Looking for Flagstaff camping options? Skip the campgrounds and head into the Coconino National Forest. Flagstaff, Arizona offers many free campsites among the ponderosa pines where tent campers and RVers can unwind. We have camped in the national forest three years in a row and these are our favorite options.
Flagstaff Camping – 14 Days of Free Camping
There are two free camping options around Flagstaff. One option is near Walnut Canyon National Monument off Cosnino Road on the east side of town. The second option is off A-1 Mountain Road on the west side of town. Keep in mind there are no facilities, it’s boondocking. There are places to dump for free in Flagstaff, which can be located through the Allstays Camp & RV App.
Flagstaff Camping – Walnut Canyon
GPS coordinates 35.179492,-111.489035. Cosnino Road is a dirt road with some rough washboards. There is a sign at the entrance stating camping is allowed for up to 14 days. There are established campsites in the area, many of them close are to the entrance. Some sites are private with trees surrounding the entire campsite. Others are out in the open.
Most of the campsites were accessible by the camper van. Large ruts or narrow entrances may prohibit larger RVs access to some of the campsites. Watch the video below to learn more about dispersed camping in this area. This was filmed when we had the Class A motorhome towing a Jeep Wrangler.
Flagstaff Camping – A-1 Mountain Road
GPS coordinates: 35.210253, -111.733172. A-1 Mountain Road turns into a dirt road with some washboards. This area seems to be more popular than Walnut Canyon, it could be that it’s closer to town. Established sites are easy to spot as they are right along the road as you drive in.
To get an idea of A-1 Mountain Road conditions and camping options, watch the video below.
Both camping options are close enough to town to get supplies, dump, fill up on fresh water. It makes for a good basecamp to explore the city and nearby attractions. We put our National Park pass to good use and visited Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater and Petrified Forest.
Notes:
Free camping
No amenities
Dog friendly – Just be aware that there are coyotes and cougars in the area.
No dump
3g to LTE Verizon cell service. We were able to get faster LTE service using the weBoost signal booster.
If you enjoyed this post, check out more Free Camping posts.
Hello. My name is Diana and I recently purchased a 34 foot RV with the intention of living in it to save money. I work full time in Flagstaff Arizona so I do need to be somewhat close to town. I am looking to boondock as the RV parks are very expensive and most have age or length restrictions. I have found your website very helpful and any advice you can give would be much appreciated. Thanks so much!
Diana
Hey Guys,
I have been watching your channel for quite a while and see that you are close.
I live in Prescott and you are welcome to come on by, spend some time here, have a big yard.
Do you intend on spending any time in town?
Kurt
928 925-8674
Hi Kurt! Thank you so much for the generous offer, we may take you up on it the next time we are in Prescott. Headed to Southern AZ tomorrow.
Cool info, Kait. Thank you! We are heading out to AZ next week, but we will be going the southern route. We live in North San Diego County and will be taking Hwy 8 out to AZ. Ultimate destination is Bisbee. Have you by chance done any camping in southern parts of AZ?
You’re welcome Ceci. We’ve spent time in Tucson and have plans to make it out there again this winter. You can see all the places we’ve camped at on this page along with things to do https://weretherussos.com/where-are-the-russos-travel-map/ Safe travels and enjoy Bisbee.