The Best Free Dispersed Campsites Near Flagstaff

Flagstaff is one of my very favorite places to camp in Arizona.

Not only is the surrounding Coconino National Forest overflowing with free dispersed campsites, but the area stays much cooler than the rest of Arizona (especially the Phoenix Valley) in the summer.

Below, I break down my seven favorite free campsites near Flagstaff to help you plan your trip.

Quick Overview

Here are the free dispersed campsites I cover below:

• Wing Mountain
• Walnut Canyon
• Freidlein Prairie
• Marshall Lake 
• Pumphouse Wash
• Schnebly Hill Road
• Edge of the World

Click on the one you’re interested in to jump down for more info or browse them all on our Flagstaff dispersed camping map.

Related Post: The Best Free Campsites in Arizona

My Favorite Dispersed Campsites Near Flagstaff

Dispersed camping near Flagstaff is in a constant state of flux.

Because of the area’s immense popularity, the Coconino National Forest has tightened their dispersed camping rules in the highest-use areas in the Flagstaff Ranger District as well as in the nearby Red Rock Ranger District.

Most of the notable changes are closer to Sedona (particularly in West Sedona along Loy Butte Road), but are also present closer to Flagstaff, including at Pumphouse Wash (now designated dispersed camping only). 

We do our best to keep our recommendations below up-to-date (especially concerning new restrictions), but it’s always smart to call the nearest ranger station before your trip for the latest information possible.

With these new changes in mind, here are my seven favorite places for dispersed camping near Flagstaff (that I’ve camped at myself)!

Wing Mountain

Wing Mountain (sometimes lumped in with other free campsites near King Valley) is perhaps the closest spot to Flagstaff for dispersed camping.

Because it’s only 5 to 10 miles away from town (depending on where you set up camp), this area is super popular and fills up quickly. It’s also something of a local party spot and has had problems with trash as well as those overstaying camping limits in the past.

Despite these cons, Wing Mountain and King Valley are still great spots to stop for a night or two, especially if you want quick access to everything Flagstaff has to offer.

The campsites known as Wing Mountain are located along Forest Road 222 just west of Highway 180 north of the community of Fort Valley while those known as Fort Valley are located along Forest Road 164B just east of Highway 180 south of the community of the same name.

Important Tip: Nearly all of the forest roads in the Wing Mountain/Fort Valley area are closed during the winters.

See on YouTube: “FR 222 Flagstaff, Arizona – Wing Mountain / Dispersed Camping” by Holiday For Two

Walnut Canyon 

Image Attribution: “Walnut Canyon National Monument” by Jason Woodhead, CC BY 2.0

* This area is closed to dispersed camping until April 30, 2025 to decrease risk of wildfires near Flagstaff (see the official USFS use prohibition for more info).

The dispersed campsites off Walnut Canyon Road and Old Walnut Canyon Road are some of my favorites near Flagstaff.

Located just over 10 miles east of town, this free camping area does get busy. Luckily, there’s a decent amount of room to spread out to find a little privacy.

Although most of the campsites are accessible to all vehicles, including large RVs and trailers, some of the “driveways” into individual campsites are quite rough, rocky, and steep. Scout ahead on foot before committing in your vehicle. 

My favorite campsites are those located on Forest Road 303 just east of Walnut Canyon Road (Forest Road 622). Options are available on both the north and south sides of FR 303. 

Important Tip: Make sure you’re in Coconino National Forest (and outside of Walnut Canyon National Monument) before setting up camp.

See on YouTube: “Walnut Canyon Dispersed Camping Area” by As the Wheels Turn RV

Freidlein Prairie 

* This area is closed to dispersed camping until April 30, 2025 to decrease risk of wildfires near Flagstaff (see the official USFS use prohibition for more info).

Freidlein Prairie Road (FR 522) is a little more peaceful than other free campsites near Flagstaff. 

Camping here is limited to just 15 designated dispersed campsites. This means there’s a chance all the spots will be full, especially on summer weekends, but also limits usage for a much quieter atmosphere. 

The high elevation of these campsites (over 8,000 feet) makes Freidlein Prairie Road an excellent place to stay cool during the hot Arizona summer. An abundance of trees provide ample shade as well.

Don’t attempt to camp here in anything larger than the smallest RV or trailer. The campsites are small, many with rough “driveways,” and there are few places to turn around in bigger rigs.

Important Tip: Campsites 10 – 14 are closed from March 1 to August 31 during the Mexican spotted owl breeding season.

See on YouTube: “Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping” by Destination 101

Marshall Lake 

Little more than a marsh, Marshall Lake is a very scenic spot to dispersed camp just a half hour southeast of Flagstaff.

The dispersed campsites here are large and spacious, including many spots sizable enough for even the biggest RVs and trailers. The catch is that the access road is usually at least moderately bumpy and rutted. At times, it’s seriously rough. 

The Marshall Lake area is extremely beautiful with excellent views. But, as mentioned above, it’s little more than a marsh at best and often just a dry field. Nearby Lower Lake Mary and Upper Lake Mary are just a short drive away for fishing, boating, and other water activities. 

In my personal experience, the crowd at Marshall Lake has always felt safe. Others, however, have suggested there are now problems with campers overstaying the two-week stay limits not to mention it’s turned into something of a local party spot on weekends. 

Important Tip: The access road (Forest Road 128) is closed from around the end of October to the middle of May due to winter snow.

See on YouTube: “Marshall Lake Dispersed Camping Area” by Life With Mike and MJ

Pumphouse Wash

Pumphouse Wash is a great spot for dispersed camping about halfway between Flagstaff and Sedona.

Although you’re now required to camp in designated campsites only, the area is primitive with plenty of room between campsites for a true dispersed camping feel.

The campsites here are grouped into four separate areas along Forest Road 237 just east of Highway 89A. I believe there are around 100 campsites total.

Pumphouse Wash is accessible by all vehicles, including most RVs and trailers. Like almost every campsite near Flagstaff and Sedona, dispersed or otherwise, it gets very busy here, especially on summer weekends.

Important Tip: Trash and improperly disposed of human waste are a big problem here. Please always follow the Leave No Trace principles, especially using the provided vault toilets or packing out your human waste.

See on YouTube: “Free Campsite Between Flagstaff and Sedona on FR 237” by Steve’s Adventures

Schnebly Hill Road

Schnebly Hill is closer to Sedona as the crow flies, but actually takes much less time to reach via Flagstaff. 

This is because the western half of the road (closest to Sedona) is extremely rough – don’t attempt it in anything without 4WD and high-clearance. The eastern approach (off I-17 via Exit 320) is much smoother.

In fact, the first mile of Schnebly Hill Road (also known as Forest Road 131) is great for all rigs, including even the biggest RVs and trailers. The next five miles are noticeably rougher, but passable in most vehicles. 

The campsites closest to the overlook boast incredible views, but are quite exposed to the elements. The first 4 miles or so west of I-17 are more forested and provide the most shade.

Important Tip: Dispersed camping is only allowed from I-17 west to Schnebly Hill Overlook. 

See on YouTube: “Schnebly Hill Road Overlanding Part 1” by MERICA MARK

My Full Review: Schnebly Hill Road Dispersed Camping

Edge of the World

Dispersed camping at Edge of the World is truly a bucket list experience. 

Although it’s quite close to Flagstaff as the crow flies, actually getting to the view campsites requires navigating 25 miles of rough, narrow, and winding dirt and gravel roads. 

But that slow going is well worth it. The views from the Edge of the World (just off Forest Road 231) are truly fabulous. You look out off a towering cliff towards Sedona and the Red Rock Wilderness below.  

Personally, I recommend high-clearance for those attempting to reach the view campsites, although it’s doable in a low-clearance vehicle (4WD isn’t necessary unless it’s wet). 

Don’t try to camp here in an RV or trailer, however. Boondockers should stick to the first 10 miles or so of Forest Road 535 before it narrows and becomes much rougher.

Important Tip: This area often shows up on maps as East Pocket, End of the World, and Top of the World in addition to Edge of the World.

See on YouTube: “Edge of the World Camping in Northern Arizona Hidden Gem” by MERICA MARK

My Full Review: Edge of the World Dispersed Camping

How to Find More Free Campsites Near Flagstaff

The dispersed campsites above are just seven of my favorites near Flagstaff – but they’re far from the only available nearby options.

We encourage you to use dispersed camping tools like iOverlander, FreeCampsites.net, and the Boondocker’s Bible map to find free campsites of your own. Campendium is another great resource to find potential campsites. 

Just as useful is stopping by the nearest ranger station (in this case the Flagstaff Ranger Station) for dispersed camping recommendations, info on current closures/restrictions, and a physical motor vehicle use map (also available online here).

In a pinch, I believe the Cracker Barrel in Flagstaff still allows overnight parking for camping, although camping is now banned at both Walmarts in town.

Related Post: The Best Apps to Find Free Campsites

Let Me Know If You Have Any Questions

Still have questions about dispersed camping near Flagstaff?

Check out our national forest and BLM land dispersed camping guides first – but feel free to reach out in the comments below or by emailing me directly.

I’m always happy to provide additional recommendations or resources!