Best Tent Camping near Paulden, AZ

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Paulden, look no further. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Paulden, Arizona's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Paulden, AZ (26)

    Camper-submitted photo from Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Campground

    2. Manzanita Campground

    25 Reviews
    81 Photos
    795 Saves
    Munds Park, Arizona

    Overview

    Manzanita Campground is a small, year-round, tent-only facility with campsites that fill up very quickly. Visitors enjoy the campground for its fishing and swimming holes along Oak Creek, beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife watching. Oak Creek Canyon is very crowded, especially on weekends; to get a campsite, it is best to reserve a weekday.

    Recreation

    Recreation and relaxation abound in Oak Creek Canyon. Camping, fishing, swimming, wading and hiking are some of the activities awaiting visitors. Anglers have the convenience of creekside campsites, where they can cast a line for trout. Families love driving down the road to nearby Slide Rock State Park, one of Arizona's most popular swimming spots, or trying out several nearby hiking trails.

    Natural Features

    The campground borders Oak Creek in a lush, forested riparian zone with Arizona ash and box elders, gravel beaches and stream-bed boulders. Colorful songbirds add flashes of brilliance to the trees. The creek's crystal clear waters are cool and refreshing on hot summer days.

    Nearby Attractions

    The well-known town of Sedona is popular for its red rock vistas, resorts and shopping. Slide Rock State Park is a great local spot for swimming and only a few minutes away. Campers can also explore the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, which boasts a spectacular variety of scenery and outdoor activities.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $26 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from FR 222 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FR 222 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FR 222 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FR 222 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FR 222 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FR 222 Dispersed

    3. FR 222 Dispersed

    31 Reviews
    45 Photos
    850 Saves
    Bellemont, Arizona
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Haak'u Cuervo Canyon Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from Haak'u Cuervo Canyon Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from Haak'u Cuervo Canyon Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from Haak'u Cuervo Canyon Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from Haak'u Cuervo Canyon Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from Haak'u Cuervo Canyon Overlook

      5. Haak'u Cuervo Canyon Overlook

      2 Reviews
      19 Photos
      65 Saves
      Paulden, Arizona
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)

      $15 - $30 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413
      Camper-submitted photo from North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413
      Camper-submitted photo from North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413
      • No image available

        7. Thumb Butte Day Use Area

        1 Review
        8 Saves
        Prescott National Forest, Arizona

        Thumb Butte Group Picnic Area is a convenient place for groups of up to 100 people to enjoy a day outdoors. The site is located under the towering pines of Prescott National Forest about 4 miles west of Prescott, and provides easy access to a variety of trails and amenities. It offers a year-round pavilion and a quiet, shaded setting for luncheons, church gatherings, family picnics and other large functions. Natural Features: The facility is set in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 5,700 feet, at the base of the Thumb Butte rock formation and adjacent to Miller Creek. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes and birds. Summer temperatures are pleasant, and winter is cool to cold with occasional snow. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible from late June through mid-September. Recreation: The Thumb Butte area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. Many trails can be found within a short walk or drive, including two that ascend Thumb Butte. Horseshoe pits are available at the picnic site; visitors interested in playing should bring their own horseshoes. Facilities: The picnic site is equipped with 12 picnic tables, 1 serving table, a covered picnic shelter, four charcoal grills and one campfire ring. There is designated parking (gated area) for 26 standard size vehicles. Guests have the convenience of restrooms with flush toilets and drinking water. The area is lighted after dark, and electric outlet(s) (20 amp maximum) are provided. Trash collection is limited and guests are encouraged to pack out their own trash. Nearby Attractions: Restaurants, shopping, historic sites and many amenities are nearby in the historic town of Prescott.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Trash
        • No image available
          Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
          Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
          Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
          Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
          • No image available
          Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Paulden

          854 Reviews of 26 Paulden Campgrounds


          • Al J.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Seligman-Route 66 KOA
            Nov. 19, 2024

            Seligman-Route 66 KOA

            Not as bad as i thought

            didnt like it when pulling in but after spending the night ive changed my mind. The showers are good size and clean. The floors by the showers were warmed so that was nice. pool is empty and no jacuzzi. I would stay again.

          • Julie M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Arizona State Trust Land FSR 761 Dispersed
            Nov. 14, 2024

            Arizona State Trust Land FSR 761 Dispersed

            Quiet spot

            At the start of the road there are a couple of large areas where there were multiple vans parked but we kept going further down until we found a spot on our own. It was flat and we had a nice quiet night.

          • Julie M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 535 - East
            Nov. 11, 2024

            Forest Road 535 - East

            Nice quiet spot

            Plenty of sites up this road although not all level. Surrounded by trees. Some traffic up and down the road but that settled by evening. We couldn’t hear the highway. Recommended.

          • DThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping
            Oct. 26, 2024

            Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping

            Beautiful with caveats

            The area is beautiful Forrest not far off the highway. We drove well past the initial sites and found a pretty quiet spot with neighbors barely visible. The site nearest was full of trash left behind and processed by wildlife. So sad! The road had some pretty big mud puddles along the way, but were passable. There were some pretty big rigs that made it through. I could hear trains in the distance the whole time through Williams or going to the Grand Canyon. Cell service was good for T-Mobile. Level and spacious sites are easy to find. Beautiful place!

          • GThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Surprise Campsite
            Oct. 26, 2024

            Surprise Campsite

            Dusty and busy, but it works

            We recently spent 4 nights here, along with about 10-15 other camping vehicles, ranging from a Toyota Camry to 5th wheels and horse trailers.  Easy access for our 39ft class A and toad, but it was busy around 2pm when we arrived and filled up even more afterward.  Every day a few spots opened up by 10/11a but filled by 5p.  There were a couple of port-a-potties, if needed.  The camping site is actually bumpier than the gravel road coming in. Not much noise, considering proximity to highway and other campers, surprisingly.

          • Addison G.
            Camper-submitted photo from West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping
            Oct. 23, 2024

            West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

            Good location, but hard to find a good spot

            Camping is only allowed in the big designated campsites, which is not what I thought driving in. It took a bit to find a spot because there are “no camping signs” all over. Once we found a good spot tho, it was awesome. There was a lovely backdrop of the mountains and portapotties.

          • Cliff R.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 9549
            Oct. 21, 2024

            Forest Road 9549

            Camping Nolonger Allowed at this site.

            10-21-2024 Went to site. No camping signs now posted. Road is now a designated OHV trail known as "Outlaw OHV Trail".

          • Cliff R.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area
            Oct. 21, 2024

            Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area

            Great views !

            We camped there for several days in Oct.2024. Road was rough but solid. Most any size rig could access this site. Good Verizon signal. Our biggest disappointment was the red dust. It got into all our rigs and is a mess to clean up. Overall it's a good site.

          • Scotti M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Campground
            Oct. 18, 2024

            Manzanita Campground

            Great host & nice spot to camp

            Our experience at this campsite near Sedona was amazing! The host was great help making sure we were settled in for the night. The camping spots were clean, well-spaced, and surrounded by stunning scenery. One of the highlights was the nearby creek, which was perfect for unwinding and added a peaceful ambiance to the whole experience. A great place for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the area!

          • RThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping
            Oct. 17, 2024

            Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping

            Close to Sedona

            Easy to find off Beaver Flats rd. The camp areas are pretty spread out which was nice. Decent shade from some Juniper trees and we could barely hear the road from our campsite. Some of the sites are pretty clase to the road though and are probably fairly noisy. I’m guessing there are about 7 sites total. It’s not the type of place for a big motor home or a big trailer.

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from A Spark in the Dark
            Oct. 16, 2024

            A Spark in the Dark

            Excellent spot

            The peace and quiet and beauty of this place far outweighs the drive in from the 40. I have a 29’ motorhome with low ground clearance and I made it just fine.

          • D
            Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
            Oct. 15, 2024

            Hilltop Campground

            Love this close campground

            I am a frequent camper at Hilltop. I tent camp so I camp on 16 which isn't as big a the other sites but fine for me. I came spring and fall and never summer. I just went at the end of Sept 2024. Weather was gorgeous 80 hi/ 50 low. This is earlier than I normally camp. I have camped late October and have sleep in my tent in 19° weather. A Mr Buddy heater helps but have a carbon monoxide alarm just in case. Quieter than Lynx Lake campground but a bit further out. Still it's beautiful. I am local so of I forget something I can go home and come back out. Host normally has firewood for sale. They are still working on the water lines so as of the end of Sept there was only the water you bring in yourself. Costco is down the road a ways and they fill propane tanks pretty cheap. Lots to do in the area if you want to go to town and enjoy dinner. Prescott and Prescott Valley have great restaurants.

          • Kerri W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Senetor Highway Dispersed spot 5
            Oct. 14, 2024

            Senetor Highway Dispersed spot 5

            Do Better

            We left late from Phoenix on the Senator Highway from Meyer and we should’ve stopped while we were ahead. We ended up at the North end just outside of Prescott in the dispersed sites. Disgusting. Every single site looked like this one. We’ve got a RTT so thankfully it was a quick set up for the night and we’re outa here. If we’d have had adequate trash bags (a dumpster would’ve been ideal) we’d have spent the next few days cleaning up. If you pack it in pack it out. It’s real easy. That all being said- if you’ve got a large group with sxs and you enjoy the Senator, this is definitely the perfect spot.

          • V
            Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service Road 253 Dispersed
            Oct. 14, 2024

            Forest Service Road 253 Dispersed

            Simple Little Spot

            Easy to find. The roads arnt too bad, there’s definitely some rocky spots but I have an SUV that does not have 4x4 and it did just fine. Not too busy of campers/ day users. Only reason for 4 stars is you can kinda hear the freeway. (From where I stayed)

          • William M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping
            Oct. 10, 2024

            Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping

            Peace and quiet

            As I came in there seemed to be allot of fellow campers, but the further back I drove the less people I came across. Until I came to a spot with no other campers around. I was looking for peace and quiet and found exactly that. Beautiful view and plenty of open space. I will definitely return.

          • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Loy Butte Road
            Sep. 30, 2024

            Loy Butte Road

            Close to Sedona but busy!

            We stayed here for a night and it was great. It was busy but the main reason we picked it was because it was close to Sedona so it was nice and easy for us to go in for a sunrise hike. We stayed in the first pull off lot on the left hand side that didn't have no camping signs (past Surprise), it had a porta potty which was definitely nice to have. Seems like they must block off sites every now and then because some of the ones marked on dyrt were blocked with rocks but still lots of space!

          • MThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas
            Sep. 25, 2024

            Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas

            Very nice wooded lake camp near I40

            We stopped here because it is conveniently located between Los Angeles and Colorado. At 7000 feet not too hot. Sites are well separated and level. Great place for an overnight stay. Or longer if you like to fish or just enjoy the quiet. No swimming in the lake. But boats and fishing are allowed. We saw several Osprey fishing in the lake successfully. Only vault toilets, but they are clean. Campground hosts are friendly. Some spigots for water. There is a tent only section with no generators. Also a group area. 5G T-Mobile. Quiet.

          • CThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171
            Sep. 24, 2024

            Lava Tube Cave Path on Forest Road 171

            Fully satisfied

            We loved the area. Drive around a few times checking it out easy to find and plenty of space for all kinds of campers. Even my Camry made it out. The lava cave was a decent hike but my two year old and pregnant fiancé made it down and up. Camp ground not crowded but the cave was

          • Eric S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Walker Hill Dispersed (Coconino NF)
            Sep. 20, 2024

            Walker Hill Dispersed (Coconino NF)

            Great spot not far from amenities

            It’s been a very pleasant stay here. Wildlife of all kinds are abundant. People keep primarily to themselves. Pilot Truck Stop is only 5 miles away. Cell signal is pretty good depending on where you’re located. Lava Tube Cave is only 2.5 miles North of this spot and of free to visit but I’d recommend going during the week, it’s very busy in the weekends.

          • NThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Welch Road
            Sep. 17, 2024

            Welch Road

            Great location easy access

            Very easy to stop by when we where om the road and just needed a place to sleep. Open fields gave a nice view. Very close to the highway so easy to stop and continue our journey. Stayed in an rv, so the level surface was nice.

            All in all good place to stay for the night.

          • Roxanne S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Pine Flat Campground West
            Sep. 16, 2024

            Pine Flat Campground West

            Easy creek side access in the cool pines

            We made an impromptu trip to escape the heat and unwind. We were grateful the stars aligned and snagged a FF spot! The sites are spacious and very well kept. Yes, you are right next to 89 regardless, but it worked fine for us. The creek is easily accessible and walking distance to a trail head as well. Firewood and ice are available on-site and the camp hosts graciously drop it off at your site. It is a quiet campground and to note is that music is not allowed. 

            Afternoon rain in the canyon is such a treat and we couldn't have ordered it!



          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Paulden, AZ?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Paulden, AZ is Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Paulden, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.