Who Is Going To Love It
People visiting Flagstaff from elsewhere in Arizona often choose Freidlein Prairie Road as a convenient weekend basecamp. The sites arent huge, but big enough for a small family to spread out. Locals come out here too, sometimes to camp and sometimes just to drive and hike around for the day. Rock climbers sometimes camp here to spend a weekend at The Peaks sport crag. Not everyone will want to take their car on this road, however. It is a bit rough. 4-wheel drive is not required, but high clearance is recommended.
Fort Tuthill Coconino County Park Campground
Located just 10 minutes outside of Flagstaff, Fort Tuthill Coconino County Park Campground is a nice, quiet camping oasis here thats just a few minutes drive from local attractions.
If you plan to attend a concert at the Pepsi Amphitheater, its just a short walk away. The surrounding ponderosa pine trees at the campground create a more rustic in the woods feeling which many RVers will welcome.
Fort Tuthill Coconino County Park Campground. Photo by Fort Tuthill Coconino County Park Campground
There are 101 total sites including RV and tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby toilets and water spigots. There are 8 RV sites with water and sewer hookupsthere are no shower facilities or electricity. Trails for hiking and camping are available and just a few miles away down Lake Mary Road you can find fishing, water skiing, and a beach at Upper Lake Mary.
Wood Mountain Campground & Rv Park
Wood Mountain Campground & RV Park is located in a remote, natural setting reminiscent of a state or national park but is only a few miles from downtown.
Wood Mountain Campground & RV Park in Flagstaff, Arizona. Photo by Wood Mountain Campground & RV Park
Each of Wood Mountains 146 sites are unique and include a variety of sites including large pull-through, full hook-ups with 30-amp power, partial hook-ups, and tent sites . Amenities include showers and bathhouses, laundry, dump and water stations, high-speed WiFi, and a general store.
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Areas Closed To Dispersed Camping
- Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon: Dispersed camping is prohibited in the “pinkish-salmon” colored boundary shown on the Red Rock Country recreation map . The Sedona Area Dispersed Camping flyer contains maps of recommended dispersed camping areas.
- Stage Stop: located on Highway 179, approximately 2 miles north of the junction of Highway 179 and I-17.
- Mormon Crossing/Springs: west of the Page Springs Road , and west of the fish hatchery and school.
- FR 237 and Kelly Pocket Area: between SR 89A and I-17 south of Kachina Village, except in specific sites along the southwestern end of FR 237 .
See Forest Orders for information and maps of these and other closures.
Dispersed And Free Camping In Flagstaff
If you dont want to pay for camping in Flagstaff, you really dont have too. The vast ponderosa forests practically beg travellers to find a flat, quiet spot to bed down for the night.
As I mentioned, all you have to do is find a forest road, and pick a spot. Its pretty easy. You just need to keep a few rules and regulations in mind:
- Camping must be done within 300 feet of a road.
- Camping must be at least 1/4th of a mile from water sources.
- You can stay in one spot for no more than 14 days at a time.
- All water, food, and waste must be taken out.
- And many others. See the supplied link.
When doing dispersed camping, it is important to adhere to all LNT Principles. Americas public lands are a treasured resource, and it is vital that we all do our parts to maintain them. By failing to respect the great outdoors, we only serve to threaten our own access.
Some principles are obvious, like packing out your trash, or not littering. Still, it is a good idea to read up on the finer points of leaving a trace.
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Best Free Camping Inarizona
By Sara Sheehy
Arizona is one of the most popular places for RV campers in the United States. From the Four Corners to the Mexican border, there is free, dispersed camping throughout Arizona, providing an accessible and inexpensive way to explore this diverse state.
Love the desert? Head to the wide-open spaces around Ajo and Quartzsite. Looking for a touch of the iconic? Its either the Grand Canyon or Sedona for you. Like the comfort of pine forests and clear lakes? Prescott is calling your name.
No matter where you go, you can be sure therell be free camping nearby.
See a map of all free camping in Arizona.
Kaibab National Forest Near The Grand Canyon
PHOTO COURTESY OF
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Campsite Name: Forest Road 305 Campground
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Coordinates/Directions: 35.842642, -112.126162
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Top Activities: Hiking, National Park access
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Pit Stops Nearby: Red Butte Mountain, Grand Canyon National Park
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Top Hikes Nearby: Red Butte Trail, Grand Canyon hikes
The Kaibab National Forest surrounds the Grand Canyon National Park, making it an ideal stop on your Arizona overlanding adventure.
There are many options for free dispersed camping in the Kaibab National Forest, but the Forest Road 305 Campground is conveniently located near the main road, which takes you to Grand Canyon Village .
Look for an old brick chimney that marks the spot, but dont let the word campground in the name fool you there are no services in this spot. Be prepared , make sure you have plenty of food and water on board, and plan to take your trash with you when you leave.
photo courtesy of
If youre looking to be farther from the main road or from other campers, continue along Forest Road 305 to access plenty of other potential dispersed campsites. Youre permitted to drive and camp within 30 feet of any road in the National Forest for up to 14 days all for free!
Always be respectful of the land and follow Leave No Trace principles to ensure that these lands remain available for future generations to enjoy.
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What People Are Saying About Woody Mountain Rv Park & Campground
This place was a total score for my wife and I as we were traveling through the area. We are very leery of staying at RV parks in towns. When we got there the staff was incredibly courteous and helpful. They even escorted us to our campsite. They were very proud of their sandwich shop which also does breakfast burritos in the morning. Definitely try out the breakfast burritos and they can make you lunches to go to take with you on your adventures around town so you dont have to spend as much! Nick, Google Review
Location
- Woody Mountain RV Park & Campground
- 2727 W Rte 66
- Cell Reception: Verizon and AT& T RV
- Wi-Fi: Yes
Things To Know Before Boondocking In Sedona
The landscape surrounding Sedona offers some of the best high-desert, and forest camping, in the nation.
However, as many veterans will tell you, one of the most dangerous environments to attempt a camping trip is in the desert.
We want to help you be prepared for anything, so were providing you with our most important Sedona camping tips!
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Camping Near Flagstaffaz Find A Free Campsite
Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we’ve got you covered. You can simply use your smart phone’s GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.
Our community provides the best free camping information available. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip.
This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we’ll all have more places to go camping.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village Shops
If you want to get a taste for Sedonas eclectic, artsy culture you need to visit Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village Shops.
The cobble stone streets, vine covered walls, and intricate arches will draw you in, but thats not what will make you want to stay.
This unique place offers everything from restaurants and art galleries to expert jewelers and traditional Southwestern crafts.
You need a big savings account and a good afternoon to really get the full experience here.
Youll leave with an empty wallet, but youll return home with some incredible works of art.
- Cost: FREE!!!!
- Pets Allowed: Yes, but must be on a leash, and please clean up after them
- Hours: Daily, 10AM 6PM
For more information visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village Shops website.
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Nearby Attractions And Activities:
The Coconino National Forest around Freidlein Prairie includes numerous recreational opportunities, so vast, its difficult to list them all. Nearby landmarks include the beautiful San Francisco Peaks, Kachina Peaks and Kendrick Mountain Wildernesses, numerous trails, National and State Monuments, as well as the town of Flagstaff, Arizona.
The San Francisco Peaks have been memorizing visitors for thousands of years. In the 1500s, the Spanish Conquistadors explored the area searching for gold and came upon the peaks and named them Sierra Sinagua meaning Mountains Without Water. The name didnt stick, because they left the area quickly in search of the Grand Canyon and other gold. In 1629, Franciscan Friars who were conducting missionary work with Natives of the area named the mountain San Francisco Peak in honor of Patron Saint Francis of Assisi. In 1898, U.S. President William McKinley established the San Francisco Mountain Forest Reserve, at the request of Gifford Pinchot, the head of the U.S. Division of Forestry. In 1908, the San Francisco Mountain Forest Reserve became a part of the new Coconino National Forest.
Pictures courtesy of the Coconino National Forest Kachina Peaks Wilderness.
Free Camping Near Flagstaff Was A Success
While we were camping near Flagstaff, we saw several deer, some albert squirrels, birds, horny toads, lizards, chipmunks and heard coyote at night. Once we were even lucky enough to see some pronghorn!
Also, the stars were great looking up through the trees. Not a lot of light pollution around, especially with Flagstaff being a Dark Sky Community.
Overall these were all great spots for free camping within a short distance to Flagstaff! We spent a lot of time working while we were here. And as always we set out to explore a lot of the forest roads within a couple miles radius of each spot, which is always fun. But the nearby hiking and skating in the Flagstaff area was the best part of all!
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Why Youll Love Mormon Lake Rv Park And Campground
Not many Flagstaff campsites feature amenities as robust as those youll find at Mormon Lake RV Park and Campground. This is a great place to camp with the family and check out some of the beautiful local scenery. Plus, if you want to escape from the RV life for a night, the on-site lodge features clean and aesthetically pleasing rooms for a reasonable price.
Cinder Hills Ohv Dispersed Camping Area
Cinder Hills campsites offer wonderful views of the Sunset Crater National Monument, as well as the San Francisco Peaks. If you plan on hiking this area, be prepared to see a lot of off-roading going on out on the trails. The Cinder Hills OHV loop trail is approximately fourteen miles long, and while it is used for the off-roading mentioned, you can also hike along it.
As you are hiking along, you will see numerous volcanic cinders, while traversing through the ponderosa forest. Make sure you take the time to hike to the Sunset Crater National Monument because it is a sight you will not want to miss.
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Cieneguita Camping Area Elgin
Sixty miles southeast of Tucson, youll find Cieneguita Camping in Elgin, Arizona. This beautiful area is quite convenient for access to Patagonia State Park, Tombstone, and Bisbee. Here you can experience the desert climate and forested regions. Situated at 4,500 ft, it can get cold here, especially in the evenings.
Youll find yourself with a lot of space to explore, surrounded by rolling hills, mountains, and even some trees for possible shade. The road begins paved and then becomes dirt. However, it has little to no ruts, potholes, or washboards. Even the largest rigs can camp here without having to scout it out first.
This is a popular off-roading site, but it is relatively quiet and peaceful. Because of this, the spots fill up fast, although you can park alongside the road in the designated campsites. You can also go through fences to seek out more room. Just close the gates that you open along the way.
The beauty and cooler temperatures here make this a sought-after campground despite the limited cell service. Depending on the tools you have to boost signals, you may get what you need for connectivity. If you dont need it, youre golden. If you do, come ready with what you need. Preparation makes you a happy camper.
Forest Road 525 Sedona
Easy to locate, just off of Arizona Highway 89A between Sedona and Cottonwood, this popular free campsite is more commonly called the Main Drag. The road in is all dirt and can be pretty washboarded at times. But with patience, almost any size rig, even a 43 ft toy hauler and Class As can call the Main Drag home, at least for 14 days.
Views from every campsite will vary depending on how far in you decide to drive. Staying closer to Highway 89A will give you more traffic noise and more neighbors, but it will also provide easier access to town along with a smoother dirt road.
However, the further you travel down the six miles of road, the better the views. This area is known for its red rocks, starlit skies, and spiritual vortexes. So, if you can handle the washboard, head on down. You may not have a choice, though, as this is one of the most popular free camping sites in the Sedona area.
It is known for its beauty and easy access to Cottonwood and Sedona. But some of its popularity can also be chalked up to connectivity. The cell signal can be spotty to nonexistent in one area but strong just a mile down the road. Again, for the views and the service, take your time, be patient youll find your little piece of heaven here, along with everyone else.
Pro Tip: The key to getting great internet to your RV is to prepare beforehand. Heres how to stay connected on the road.
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The 12 Best Camping Spots Near Flagstaff Arizona
Tucked up the Arizona high country, Flagstaff is prime camping territory for both local Flagstaffians and out-of-towners.
In fact, during the summer months, the forest surrounding Flagstaff is one of the top camping destinations for folks escaping Phoenix and its blistering desert heat. Flagstaff is also a hub for regional travel, serving as a jumping off point for visiting the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, the Petrified Forest, and much more.
Whether your traveling from across the country , heading up the hill from somewhere hot, or just a local trying to explore more, heres the low down on the camping spots at your disposal around Flagstaff.
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There Is No Camping At Walnut Canyon National Monument
Public Campgrounds Near Walnut Canyon – The United States Forest Service operates a number of campgrounds in the Flagstaff area. For more information, visit the Coconino National Forest campground site, or contact the Coconino National Forest at 526-0866.Many of these campgrounds are seasonal, and not open during the winter months.The two closest public campgrounds to Walnut Canyon are:Bonito Campground – This USFS campground is adjected to the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument visitor center 21 miles north of Walnut Canyon. It is an approximately 30 minute drive. The campground is open seasonally, and closed during the winter. No reservations, first come first served only. Visit the Coconino National Forest camping website for more information.Canyon Vista Campground – Located 19 miles southeast of Walnut Canyon, this campground is located off Lake Mary Road. It is an approximately 30 minute drive. The campground is open seasonally, and closed during the winter. No reservations, first come first served only. Visit the Coconino National Forest camping website for more information.Private Campgrounds – Flagstaff has a number of private campgrounds that are open year-round. For more information on these sites, call the Flagstaff Visitor Center at 213-2951.
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