Best Campgrounds near Williams, AZ

The pine-covered forests surrounding Williams, Arizona provide a strategic camping base for Grand Canyon visitors, with options ranging from lakeside developed campgrounds to free dispersed sites in Kaibab National Forest. Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake campgrounds offer scenic water access with basic amenities like drinking water and vault toilets, while remaining relatively quiet despite their proximity to town. Several private facilities, including Williams-Circle Pines KOA and Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, provide full hookups and family-oriented amenities within minutes of Route 66 attractions. The area's camping landscape balances convenient access to services with opportunities for more remote forest experiences.

Most campgrounds in the Williams area operate seasonally from May through September due to winter conditions at the 7,000-foot elevation. Dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest remains popular year-round when accessible, with Garland Prairie Road offering level sites approximately 10 minutes from town. As one visitor noted, "The road in is hard packed coming in as a trucking company uses it to haul dirt/rock out. After that, depending on size of rig/vehicle, get out and look it over." Summer monsoon storms can create muddy conditions on forest roads, while train noise affects some campgrounds closer to town. Cell service varies but remains surprisingly strong at many sites, with AT&T reported as reliable at Garland Prairie dispersed camping areas.

Lakeside camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with Dogtown Lake described as "a great little spot tucked away in the forest not far from Williams on Route 66" and "a great jumping off point for the Grand Canyon and Bearizona." The region's campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring attractions beyond the Grand Canyon, including Bearizona wildlife park and the historic downtown. Train enthusiasts appreciate the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park's proximity to the railway, though some note the associated noise. Rocky ground at certain campgrounds can make tent setup challenging, with one camper advising that Dogtown Lake is "a much better location for an RV or camper" due to the difficulty of securing tent stakes in the hard ground.

Best Camping Sites Near Williams, Arizona (244)

    1. Williams-Circle Pines KOA

    29 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-2626

    "Definitely take a visit to Williams, it’s like a step back in time. People were friendly and helpful. A ton to do here! Also, there is a hiking trail just behind the campground."

    "Big campground tucked in the forest with many activities for the kids. Place has an indoor pool for those cold nights. Polar express in Williams is a short 10min drive from here."

    2. Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

    26 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-4224

    $26 - $52 / night

    "Downtown Williams is within walking distance and has lots of restaurants, shops and bars.  We also walked over to the Grand Canyon Brewery for beers and pizza one evening."

    "This campground is clean, well run, centrally located and has everything one needs when camping, except quiet and solitude, but then it isn't that kind of campground."

    3. Dogtown Lake Campground And Group

    24 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 699-1239

    $30 - $300 / night

    "Dogtown lake, named for the prairie dogs who inhibit the area, is a great little spot tucked away in the forest not far from Williams, AZ on Route 66."

    "Great campsite, so close to the lake easy to walk down and fish and kayak, great restaurants in Williams."

    4. Grand Canyon-Williams KOA

    26 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-2307

    "Great jumping off point to get to Grand Canyon as it is a little bit North out of the town of Williams. Also easy to get to Williams to have dinner, etc..."

    "Even though we had been camping on this road trip and had our gear in the car, we elected to stay in one of the camping cabins at the Williams KOA and it was quite a treat."

    5. Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-8200

    "Dry camping with no services but just 10 minutes from Williams. Be respectful and kind and pack out your trash. Very quiet at night and didn’t have an issue locating a level spot during my stay."

    "It is just North of Williams, which is a pretty neat little town, and about an hour away from the Grand Canyon South entrance, on highway 64. Follow GPS/Google Maps to get here. "

    6. Kaibab National Forest

    23 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-8200

    "Met someone who say she comes here often from Williams and safety never an issue. All wheel drive best. Great views!!!"

    "Only two other rigs around but with enough space to spread out and feel alone - check out the crater nearby if you have some free time."

    7. Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas

    13 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 699-1239

    $32 - $225 / night

    "Everyone else spread their tents around the remainder of the group site for privacy/space. Very clean and frienfly campground, 5 min drive from Williams if you need supplies."

    "We camped in the Kaibab National Forest in Williams, AZ for my friend's birthday and it was absolutely amazing! So peaceful and relaxing! I will definetly go again!"

    8. Kaibab National Forest Kaibab Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-5600

    $26 / night

    "Simply the best area to camp, right off Route 66 Williams! The forest is beautiful, so keep it clean!"

    "Primitive camping in beautiful, cool Arizona forest.  Most campsites offer a lot of privacy.  Dirt roads are a bit rough, so SLOW is an important word!"

    9. Railside RV Ranch

    10 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-4077

    "The campground is right off of the highway. Close to the town of Williams and Route 66. Clean restrooms, showers, and laundry room."

    "Backed up to a lovely green space and dog walk. Railroad is for the Grand Canyon Excursion train. 9:35 in the AM it leaves, 5:45 in the PM it returns. Everyone goes outside and waves."

    10. White Horse Lake Campground

    18 Reviews
    Parks, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 699-1239

    $30 - $198 / night

    "Bummer at first, until we got here and met Bob our host here at White Horse who was extremely accommodating in letting us choose our campsite and giving plenty of recommendations for nearby trails and"

    "What a great little campground nestled in the Williams forest area, about a 20 mile drive from downtown Williams and 15 of those miles are on a well kept dirt road."

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Showing results 1-10 of 244 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Williams, AZ

1856 Reviews of 244 Williams Campgrounds



Guide to Williams

Camping near Williams, Arizona, offers a fantastic mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a secluded getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the Grand Canyon: Just a short drive from Williams, the Grand Canyon is a must-see. Many campers enjoy the free shuttle service from campgrounds like Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park, which makes it easy to access various lookouts and trails. One camper noted, "There’s also a free shuttle service from the camp to different lookouts/trails around the Grand Canyon."

  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, with options for all skill levels. A reviewer at Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed mentioned, "We stayed five nights at the first ringed site on the right. So easy to park our converted ambulance and motorcycle into the park each day."

  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife. Campers at Mather Campground shared experiences of seeing elk at the water station, adding to the natural charm of the area.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. One visitor at Edge of the World (East Pocket) said, "The views over Sedona are always amazing here! It was super windy but other than that… epic."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground, are well-maintained. A camper remarked, "This campground is very well kept up. Camp hosts are friendly and responsive. Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers."
  • Community Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Cave Springs offer a friendly vibe. One camper noted, "The camp host was very friendly and put me on a wait list for a first come first serve as we showed up at 9 am."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Trailer Village RV Park, have basic facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "The camp ground was not very well maintained but check-in was easy."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get packed. A visitor at Cave Springs said, "Packed in like sardines. Spaces are pretty small."
  • Weather Variability: Nights can get chilly, especially in spring and fall. One camper at Mather Campground advised, "FYI if you travel in May- pack warm clothes for nighttime."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds. Campers at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground appreciated the facilities, saying, "Great amenities. Bathhouse, playgrounds etc."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Flagstaff KOA mentioned, "Great place for kids and family."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and warm clothes for chilly nights. A camper at Mather Campground noted the temperature drop at night.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Some campgrounds, like Trailer Village RV Park, offer full hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A visitor shared, "It features 50 full-hookup RV sites with amenities such as electrical, water, and sewer connections."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots can fill up quickly. A reviewer at Grand Canyon Camper Village mentioned, "The campground seemed almost half-empty and was quite nice."
  • Know Your Vehicle Size: Some campgrounds may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed advised, "Definitely worth saving on the list!"

Camping near Williams, Arizona, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for varying amenities and the potential for crowds during peak times!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Williams, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Williams, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 244 campgrounds and RV parks near Williams, AZ and 117 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Williams, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Williams, AZ is Williams-Circle Pines KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Williams, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 117 free dispersed camping spots near Williams, AZ.

What parks are near Williams, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Williams, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.