Coconino National Forest Camping Articles

Coconino National Forest Guide: Camping

Coconino National Forest Highlights

Camping in the Coconino National Forest is divided into four districts: Peaks, Mormon Lake, Red Rock, and Mogollon Rim. All of the single-unit sites are designed for up to eight people and one vehicle. Coconino National Forest allows camping on your own, but there are specific guidelines: Always use the pack-in, pack-out method, camp at least one mile from developed campgrounds and recreation areas, and no camping is allowed within a quarter mile of any wildlife watering hole.
The Peak District in the northern part of the park has four campgrounds: Bonito, Little Elden Springs Horse Camp, Lockett Meadow, and O’Leary. Little Elden Springs Horse Camp has 15 pull-through campsites that are specifically designed for the horse-camper. A trail connects the camp to a vast system of riding trails in the area.
Campgrounds in the Mormon Lake District, located in the most central part of the park, include Ashurst Lake, Canyon Vista, Dairy Springs Group Camp, Double Springs, Forked Pine, Kinnickinick, Lakeview, and Pinegrove. Pinegrove is the largest campground with 46 single unit sites—24 of these can be reserved. Dairy Springs/Double Springs campgrounds have a total of 30 individual sites and Dairy Springs has two large group sites allowing a total of 80 people. Reservations are accepted for the group sites and 15 of the individual sites.
The Mogollon Rim District, in the southeast part of the park, has the Blue Ridge, Clintswell, Elks Group Picnic Camp, Kehl Springs, Knoll Lake, Long Valley Work Center Group Camp, Moqui Group Camp, and Rock’s Crossing campgrounds.
Campgrounds in the Red Rock District (which includes Sedona) in the southwestern part of the park include Beaver Creek, Bootlegger, Cave Springs, Chavez Crossing Group Camp, Clear Creek Camp, Manzanita, and Pine Flat.
Beaver Creek Campground can be reached by one of the Coconino National Forest’s scenic drives. The site is located among cottonwood trees and Arizona sycamore trees. Cave Springs, located in Oak Creek Canyon 12 miles from Sedona and close to the well-known Slide Rock State Park’s swimming hole, is one of the most popular campgrounds with 82 individual sites. But be warned: Oak Creek can get very crowded. With only 11 reserveable sites, it is best to go during the week and arrive early to claim your spot.

By Travel Expert: Kim Lipker