Northern Arizona Camping: My Top 5 Favorite Campsites
Arizona is the state of 360 days of sunshine, which lucky for us, extends our adventure season. I feel so lucky for this! This leaves so much time to enjoy Northern Arizona Camping. I’ve had some of my most favorite memories camping in Northern Arizona, from Sedona to Flagstaff to Pine and Payson. I will be reviewing 5 of my favorite campsites!
ARIZONA MAY BE KNOWN FOR THE DESERT, BUT IT HAS STUNNING WATERFALLS TOO.
NORTHERN ARIZONA CAMPING: BEST CAMPSITES
1. END OF THE WORLD- SEDONA
When you think “Northern Arizona Camping,” is this what you thought?? I think it’s even better!! This campsite sits OVERLOOKING the wonder of Sedona’s Red Rock and has some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the state. To get there, you drive up to Flagstaff, then turn south onto a dirt road for about 45 minutes until you hit the rim. I try to go here every year now! There’s room for everyone to camp with views over the edge. The famous rock structure (top right in photo above) is also here and is called the “Jenga Rock.”
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Read More: End of the World Campsite in Arizona
2. EDGE OF THE WORLD- MOGOLLON RIM
This beautiful Northern Arizona Camping does NOT have a specific name, but I’ll name it “Edge of the World” similar to the campsite above. Instead of Sedona, this is located near Pine and Strawberry on the Mogollon Rim. This dispersed camping area is also FREEEE, making it even better. To get here, we drove up from Phoenix past Payson and Pine, up on the Mogollon Rim and down Rim Road 300. We turned down a side road to get to this spot. coorindates for this spot are 34.4293, 111.33257. I loved seeing the layers of the mountains (and we even got to see a cloud inversion)!
I CREATED A DIGITAL PRODUCT YOU NEEEEED.
I’ve created a FORTY PAGE GUIDE outlining all the best free and paid campsites in Northern Arizona, including the ones mentioned here and so many more.
It can be hard to spend hours researching campsites, trying to figure out were they’re located, what they look like, the price, and the amenities. With my guide, those days are over! I give you everything you need to know, with links to my Google Maps AND it’s in a PDF so you can access it any time!
3. THE MOGOLLON RIM (FR 9350)
If you have been in Arizona for a while, you probably know of the Mogollon Rim. If you don’t know about it, you’re missing out. It’s what I think about when I hear “Northern Arizona Camping.” The desert quickly vanishes and turns into towering pine trees. Arizona has the most populated area of Ponderosa Pines in the entire Uinted States becuase of this area. FR 9350 is on top of the Mogllon Rim on the East Side. You’ll go past Payson on the 260 and turn on Rim Road until it turns to dirt, then turn on FR 9350 dispersed camping to find beautiful ridge-side campsites.
READ MORE ABOUT IT IN MY DIGITAL PRODUCT LISTED ABOVE!
4. LOY BUTTE ROAD, SEDONA
My favorite Northern Arizona Camping areas are FREE, and this one is too. Loy Butte Road/ FR 525 is located in West Sedona, only about 15-20 minutes from the Downtown Sedona area. There are 5 separate designated campsites within this area, which was recetly redone. Each site is beautiful in its own way. Check out this site for more info!
CHECK OUT THESE NEARBY HIKES
Only 15 Minutes North: Doe Mountain Trail Guide
10 Minutes West: Brins Mesa Trail Guide
5. WING MOUNTAIN, FLAGSTAFF
If you’re looking for that mountain town vibe, this is the campsite for you! The Wing Mountain dispersed camping area is at the base of Mt. Humphrey, Flagstaff and Arizona’s tallest mountain over 12,000 ft. Yes, you can climb to the top of it- I’ve done it twice! This area is covered in dense forest and is really peaceful! If you’re planning on hiking Mt. Humphrey or Aspen Corner, this is perfect.
FINAL THOUGHTS NORTHERN ARIZONA CAMPING
This post is just scratching the surface of all of the amazing campsites in Northern Arizona. I include all of these campsites and more in my digital product below. Your purchase will help me to continue to make amazing guides for you!
READ MORE IN MY GUIDE!
I’ve created a FORTY PAGE GUIDE outlining all the best free and paid campsites in Northern Arizona, including everything mentioned here.
It can be hard to spend hours researching campsites, trying to figure out were they’re located, what they look like, the price, and the amenities. With my guide, those days are over! I give you everything you need to know, with links to my Google Maps AND it’s in a PDF so you can access it any time!
