheels/pull behind campers. We wanted the dispersed camping experience, so we drove approximately 6 miles in and picked a spot."

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Recent Reviews near Munds Park, AZ

1895 Reviews of 269 Munds Park Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Soda Springs Road

    Boondocking site east of I-17 & south off of Highway 179 in northern Arizona.

    Quiet, no neighbors, nice breeze, free.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Winona Dispersed Camping

    Don’t Pee Ouside

    I made a rookie move (I guess) and pee’d as soon as I parked.

    It was a long drive in and I couldnt get to my usual method.

    Anyhoo. I could hear an animal outside my van last night. And woke up to paw prints in the mud around my van. 😬 They have Mountain Lions, Black Bears and Coyotes in these parts. 🫠

    Overall, I’m happy with my site. If I stay another night, I might relocate sites. I got here last night right at sunset.

  • Sheri C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Coleman Lake Camp

    Beautiful

    Great dispersed camping in the forest . There are beautiful meadows also. Great trail system for our side by side.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Flagstaff KOA

    Lovely Place

    Everything you need is at the KOA and if it isn’t, it’s near by. There’s also access to Mount Elden/Fat Man’s Loop trails in the Coconino National Forest from the park. Kids also have activities available to them at the park, including an inflatable inground trampoline. Staff is friendly and welcoming. Roads are narrow but I’ve seen big rigs maneuver them without too much trouble. Sites are close together but that’s expected with most RV parks. Definitely staying here again!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Rio Verde RV Park

    Overall great place

    Loved this campground, nice walking path, beautiful river view and friendly staff. Would definitely stay again

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Forest Road 535

    Amazing views

    It was hard to find a flat surface but we arrived at night. During day time should be easier.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Windmill Camp

    Sunset!!

    Super easy access, shared big flat parking campsite, blue restrooms (cleaned). Excellent to crash at nights between Sedona hikes.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site

    Great and convenient

    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 to west Sedona and find an other dispersed camping over there. You don’t need a high clearance car here. We did not hear the freeway at all, very dispersed sites


Guide to Munds Park

Dispersed camping options near Munds Park offer alternatives to established campgrounds. The area sits at approximately 6,800 feet elevation with pine forests dominating the landscape, creating cooler summer temperatures than nearby Sedona. Winter access becomes challenging from December through February when snowfall can make forest roads impassable without 4WD vehicles and proper snow equipment.

What to do

Hike West Fork Trail: Located near Cave Springs, this trail follows Oak Creek through a canyon with multiple stream crossings. "We hiked the West fork of Oak Creek and really enjoyed it. Super busy - Go early or late. Also hiked Cathedral Rock - Again, go early of late to find parking," notes Bill R.

Explore the Edge of the World: Drive to East Pocket for dramatic cliff views. "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," says Angel T. The road requires careful driving as it has "large portion of potholes."

Wade in Oak Creek: Access the creek directly from several campgrounds for cooling off. At Manzanita Campground, the creek provides natural swimming holes. "The Creek is gorgeous, clean water thats great for a morning plunge," reports G D. The water stays cold even in summer months.

What campers like

Forest solitude: Campers at Pumphouse Wash Dispersed Camping Area appreciate the forested setting. "The campsites are all designated free camping with numbers and all have stone fire pits. Lots of spots to explore," notes Norman H. The area sits just 9 miles from Munds Park.

High elevation cooling: Summer visitors enjoy temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Chris E. calls Pumphouse Wash his "Favorite spot to camp. Short drive to rim lakes and weather is usually picture perfect here."

Night skies: The distance from major cities creates excellent stargazing opportunities. At Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping, "We woke up to an AMAZING view! After breaking down our rooftop tent, we continued down Schnebly Hill Rd. It leads to Merry-Go-Round and other hikes," shares D & Jess W.

What you should know

Road conditions matter: Many of the best places to camp near Munds Park require driving on unpaved roads. At West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping, "The road in from Cottonwood is actually easier than the road from Sedona. We tow a travel trailer with a high clearance pickup and did it fine," reports Dan K.

Campsite availability: Competition for sites increases on weekends. "We got to drive straight up to the cliff-face and camp out for the night. We woke up to an amazing view and it was just a great view over Sedona and the beautiful landscape!" says Joffrey H. about East Pocket.

Pack out trash: Maintenance varies at dispersed sites. At Pumphouse Wash, Michael C. noted "Wayyy to many sites with trash and toilet paper everywhere. You can't walk away from your site without seeing lots of trees surrounded by toilet paper."

Fire restrictions: Check current regulations before planning campfires. Restrictions often begin in May and extend through monsoon season. Some areas prohibit fires year-round.

Tips for camping with families

KOA convenience: For families wanting amenities, Flagstaff KOA offers extensive facilities. "This is a large camp with a lot to offer. Just a short drive outside of flagstaff and you're in a beautiful camp tucked in the tall spruce trees," reports Sierra S.

Creek access for kids: Look for sites near water for natural play areas. At Manzanita Campground, "Very spacious space and great access to the canyon creek. Great shadow from the trees as well," says Michael M.

Safe sites away from cliffs: When camping with young children, avoid sites at Edge of the World which sit directly on cliff edges without barriers. Joshua M. notes it has "Great views with very little reception. The best sites do fill up early but you won't go without a site as there is tons of room all over the road."

Visit during weekdays: School breaks create significant crowding. Weekday visits, especially in May and September, offer more space and quieter experiences.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Many forest roads have tight turns and limited turnaround space. At Pine Flat Campground, "Some sites are small so check length before booking is you travel in RV or trailer," advises Christopher.

RV parks vs. dispersed: For hookups, Rancho Sedona RV Park provides full services. "Great location as you can walk right into Sedona. Very well kept RV park with very clean bathrooms. Sites are spaced out a bit; not as tight as some other RV parks," notes Kim G.

Generator policies: Forest Service lands typically allow generator use during daytime hours while established campgrounds have restrictions. West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping permits generators, though nearby campers may object to noise.

Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require significant leveling. Bring leveling blocks and wheel chocks for uneven terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go camping in Munds Park, AZ?

The ideal camping season in Munds Park runs from late spring through early fall (May through October). At approximately 6,500 feet elevation, Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam and similar areas offer cool nights even during summer months, making it a perfect escape from Arizona's desert heat. Late spring brings blooming wildflowers, while September offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Pinegrove Campground showcases beautiful fall colors as temperatures begin to drop. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow and freezing temperatures. Summer weekends tend to be busiest, with increased traffic from off-road vehicles, especially around holiday weekends.

What RV camping options are available in Munds Park?

RV campers near Munds Park have several excellent options. Verde Ranch RV Resort in nearby Camp Verde offers resort-style amenities including a pool and well-equipped recreation facilities. For those preferring more natural settings, dispersed camping along Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) provides free camping with big-rig accessibility. Many dispersed areas around Munds Park can accommodate larger RVs and trailers, with campers reporting successful stays with rigs up to 31 feet in length. While hookups aren't available in dispersed areas, the proximity to both Munds Park and Flagstaff means supplies and dump stations are readily accessible, making this region an ideal base for RV exploration of northern Arizona.

Where are the best campgrounds in Munds Park, Arizona?

Munds Park offers excellent camping opportunities in the pine forests of northern Arizona. Forest Service Road 253 Dispersed is a favorite spot just a few miles north of Munds Park with dozens of campsites available, making it perfect for group camping with numerous trails surrounding the area. Another great option is FR 240 Dispersed Camping, which provides easy access to both Munds Park and Flagstaff. This area accommodates larger trailers (up to 31') and offers beautiful scenery with privacy. Both locations provide the quintessential northern Arizona camping experience with pine forests and cooler temperatures compared to lower elevations in the state.