Best Tent Camping near Strawberry, AZ
Several tent camping options surround the pine-covered terrain near Strawberry, Arizona, with Forest Service roads leading to both established campgrounds and dispersed sites along the Mogollon Rim. Molitor Spot Along Rim Road offers free, primitive tent camping with drive-in and walk-in access, while FR95 Dispersed Camping provides similar accommodations near Blue Ridge Reservoir. Edge of the World (East Pocket) delivers panoramic views from 6,000 feet elevation with multiple tent sites situated along cliff edges overlooking Sedona's red rock landscape.
Most tent sites in the area feature established fire rings but limited other amenities, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers prepared for primitive conditions. Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles to access, particularly after rain when forest roads become more challenging. A camper noted, "The road from the campground to the lake is closed to motor vehicles, although we did see some small off-road vehicles able to bypass the gate." Vault toilets are available at some locations like Childs Camping Area, but many sites have no facilities whatsoever. During fire season (typically May through September), restrictions or complete bans may be implemented, so checking current conditions before arrival is essential.
The dispersed tent sites along Forest Service Road 300 provide exceptional views and seclusion compared to established campgrounds. Higher elevation camps offer cooler temperatures during summer months when Phoenix and lower elevations experience extreme heat. A visitor commented that "The trees at the site provided a lot of shade and places to hang up our hammock," highlighting the natural amenities that enhance the tent camping experience. Sites near water bodies like Chevelon Canyon Lake require hiking to reach the shoreline, with one review describing "over a mile and 550 feet of elevation" change to access the water. Walk-in tent locations typically offer more privacy and less vehicle traffic noise than roadside options. Fall camping provides spectacular star-viewing opportunities with minimal light pollution at these remote primitive tent setups.
