Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape around Seligman, Arizona, situated at 5,240 feet elevation where juniper trees and prickly pear cactus dot the high desert terrain. Camping areas span from just off Interstate 40 to remote forest roads requiring high-clearance vehicles, with temperatures ranging from daytime highs of 90°F in summer to below-freezing nights in winter. Monsoon season (July-September) creates muddy conditions on unpaved roads leading to the best places to camp near Seligman.
What to do
Explore ancient cave systems: Located about 20 minutes west of Seligman on Route 66, Grand Canyon Caverns offers unique underground tours. Campers staying at Seligman-Route 66 KOA often visit the caverns, with one camper mentioning, "This KOA is a few minutes drive into famous Seligman, AZ which was the town on route 66 that inspired the Disney Movie CARS, and you can see that everywhere in the town."
Stargaze in dark skies: The area's minimal light pollution makes it ideal for night sky viewing. Visitors at Anvil Rock Roadside Camp appreciate the clear views, with one camper noting, "Lots of dispersed spots to pull in and be hidden behind trees and bushes for added privacy."
Coyote watching: Dawn and dusk offer opportunities to observe desert wildlife. At A Spark in the Dark, a camper reported, "The sunsets. The sunrises. The coyotes howling. This is a really good spot."
What campers like
Unique Route 66 culture: The historic highway's quirky attractions make Seligman a memorable base camp. A camper at Kaibab National Forest noted it's "about 45 minutes away but an easy drive" to attractions.
Convenient overnight stops: Many dispersed sites serve as perfect one-night stays for travelers. A reviewer at Fort Rock Rd described it as an "Easy pull off down dirt road right off freeway... good spot to crash for the night. Private."
Temperature advantages: Elevation provides cooler camping than lower Arizona regions. A visitor at B-Rad Ranch appreciated "the quiet evenings and cooler temperatures than in town."
Welcoming hosts: Local campground owners provide personal touches not found at larger facilities. One camper at A Spark in the Dark shared, "The host clifford makes this dispersed site easy to navigate. Sometimes finding places like this can be awkward, but his signs and care for the experience make this a fantastic place."
What you should know
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most areas off Route 66 lack basic amenities. A camper at Route 66 Roadside Camp advised, "Easy access and easy enough to find a good spot, I could hear voices off in the distance from another spot but by 9pm it was quiet."
Road conditions vary dramatically: Many access roads require careful driving. A visitor to Kaibab National Forest reported, "The road was well maintained, my Honda Civic sport did fine on it which is low to the ground."
Train noise is common: Railroad tracks parallel Route 66 in many areas. A KOA visitor noted, "One side was a train that came by every 15 minutes (wasn't really that noisy) the other side was a highway."
Permits may be needed: Check requirements before setting up at forest sites. At Kaibab National Forest, "If you want secluded dispersed sites, go south. We went just a mile south and found a great spot just off the road, which is well maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with social areas: Some campgrounds offer communal spaces. At B-Rad Ranch, a visitor mentioned, "Brad was an amazing host and we ended up having the whole place to ourselves."
Prepare for wildlife encounters: Desert wildlife is active, especially at night. A camper at B-Rad Ranch reported, "Dogs in the distant barked at wolves or coyotes howling in the middle of the night was very exciting!"
Consider established campgrounds for amenities: KOAs offer facilities important for families. One camper noted, "They have pool, dog park and it's off Route 66. Wasn't crowded at all."
Watch for desert hazards: Cacti and scorpions are present in the area. A visitor to Kaibab National Forest advised, "Incredible views. We did see a scorpion."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through options: Several dispersed sites accommodate larger vehicles. A reviewer at Kaibab National Forest noted, "You could head back further and get quieter."
Stock up on supplies: Limited services exist between towns. At Route 66 Roadside Camp, a visitor reported the spot "had a fire pit and you could have easily pulled 4 or 5 vehicles in for those that have a group of vehicles on a road trip together."
Cell reception varies by location: Coverage is stronger near highways. A camper at A Spark in the Dark mentioned, "T-Mobile had good 5G cell reception."
Look for level sites: Many forest roads lead to uneven terrain. At Anvil Rock Roadside Camp, "As soon as you get off the highway it's a right then a right and your in the parking lot. Next to highway so you will hear traffic but a quick stop for sure!"
