Dispersed camping near Strawberry, Arizona offers free, primitive sites across the Coconino and Tonto National Forests, with most locations between 5,000-7,000 feet in elevation. The area features a mix of forested campsites and dramatic rim overlooks, with several unmarked forest service roads requiring navigation by GPS coordinates rather than signage. During summer monsoon season (July-September), afternoon thunderstorms are common, bringing heavy rain and cooler temperatures to the region.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several dispersed camping areas near Strawberry provide excellent wildlife viewing. At Skylar Hayden Dispersed, one camper noted: "Lots of wildlife when we visited, we had a recurring group of curious cattle since we were right next to their water hole." Another visitor mentioned: "We had a few gun shots and elks during the night" at Payson Rim Dispersed.
Hiking nearby trails: The Clear Creek trailhead is accessible from several dispersed camping locations. A camper at Milk Ranch Point Road suggested: "Also about 30 minutes from Clear Creek trailhead. Would highly recommend if you plan to stay here and like a beautiful (Steep) hike." Many camping areas have informal trails leading to viewpoints and through forest terrain.
Stargazing sessions: The elevation and distance from urban areas make the region excellent for night sky viewing. A camper at Molitor Spot Along Rim Road reported: "The stars... I mean, wow! The starry sky at night was one of the best we've see anywhere, just stunning." The clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create optimal stargazing conditions.
What campers like
Uncrowded camping experiences: Many visitors appreciate the solitude available at dispersed sites near Strawberry. One camper at Pine Dispersed noted: "This was a peaceful place to camp. Right off the highway. You can hear some of the traffic but it wasn't a big deal to us... We didn't see anyone for the three days we were there."
Wind protection strategies: Campers report strong winds along the rim areas, suggesting specific setup locations. A visitor to Molitor Spot recommended: "I recommend setting up your tent slightly into the trees to block the wind unless you're into all that noise from your tent." Wind intensity varies by season but is generally strongest during spring months.
Cell service availability: Contrary to expectations, many sites offer decent connectivity. A camper at Forest Road 9365 reported: "Strong 5G cellular signal on ATT. We got 120Mb/s speed there which was awesome." Another noted at Milk Ranch Point Road: "The further east you go down 218 the better my tent mobile service gets."
What you should know
Road navigation challenges: Finding the unmarked forest service roads requires planning. At Dispersed Camping - Rd 6107 near Mogollon Rim, a camper shared: "The access road, FR300, is a dirt road that was recently maintained by the logging company, which cut trees." Many roads lack formal markers, with one visitor noting: "Hard to find if just looking for signs" at FS 609.
Vehicle clearance requirements: Most dispersed sites require higher clearance vehicles. One camper warned about Skylar Hayden Dispersed: "YOU WILL NEED DECENT CLEARANCE VEHICLE/TRAILER. I do NOT recommend doing this in a Toyota Corolla. A standard truck clearance is probably fine. No need for 4x4, but good tires are a must."
Timing considerations: Arriving early helps secure prime spots, especially on weekends. A visitor to Dispersed Camping - Rd 6107 shared: "We arrived at 1 pm on Friday and had many choices of beautiful campsites next to the rim. Later that night, others attempted to join our spot, but they were gracious about looking elsewhere when they saw our camp."
Tips for camping with families
Safety near rim edges: Some sites offer rim views without dangerous drop-offs. At Molitor Spot, a family noted: "Felt very safe in the area for our 3 year old boy to explore with us, so if you expect any sheer cliffs or dangerous drop-offs, they aren't really there. There were gradual declines from the top, and they aren't immediately near where you'd park."
Educational opportunities: The area offers natural learning experiences for children. One camper at Milk Ranch Point Road emphasized: "PLEASE PLEASE clean up after yourselves and be mindful of the wildlife that live here," creating opportunities to teach children about environmental stewardship.
Site selection strategies: For family camping, choose sites with natural barriers. A visitor to Skylar Hayden Dispersed observed: "There are plenty of roads to pull of into and go through the little gates to go camping or exploring. Always keep the gates closed. This was a great spot!!! There are probably ~100 total sites on this road with camp fire rings. All very well spaced apart."
Tips from RVers
Navigational advice: RVers recommend scouting locations before committing to roads. At Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site, one RVer cautioned: "I started getting that nervous feeling when the road narrows and I can't find a decent place to turn around." Another advised: "We decided on a whim to head north for the weekend. This was our first dispersed camping experience with our new RV. We didn't know where to go and this was the first place we tried."
Leveling considerations: Forest roads often require leveling equipment. A camper noted: "Level for the most part and not tire rutted so your not rocking back and fourth in an RV." Ground conditions vary significantly between sites, with some areas featuring rocky terrain and others with softer soil.
Clearance warnings: Some access points have challenging entrances. At Forest Road 9365, an RVer warned: "Big drop off on turn-in. We have a 39ft rig and the backend bottomed out when we pulled in. Keep that in mind if you have a big RV that tends to ride close to the ground."
