Camping in Flagstaff

There are so many good things to say about Flagstaff! It has just about everything you’re looking for: mountain hiking, snow sports, beautiful woodlands and outdoor activities galore. And even better, plenty of camping options located close to town.

There are two ways to go camping around Flagstaff: Campgrounds, and Dispersed (free) Camping.

Most campgrounds charge a fee, which coversamenities like bathrooms, water, dumpsters, and campsites with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. You can camp in and around many of the area national parks and monuments. At the more popular campgrounds, seasonal hosts will be there to help you check campsite reservations and answer questions. Sometimes, there is even firewood for sale. Most paid campgrounds within the Flagstaff Ranger District are open seasonally. They are closed in Winter. Nightly campsite fees can range between $15.00-$30.00. Most campgrounds are first come, first served. Here are a few of the more popular campgrounds:

*Lockett Meadow Campground: Stunning views of aspens and the tallest mountains in Arizona. Fall is the peak season. There is no running water.

*Bonito Campground: Located just across the road from the Sunset Crater’s visitor’s center. If you are going to Sunset Crater, park admission includes the Wupatki National Monument. This campground includes running water, fire rings, and flush toilets.

*Canyon Vista Campground: Popular with climbers, it offers a short and easy walk to ‘The Pit’, one of Flagstaff’s most popular sport climbing areas. It is conveniently close to town. You will find running water, vault toilets, and access to a variety of trails.

*Ashurst Lake Campground: This quiet spot is great for fishing. Ashurst Lake is one of the few natural lakes in Arizona, and fishermen will find catfish, trout, and bass here. The campground offers a boat launch, campfire rings, picnic tables, bathroom and running water.

Flagstaff KOA: Offers same amenities as all other KOAs. It is seconds away from Mt. Elden’s hiking trail network, and the Flagstaff mall.

Dispersed camping can be had down just about any forest road, away from main highways. With a few regulations, this practice is legal, convenient, and best of all, free. You can find established campgrounds way out in the woods, in the hollowed out core of an extinct volcano, or perched high above lush canyons. Most of the topography around Flagstaff is flat, and there are many miles of forest roads crossing through this whole region. When doing dispersed camping, it is important to realize America’s public lands are a treasured resource. 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 no trace. Make sure to check for any fire restrictions before setting up that campfire.