Cinder Hills Dispersed Site

Cinder Hills OHV area is located near Flagstaff, Arizona. It's positioned close to Sunset Crater, which you can access from the back side of the area if you continue through the terrain. The area consists of volcanic cinder hills, creating a distinctive black soil landscape. Its proximity to Flagstaff makes it a convenient recreational destination for both locals and visitors exploring northern Arizona's outdoor spaces.

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed at Cinder Hills near Flagstaff. The area offers tons of open space for camping, with no designated sites or facilities. Vehicles of any size can access the location, making it suitable for both tent camping and RVs. There are no formal boundaries - you can set up camp virtually anywhere off the main road as the entire area permits dispersed use. No reservations are required, and camping is free.

The best time to visit Cinder Hills camping area is during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and the area is less dusty. Summer can be pleasant due to Flagstaff's higher elevation, but holiday weekends like Memorial Day tend to be very busy with increased OHV activity and dust. Winter brings colder temperatures and potential snow at this elevation. If you're sensitive to dust or prefer quieter camping, consider weekdays rather than weekends regardless of season, as the volcanic cinder soil creates significant dust when disturbed by vehicles.

Cinder Hills OHV area permits a wide range of off-highway vehicle activities throughout the designated terrain. The entire area off the main road is open to OHV use, allowing riders to travel virtually anywhere within the boundaries. Popular activities include dirt biking, ATV riding, dune buggy adventures, and 4x4 off-roading across the volcanic cinder landscape. The area's open nature creates unlimited riding opportunities without restrictive trail systems, making it especially popular during holiday weekends when many enthusiasts gather to enjoy the terrain.