Best Dispersed Camping near Paulden, AZ

Are you in need of a campground near Paulden, AZ? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Paulden, reviewed by campers like you.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Paulden, Arizona (105)

    1. Kaibab National Forest

    24 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-8200

    "I scout a site with the Jeep when we camp on public land. The road straight in is very rocky and the area had about 10-12 rigs already parked."

    "Nice place to pull off the highway and sleep while being sort of close to some cool stuff."

    2. Forest Service Road 640 & 680 Camp

    2 Reviews
    Paulden, AZ
    9 miles

    "Actually fairly quiet being next to the factory. When the trains come through they are pretty loud but in and out quickly. Road was easy to get back to the spot. We are towing a 40 foot 5th wheel."

    3. FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop

    9 Reviews
    Prescott National Forest, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 443-8000

    "Found a nice spot (#16) with some shade, level ground, and a pretty forest setting. Plenty of room for a large vehicle with room to turn around."

    "Its kind of the perfect dispersed situation. It’s easy to get to, there’s around 20 spots in the area. Road is bumpy but passable by basically any car. Sites were super clean and well spaced out."

    4. Prescott National Forest Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    22 miles

    "I have gone out to Prescott national forest for some hammock camping many times and it has always been an amazing night! I have also gone tent camping out in Prescott and it is also great!"

    "I have camped out here in various locations, and it is absoluetly beautiful. I love to hammock camp, and that is what I normally do when I go camping."

    5. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    53 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    41 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."

    6. North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413

    7 Reviews
    Jerome, AZ
    24 miles

    "Many free campsites to choose from, primitive roads are ok enough for my Corolla to navigate. One of the few free campgrounds I’ve been to that was actually clean."

    "Not much shade at the top. But have cell phone and wifi service."

    8. Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Prescott National Forest, AZ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 443-8000

    "Lots laying around to burn. Bring water and food but Prescott is like 3miles away"

    "Moderate privacy, amenities close in downtown Prescott, no water power or bathrooms so be prepared. Very relaxed and peaceful area."

    9. Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

    51 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    45 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)."

    10. Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-8200

    "We just kept driving along a pretty rugged dirt road until we found a site. Turned out to be great. Not a person in sight and very wooded."

    "Very accessible. Large area. Do not need 4 wheel drive to reach a spot you can camp in. Other spots you might need high clearance."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Paulden, AZ

543 Reviews of 105 Paulden Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great spot to pull in

    Drove a mini van on the road, wasn’t too washed out or anything. A sedan could definitely drive to many of the spots. Many campsites available, beautiful scenery! Please help keep this place clean by leaving no trace!

  • RGR D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great Rest Overnight

    The Bloody Bath access road was an easy drive (F250 SD with a truck camper). Washboards were easy to navigate but watch your speed on the down hill turns. We initially selected the site closest to Bloody Bath Road but decided to move further back to a site about a 1/4 mile in. The road (trail) back to the final site was a bit washed out (dry) with some deep ruts but again easily navigated in our truck. A 2WD Van or a SUV could easily access the site. The site was quiet. The biggest bummer was the amount of trash and empty beer cans strewn around the site. Real bummer.

  • Toree M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2023

    FR689 Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, scenic, easy to locate

    We are in a 34 footer! The drive, while do-able, is not necessarily preferable in something 20+ feet long. Narrow dirt road, closer to one lane than two, and no guard rails. We just took it slow and that worked fine for us! It has been pretty quiet (even compared to other BLM sites we’ve visited this month). It’s also January which absolutely plays into the noise/traffic level! It’s chilly but nothing a sleeping bag can’t help! Really pretty walks, and hikes, and lots of room for our pups and kiddos to play. Super easy to navigate, which is always a big plus! We’re camping almost exactly where the pin is dropped. We’ve been able to visit Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and just come back here at night to camp so location isn’t bad either.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam

    Nice area

    I took I 17 as the directions stated. 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. After about 6 miles on a dirt road you will reach the schnebly hill overlook. The road gets a lot rougher from here. I didn’t go further from here. The site we stayed at wasn’t far from the exit on I17. The sky was beautiful. I would definitely stay here again.

  • H
    Oct. 12, 2022

    Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping

    West side entrance- quite an adventure!

    We opted to come up Schnebly Hill Rd from the west side (downtown Sedona). If you take this approach, a 4x4 with high clearance is a must. Bonus if you have some off-roading experience. There were some pretty gnarly rock patches that required some skill to traverse safely (thanks to my husband!) We camped at two different spots along the road on consecutive nights. Both nights were relatively quiet with only a few vehicles passing. Secluded, quiet, beautiful, flat - overall the perfect dispersed camping spots! If you drive in from the I-17 side, the spots get really sweet about 5-6 miles in. Not suitable for RVs but perfect for RTT or tent camping

  • Kirk H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2023

    Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171

    Excellent camping in the pines

    Great camping and I only went about 1.5 miles up the dirt road as my camper is new to me and I didn't want to go to far off the beaten path in case i needed something from town. Turns out both of my rv batteries needed replaced so we made a 15 min drive to Walmart before they closed and were back in business with everything working on the rv. Also a nice thing is the pilot 24 hour gas station in only about 2 miles away if you needed something as well. Gives my wife peace of mind as she is a city slicker and not real sold on boondocking. Also Verizon signal was good and allowed my daughter to attend her online college courses with zoom, Tmobile had no signal.

  • Idaliza S.
    Apr. 23, 2022

    FR121 Dispersed Camping

    Good but not Great

    Camped in my Subaru. Good spot for quick over night camping or short-term stay. Limited to no shade. Dirt road easily accessible. . Please pick up your trash. Do not leave toilet paper under a rock, next to a bush or dig in it in the dirt (put it in a trash bag!!! - PACK IN PACK OUT!!!

  • E
    May. 3, 2021

    FR 222 Dispersed

    Bittersweet

    Long gravel road with plenty of pull offs close and far from it. Nice flat areas for camping. Very upsetting to see most of the sites are littered with trash. Please remember to practice “Leave No Trace” principles, disposing of trash and human waste appropriately, so we can all continue to enjoy the places we love so much. :)

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2021

    FR 222 Dispersed

    Very quiet stay

    I pulled in Sunday afternoon and only say 4 other campers. Extremely quiet during the day and night. Didn’t see any wildlife but I’m sure they are around! No amenities so come prepared for dry camping. Flagstaff is about 15 min away and had good AT&T service and was able to work remotely.


Guide to Paulden

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Paulden, Arizona, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the hustle and bustle. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Kaibab National Forest

  • This area is known for its stunning views and accessibility, making it a favorite among visitors. You can find a spot that suits your needs, whether you prefer a flat area or a more rugged terrain. Check out Kaibab National Forest for a great experience.
  • Many campers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the ability to enjoy campfires, which adds to the overall experience. It's a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.
  • The location is also pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Scenic hiking trails for dispersed campers

  • If you're looking for beautiful hiking opportunities, FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop offers trails that lead you through stunning landscapes and cooler temperatures, especially in the warmer months.
  • The area is well-suited for various camping setups, with sites that are easy to access and provide a peaceful environment. Many visitors have noted the tranquility of the area, making it perfect for relaxation.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to spot deer and other animals while hiking, adding an extra layer of excitement to your camping trip.

Top activities while free camping near Paulden

  • For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Prescott National Forest Dispersed offers a range of activities, including hiking and exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
  • The area is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors while soaking in the natural beauty surrounding you.
  • Campers can also take advantage of the nearby trails for biking or horseback riding, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy during their stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Paulden, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Paulden, AZ is Kaibab National Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Paulden, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 105 dispersed camping locations near Paulden, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.