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Are you looking for the best Coconino National Forest camping spots? Look no further. We’ve got the best places for you to enjoy the 1.8 million acres of beauty found only in the Coconino National Forest. This forest has some of the most memorable landscapes in Arizona. You can experience red stone cliffs, pristine lakes, and unique formations without the crowds of a national park. Check out these seven Coconino National Forest camping spots to get the most out of this extraordinary wilderness.
The Best Coconino National Forest Camping
1. Cave Springs Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Erin T.
Cave Springs Campground is 20 minutes north of Sedona, in Oak Creek Canyon. This large campground has reservable sites for tents and RVs up to 36 feet. They come with fire rings, vault toilets, and coin-operated showers. You have immediate access to Oak Creek, where you can fish for trout or dip your toes into the cool water. You’re also just down the road from Slide Rock State Park, where you’ll find some of the best swimming in the area. Explore the stunning Red Rocks Wilderness, or hike the nearby trails. Cave Springs is a popular destination, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
“Cannot get enough of this place! Beautiful campground hidden amongst tall pine trees and nestled between a mountain and A creek. The pit toilets are the cleanest I ever seen, very well vented so no smells. The camp sites are not very spacious so you will have to choose them carefully if you are bringing an RV. Not to mention the obvious of the soul of Sedona! Bubbling creek, fishing and wonders of nature. Love to visit again.” – J K.
Campground Details:
- Price: $22
- Number of sites: 84
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Pine Flat Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Carly E.
Pine Flat Campground is a smaller campground, right next to Cave Springs. It’s a great alternative to Cave Springs, featuring shaded sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Staying in Pine Flat also puts you right next to Oak Creek and its abundant fish. The campground is surrounded by magnificent red rock cliffs and towering ponderosa pines. The scenery is unforgettable and the recreation limitless. Hike the trails, fish the lake, or peep the many bird species. Pine Flat is a great spot to enjoy Oak Creek Canyon and the greater wilderness area.
“This campground was the perfect place to stay at for my trip to Sedona! It’s a very short drive to Slide Rock State. There are plenty of pine trees to attach hammocks to. The fire pit comes with a grill which was very convenient for cooking, and the bathrooms are well-maintained. It’s far enough away from the business of Sedona, but the drive into town is not far at all. Highly recommend!” – Isabel F.
Campground Details:
- Price: $22
- Number of sites: 56
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Manzanita
Image from The Dyrt camper Warren K.
Manzanita Campground is a quiet alternative to Cave Springs and Pine Flat. It’s just south of Slide Rock State Park, a popular swimming area to escape the summer heat. This small campground has shaded creekside sites for tents only. They come with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. You’re next to the Red Rocks Mountain Wilderness, with exquisite cliffs and wildlife. Take advantage of the private fishing hole stocked with trout or hike the trails. Manzanita Campground is a peaceful place where you can enjoy the best of Oak Creek Canyon.
“This is pretty close to Sedona (10 minutes) and right along a river that’s fun to wade in, plus long hiking trails nearby. Cool cliffs and just really neat scenery and the campground only accept tents so you get to sleep next to the creek among shady trees. This was too full the first time we tried to visit so you will want to make reservations! I really like campsites without RV, no offense, and while it is kind of close to the highway you can’t tell at all. Try to get a site at the end that’s close to the creek.” – Irene L.
Campground Details:
- Price: $22
- Number of sites: 18
- RV sites: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
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4. Knoll Lake Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Roman R.
Knoll Lake Campground is on the southern end of the Coconino National Forest, on the shores of Knoll Lake. This secluded campground has sites for tents and RVs up to 32 feet. Campsites come with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. You have immediate access to Knoll Lake, a great place to kayak or fish for trout. You’re also close to the Mogollon Rim, a 2,000 foot cliff at the edge of the Colorado Plateau. It offers some of the most incredible panoramic views in Arizona, so be sure to check out nearby trails. Knoll Lake is a tranquil location where you can rest in a peaceful environment and connect with nature.
“Knoll Lake Campground was a great spot for Me, my fiancé, our two friends and two dogs. We had a great time and the camp site was in great condition. The drive in to the site is very bumpy and takes about 40 min total to get through, but it was well worth it. We had to drive down to the lake which is still walking distance away. We were able to set up a spot by the lake and relax and enjoy the beautiful weather. Overall it was a great stay and totally worth the trek through the bumpy road.” – Ryan A.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-40
- Number of sites: 33
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Pinegrove Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Paul T.
Pine Grove Campground is 20 miles from Flagstaff, tucked between Upper Lake Mary and Ashurst Lake. The campground has reservable sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include fire rings, flush toilets, and showers. You’re near three separate lakes, all stocked with trout, bass, and channel catfish. Each lake has boat ramps for either motorized or non-motorized boats. It’s also common to see rare waterfowl, bald eagles, and ospreys in the area, so bring a camera. You’re a short drive from hiking trails that feature stunning views of the Coconino National Forest. Pine Grove is a great place to explore the lakes and what each has to offer. It’s a popular choice for water sports, wildlife, and fishing.
“Campground was beautiful, spacious sites with nice level paved parking pad and tent pad. Our site was among the pines bordering a meadow. Each site had a fire pit and picnic table. Campground had wood for sale, clean bathrooms, and pay showers located near the host sites. Sites aren’t private, but we didn’t feel on top of our neighbors either. The Arizona trail passes through near the entrance of the campground, so there is trail access for hiking/biking nearby.” – Carly E.
Campground Details:
- Price: $26
- Number of sites: 46
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Ashurst Lake campgrounds
Image from The Dyrt camper Joffrey H.
The Ashurst Lake campgrounds are a half-hour from Flagstaff, on the shores of Ashurst Lake. There are two campgrounds to choose from (Ashurst Lake and Forked Pine). They have sites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and boat ramps. Ashurst Lake is known for its fishing, as it’s stocked with trout, bass, and channel catfish, even in dry months. The lake is also a sought-after spot for windsurfing and spring waterfowl migrations. The campground is set among juniper trees and pinyon pines, with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks. Ashurst Lake is a great place to go angling, windsurfing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. There’s something for everyone at this beautiful lake.
“I recently went for a weekend camping trip to Ashurst Lake. It is only 20 miles from my home so that made it even better! It is an absolutely beautiful area. Campsites are clean and some offer semi-privacy. Staff is friendly and helpful. The water is a mesmerizing blue. While there I saw my first Bald Eagle! There were 2 of them fighting over a fish! Amazing sight to see! My dogs had a blast too! We plan on returning soon!” – Charm M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20
- Number of sites: 50
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Coconino National Forest dispersed camping
Image from The Dyrt camper Abby M.
Coconino National Forest is known for its excellent dispersed camping areas. Notable dispersed camping spots include FR 222 Dispersed, Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed, and Coconino National Forest Road 525 Dispersed. These free camping areas provide fantastic experiences for hikers, backpackers, and camping enthusiasts. Amenities are minimal, so bring water and other supplies. Most of the dispersed camping areas provide designated spots with fire rings and vault toilets. You’ll usually have prime access to hiking trails, secluded scenery, and wildlife. If you need to refresh and restore in nature, the Coconino dispersed camping areas are a perfect destination for you.
“If you are looking to get out of town and not be bothered by many other campers, this is the place for you. Each site has lots of room! The trees are beautiful and the scent of pine is lovely. There are no facilities, so be prepared for that! No toilets, showers, water, electricity, etc. The place is really beautiful though and I can’t wait to come back.” – Ashley C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $0
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Coconino National Forest is one of the most incredible outdoor areas in Arizona. Check out these Coconino National Forest camping spots for unforgettable scenery and outdoor recreation.
