Want to go dispersed camping near Winslow? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Winslow's most popular destinations.
Please check the website for the most up to date information about closings and bans.
A beautiful, narrow, canyon-bound lake, accessible by foot trail only, Bear Canyon Lake is one of several in a series of fishing lakes built by Arizona Game and Fish Department. Despite being several miles down a dirt road and having few amenities, it draws many visitors. The partially developed campground which is set among the mixed conifer, oak and aspen, has only limited amenities. Bear Canyon Lake is a "Pack it in - Pack it out" area. There is NO GARBAGE SERVICE. Please be good stewards of the land and leave the area better than how you found it.
For purposes of fire restrictions, this campground is considered to be an 'undeveloped' campground. No fires will be permitted when fire restrictions are in effect for the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest.
At an elevation of 7,560, Bear Canyon Lake consists of 60 surface acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet. Because of its depth, this lake has no water quality problems. The Arizona Department of Game and Fish stocks it with catchable-sized rainbow trout about six times each year.
Arizona fishing regulations apply. Please refer to the current year fishing regulations brochure produced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for further details on licensing requirements, daily bag limits, and other restrictions. Boat motors are restricted to electric motors only.
Camping is permitted on both sides of FR 9716R and FR 9724D. Camping is also permitted on both sides of FR 82 between FR 9716R and FR 9719P. (See Motor Vehicle Map)
Marshall Lake is a small marshy body of water that's generally full of coots and other waterfowl splashing, flapping, and cooting around. It is such valuable wildlife habitat that it is managed in partnership by Ducks Unlimited and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. During most years the lake has enough water in it to be stocked with trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. In dry years, however, it may temporarily disappear! Even when the lake is dry this area still offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. Dry or wet, a number of primitive campsites near the east side of the lake provide exceptional views of the peaks from pine sheltered locations. The surrounding area also serves as a good place to come to see some of this area's plentiful elk or its rare wintering bald eagles. The lake itself provides a hunting site for resident ospreys and a rest stop for migrating waterfowl.
While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information.
Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District.
Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed.
The majority of campgrounds on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds anywhere on the Forest at no charge. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in Wilderness areas.
Scout
This spot was great to stop for the night. It’s close enough to I-40 to be viable for a quick night, but far enough to be quiet. We don’t see anyone. The road was washboards, so getting to it was slow. Other then that it was great
Ranger
Pristine and usually unoccupied lake off the beaten path. 17 miles of dirt road from Highway to the lake and the last 7 are truly a challenge for anything other than a slightly lifted vehicle. Four camping areas near or with access to Lake with two of them having boat ramps. Skip the first turn off to the right as that is the very narrow part of the lake and rather ugly. The second turn off has two to four campsites with vault toilets and access to the lake through a boat ramp which allows camping and small trailer access lakeside. The churn out to the right is, Really rough and has very little camping or RV access. One of the pictures shows how rough the road is. I took the fourth turn off which is 747 and has one to two camping sites with a fire pit and good RV access along with a boat ramp. Note that fires are allowed in the fire pits because this is above 6, 000 feet but there is no water or trash. Pack it in, pack it out.
ScoutEven on a busy holiday weekend we found a perfect spot and the only truck and voices were our own. PERFECT when looking to camp in a quiet relaxing place with the kids to get away from it all. My new fav spot for sure!!
Scout
We showed late on Friday eve and were still able to get a great spot for tent camping. Pretty quiet and close to town.
Scout
34.335842 - 110.973221
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.
Ranger
Nice national forest dispersed sites with many level camping areas most with firepits. Very busy In early Aug. Quiet In The pines. A fair amount of trash at several sites: folks enjoy the free sites but pick up your trash!(and other peoples if you see it)
Travelerpretty secluded and pretty remote. sites are of different sizes, anyone can camp, big trailers etc. very quiet except for nature and birds. no Verizon for the most part, nice place to explore.
Ranger
There were so many spots here it was kind of absurd, like a giant web of campsites. Very cool. My only downside is that I was approached by someone asking for money. Other than that it was a very nice stay close to flagstaff
TravelerNice spot. Good for 2wd 25ft rv. Campsites listed nearby are only sccesible for 4wd due to Access road been rebuiled.
ScoutBeautiful, pristine primitive free campgrounds. There is no water, power, pavement, or bathrooms anywhere in sight... perfect for star gazing. Pet friendly. Elk are abundant, as well as grazing cows, and the waterfowl is like a symphony of sounds. Even saw a bald eagle! Amazing. NO MOTOTIRIZED VEHICLES ALLOWED OFF ROAD. It's worth the extra effort to get to. Bring lots of extra water/drinks, the high elevation is no joke. Visited in early June. Days are great, nights are chilly. Fires allowed in rings, check with local regs to verify it's allowed when you visit. 😉
TravelerThis was a solid find. When we went there were only a few other campers so we had a pretty quiet night. Though we could definitely hear the 40 and occasionally cars would drive down the forest road very quickly. Otherwise, it was a good pitstop.
Scout
If you love the sound of trains, this is the spot for you. There must have been a dozen trains that ran past my site (although I thought some may have been going through my tent). I didn’t sleep a wink. Then, the sprinklers started at 5:15 am. But at least it was free!
ScoutFree. Easy access from the freeway. No hassles. Very light traffic. No neighbors. 
Cons: it does get quite cold at night at this high elevation. 
Traveler
I stumbled upon this area after catching some fish are ashurst lake. What a gem. The area I stayed is about a mile from the lake. I pulled off onto the side roads that lead into the forest and found a lot beautiful sites. The trees are huge and spread out in a beautiful way that gives way to open spaces. I love this place and plan to return. 10/10
TravelerGreat spo
TravelerOff the beaten path. Spacious and quite with little wildlife
Traveler
This was my first time near Hutch Mt. and I can now say, it certainly won’t be my last.
There were more than enough spots all around the mountain to choose from and each was unique and private.
The drive in was easy. We did it in a 2wheel drive keep Cherokee and had no issues on every road.
ScoutStaff at the visitor center are very friendly and helpful. Overnight parking is allowed; however, the size of the lot will decrease significantly as they are building a new library in the dirt lot where campers were allowed to park in the past.
Scout
Easy to find and park, lots of campervans and RVs set up, slabs, picnic tables , seemed like 30 watt power outlets but didn't work when I tried to plug in (makes sense, it's free!) Store opens in the am with bathrooms, big dumpster, beautiful stars
TravelerGood dispersed camping. Found a spot with a fire pit left from previous campers. Plenty of room to spread out, quiet and mostly tidy.
Scout
The drive in towing a camper is pretty easy. No real need for 4x4s. Looooong dirt road to reach the camping area/lake but pretty well kept up. Campgrounds were FULL of ATV users and loud music until 11-12pm.
We went to fish. As other people have stated, very steep to get down to the lake (worse in the evening going back up when you’re tired). We must have picked the WORST weekend ever as fishing groups and families playing in the lake we’re stacked on top of each other.
RangerWe arrived later than we wanted to yet luckily found a spot. Spaces were private. A little trashy. Wish folks would clean up after themselves. Cows walking around sites. Completely dispersed so take what you need. Beautiful scenery. Several cars going way too fast down the main road in.
Legend
Our small group (8 people/4 vehicles) had a great time at one of the secluded dispersed sites located off the forest road.
We were a short drive from the Blue Ridge Reservoir and we all went for a swim in the water. There were definitely crawfish like creatures in the water that liked toes, but it was nice to rinse off the camp stink.
The trees at the site provided a lot of shade and places to hang up our hammock. We did have to fend off lots of wasps while we were there.
I’d like the seclusion of this site, so I would definitely go back.
Lots of forest roads to explore with 4x4 vehicles or mini bikes
Legend
The Larson Ridge Dispersed camping areas off FR237 don’t have a lot to offer, but it does have space. Plenty of room here to spread out. The further up the road you go, the less rocky the sites become. You are also further away from the vault toilet, if you camp up this far, I wouldn’t expect to use that toilet at all.
This spots are on the ridge, so be prepared for wind. Our last day we had a pop up awning get lifted up into tree branches and aluminum poles snap on an REI tent.
This area is also really dusty which can make you feel like your in a sand blaster when the wind kicks up.
Lots of FR to ride around on ATVs/ mini bikes. We had fun looking at wild flowers and playing bocci ball.
There were lots of pine but it was warm in the sun in the heat of the day. We were there in June though.
Triple check your fire pit before you leave. Make sure it is out
RangerLocated right outside the park. It’s free!!!
TravelerThis area has been a favorite camping spot since I was a child, and now, pulling my trailer in, it's just as peaceful and relaxing.
Scout
Great spot to park for dispersed camping, quiet and easy to get in/out and turn around. Nice hiking, great wildlife, minimal noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Winslow, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Winslow, AZ is Winslow Visitor Center with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Winslow, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 dispersed camping locations near Winslow, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
