7 Amazing Flagstaff Camping Spots (With YouTube Video Tours)
If you’re looking for the best Flagstaff camping spots, you’ve come to the right place! We absolutely love camping among the Arizona pines and hiking all the amazing trails.
Here’s the best thing about Flagstaff…you can camp for free at many of the best locations!
Today we’ll be sharing our favorite campsites in the area. We’ll include price, location and amenity info. Additionally, each site will have a unique “Flagstaff Camping Vibes” score for easy head-to-head comparisons.
Let’s dive in!
Welcome to Flagstaff Arizona
A-1 Mountain Road
Price: FREE
Location: A-1 Mountain Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Why You’ll Love It: This Flagstaff campground has the trifecta of great camping qualities: it’s free, there’s a lot of scenic spots to set up camp, and its only 7 miles from downtown! Not to mention, cellular connectivity is great at A-1.
This is a “dry camping” location – meaning no RV hookups onsite. Most cars, trucks & RVs can access the site in good weather conditions.
What’s The Word: Louisa on Campendium says, “2 miles past the cattle gate, and past the tent camper, we found a very peaceful spot far from anyone. There are a lot of pull in spots with fire rings near the main dirt road. If you take a left at the second fork you can go further into the forest. Cell service is good until you make the left turn but the serenity is well worth it.”
Flagstaff Camping Vibe: 8.5/10 Great location and accessible to most campers!
Walnut Canyon Dispersed
Price: FREE
Location: South Cosnino Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Why You’ll Love It: This free campsite offers up maximum peace & quiet. Not many people camp here, but if you find it to be busy, you can take the main road back until you see a private spot.
Walnut Canyon is ideal for tent & van campers. RVs & trailers can camp here, but will find it more limiting when it comes to accessibility.
This is another dry camping spot. If you need to dump or fill your tanks (for free) check out the nearby Speedway gas station.
What’s The Word: Hypsy-Gypsy on Campendium says, “What a great location! It’s not far from Flagstaff and is right down the road from Walnut Canyon National Monument. The road in from I-40 is paved, then switches to a dirt road once you turn left at the intersection. The dirt road is mostly level and easy for most any vehicle to pass. The site we stayed at is very clean”
Flagstaff Camping Vibe: 7.4/10 Free & peaceful! We love the sound of that.
US Naval Observatory
Price: FREE
Location: Observatory Access Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Why You’ll Love It: This Flagstaff camping spot is a hidden gem! Its tucked beneath tall pines and has plenty of room for spreading out. We received great cellular connectivity during our stay.
The other big selling point…its less than 7 miles to town.
There is a nearby train track that stays active. The sounds were distant and never bothered us. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to pick another spot!
What’s The Word: JB on Campendium says, “Perfect pit stop on my way to Santa Fe. Pulled right into a spot pretty close to the road. I was worried if my car was going to be able to make it but the path was pretty decent outside of a few spots. Cell reception for ATT was great too.”
Flagstaff Camping Vibe: 8.1/10 Wonderful shaded location…close to town!
Willard Springs Road
Price: FREE
Location: Willard Springs Rd., Munds Park, AZ 86017
Why You’ll Love It: This free campsite is south of Flagstaff. That means it’s at a slightly lower elevation and temps will be a little warmer. This spot is also “big rig friendly.” The entire area offers ample space to avoid cramped camping.
If you’re headed to or from Sedona, Willard Springs could be a great stop in between.
Keep in mind, it’s dry camping and offers no amenities.
What’s The Word: Cindy on Campendium says, “This is boondocking at its best! Lots of sites, easy access, plenty of space in pine tree forest. We went down the road to the right past where everyone else was camping and found a nice quiet spot under the trees. The road was a bit rough to back that far but we managed. Great place to camp and visit Flagstaff, Sedona & Jerome.”
Flagstaff Camping Vibe: 6.8/10 Great camping spot, but a 17 miles from downtown Flagstaff.
Woody Mountain Campground
Price: around $50
Location: 2727 W Route 66, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Why You’ll Love It: If you want a campground with amenities and nature, Woody Mountain Campground fits the bill. The sites offer electric, water and dump hookups. The park amenities include wifi, laundry, bath houses and a general store.
You won’t get peace & quiet compared to other campgrounds on this list, but you will get amenities!
Even though this is a fully developed campsite, it still has RV limitations. The campground website states, “Very limited options for rigs over 40′.”
What’s The Word: A recent review found on Campground Reviews says, “The campground appears to be always full. We did not have any trouble getting into the site with our 37 foot fifth wheel and you can even get a bigger rig into the spot. But I did see a few sites that wouldn’t allow our rig to fit. All hookups were easily and accessible. The site was roomy, completely shaded and very quiet. We did not feel that the neighbors were too close.”
Flagstaff Camping Vibe: 6.9/10 It has basic amenities and easy access to town.
Flagstaff KOA
Price: around $65
Location: 5803 North US Highway 89, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Why You’ll Love It: KOAs are notorious for going above & beyond when it comes to amenities. The Flagstaff KOA is no different. Along with the standard full hookup RV sites, you also have access to wifi, a dog walking area, a playground, free morning coffee and hiking trails.
You’ll also be within 5 miles of downtown!
All of these features come with a price. KOAs have fluctuating rates depending on season and site. We’ve seen rates exceeding $75 at this KOA.
What’s The Word: A recent Campground Reviews poster said, “Typical KOA, all sites are close together and there are a lot of sites. Lots of trees, nice views, LOTS of kids which is why I stay at a KOA. My kids loved it here. Grounds are rustic but that’s the charm of Flagstaff. Easy access to Canyon and downtown Flagstaff is great.”
Flagstaff Camping Vibe: 6.9/10 Great for kids, ok for adults, and not so good for nature-loving campers!
Bonito Campground
Price: $25
Location: 5075 N US Highway 89, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Why You’ll Love It: This National Forest campground will give you all the nature-vibes and a few amenities. Onsite there’s drinking water available and bathrooms. The camping spots, however, don’t have any hookups.
If you are a National Park Senior Pass holder, you’ll receive a 50% discount on camping fees.
The roads and campsites are all paved. This is great for RVers or van campers…but you’ll want to set up your tent on the forest floor (not the pavement)!
What’s The Word: A recent reviewer on Campground Reviews said, “Lovely NFS campground near the volcano national monument. Dry camping but all paved roads and paved level sites. Huge space between camp sites. Mature pine trees and great views everywhere. Zero cell service ATT or Verizon.”
PRO TIP: If you want to get better cell service when camping, we recommend using a cell booster. In our travels, its boosted on bar of unusable service into 4 bars that could stream Netflix!
Flagstaff Camping Vibe: 8.2/10 If you want to disconnect and explore nature, give Bonita a try!
Great Camping Trips Near Flagstaff
If you like camping in Flagstaff, you’ll love these nearby adventures. Make sure to take a side trip and check these spots out!
- Sedona, AZ: Sedona is an hour south of Flagstaff and a lot lower in elevation. We love these 11 Sedona Campgrounds and recommend hiking Devil’s Arch!
- Grand Canyon: If you’re camping in Flagstaff, odds are you’re either headed to or headed back from the Grand Canyon. Check out these RV Friendly Campgrounds at The Grand Canyon National Park.
- Page, AZ: In Page you can see amazing land formations. From Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon, the sights will impress!
- Winslow, AZ: Are you a fan of The Eagles? Have you ever wanted to stand on the corner in Winslow Arizona? Here’s your chance. This iconic song lyric is also a fun day trip!
Antelope Canyon in Page Arizona
The Best FREE Camping in the USA
We love camping across this amazing country. And, we really love it when its free. Here’s our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.
If you haven’t tried free camping before, also known as boondocking, take a look at our beginners guide to boondocking filled with everything you need to know to get started.