Looking for the best campgrounds near Winslow, AZ? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Arizona camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Winslow, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
" I always appreciate when cities allow overnight parking in town."
"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."
"A bit of rough road,paved but holy, some graffiti on the pavilion says degenerate kids where here, gravel road is beat up,but OMG THE SUNSET ,you gotta see this sunset, trust me."
"This run down defunct old county park is rough around the edges, but worth the drive off the interstate for the beauty, peace and quiet."
"Plenty of fairly flat spots next to this old ghost town. The dogs and I had fun exploring the ruins. There aren't any trees and its close to I-40 but the noise isn't too bad."
"Close to I-40. Some noise. Level areas. I camped in front of mountain lions entrance sign. I have good Verizon reception LTE 4 bars."
"This spot is perfect for boondocking or car camping, but we decided against popping up our camper here and just car camped instead."
"10-15 minutes from Walnut Canyon National Monument off a side dirt road."
"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."
"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."
"Bear Canyon campground and lake located off AZ260 north east of payson."
"The lake is not very easily accessible for camping but it's an easy hike down for fishing, photography, and simply enjoying nature. Keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a bald eagle."
"I thought we would be able to set up a fire once we got there but I didn’t see online that there was a fire ban so if you come here just make sure you check that before."
"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."
"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."
"Heavily wooded area with tons of space for dispersed sites. Road is in great shape and easy for our travel trailer to make it in."
"I chose to just park behind the trees which allowed privacy, but i could have followed the forrest road further in. There was a camper made rock fire pit. The area is packed rock and flat ."
"We found 1 camp spot when you turn right at the fork about .5 mile before you get to the coordinates."
ScoutAs 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.
RangerBear Canyon campground and lake located off AZ260 north east of payson. Near Woods Canyon lake(larger and more accessible), and Knoll lake(smaller than Bear Canyon)
Bear Canyon campground is easily accessible and free. No reservations. No water/electric hookups. No picnic tables. No trash service-pack it in, pack it out. It will fill up on weekends during the summer as the weather is so temperate. We came up on a weekday and stayed to the beginning of the weekend and it wasn’t too crowded.
Pros: The weather was amazing. High of 75-78 in the day and high 40’s at night. There was a constant breeze which kept it cool and fresh feeling. The lake is a short hike(0.2 miles) from the trailhead. And provides good fishing from the shore. There is plenty of free firewood’s around; just bring a saw and splitting axe. Near the Rim and other lakes (Woods Canyon and Knoll). Pit toilets were a far walk depending on where you camped but they were clean.
Cons: This entire area is very rocky! We have a pop up but I can’t imagine tent camping without an air mattress. Each campsite maybe has a fire pit and that’s it. Boats and Kayaks would be a real challenge to bring down and up as the trail is very steep, rocky, and loose.
Overall, we were disappointed that we were unable to use our kayaks but the weather make up for it and it was a great, relaxing trip.
GuideThis 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.
GuideDispersed 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!
Scout10-15 minutes from Walnut Canyon National Monument off a side dirt road. We are a family of 4 in a 26’ RV and were able to find a beautiful, private, remote spot on a Sunday with gorgeous trails to explore. Would absolutely come back and recommend!
TravelerWe came up from Phoenix to get away from city life for 48 hours and this place is beautiful. We just got here and I have at least some reception because I’m doing the review from the site. Was it easy to get to, right off the highway, we drove back about a mile into the woods and there was tons of places to camp. Granted it’s early January so that could have something to do with all the open spots. There’s no facilities of any kind. We’re totally Boondocking it with our RV no hook ups just the water we brought and a generator, but I couldn’t be happier so quiet.
Oh yeah. If you are checking the weather, it’s closer to Heber than Payson. Payson low tonight expected to be 37, but Heber is expected to get to 24. Brrrrr
TravelerGreat boondocking spot off the main road as you would be heading to knoll lake just past Woods Canyon Recreation area . Beautiful setting in the Forrest. No amenities, located near the Rim. Peaceful and quiet. open space. Numbered sites. The main road is a good well maintained dirt/gravel road. Once you turn off on fr 9350 Campground (which is marked) to go towards the sites it is a bit rough but we were able to make with our Class A, just slow going. Sites are far apart, large with 10 person max and 14 day limit.
RangerSpent a few nights up here dry camping. Sort of a rough road going out. Lots of people but we got a spot on the edge of the camp. Bathrooms are as basic as they get. Windy in the morning but settled as the day went on each day. The lake is about a mile away. There is a short but very steep hike, don’t plan on carrying too much stuff. Nowhere to launch kayaks from the campground side but we could see a boat launch on the far side of the lake. Lots of people fishing, sort of hard to find a spot on the shore with space between anyone else. The water was pretty clean and ok for swimming. The camp and lake had a decent amount of broken glass which is a bummer. Pine trees are tall but area has been pretty cleared out so campsites are a little bit exposed. We had shade as long as we moved around through the day.
LegendIf you go during the winter months (that is, if roads are open), you may likely be the only one there! The lake is not very easily accessible for camping but it's an easy hike down for fishing, photography, and simply enjoying nature. Keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a bald eagle. The actual campground is usually crowded with no privacy. Perhaps suitable for a large group. Restrooms, never mind, just bring a shovel and use the woods; it's cleaner. Just don't be disgusting and leave it all out. Leave No Trace, PLEASE. Also, you'll need to carry out all your trash. On a holiday weekend (Labor Day especially) there are so many visitors but otherwise only a few venture out that way. Your best bet for solitude is to drive 2-4 miles passed the campground which will be on your right and find a good dispersed spot. Just bring ribbon or rope to mark a tree from the road in case you need to travel down to Woods Canyon Lake store or out to a Rim viewpoint for cell service.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Winslow, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of unique spots for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Winslow, AZ?
Free dispersed camping is available in several areas around Winslow. 5 Mile Wash BLM Dispersed off Hwy 77 offers convenient free camping sites accessible for most vehicles. Another option is Winona Dispersed Camping, which provides free camping with space for big rigs about 30 miles west of Winslow. For those willing to drive a bit further, the Coconino National Forest has numerous dispersed camping opportunities, though be aware that some areas close seasonally or have multi-year closures. Always check current regulations before heading out, as forest service areas sometimes implement temporary closures or fire restrictions depending on conditions.
Are there any amenities available at dispersed camping sites near Winslow?
Dispersed camping sites near Winslow typically offer minimal to no amenities. At Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area, you'll find very basic vault toilets but no water, electric hookups, picnic tables, or trash service. Carr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350 provides a peaceful forest setting but also lacks amenities. Most dispersed sites in the region require complete self-sufficiency - bring your own water, pack out all trash, and prepare for no cell service in many areas. Some sites have numbered camping spots, but these are still primitive with no facilities. Vault toilets are occasionally available at more established dispersed areas, but they're the exception rather than the rule.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Winslow, Arizona?
Dispersed camping regulations near Winslow typically include a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period. Campers at Rim Road and other forest service areas must practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions are common, especially during summer months at locations like Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping. Camping is generally only permitted in established sites near roads, and you must camp at least 200 feet from water sources. Vehicles must stay on existing roads and designated areas. Some locations require free permits or have seasonal closures. Always check with the local ranger district office before heading out, as regulations can change based on fire danger, environmental concerns, or restoration efforts.
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