Camping near Flagstaff, Arizona likely implies a day spent in the sun. Safeguard your face and eyes with the very best trucker hats from Banner & Oak as you trek into the depths of the Grand Canyon or to the summit of Humphreys Peak.
Arizona has plenty of surprises. From the depths of the Grand Canyon and the far reaches of the southern desert to the old growth pine of the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, there’s plenty to do, see and experience in the Copper State. Much of that experience can originate from Flagstaff, among the most environmentally diverse cities in the state– and maybe even the nation.
Camping in Arizona near Flagstaff provides access to the state’s highest peak, the most popular ski resort, the red desert of Sedona and numerous lakes and rivers to dip your toes in. While the camping sites on this list vary in terms of features (no facilities to showers and special programming) and cost (free to more than $50 per night), they’re all tucked in between pine and efficiently situated for a week or weekend worth of adventure.
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon state, you’ll want to invest ample time outdoor camping near Flagstaff, Arizona to check out the cliff houses in Wupatki National Monument, ride the single-track near Sedona and fish in Ashurst Lake. These camping areas are close to Flagstaff and even closer to the unlimited outdoor activities nearby.
1. Flagstaff KOA (5.5 miles to downtown)
Image from The Dyrt camper Ashley C. Camping tent, RV and cabin websites are tucked between evergreen at the Flagstaff KOA to welcome all types of campers. If you do not have a rig and desire a different kind of experience, the KOA likewise uses teepees to lease for a fun night with none of the setup. Campers love the clean centers of the Flagstaff KOA, although during summer season weekends the camping site can feel a little confined, particularly if you’re camping in a tent.
For the kids, there’s plenty to do, consisting of a “Jumping Pillow” and playground; camping area staff members also place on various programs throughout the summer season. The kids most likely won’t be weakened after a couple of hours at the play area, so take them to the nearby trails to get some fresh mountain air and catch a glimpse of the waterfalls in Coconino National Forest.
“The websites are quite close together, but that didn’t actually matter staying in our campervan. We had all the area we required. I particularly liked the spick-and-span bathrooms! Flushing toilets and complimentary showers (with connected changing stalls) made for a really comfy trip.”— The Dyrt camper Ashley C.
2. Cave Springs (18.1 miles to downtown)
Photo from The Dyrt camper Carly E. As one of the most popular locations for camping near Flagstaff, Arizona, you’ll wish to book Cavern Springs well ahead of time throughout the hectic summer months. And then you’ll likely wish to book it for the next year and the year after due to the fact that the camping and access to treking and fishing are simply unequaled.
Of the 89 sites, one is tent-only and all others provide hook-ups for rigs up to 36′. Most of the sites at Cavern Springs sidle approximately the river for tranquil background sound and crystal clear water to fish from or learn– just understand other users in the stream. Cavern Springs is a terrific jumping-off point for hikes in neighboring Sedona and the Coconino National Forest. There are also plenty of trees at Cave Springs for some peaceful time in the hammock or to try hammock camping.
“My go-to camping site when I wish to get away the heat! There is creek access and creekside websites. All sites have lots of shade and space. Lots of areas readily available for walk-up, but arrive early!”— The Dyrt camper Katlyn K.
Situated “away from whatever,” White Horse Lake Campground offers a respite from the city of Flagstaff after taking a trip about 15 miles on properly maintained dirt roads. Campers won’t discover lots of amenities at White Horse, just remote relief and relaxation in addition to hiking, cycling and fishing at the nearby lake, which is exceptionally popular with anglers.
There are a lot of trees to provide shade at each of the camping areas, and there are tracks leaving from the camping site to check out Kaibab National Forest. Pit toilets are readily available and drinkable water can be gathered from numerous spigots throughout the campground.
“The view of the lake was terrific, and we were surrounded by tall evergreen. A bit of a walk to transport your things in, however well worth the additional effort of doing so.”— The Dyrt camper Daniel L.
Image from The Dyrt camper Krista Z. Similar to Cavern Springs Camping Site, Pine Flat Camping area West uses 60 websites along Oak Creek with practically every site offering fast access to the creek. While there aren’t any showers available at Pine Flat, campers can head to Cavern Springs to use their token-operated showers for $ 4 each. Or, you can opt to take a true camp shower by washing off in the creek– however please just use non-harmful biodegradable soap if you do.
There are hiking trails nearby in Coconino National park and adequate trout fishing along the waters of Oak Creek. The websites are roomy, and regardless of the camping area’s proximity to the road, the noise is very little compared to the respite of the campsites.
“They have drinking water and drop toilets. There are a number of treking routes near the sites also that lead up to the top of the plato. Fantastic location to see sundowns!”— The Dyrt camper Ruth P.
Not just is Fort Tuthill County Park the ideal location to stay for big groups like household reunions, however it likewise offers immediate access to Flagstaff and the amphitheater if you’re in town for a program or an expo. There aren’t any amenities aside from portapotties, however campers report them being clean.
Beyond simply camping near Flagstaff, Arizona, the County Park sits adjacent to a high ropes course for the adrenaline addicts in the family. If you’re more into human-powered experience, there are several mountain bike trails leaving from the camping area as well.
“There is some tree cover, however it usually does not have personal privacy and we did not see anything for bathrooms expect pit toilets. The cycling course/ramps were a good surprise too! Lots of amphitheater events on the park schedule as well.”— The Dyrt camper Sara S.
Image from The Dyrt camper Nadine A. Idyllic comes close to explaining Lockett Meadow Camping area. While the roadway to the campground can be bumpy and jarring, the views and wide-open area of the campsites make the drive well worth it. Positioned among the San Francisco peaks simply north of Flagstaff, Lockett Meadow Camping site offers 17 dubious, first-come, first-served camping sites for early birds spying close camping near Flagstaff, Arizona.
Groves of aspen and pine surround the campground and trailheads lead campers to beautiful ignores of the valley listed below. For campers interested in treking, the trailhead to Humphrey’s Peak, Arizona’s highest point, can be accessed at the Lockett Meadow Camping Area.
“This is my favorite AZ campground up until now! Beyond lovely! Little and remote, simply best, however make certain you bring everything you require except for the toilets.”— The Dyrt camper Paul W.
Low-clearance lorries beware: The rough road resulting in Freidlein Meadow Dispersed Outdoor camping can just be accessed with a high-clearance lorry, so leave the Camry at home. As soon as you’re up the roadway however, these complimentary campgrounds are dreamy and ideal for a cool getaway from the heat of Phoenix and southern Arizona.
Make certain to camp at one of the designated pull-outs along the road here and don’t leave a second fire ring. The Forest Service developed these camping areas to decrease erosion along the roadside. Websites 10-14 are closed seasonally for Mexican Spotted Owls to reproduce from March 1 to August 31.
“Came in summer and thankfully discovered among the few open areas left. Very private camp spots, so the entire forest seems like it’s yours. Excellent location to base for mountain cycling and hiking.”— The Dyrt camper Sara S.
Image from The Dyrt camper Carly E. Pinegrove Camping area offers outdoor camping near Flagstaff, Arizona situated beside a series of scenic lakes. Upper and Lower Mary Lakes, Ashurst, Marshall, and Kinnikinick lakes are all available and stocked with a lot of fish to keep all levels of anglers inhabited. When it comes to the camping area, the websites are big however not completely private; however, you won’t seem like you’re on top of your neighbor.
There are facilities here, including coin-operated showers and firewood for sale. The bathrooms are apparently well kept by the camp hosts who are friendly and readily available to assist. When the sky turns dark, make certain to search for. The stars come out in all their glory without any light pollution in their way.
“Websites aren’t private, however we didn’t feel on top of our next-door neighbors either. The Arizona path passes near the entryway of the camping site, so there is path gain access to for hiking/biking close by.”— The Dyrt camper Carly E.
In regards to complimentary outdoor camping near Flagstaff, Arizona, Pumphouse Wash along Forest Road 237 is about as great as it gets. Roughly 80 websites situated in four loops use campers the chance to get away from everything without paying campground costs in order to do so. Campers enjoy this area for group outdoor camping and reunions– simply be prepared for no centers.
There are no hook-ups, no toilets, no showers, simply a lot of wilderness. Pumphouse Wash is a terrific alternative to the neighboring camping sites like Cave Springs and Pine Flat Camping Area West. Be gotten ready for crowds though– you almost certainly won’t have the location to yourself. However, the websites are roomy and surrounded by gorgeous old development pine, so you might even forget your next-door neighbors next door.
“It took a few times to discover a place level enough to set up our pop-up trailer, but with the help of a couple of pieces of 2 × 4 we had the ability to make it work. If you have a longer setup (like a 5th wheel or recreational vehicle) you can make it operate in about half of the areas.”— The Dyrt camper Krista Z.
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Camping near Flagstaff, Arizona provides access to the state’s highest peak, the most popular ski resort, the red desert of Sedona and lakes for swimming.