Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Campingflagstaff Az
Image from The Dyrt camper Mallory D.
In an effort to mitigate soil erosion and forest fires, the Forest Service worked to establish free Arizona camping in the Freidlein Prarie thats mostly suitable for tent campers. Each of the sites offers a campfire ring and a gentle reminder to camp within 50 of the campground sign.
All of the 14 campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and situated along the south side of the road aside from sites #1 and #3. From March 1 to August 31, sites #10-#14 are closed to protect the habitat of the Mexican spotted owls during the breeding season.
Came in summer and luckily found one of the few open spots left. Very private camp spots so the whole forest feels like its yours. Great place to base for mountain biking and hiking. The Dyrt camper Sara S.
The Best Free Camping In The Usa
We love camping across this amazing country. And, we really love it when its free. Heres our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.
If you havent tried free camping before, also known as boondocking, take a look at our beginners guide to boondocking filled with everything you need to know to get started.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! Simply enter your email below.
Arizona State Trust Land
Arizona state trust land is also open for camping but is not considered public property. A permit is required for recreating and camping on Arizona state trust land. You can purchase your permit from the Arizona Land Department. I recommend buying your permit if you adventure in the Arizona backcountry. Getting caught without one can cost you around $4,500. No, a hunting and fishing license will not work.
On trust land, you may find No Trespassing signs that either indicates a permit is required or the ground is closed to the public. In other cases, you will never know where state trust land is. You can find trust land in small tracts of land in the middle of federally managed land or vast sections of land covering large regions of the state.
The Arizona trust has acquired some of the most beautiful places in Arizona. From Wickenburg up to Yarnell, over to Salome, and as far north as the Havasupai Indian land is Arizona Trust land. This area encompasses vast canyons, rocky granite mountains, tall mesas, grasslands, and hidden remains of the past. These areas provide excellent recreation opportunities, including technical 4×4 trails, great hiking, hunting, and fishing.
To read more about the Arizona trust land and purchase a permit, .
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Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
The camping area at Whitewater draw is perfect for RV wilderness camping. It has very close access to hiking trails through the wildlife area where the main attraction is the abundance of bird species, and especially the Sandhill Cranes. Pit toilets and picnic tables are available but be prepared to bring you own water. Check out this article if youd like to learn about more places to bird watch in AZ.
At this time, you cannot rsvp a campsite- for more information, visit the AZ Game & Fish Department. / https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/wheretogo/whitewater/
Rv Boondocking In Arizona
Many other guidebooks and websites will tell you about campgrounds but not thefree ones.
Through more than eighteen years of shunpiking we’ve discovered manyscenic boondocking options where we camp for free. Most are right on route toArizona’s major attractions.
Millions of RVers who prefer boondocking in the desert flock to RV communitiesin Southern Arizona and California called Long Term Visitor Areas .They’re great especially if all you want is to live cheaply in good weatherbut so many RVers have discovered these so they’re certainly not a secret.
If you prefer to camp for free in the most scenic locations, prefer travelingaround rather than staying in one place, and are looking for affordableadventures and variety in your RV travels, you need this guide.
It takes you on a most affordable and adventurous trip including parts ofArizona that many typical Snowbirds never visit.
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Tips: Picking Your Campsite 101
- Drive on existing roads to minimize your impact on vegetation.
- Same goes with choosing where to set up your tent. Ever heard of the saying, Good campsites are found, not made. Sorry, venturing into the wilderness in the 21st century doesnt qualify you as a pioneer. Camp on bare soil where others have camped before.
- Camp at least 100-feet away from any stream or water source. Plants near water sources are especially fragile.
- Pick a campsite with good, natural drainage.
- Use existing fire rings.
- Review and practice Leave No Trace Principles.
Aspen Campground At Woods Canyon
Aspen is a scenic campground situated near Heber and Payson, right in the north-central part of Arizona. It lies within aspen and dense pine forest at an elevation of 7000 ft., close to the shore of Woods Canyon Lake.
Aspen is one of the popular Arizona campgrounds to have spacious sites, a marina, scenic lakes, and many facilities. It has over 148 sites spread across four loops for RV and tent camping in wooded and meadow areas.
Well behaved dogs are welcomed in the campground, but they must be attended at all times.
Non-electrical site is $25 per night.
Attractions:
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Still Cant Find A Site
Forest Service or BLM Websites
The best resource when looking for a good place to camp is often the National Forest or BLM website itself. For the Grand Canyon South Rim, you want the website for the Kaibab National Forest.
They have maps and tips available online, and you can always call a ranger or speak to one when you reach the national forest. Weve found them to be very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
Pay to Camp at Mather Campground
There are three established campgrounds inside the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. We camped at Mather Campground after leaving FR 688 and really enjoyed our time there.
Camping Websites and Apps
We wrote in our post on dispersed camping about sites and apps you can use to find great free campsites on public land. For some quick inspiration, heres a list of our favorites:
All of these sites allow access to user reviews on the accessibility of a campsite, so be sure to do some research before heading out. Many will also tell you about the quality of the cell signal in case you need to work or just want to stay connected.
Sedona Hikes Will Take Your Breath Away
How many hiking trails have you been on that take your breath away, literally and figuratively?
Well, be prepared because that is a normal occurrence no matter which hiking trail you conquer in Sedona.
The Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District has some great resources for hiking trails throughout the area.
There are too many to list so they split the group in two!
Here are the links: Red Rock Trails and Red Rock Trails .
Another great way to find cool hikes is by using the AllTrails app We think it is one of the best camping apps and it is FREE!
Weve personally done lots of hiking throughout Sedona and will be sharing these cool experiences in future blog posts!
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Big Lake Recreation Area
Big Lake Recreation Area is one of the best places to camp in Arizona. There are 9 separate campgrounds located around Big Lake. The area is wooded with aspen trees mingled in amongst the ponderosa pines. It can be cold during the winter but the summer tends to have pleasant weather.
This recreation area has easy access to hiking trails, biking trails, trout fishing on the lake as well as on the Black River, as well as lots of wildlife viewing. This is a great place for families and outdoor enthusiast to camp. There is a fee to stay in the campground and reservations are required but there are campgrounds dedicated to tent camping as well as RV camping.
Pine Grove Campground Coconino National Forest
Pine Grove Campground is within the lush Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona. To reach here, go southeast on Lake Mary Road from Flagstaff and continue for 19 miles. You can get to the campground via a short spur off from Lake Mary Road.
It has over 46 spacious single-unit campsites with grills, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. One RV or two tents are permitted per site, but there are no hookups. There is a dump station provided for RVs. Motorhomes up to 45 are also allowed here.
Pets must be leashed in the campground.
Attractions:
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Best Places To Go Camping Near Water In Arizona
Arizonas creeks, rivers and lakes offer thousands of miles of beautiful waterfront exploration and a nearly endless amount of camping opportunities.
The only problem, then, is deciding which areas to explore. Weve put together a list of some of the best places to camp in Arizona near water, from winding desert rivers to pristine lake camping in Arizona that manages to fly under-the-radar.
Whether youre looking for a prime fishing spot, a place to let the kids swim or just need to reset to the sound of babbling water, weve got you covered.
Childs Dispersed Camping Coconino National Forest
In 1908 the Arizona Power Company constructed the Childs Power Plant which diverted much of the stream you see today, and turned it to a trickle.
It wasnt until 2004 that the current owner of the plant decided to decommission it, and return the creek to its former glory.
Today, its a very popular dispersed camping spot. A short walk up the stream will take you to an old hot springs resort. Definitely one of our top three favorite camping spots on this list!
Why do we love it?
This is a great spot for a family camping trip! You can spend time wading in the river, walk one of the nearby hiking trails, or ford the stream and jump in the hot spring on the other side.
The popularity of this camping area will help you meet new friends in the community. Share a bottle of wine with them while you relax in the hot springs!
Distance from Downtown Sedona: 79.1 miles, or roughly 3 hours of travel time
Campsite Information
For more information on camping at Childs Dispersed Camping Area visit HERE.
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Arizona Campgrounds Allowing Tents
. 33595105 -114536763 Amazing camping down by the Colorado river on the border of Arizona and California. The Main Drag 525 Sedona Arizona. RV Dump Propane Open All Year Tents Allowed Accepts Big Rigs Pull Thrus 50 amp Hookups Showers Laundry Internet Pet.
This is one of the best-equipped RV campgrounds weve seen and the amazing views so close by makes this one of the best camping spots in Arizona. The Grand Canyon may be the granddaddy of Arizona camping but the national parks main campgrounds often require reservations six months in advancethats how popular they are. These designated dispersed campsites each have a small sign marking their location.
Plus if you want great fishing boating and camping near a lake Alamo Lake State Park gives you the secluded relaxing experience youre looking for. The river road offers several camping spots over. You must camp in a designated dispersed campsite here.
2 Reviews Animus Terrae Commune Gathering. Brookchar Campground is tucked on the banks of Big Lake in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. Campendium has 3668 reviews of 515 places to camp for free in Arizona BECOME A MEMBER – Enjoy Ad-Free Browsing Bonus Features.
High Jinks Ranch Ground Floor. For Grand Canyon camping sans crowds head to the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. Sedona may be a popular hiking destination but its as well-known for its expense as its expansive views.
Ad Statewide sightseeing recreation camping and lodging information.
Additional Tips On Free Camping Near The Grand Canyon
Cell phone coverage was decent. When we stayed at FR 688, we had 3G AT& T cell coverage at our campsite. We kept our phones off most of the time, but it was nice to check e-mail and have the option to make calls if needed.
Stock up on supplies before heading into the area. There isnt much available locally for groceries, and the food/gas prices in Tusayan are inflated for tourists.
Approach muddy roads with caution. We didnt experience this ourselves, but a lot of RVers get stuck on dirt roads in this area when they turn to mud. Be especially careful in spring when the snow is melting, and in monsoon season.
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Best Places For Free Dispersed Camping In Arizona
Today, Im going to share my favorite free campsites in Arizona.
Around 42% of Arizona is made up of public lands like national forests and BLM land, so its not surprising there are literally hundreds of dispersed camping and boondocking opportunities throughout the state.
Rather than list them all, Ive narrowed down the options to just 11 of the very best.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Why you should camp here: High desert camping along the riparian floodplain of the Verde River.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Best season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Campsite type: RVs, Tents, Cabins
- RV hookups: Yes
Located just minutes outside of Cottonwood, Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers up plenty of space for campers of all types. While the campground isnt directly by the water, its just a short stroll to the banks of the Verde River, as well as a couple of small oxbow lakes a rarity in Arizona.
Anglers will keep themselves busy here, but with over 10 miles of hiking trails directly accessible from your campsite, you dont have to be into fishing in order to enjoy the area. Also consider a 10 minute drive to Tuzigoot National Monument to visit the ancient Singuan ruins, or a 20 minute drive up the hill to historic downtown Jerome. This is also a great base camp to explore red rock country, just a 30 minute drive from Sedona.
With well over 100 standard campsites plus numerous group sites and cabins in the mix, theres a lot of room, but we still recommend advanced reservations as this place often fills up, especially on those perfect weather weekends.
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Schnebly Hill Road Coconino National Forest
Get on the I-17 and ascend 6000 feet into the Coconino National Forest. Youll eventually find an old mountain road called Schnebly Hill.
Its a semi-perilous path that takes you between Ponderosa Pines until depositing you into a series of vast openings.
A nearby wilderness area features several small lakes and plenty of forest acres to explore.
Why do we love it?
The biggest pull for this primitive site is its large camping areas. You can fit 2-3 RVs in a single spot, meaning you can go camping in Sedona with all your closest friends or family.
Furthermore, you get the benefit of nearby off-roading trails, along with a wilderness area overflowing with hiking paths.
Schnebly Hill Road gives you that perfect outdoor isolation with the people you care about the most!
Distance from Downtown Sedona: 39.2 miles or roughly 52 minutes of travel time
Campsite Information
For more information on camping at Schnebly Hill Road Dispersed Camping visit HERE.
Us Fish And Wildlife Services
US Fish and Wildlife manages 9 wildlife refuges and 3 fish hatcheries throughout Arizona. These pristine areas offer various recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, and technical 4×4 trails. Many allow motorized access. The primary purpose of these areas is hunting and fishing. Some have cabins available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Each Wildlife Refuge has a separate set of rules and regulations. Use the links below to find a Wildlife Refuge in Arizona. You will find the rules on each refuge website under the Visit tab in the menu.
Some Wildlife Refuges allow dispersed camping while others dont. Many have developed camping areas and prohibit dispersed camping. Some are entirely closed to camping altogether.
To learn more about Arizonas National Parks, .To view an interactive map of all National Parks, .
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Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is a good camping area for families that dont want to be too far away from a city but still want to be in the pines. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is located on the outskirts of Show Low, AZ. There are multiple campgrounds and campsites situated along the bank of Fool Hollow Lake.
This makes a great place for families as there are even a couple of playgrounds, where children can play. The campgrounds are great for tent campers as well as RV campers as there are electrical and sewer hookups. The recreation area is open year round but you do need to make reservations prior to your camping trip.
Gilbert Ray Campground In Tucson
If you are up for wilderness camping but do not want to venture out deep into the deserts of Arizona, then the Gilbert Ray Campgrounds is for you. It is only 15 minutes away from some of the main attractions that you can find in Tucson.
The campsite is between saguaros and pear cactus and has 130 evenly spaced sites complete with water and electricity. Although it is pretty near civilization, the campgrounds are far from any roadways and mostly quiet.
There are very scenic views around the area from the plains towards the west and the mountain ranges along the east side, which covers the entirety of Tucson.
The campsite is also close to one of the entrances of Saguaro National Park, the Old Tucson Movie Studios, and the Sonora Desert Museum. Hiking and mountain biking trails are available as well in the area.
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