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Best Tent Camping in Arizona

6,982 Reviews

Dispersed camping near the Grand Canyon offers primitive tent sites and secluded camping options throughout the Kaibab National Forest. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed provides free tent camping with access to multiple cleared areas near the Grand Canyon's North Rim. East Pocket (also known as Edge of the World) offers tent camping with panoramic views of Sedona's red rock formations and is accessible via Forest Roads 532 and 231.

Tent camping access varies significantly across Arizona's backcountry areas. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, with several reviewers noting rocky or rutted roads leading to camping areas. Most primitive tent campgrounds lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service, requiring campers to pack in all water and pack out waste. "The road got progressively worse," one camper noted about Old Route 64, though they still "enjoyed the star filled night sky." Fire restrictions apply seasonally throughout Arizona forests, with complete bans common during summer months. Most dispersed camping follows a 14-day stay limit.

Arizona tent sites offer significant variation in terrain and privacy. Sites farther from highways provide quieter experiences, with several campers noting excellent stargazing conditions due to minimal light pollution. Primitive tent setups near Flagstaff benefit from pine forest cover, offering natural shade during hot summer months. According to one visitor, "We drove a little bit further along the road and found another campsite there. Great area, the forest is beautiful." Williams and Flagstaff areas feature numerous forest roads with established primitive tent sites. Some areas near Sedona become congested during weekends, with reviewers recommending weekday camping for those seeking solitude in popular areas. Most tent camping areas have established fire rings and cleared tent pads despite their primitive designation.

Best Tent Campgrounds in Arizona (248)

    1. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed

    94 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ

    "So glad we found this place since Mather campground was full when we arrived into town around 6pm."

    "Really close to anything you could need and your entrance to GCNP is covered for a week after paying the one time."

    2. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    59 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "The trail is a commitment as it can take 2 hours or so to get up. But once you’re there it’s so nice and peaceful. There are no facilities, you do get decent service near the edge."

    "I’d definitely recommend patience and a vehicle that you’re comfortable hitting ruts, rocks, etc with depending on which route you choose to take into this location."

    3. FR 222 Dispersed

    41 Reviews
    Bellemont, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Very upsetting to see most of the sites are littered with trash."

    "Picturesque forest boondocking not far from Flagstaff off of highway 180. Turn onto Forest Road 222 and take the first road on the right."

    4. Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-8200

    "There are fire rings but there was a fire ban posted. We saw some coyotes, deer, and wasps but nothing bothered us. The road was nice and flat so I got a good 5 mile run in."

    "Nice dry camp set up. Multiple pull outs down the main road to set up camp, some have fire pits already built from previous people. Close to fishing and town."

    5. Manzanita Campground

    25 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 204-2034

    $30 / night

    "We checked in with the camp host, who was very kind and helpful, and set up. The creek running by the campsites is amazing. The campground also sells firewood if you happen to forget it."

    "The campground has restrooms, a natural water pool (cold), and 5 mins away from the Sedona natural slides."

    6. Happy Camp Trail

    24 Reviews
    Bowie, AZ

    "At the entrance you’ll find a vaulted toilet pit and a couple of trash barrels as of the time of this review."

    "Tucked into the boulders near the mountains. Very nice. Another clear moonlit night in southern AZ. I LOVE the desert. All sites are on loose dirt and there are many places for larger rigs."

    7. Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    Website

    "We took the Schnebly Hill rd exit in downtown Sedona. We decided not to take the I-17 route because we wanted an off-roaring experience."

    "We got there around 4 pm on a Saturday and got one of the last spots with a pretty good view. The spots are secluded enough you don’t see or notice your neighbors when you farther down the road."

    8. Havasupai Reservation Campground

    14 Reviews
    Supai, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 448-2121

    $140 / night

    "The hike in and out are long and strenuous so be prepared. There is little to no shade so you’ll want to hike early morning or late afternoon/early evening."

    "This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."

    9. Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Bellemont, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "This place was great, quiet, lots of space for our kids and dog to explore. The camping is in designated spots only which are really spaced out."

    "One of my first options in Flagstaff...now, don't share it or the crowds will come..."

    10. Bright Angel Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    13 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-7888

    "No showers, no electricity, no cell phone service... Why would anyone do this? But he was serious!"

    "It gets hot quickly during the day; shade is valuable and limited depending on site and season."

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Tent Camping Reviews in Arizona

6982 Reviews of 248 Arizona Campgrounds

  • Don R.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 29, 2026

    Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    Good location. Well maintained. Great friendly staff. Rusty Buckel Saloon is nearby and Tortilla Flat and Canyon Lake is a beautiful 30 drive. Lost Dutchman and Goldfield Ghost Town is 5 miles.

  • TThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 29, 2026

    FR 222 Dispersed

    Quiet spot with plenty of parking bays; suitable for 30-foot vehicles. The access road is good, though there are a few potholes at the beginning.

  • Ron K.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 29, 2026

    Forest Road 525C -Sycamore Pass Dispersed - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Gem of a campsite

    The road up to this is fine for almost all rigs, the turn into the campsite will be tight. They have no camping signs along road 525c, although the map from the forest shows camping is allowed along this road. Make a right on road 9529 and there is a great campsite immediately on the left. It has a circle turn around. Incredible views, great hiking and no one around for miles. The BLM camping on road 525 is crowded. No one on this road. I get the sense they are trying to get people not to camp, but the maps show it is completely allowed. We are here in October and the weather is 70 degrees. Note that when dirt roads get wet, it is a whole different story. Coordinates are 34.87989889666775,-111.94793655703302.

    I did buy a wilderness pass from the Arizona forest service. $20 for the year.

  • RThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 29, 2026

    Quartzite - La Posa

    Ok everyone. I'm at Tyson Wash just across the hwy from Laposa South. Weather is perfect. No wind, no rain and it feels like about 75°f today. This is my first time at the "Q" and I'm liking it!. Not too crowded yet but you're not alone either. The rate is still $180 from Sept to April.

  • Tom J.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 28, 2026

    White Spar Campground

    Site 27 is nice, however, you are directly below the power&telephone lines. Sweet forested setting, clean facilities and some hiking trails. Very convenient to Prescott, but you do get road noise from Hwy 89, especially during the day.

  • Dede M.
    Oct. 28, 2026

    The Canyon Motel & RV Park

    Price is very high and campground has a lot of people living in the park long term. Very noisy, vehicles coming and going constantly with doors slamming and people coming and going. Hard to rest.

  • bThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 28, 2026

    Soda Springs Road

    This is a great spot with 360 views and stellar sunsets. There is no shade and it gets pretty warm with the sun beating down. There are quite a few large spots to accommodate big rigs. HOWEVER- I arrived on a Monday around noon and got one of the last spots. Several campers have arrived looking for spots since I got here (it’s Tuesday). This is clearly a popular spot so have a back up plan. All the campers are closer than usual for dispersed camping. But they were all quiet during my time here.

Guide to Arizona

Tent camping in Arizona offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and diverse outdoor experiences, making it a favorite for nature enthusiasts.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • The Havasupai Reservation Campground provides a breathtaking experience with facilities and a market nearby, though it requires a reservation and has a fee.
  • General Hitchcock Campground offers a cozy setting with basic amenities for $20 a night, perfect for a weekend getaway.
  • For a free option, FR 222 Dispersed allows tent camping in a serene environment, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature without any fees.

Tent campers should check out FR 222 Dispersed

  • FR 222 Dispersed is known for its peaceful atmosphere and numerous camping spots, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.
  • The Happy Camp Trail offers a serene location with spacious campsites, perfect for tent campers looking for a quiet retreat.
  • Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping provides a beautiful forest setting not far from the highway, allowing easy access while still offering a tranquil camping experience.

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