We recently drove through Flagstaff, Arizona for couple of days on our way back to Texas from California and ended up spending a few nights there car camping. I wanted to put together this guide on a few places we stayed at, both paid campsites and dispersed spots for free. Here’s what I found.
To car camp in Flagstaff, you can either reserve a campground or take part in dispersed camping on land owned by the U.S. Service Forest. In terms of cost, most campgrounds require paying a fee, with the exception of a few dispersed campgrounds in the Coconino National Forest such as Marshall Lake Dispersed Camping.
Keep reading for more details and prices of places to car camp in and around Flagstaff.
Where Can You Car Camp in Flagstaff?
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall Lake Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Dispersed Camping FS 124 | No | Free |
| Wing Mountain Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Canyon Vista Campground | First-come, first-served | $26/night |
| Lake View Campground | First-come, first-served | $15/night |
| Pine Grove Campground | Preferred | $30/night |
| Bonito Campground | Required | $30/night |
Now let’s go into depth about each campground, how to get to them, and which ones are my favorite.
Dispersed Camping Spots in Flagstaff (Free)
Dispersed car camping is essentially camping without a reservation or payment, and on land where there is no established campground. It is often referred to as stealth camping or boondocking because it can be done in a hidden and less environmentally impactful way if done properly.
There are little to no utilities such as water or toilets in dispersed camping areas.
You can choose from any of the above areas in the table. Most of these locations are in Coconino National Forest and allow campers to pay no fee.
Here are more details about the dispersed camping options in the Flagstaff area:
1. Marshall Lake Dispersed Camping
Coordinates: 35.112398 N, -111.538442 W
Marshall Lake is located along the unpaved forest service road 128 in the Coconino National Forest. Don’t be fooled though, the campsite is an easy, one-minute drive from the main road Lake Mary Road.
When we went here, we enjoyed the fact that the area was only a two-minute drive to Lake Mary. It was nice to feel like you were in a secluded area while also being so close to the main road.
Note: This road is closed in the winter.
2. Dispersed Camping FS 124
Coordinates: 34.868652813049266 N, -111.412335923059 W
A little more remote and also located in the Coconino National Forest near Lake Mary Road, this area next to the forest service road is known for pine trees, hiking, and wildlife.
The forest service road is well-maintained and can accommodate larger vehicles like RVs.
3. Wing Mountain Dispersed Camping
Coordinates: 35.26952373 N, -111.74276618 W
Wing Mountain Dispersed Area is located on the northwest side of Flagstaff next to forest service road 222.
Wing Mountain is close to hiking areas such as Wing Mountain itself and the San Fransisco Peaks. Not to mention, it’s also surrounded by a ponderosa pine forest like the other areas.
The area is closer to the center of the city and on the opposite side of town than the other dispersed areas listed. Because it’s located close to the city, it’s a little bit noisier than other options.
Note: It is very windy, so fires are prohibited.
Campgrounds in Flagstaff
1. Canyon Vista Campground
Canyon Vista Campground is one of the most popular campsites in Flagstaff. It’s located right at the border of the city of Flagstaff and the Coconino National Forest, making its location ideal for many.
“Canyon Vista Campground is located near Walnut Canyon and Lower Lake Mary. This area consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, aspen and oak, which offer good photo opportunities, interesting geology and views of the San Francisco Peaks.”
U.S. Forest Service
They have amenities such as restrooms, water, ice, and firewood.
This campsite gets full quickly, so be sure to get here early as it’s first-come, first-serve!
2. Lake View Campground
My absolute favorite campsite in the Flagstaff area, Lake View Campground has a short trail that takes you to Lake Mary! It’s a little more remote than Canyon Vista Campground and the drive there is unforgettable as you are facing the pine forest and Lake Mary the whole time.
The lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing, with a variety of fish species including pike, bass, and several types of trout.
Like Canyon Vista, they have amenities such as restrooms, water, ice, and firewood.
Not to mention, this campground has the cheapest rate and the nicest staff I have ever met.
3. Pine Grove Campground
As the name suggests, the campground is amongst towering Ponderosa Pine trees, offering plenty of shade and beautiful scenery. The higher altitude means it’s cooler than many other parts of Arizona, making it an attractive destination, particularly during the hot summer months.
Pinegrove Campground offers amenities such as picnic tables, campfire rings, grills, and drinking water. The sites are well-spaced for privacy, and the campground offers a range of sites to accommodate both tent campers and those with RVs.
There are also hiking and biking trails nearby, providing plenty of outdoor activities for campers.
Another perk of this campground is that the campsites are a little more spread out.
4. Bonito Campground
Bonito Campground is situated on the outskirts of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, in the cool highlands of northern Arizona. It’s roughly 15 miles northeast of Flagstaff, making it a popular destination for those who wish to enjoy the outdoors without straying too far from urban amenities.
Named after the Bonito Lava Flow which it borders, the campground is located in a picturesque Ponderosa pine forest, offering a quiet and serene natural setting.
The campground doesn’t have hookups, but it does offer amenities such as picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and vault toilets. Drinking water is typically available, but campers are advised to bring enough for their needs, just in case.
From the campground, visitors can easily access the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and explore its numerous hiking trails, including the Lava Flow Trail. The nearby Wupatki National Monument, home to ancient Native American dwellings, is also a short drive away.
What To Wear in Flagstaff
When we stumbled upon Flagstaff, for starters, we were shocked to see a high-altitude pine forest in the middle of Arizona.
We were even more shocked to see we could swim during the day but then had to wear layers of clothing and sleep in thick sleeping bags at night.
I would absolutely recommend packing layers. I brought a swimsuit, shorts, and tank tops but also long sleeves, thermals, jeans, sweatpants, and a winter jacket.
The average temperature in summer ranges from 40 degrees at night to 85 degrees during the day. While in the winter months, you can expect snow.
For insight into how we converted our SUV into a camper, give our video below a watch!