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Best Dispersed Camping near Vernon, AZ

55 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options surround Vernon in eastern Arizona's national forest areas. Concho Lake, about 15 miles northeast of town, offers free camping with concrete pads at some sites, trash receptacles, and portable toilets. The lake itself is often dried up or marshy, with one camper noting "abundant bird life" and another mentioning "lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake."

The forest roads south of Vernon provide more primitive camping experiences. National Forest Road 117C and Carnero Spring Road have drive-in access for dispersed camping, though reviews warn about mud during snowmelt periods. Beehive Spring Camp at 9,200 feet elevation features diverse tree cover but experiences logging truck noise during daytime hours. Timber Mesa Trailhead allows camping with fires and pets permitted, though its proximity to highways creates noise. Most dispersed sites require campers to be self-contained as they lack amenities. Fire restrictions commonly apply during dry summer months, so checking current regulations is essential before planning trips to this region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Vernon, Arizona (16)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Vernon, AZ

29 Photos of 16 Vernon Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Vernon, AZ

55 Reviews of 16 Vernon Campgrounds

  • j
    Mar. 30, 2022

    Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    Can’t beat the price!

    Right outside the South Gate of the Petrified Forest National Park. They offer free camping with no hookups for self contained rigs. Water is available at city hall if needed. They even have a dumpster so getting rid of trash is easy.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 21, 2022

    Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    Easy spot near the NP

    Dirt lot with about 20 spots for RVs, trailers, campervans, or any other self contained camper. They don't allow tent camping because there are no bathrooms available. Dumpster was in the lot for trash. Reading other reviews they mentioned no electric, at this site, but there are boxes next to each campground with 30amp outlets. My camper doesn't use shore power, so I wasn't able to test the boxes. Attached a photo of what the outlet looks like if anyone wants to give it a try. There are paid sites across the road specifically for anyone who needs an electric hook up.

    Overall was quiet, but we also went on a day in December and there was noone else at the campground.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Concho lake

    Good one night stay

    Stayed one day on my way to Reno. Nice spot along the highway. You can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it. There’s prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus. Clean porti potties and decent AT&T signal. I only checked out one loop but place has as least 10 spots. Some have cement pads and fire rings. No picnic tables that I saw.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2022

    Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    Love Places Like This!

    This is an old dirt lot with several sites for overnight RV parking, which the gift shop allows for free for a night as long as you are self-contained. No tent camping or sleeping in your car allowed (because there are no restrooms available). 

    Each spot has a picnic table and a few have a shade structure as well.

    The other side of the street has more sites available for $15/night and they include power hookups. No other amenities available here. 

    These lots are just outside the Petrified Forest NP south entrance and it’s so convenient to stay here if you’re going to be visiting the park. We stopped at the gift shop to make sure we were good to park here for the night and also to make an obligatory “thank you” purchase. They have lots of jewelry, petrified wood pieces (ranging from cheap to crazy expensive for the large polished pieces), clothing, gifts, stickers, etc. They also sell beer for $3/can but all they have is Budweiser. 

    Good-ish cell reception here. AT&T had 3G, Verizon had LTE, and T-Mobile was roaming as always.

  • Bob & Ramona F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2021

    Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    What do you want for FREE?

    Located just before south entrance. FREE ("Boondock") camping on East side. Electric (no water) for $15 on West side. We picked East as Solar gives us all the A/C we need! Gift shops to explore on both sides. SEVERAL abandoned cars in front of shops to "chum for patrons".... Great place to stage before a day of exploring. Not sure I'd stay more than 2 nites but a night before and nite after visiting the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert is perfect! Just make sure to spend some $ at the gift shop if you stay for free.

  • Irene L.
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    Touristy but right next to Petrified Forest National Park

    The Petrified Forest National Park does not have its own car camping campground (there are only backcountry backpacking sites, requiring permits, gear, walking, skills, etc). This rather touristy campground is right outside the National Park. It is pretty basic and incredibly it is totally free. It does have electric hookups for a small fee, The sites are large and out in the open with no shade...dismal in the hot AZ sun! There’s a teepee village you can also use, would be a big hit for kids. The gift shop has some snacks and lots of interesting geological trinkets. At night it is beautifully dark.

  • Rene F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    Lots of spots with slabs to the left looking at building.

    Was going to stay the night before, but needed a real bed. So I stopped this morning. It is tight next to south entrance of Petrified national forest.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2024

    Mud Spring

    Quiet Area, several lakes not far

    Quiet place not far off a Forest Service Rd.

  • Lawrence P.
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    Great place to Boondock and close to the entrance!

    What a wonderful place to stay for a few days and close to the Petrified Forest! Plus it is FREE! 

    It's not much but if you are Boondocking for a few days or just wanna stay overnight, this is a great place to stay! I'd say get there before 5pm-ish as it starts to fill up due to people leaving the park. There a few spots that have covered picnic tables and the rest are out in the open. It's a gravel/dirt base for the most part and leveling is pretty easy!

    FYI, there are NO hookups of any kind here. So be prepared ahead of time. The associated campground across the street has "electric only" for$15, if you need it.

Guide to Vernon

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Vernon, Arizona, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Concho Lake area provides a mix of official sites with concrete pads and more primitive spots, allowing for a diverse camping experience amidst beautiful landscapes.
  • For those who appreciate solitude, the National Forest Road 117C offers a serene mountain top experience, perfect for enjoying the peaceful surroundings with just a few logging trucks passing by.
  • If you're looking for a picturesque setting, the Beehive Spring Camp features a variety of trees and stunning views, although be prepared for some daytime noise from logging trucks.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Vernon

  • Hiking enthusiasts will find the trails near the Timber Mesa Trailhead clearly marked, leading to spectacular views that make for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
  • Wildlife watchers can enjoy the diverse fauna around the Carnero Spring Road, where sightings of elk, coyotes, and other animals are common, adding excitement to your camping experience.
  • Campers at the Fish Creek Camp can take advantage of the nearby fishing opportunities, making it a great spot for those looking to cast a line and relax by the water.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Vernon, Arizona

  • Always pack out what you pack in; the Concho Lake area has had issues with overflowing trash cans, so it's essential to leave the site cleaner than you found it.
  • Bring your own firewood if you're staying at the Timber Mesa Trailhead, as firewood is not provided, and it can be challenging to find larger pieces nearby.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially at higher elevations like the Beehive Spring Camp, where temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Vernon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Vernon, AZ is Concho lake with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Vernon, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Vernon, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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