Best Dispersed Camping near Winslow, AZ

As of May 1, 2023 the Coconino National Forest Service has closed down many dispersed camping areas around the city of Flagstaff. This area is included in that. You can still drive off-road and explore during the day when the Walnut Canyon National Monument is open, but no camping and no camp fires are allowed.

This is BLM land, so it is free to camp here. There are picnic tables with covers, and cement pads at some sites. If you camp close to the permanent resident on the other side of the fence she will grouch and swear at you so there is that. The smell of cow poo is strong at times. But if you're going to the Petrified Forest this is THE place to stay, as it is close and conveniently located. Can't beat free either. I've stated here twice now and my kids love it. Big pieces of petrified wood on site you can touch and sit on even.

This is a good dispersed camping spot with lots of sites and vegetation to keep you hidden. Flat level terrain.

What an awesome area with an endless amount of spots to set up camp at. Like others my wife and I drove way past the turn to the dispersed camping area and made our way down to the water. But like Boss Ross always said, that turned out to be a happy mistake because it was so beautiful down there. We felt like we were in Colorado. We went to the end and turned around and ended up finding a camping spot in a very secluded area that over looked the cliff. Also, I did not know the Arizona Trail goes right through this area. RAD!! Over all, an epic spot and we will be back. Next time we will try and find that overlook spot of the view of the reservoir.

This is my favorite site! Free, beautiful dispersed camping! I have been up every other weekend and am obsessed!

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Numbered free camp sites. First come first served. Beautiful cool high country with many overlooks over the rim. There is a lake near by for fishing, has a small store and you can rent kyaks and small boats.

Camp sites are not near each other, but within sight. Campfires allowed when conditions permit. We stayed 3 nights while on our way home with our new R-Pod 192 Hood River Edition. We will definately go back again. The guy who came buy later to check us in was super nice and very informative.

In order to decrease the risk of wildfires, the city of Flagstaff has placed a ban on dispersed camping within a certain perimeter near the city and this site now falls within this banned zone. A friendly ranger was parked there to divert campers and help guide to other dispersed camping options

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.

Great spot to park for dispersed camping, quiet and easy to get in/out and turn around. Nice hiking, great wildlife, minimal noise.

There are two gift shops with camping areas here. The Petrified Forest Gift Shop on the left heading into the park, has 10 sites with 30amp electricity and a picnic table. $15.98/night. The Crystal Forest Museum on the right has free RV camping. Each site has a picnic table. The owner of the Petrified Forest Gift Shop just purchased the Crystal Forest Museum (which is still closed) and is still allowing free camping on that property. Fires are not allowed in either campground.

We stayed here for a few days while we explored the park and rested up for more travel. Something to note, if you get there after dark, the free camping is at the museum on the right. There's some camping on the left too but I think those sites cost money. We parked on the paid side at first but they were fine with us moving in the morning.

We went through Flagstaff and past Snowbowl to a dispersed camping area. Found a great site with a cleared area containing a rock campfire ring. Lots of level spots for tents. Plenty of shade from the tall pine trees.

I’ve camped here twice and not only it’s great spot for the kids to roam around, it’s also nice having the lake close by. I don’t recommend staying too close to the restrooms because you’ll get a lot of cars pass by and it can get a bit noisy when people are walking to the restroom at night. Since this is a free camping area, people can be a bit noisy but that’s the reason you go camping.

Dispersed camping off dirt roads. Highly Used but still space for privacy. Fire restrictions in the summer. No cell service. Some groups were loud and some vehicle traffic throughout the night. Sites are not numbered, just camp near the road. Check out Woods Canyon Lake on the way in!

All along Rim Road there are tons of dispersed camping sites that offer sweeping views of the forest below. Knoll Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, and Willow Springs Lake are all right along that ridge and pretty easy to get to. Check the weather...closes in winter.

These spots are not secret anymore. Tried to find a spot this weekend and it was completely full. Wasted day. Limit is 14 day stay. Some of the spots looked like the residents were there far longer. This is the danger with dispersed camping. Really is a shame. Views are amazing.

There is a lot of room up there for dispersed camping. Was a nice area and it filled up quick! By Friday night, you couldn't find much open. Got there around lunch and we still had plenty of room. The lake was relaxing. Saturday saw many more people enjoying the water. Would go again!

If you like dispersed camping, this is a great area.  Loads of hiking, tons of animals (elk, deer, coyotes, foxes and more).  Roads in are pretty well maintained, this spot can accommodate large trailers/RVs but as it is first come/first serve, they fill up fast.  More spots further down FS124 if these are taken.

Boondocking camping. Cell phone and let data works here.

Many boondocking sights to choose from. Some access roads are 4 wheel drive only.

This spot is perfect for boondocking or car camping, but we decided against popping up our camper here and just car camped instead. Not super dispersed, but the access road is accessible to most vehicles. However, some side road pulloffs are definitely better suited for 4WD vehicles. I would suggest walking the route first to make sure your particular vehicle can make it.

I loved this campsite due to its proximity to the three National Monuments near Flagstaff: Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, and Sunset Crater Volcano. We decided to stop at these monuments on a whim during our National Park tour and they did NOT disappoint! I highly recommend visiting all three, and perhaps ending with Walnut Canyon, as it was my favorite. This campground is great for visiting all three, as each monument is only 10-25 minutes away. They are all incredible and very worth the visit if you’re in northern AZ for the staple Grand Canyon.

One of the best sites in all of Az. This is specific to dispersed camping around the lake as that is what we took part in. Lots of available areas where you can find seclusion and quiet surrounded by a beautiful area. We spent two nights off the lake that took some hunting to find but well worth it.

No facilities so please pack out everything you bring in and keep it better than how you found it. There are facilities around but if you’re dispersed they won’t necessarily be there for you.

Fishing was great and the lake was beautiful. Primo spot and area.