Top Free Dispersed Camping near Prescott National Forest

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Prescott National Forest? We've got you covered. The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Arizona camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Prescott National Forest, AZ (95)

    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping

    1. Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    17 Photos
    66 Saves
    Prescott National Forest, Arizona

    Dispersed camping is camping outside of developed campgrounds. In contrast to camping in developed campsites, dispersed camping is more primitive, and generally has no amenities such as trash collection, water or toilets.

    The Prescott Basin is an area immediately south and west of Prescott, Arizona and encompasses approximately 59,000 acres (about 4% of the Prescott National Forest).

    Prescott Basin has a high percentage of wildland-urban interface, a mixture of undeveloped and developed land. The popularity of the Prescott Basin, has contributed to resource impacts such as accelerated soil erosion, damage or loss of vegetation, displaced wildlife, increased fire risk, and accumulation of trash and human waste.

    To help prevent unacceptable resource damage from dispersed camping, Forest Service resource managers have designated sites, established stay limits, and limits on building and maintaining campfires.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop

    2. FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop

    8 Reviews
    28 Photos
    167 Saves
    Prescott National Forest, Arizona

    This spot is located in the Prescott Basin.

    The Prescott Basin is an area immediately south and west of Prescott, Arizona and encompasses approximately 59,000 acres (about 4% of the Prescott National Forest).

    Dispersed camping is camping outside of developed campgrounds. In contrast to camping in developed campsites, dispersed camping is more primitive, and generally has no amenities such as trash collection, water or toilets.

    A map of the area can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3797787.pdf

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR80 Sundance Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR80 Sundance Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR80 Sundance Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR80 Sundance Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR80 Sundance Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR80 Sundance Road Dispersed Camping

    4. FDR80 Sundance Road Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    19 Photos
    273 Saves
    Prescott National Forest, Arizona

    This spot is located in the Prescott Basin.

    The Prescott Basin is an area immediately south and west of Prescott, Arizona and encompasses approximately 59,000 acres (about 4% of the Prescott National Forest).

    Dispersed camping is camping outside of developed campgrounds. In contrast to camping in developed campsites, dispersed camping is more primitive, and generally has no amenities such as trash collection, water or toilets.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Edge of the World (East Pocket)
    Camper-submitted photo from Edge of the World (East Pocket)
    Camper-submitted photo from Edge of the World (East Pocket)
    Camper-submitted photo from Edge of the World (East Pocket)
    Camper-submitted photo from Edge of the World (East Pocket)
    Camper-submitted photo from Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    5. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    48 Reviews
    172 Photos
    3003 Saves
    Sedona, Arizona

    It is labelled as East Pocket on a map, but known to locals as “The End of The World,” the perfect nickname to describe this climactic viewpoint. Flagstaff sits upon a lofty plateau carpeted in high-elevation pine forest, but just south of town, the bottom drops out. Below a craggy rim of volcanic rock, the land takes a precipitous plunge into an entirely different world of red rock and sandstone towers. This is the realm of Sedona, and End of The World overlooks all of it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping

    8. FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    58 Saves
    Prescott National Forest, Arizona

    This spot is located in the Prescott Basin.

    The Prescott Basin is an area immediately south and west of Prescott, Arizona and encompasses approximately 59,000 acres (about 4% of the Prescott National Forest).

    Dispersed camping is camping outside of developed campgrounds. In contrast to camping in developed campsites, dispersed camping is more primitive, and generally has no amenities such as trash collection, water or toilets.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping

    9. Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    83 Saves
    Prescott National Forest, Arizona

    The Prescott Basin is an area immediately south and west of Prescott, Arizona and encompasses approximately 59,000 acres. Camping and campfires are allowed only at Designated Campsites, and in developed campgrounds, within the Prescott Basin. During fire restrictions, campfires are not allowed in these designated dispersed camp sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Rd Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Rd Dispersed

    10. Ponderosa Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    27 Saves
    Prescott National Forest, Arizona

    Dispersed camping is camping outside of developed campgrounds. In contrast to camping in developed campsites, dispersed camping is more primitive, and generally has no amenities such as trash collection, water or toilets. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd764808.pdf

    The Prescott Basin is an area immediately south and west of Prescott, Arizona and encompasses approximately 59,000 acres (about 4% of the Prescott National Forest).

    Prescott Basin has a high percentage of wildland-urban interface, a mixture of undeveloped and developed land. The popularity of the Prescott Basin, has contributed to resource impacts such as accelerated soil erosion, damage or loss of vegetation, displaced wildlife, increased fire risk, and accumulation of trash and human waste.

    To help prevent unacceptable resource damage from dispersed camping, Forest Service resource managers have designated sites, established stay limits, and limits on building and maintaining campfires.

    Camping and campfires are allowed only at Designated Campsites, and in developed campgrounds, within the Prescott Basin. During fire restrictions, campfires are not allowed in these designated dispersed camp sites.

    Remember:

    • Recreational camping is allowed in developed and designated dispersed campsites; however, residing on National Forest Lands is not allowed. • Camping in designated dispersed campsites is allowed for 7 days in a 30 day period. • Campfires in provided fire rings only in designated dispersed campsites. • Do not put cans, bottles, or aluminum foil into fire rings. • Use only dead and down wood for campfires. • Be safe in the forest. Make sure your campfire is dead out!

    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 95 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Prescott National Forest

305 Reviews of 95 Prescott National Forest Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Loy Butte Road
    September 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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Camp
    September 17, 2024

    Windmill Camp

    Its free,

    Dirt lot, good for Rv's. Super windy and the grounds too hard for tent stakes, a single tree in the middle. Its a place to sleep. Portapotties available

  • Camper-submitted photo from Welch Road
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Montezuma Well USFS Dispersed
    September 12, 2024

    Montezuma Well USFS Dispersed

    Fire ants

    Pretty exposed. No shade. Lots of fire ants so I wouldn’t suggest tent camping here. I have the option of car camping. So that works. And there’s a nearby rest area on I-17 to use the restroom, though it’s a bit of a drive. Right near montezuma’s well which is one of my favorite monuments. It’s hot. Be prepared.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping
    September 7, 2024

    Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping

    got the whole desert to myself!!

    beautiful views! super duper underrated and conveniently close to sedona access: 3stars (for my car, yours will do way better lmao) easy to find on the map! not a difficult road (at first), but gravelly for sure. i drive a 1995 ford f150 2 wheel drive and found that after 2-3 miles in, the road up to the overlook becomes too steep and rocky for my truck to climb, but a 4x4 definitely can do it! if u have a car like mine take it nice and slow and you will do just fine :3 business/safety/people: 5stars! not a SINGLE other camper here and i arrived on a friday night! its like i have the whole desert to myself. all you hear are crickets and very very distant highway sounds. maybe its because i came in early september but this is by far the most quiet of blms ive ever been to sites: sites are easy to back in and most come with rock firepits! in the site im at, people left piles of firewood close to the pit which was an amazing help bc i arrived so late

    the only con that i can think of is that there r a lot of bugs (ants and moths especially), which doesnt bother me at all but for some it could be a little annoying. if you have full cover (tent, rv, camper, van, etc) then do not worry at all, but i camp in the bed of my truck so its a lil different for me.

    if u want solitude come check this place out !

  • Camper-submitted photo from Loy Butte Road
    August 23, 2024

    Loy Butte Road

    Good :)

    Plenty of space. Drive deeper in (after the forbidden signs) you will see a big tent sign with an arrow pointing left (see pics)

    It's called "Surprise"

  • Camper-submitted photo from Welch Road
    July 13, 2024

    Welch Road

    Not a bad spot for the night

    Stayed here one night. It’s relatively nice to be so close to 40. The road is a dirt road, so just making sure that’s listed. I parked relatively close to the highway (there’s about 15 campsites) so there was a lot of highway noise, one of the only reasons I’m giving 4 star. If you drive further back there are more secluded spots that might have less noise… wouldn’t recommend driving too far back if you have a big rig. Road may be muddy if there’s been a lot of rain, but it was very well maintained while we visited. Camping up to 14 days is permitted.

    GPS - 35.21893, -112.37746

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service Road 761
    July 7, 2024

    Forest Service Road 761

    If you want to have your things stolen

    We set up the tent and the tent was stolen. A bunch of homeless people living there. Won’t recommend it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site
    July 6, 2024

    Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site

    Extremely Nice stay pretty close to Sedona

    So this spot was only about 25 minutes from Sedona and it was pretty great. You could hear the hum of I17 but not loud at all. Road was well maintained and the spots had fire pits. Lots of flies buzzing around but nothing biting

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service Road 761
    June 25, 2024

    Forest Service Road 761

    Perfect site near Sedona

    We went to 3 different places, all were shut down due to poor road conditions. This place was by far our favorite site during our 2 week road trip.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping near Crown King
    June 17, 2024

    Dispersed camping near Crown King

    Gorgeous secluded camping

    Secluded dispersed camping in the woods just outside of the town Crown King. 4x4 is recommended, campsites are not accessible when snowfall has occurred. Beautiful wildlife including deer always nearby.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hat Tank
    June 17, 2024

    Hat Tank

    Misquotes during summer!

    The camp site was beautiful but no amount of bug spray or candles keep the small no-see-um misquotes away! They look like gnats but don’t be fooled we were covered in bites and itching hours later. It was insane my dog was covered in millions.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Soda Springs Road
    June 6, 2024

    Soda Springs Road

    Good Stopover

    My son and I needed a place to camp after exploring the Sedona area. We arrived late in the day and so missed the heat. Set up with a tent, cooked dinner over a campfire. The stars were awesome!

    Next morning the heat came on quick. No shade, no water, etc. but we weren't here to stay. Packed and back on the road by 9am.

    Probably not a great spot for multiple days, at least when the creek is dry (it was when we were there)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Copper Basin Campsites
    June 1, 2024

    Copper Basin Campsites

    Loud & covered in glas

    This could have been the most beautiful site. The stars were amazing and the sites are generously large BUT the dirt road the site are off of is some kind of rodeo for fast four wheeling with loud music and louder engines. All night complete with a scream at 2am. The site we stayed at had about a box of rusty nails and enough glass someone must have been throwing bottles just to break them all. Not great for my tent bottom.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dogtown Road Dispersed
    May 23, 2024

    Dogtown Road Dispersed

    Boondocking

    Boondocking off a forest rd. There are a number of camping spots off a forest rd. Most are level. Good cell reception. There's a lake that has a nice trail and campground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sawlog Tank South
    May 21, 2024

    Sawlog Tank South

    Not much to see, empty place

    This place is really uneven, there’s literally nothing around. Do not recommend unless it’s an emergency stop and you need to spend the night there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
    May 20, 2024

    Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites

    Nice alternative to a paid site

    11 sites are marked off that you are able to camp. I lucked out and got site #11 which was well separated from the other sites. The other sites are relatively close together. Only down part about my site was it was at the end of the dirt road and had many cars turning around near my site. Picked up a little bit of trash from previous campers. There was quite a bit of toilet paper around the site which was not cool.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping
    May 17, 2024

    Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping

    Easy to access but limited

    Lot of pull offs to pick from but it’s very limited spacing. You’re going to be mere feet from the road so it’s not a long or wide open pull off. The area was quiet though and clean. Fellow campers passing by were friendly and mindful of noise as they drove down the nearby road. I had Verizon signal, two bars. There were two fire pits ready for use, be sure to bring your own wood!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Thumb Butte Loop Campsites
    May 16, 2024

    Thumb Butte Loop Campsites

    Very Busy on the Weekend

    It’s a nice spot. There are bunch of sites along the Thumb butte trail. But, if you want to camp on the weekend, you’d have to arrive pretty early to grab a site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Nolan Tank Large Dispersed Area
    May 14, 2024

    Nolan Tank Large Dispersed Area

    Great spot for your MTB vacation

    Beautiful views, pretty respectful neighbours, and the best of the areas in the Sedona area - the rest of the dispersed camping while closer to the highway are more like parking lots

  • Camper-submitted photo from Loy Butte Road
    May 13, 2024

    Loy Butte Road

    Busy but good spot

    Had to drive farther down on the road than marked. Didn’t allow camping in first few lots. Very full but found enough space even arriving after dark. Porta potties were available.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 525 Camping Area
    May 7, 2024

    Forest Road 525 Camping Area

    Good site, open area

    Open area with space for about 10+ RVs/tents. Was nice and quiet with great views around the area. Could walk the immediate area. Had clean portable outhouses.

    Had cell service (Verizon and T-mobile).



Guide to Prescott National Forest

Camping near Prescott National Forest, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there’s something for everyone in this stunning area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails around the campgrounds. One visitor at Mingus Mountain Campground mentioned, "There are awesome views from the rim if you are able to get a site on the edge." Trails like the Woodchute Trail provide breathtaking views and great hiking experiences.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Potato Patch Campground, are close to lakes where you can fish. A reviewer noted, "The Mingus Mountain lake was absolutely beautiful and great spot for a little day fishing."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at White Spar Campground enjoyed spotting deer nearby, with one saying, "The campground was beautiful and there were many deer around if you hiked up just a couple of mins from the campsite."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. One camper at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort mentioned, "The staff is outstanding," highlighting the positive interactions with campground personnel.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the picturesque surroundings. A reviewer at Point of Rocks RV Campground shared, "Nestled in the Dells we had a spot that backed up to the rocks that we were able to easily climb up each night and watch the sunset."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways. A visitor at Rio Verde RV Park noted, "There is a bit of road noise but nothing some ear plugs can’t help with."
  • Site Privacy: Campers at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort mentioned a lack of privacy between sites, with one saying, "The only downside was the lack of privacy between sites."
  • Connectivity Issues: If you need Wi-Fi, some campgrounds may not have reliable service. A camper at Verde Ranch RV Resort pointed out, "The lack of campsite wifi is too much to give this campground my approval."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. One camper at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground mentioned, "Great amenities. Bathhouse, playgrounds etc."
  • Plan Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Thousand Trails Verde Valley enjoyed the "off-leash dog park, pickleball court, and hot tub/pool."
  • Pack Snacks: Having food on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Lynx Lake Campground suggested, "It’s a decent size campground and neighbors are close but most everyone respects the rules of noise down after 10."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Point of Rocks RV Campground said, "The spots are private with lots of green in between."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Verde Ranch RV Resort appreciated the "paved full hookup sites."
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The weather can shift quickly in the mountains. A camper at Mingus Mountain Campground advised, "It gets chilly quick up there."

Camping near Prescott National Forest, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, this area has something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Prescott National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Prescott National Forest is Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Prescott National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 95 dispersed camping locations near Prescott National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.