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Reviews57 Camper Reviews - Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

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44%
26%
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4.0

out of 5

57 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2026

Easy access, awesome site

Stopped here for the night. Arrived around 6pm. There were some other campers, but only about 7 or 8 and they were pretty well spread out. Lots of spots to camp. Took a walk around in the morning and there must be at least 30-40 areas to camp. Road coming in is a little bumpy at the beginning, but really nothing that any rig couldn't handle. Spots are large and roomy. Temps are cooler here vs the 114⁰ Phoenix/ Tucson area. 86⁰ when we got here, was around 62⁰ in am. Very quiet, had to use our generator for about 2 hours to cool off our pop up after going through the high temps. Got a little chilly but after the blazing heat in south Arizona, it felt great. Great area to camp and not far off the main road. Can faintly here some traffic in the distance but not an annoyance.

Site#1
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Keith R., August 28, 2026
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Keith R., August 28, 2026
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Keith R., August 28, 2026
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Keith R., August 28, 2026
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Keith R., August 28, 2026
Reviewed Apr. 18, 2026

Last minute and was amazing

We decided last minute to camp and the original place we wanted to camp wasn’t open then found this site!! Loved the hikes we took along the service road and in the canyon. Would definitely camp here again!

SiteSite 4
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2026

Nice during the week

This is a nice place and was very quiet during the week. Things went south Friday evening when the OHV and very loud party crew showed up. You could hear/feel the boom from around a half mile. The OHV s were non-stop from sun up to well after dark. The boom finally stopped around midnight. The road in is very rough and rocky.

Site102
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Gary G., April 6, 2026
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Gary G., April 6, 2026
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2025

Lots of space in the forest

Looking for something not too far away to be able to enjoy a day in Sedona tomorrow. The worst part of the road is at the entrance off the highway, then it does get a bit better. We didn’t go too far in as we’re only staying the night but easily accessible spots with clearly defined camping areas. Minimal highway noise that you can’t hear through closed windows and amazing dark skies for viewing stars. @TKCompass on YouTube

Site107
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Curious Compass B., December 8, 2025
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  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Curious Compass B., December 8, 2025
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Curious Compass B., December 8, 2025
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Curious Compass B., December 8, 2025
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2025

Wonderful

There are 4 different areas to park in so you can pick more or less shade. Easy access to Kelley Canyon and some great hiking. Road is in good shape and very nice big fire rings.

Site426
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Cindy S., November 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Cindy S., November 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Cindy S., November 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Cindy S., November 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Cindy S., November 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Cindy S., November 9, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2025

Peaceful area within the trees

1st loop of designated camp sites (24 in total) was easy to get to a site. Clearly marked with fire pits. Highway noise in the distance but not a issue. Peaceful area within the large trees.

Site110
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by John H., September 15, 2025
Reviewed May. 22, 2025

Do better

People in this area use it as partying site. Lots of beers and literal human poop thrown over the fence! Careful when exploring past the designated camp sites.

No garbage or bathrooms. Lots of spots in this area. It is very bumpy when you first enter.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by brendan , May 22, 2025
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by brendan , May 22, 2025
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Reviewed Mar. 3, 2025

Beautiful and quiet in early march

I’m unsure of how it is in summer months but we came March 2nd and it’s fairly quiet. The weather was in the 70s in the day and the day we got her it dropped to 28 and snowed.

The ride in is rocky, I came in very slowly in a Toyota sienna van, just be careful for sharp rocks.

The campsites are all designated free camping with numbers and all have stone fire pits. Lots of spots to explore

Site308
Month of VisitMarch
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Reviewed Mar. 30, 2024

Closed

Came up 3/29/2024 and the gate to enter was closed. Online it says status was open. But alas it was not. Will try again later

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Mar. 13, 2024

Closed

The camp ground was closed. Seems like a popular spot, we met two other cars that had also hoped to spend the night there.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2023

Perfect spot!

More than enough spaces. Accessible to 89a. In between FLG and SED.

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2023

Great first car camping experience

This was my first solo car camping trip with my dogs and I really enjoyed it. Not too busy, but still plenty of other people around. I felt really safe without being on top of anyone else. People ride ATVs at night (it was an amazing full moon), so don’t plan on quiet at all times. Temperature drops at night are huge so definitely prepare for that. I would definitely come back!

Sitenot sure, in the 300’s section
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Diana F., October 29, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2023

A lot of sites

Nothing special, but a lot of options. Stayed on a Friday night, so very busy. There are plenty of spots on 3 loops. The further back you go the more privacy.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2023

My first experience with dispersed camping as an adult

My kids and I absolutely loved our tent camping experience at site 405! The only issues really is if you are looking for space without other campers and the noises (babies, dogs, generators, loud music that may not be your ideal lol, etc) that block out the sound of the wilderness, then you may want to pick a more dispersed location. We didn’t mind the noises, and everyone pretty much kept to themselves other than the occasional hi when passing by camp, everyone was very people. *Biggest recommendation from me especially if you have kids and you are tent camping, BRING YOUR OWN PORTAPOTTY and something to provide privacy! Also the temperature drop from daytime to night, is huge… BRING EXTRA BLANKETS! *yes the cows 100% are free range, they don’t interact with people and they also keep to themselves (instead of in anyone’s camping supplies), but the do adorably migrate through camps 🫶. *we were able to have a fire for warmth and for cooking, and it did sprinkle multiple times but the rain didn’t last long, was beautiful compared to the heat my kids and I came from. *I am a 41 year old single mother, this was my first camping trip using this app and without another adult, absolutely couldn’t be happier with my and my teenage children’s and our 2 puppies almost 4 day experience! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO TOOK THE TIME TO CREATE THIS APP AND ALL THE INFORMATION PROVIDED, VERY IMPRESSED?

Site405
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Amanda H., June 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Amanda H., June 6, 2023
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Reviewed Jun. 1, 2023

Quiet little camping area

Quiet little camping area not too far off the main road. We got there late but still found a few spots. Pretty hilly terrain, some fire pits built up. Seemed more like a place for people to crash for the night rather than set up camp for a few days

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 26, 2023

Organized Dispersed

Road wasn’t bad coming in. I have a mazda and i had to go slow and swerve around the large rocks and holes. Sites are marked, and there was plenty of room. For the most part people were respectful and quiet. It started getting full around 7pm. I would stay here again.

Site109
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Katherine J., May 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Katherine J., May 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Katherine J., May 26, 2023
Reviewed May. 14, 2023

Rough roads

The entrance is very rough. The kind you hold your breath and do your best. I did see one car get stuck today so be mindful of the angles you drive in. Very shaded and beautiful. Nearby Sedona and flagstaff. Most sides are very slanted, a way to level your tent/car/rv is needed.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 10, 2023

Pumphouse wash was a wash

It was supposed to be a fairly hard to get to spot. Navigation takes you the long way traversing a rocky dirt rd with a small stream crossing and a dry river bed. The Rd went on for about 3 miles when the dispersed camp sites came into view. The signs stated no campfires but there was plenty of evidence of fires. We picked our spot, looking for the most level area. None of the campsites were full but everyplace you were in plain view of others. There was a lot of traffic on the dirt rd which a previous review I read said no low clearance vehicles. It turned out that the other end of the Rd came out onto intestate 89a about a mile from where we were and any vehicle could make it to the campsites. Overall we enjoyed our 2 days there but would've preferred the quite some other reviews had suggested it was.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Jarrod F., May 10, 2023
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2022

Solitude from the mob

We were in Sedona Thanksgiving weekend.. either not the brightest idea or Sedona is nearly a tourist trap at this point, despite it being a magical place of beautiful landscape and kind people. After being swarmed by campers at Coconino Forest Dispersed Camping Area, this place is a breath of fresh air. Located in a forest of pine trees. We are pretty much the only people here. We’re allowed a fire. It’s quiet. It’s free. It was only 2 minutes instead of 20 minutes down a rocky dirt road. Thumbs up.

Site3
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2022

Great spot in the pines

We showed up late afternoon on a Thursday and there were plenty of spots. In fact, there were only 5 other spots taken on our loop.

The ground was level, there was shade, and we had a great night. I can imagine it gets warm in the summer, but it was perfect weather. There were some mosquitoes, as it had recently rained a lot.

The road is a little rough but there were trailers and motor homes. There also were more little pieces of trash (cut zip ties, bottle caps, etc.) on the ground than I’m used to in dispersed spots.

We would definitely camp here again.

Site3rd loop
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Melisa N., October 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Melisa N., October 2, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2022

Great first trip with the kids.

Had a great time, dispersed camping, free spot, lots of spots, clean. Just a short drive to some great watering holes. Took a star off because there was no water within walking distance, and not much of a view from our spot. I also took a star off because it was busy and loud.

Site101-124
Month of VisitJuly
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Reviewed Jun. 13, 2022

Private and calm

This camping spot is so calm. It was easy to find. Lots of spots open. Lots of space between camping spots. It can be a little noisy but that is kinda nice to me. There are a lot of cows roaming around and they did wake us up kinda early but I didn’t mind.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Sara , June 13, 2022
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Sara , June 13, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2022

Fun Spot

Lots of campsites available and a good location between Sedona and Flagstaff. It tends to fill up quick, at least in the summer months. Privacy can be an issue, especially when you have to use the bathroom. Cows walk through the site though!

Site119
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Evan D., June 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Evan D., June 1, 2022
Reviewed May. 11, 2022

Pumphouse Wash

Stayed one night car camping at Pumphouse Wash. It was incredibly serene. Marked/numbered sites have fire pits. No bathroom facilities are available. More traffic in and out than I expected, but it was still a great, free stay.

Site107
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by Sam .., May 11, 2022
Reviewed Nov. 28, 2021

Right below flagstaff

Great spots in between flagstaff and Sedona. Literally 10 minutes from flagstaff. Campfire pits. If you’re coming from flagstaff, there’s a left turn lane to take you into the area

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2021

FR 237 Arizona

Nice open sites overlooking a valley. Quiet.

Site108
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2021

Nice

Loved it was relaxing and we had a lot of places to choose on Friday-Saturday

Sitepump house SR 535
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by geino A., October 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area by geino A., October 4, 2021