Dispersed camping around Munds Park, Arizona offers numerous sites within Coconino National Forest at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet. Most locations remain accessible from spring through fall, though Forest Service roads can become challenging after rainfall. The area features predominantly ponderosa pine forests with nearby cattle grazing land and occasional wildlife viewing opportunities.
What to do
Hike the Arizona Trail: The Arizona Trail passes near Marshall Lake, providing opportunities for day hikes or longer backpacking segments. "The Arizona Trail goes through this area," notes one camper who enjoyed exploring the surrounding forest.
Stargazing in open areas: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. At Forest Road 689, campers report remarkable night skies: "Quiet, private, and a ba-jillion stars," according to a visitor who appreciated the unobstructed views.
Paddle boarding: Lakes near the dispersed camping areas offer water recreation during summer months. A camper at FR 240 Dispersed Camping mentioned "paddle boarding up at Lake Mary" as part of their weekend activities while camping in the forest.
Wildlife viewing: The forest around these dispersed sites hosts elk, deer, and various bird species. At Forest Road 689, one visitor reported: "I saw cows, elk, ravens, and deer. That was awesome!"
What campers like
Temperature relief: The higher elevation provides cooler conditions during summer months. A reviewer at Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam noted the comfort: "Nice views, fairly quiet, decent stargazing. Definitely cold overnight for mid April."
Accessible forest locations: Many sites offer easy access from main roads with minimal driving on forest service roads. At Pumphouse Wash, a visitor explained: "Short drive to rim lakes and weather is usually picture perfect here."
Pine forest environment: The tree cover provides welcome shade during warmer months. A Marshall Lake visitor described the setting: "Lovely spot! Nice & shady with the trees on a hot summer day."
Space between sites: Most dispersed areas provide adequate separation between campsites. One FR 240 camper mentioned: "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."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some routes require high-clearance vehicles while others accommodate standard cars. At Edge of the World (East Pocket), a camper warned: "The ride in is rocky, I came in very slowly... just be careful for sharp rocks."
Seasonal closures occur: Winter snow and spring mud can close access roads. A visitor to Pumphouse Wash reported in March: "Closed, due to snow I guess? Looked like a nice spot."
No facilities available: All dispersed sites lack water, toilets, and trash service. A camper at Edge of the World advised: "No facilities so pack it in and pack it out. I can't express how beautiful it is up there. If you have the means and the chance - do it!"
Fire restrictions change throughout seasons: Always check current restrictions before visiting. Some areas prohibit fires year-round, while others allow them seasonally in established fire rings.
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water: The high elevation increases dehydration risk. A Marshall Lake visitor emphasized: "Bring lots of extra water/drinks, the high elevation is no joke."
Watch for passing vehicles: Some forest roads experience heavy off-road vehicle traffic. At Pumphouse Wash (FR 237), a camper observed: "There's a ton of traffic, no respect from other campers who blast music, trash the forest, fire off guns at all hours, and overall not a great vibe."
Choose weekday visits for quieter camping: Weekends often bring increased traffic and noise. A visitor to FR 240 mentioned: "Not too noisy all the time but definitely had our fair share of UTV/ATV friends going by all weekend."
Prepare for temperature swings: Days can be warm while nights turn cool, especially in spring and fall. A Marshall Lake camper noted: "Days are great, nights are chilly. Fires allowed in rings, check with local regs to verify it's allowed when you visit."
Tips from RVers
Scout potential sites before committing: Many forest roads become challenging for larger rigs. A visitor to Edge of the World advised: "The coordinates got you exactly where you need to be. Please keep driving as there are way better sites past there. Make sure to have a vehicle that can take a ton of dirt, gravel and some rocks."
Consider pull-off size carefully: Not all sites accommodate longer trailers or RVs. A camper at FR 240 shared: "We had a 21 and 31' trailer with us and found a great spot about 6 minutes after hitting the dirt road."
Position away from main roads: Forest roads can generate significant dust. An RVer at FR 240 recommended: "You want to be off the road as the dust from ATV and cattle trucks can get thick."
Check reception before settling in: Cell service varies throughout the area. As one Pumphouse Wash visitor noted: "NO CELL service so take that into consideration when dispersed camping."
