Dispersed Camping

Dispersed Camping Areas

• Flagstaff Ranger District

  The Flagstaff Ranger District encompasses nearly 850,000 acres of National Forest lands around the Flagstaff area, from Mormon Lake and Anderson Mesa to north of the San Francisco Peaks. At 12,633 feet, the San Francisco Peaks is not only the dominant feature of the forest area we call the Volcanic Highlands, it's also the highest mountain in Arizona. Three of the summits that ring this dormant volcano's now quiet inner caldera are higher than any other mountain in the state.

  This mountain is sacred to the native peoples that live in the area and its soaring profile set against a blue Arizona sky serves as a source of awe to contemporary residents and visitors. Views from the summit of the San Francisco Peaks stretch to the Grand Canyon's North Rim over eighty miles away. Hiking, sightseeing, wildlife watching and skiing are the predominant recreation activities enjoyed in this land of mountains, forests and lava flows.

  Flagstaff Ranger District, extends from north of the Peaks to the south. This rolling highland is a land of ponderosa pine forests and pinyon/juniper woodlands clustered around broad prairies and small lakes. Arizona's largest natural lake, Mormon Lake, is located here. The area is also known for its plentiful wildlife. Large herds of elk roam the forests and edgelands. Bald eagles and ospreys live and hunt around the lakes. Pronghorn antelope graze the prairies.

  Principal recreation activities among the lakes and prairies are boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. The area also boasts some excellent cross-country skiing in good snow years.

  Recreation Activities for the Flagstaff District:

  • Campgrounds
  • Trails
  • Wilderness Areas, Boating/Fishing Sites, Scenic Drives
  • Picnic Areas, Archaeology Sites, Cabin Rentals and Winter Activities

  More Information

  • Road Status
  • Forest Orders

   

• Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle Area
• Marshall Lake
• Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area
• Wing Mountain Dispersed Camping
• Mogollon Rim Ranger District

  The Mogollon Rim is a rugged escarpment that forms the southern limit of the Colorado Plateau. It extends across the entire forest and provides excellent views within Plateau Country and Desert Canyon Country as well. Dropping as much as 2,000 feet in some areas, the Rim provides some of the most far-reaching scenery in Arizona. Views stretch from its rocky precipice to Four Peaks of the Mazatzals northeast of Phoenix.

  Needless to say, sightseeing is a favorite activity along the Rim, but this forest area also boasts a historic system of hiking and horseback trails, a couple of picturesque lakes for boating and fishing, and backcountry skiing for wilderness adventurers. The Mogollon Rim is home to Camp Colley, an outdoor adventure camp at Little Moqui, run by the City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation.

  The photo above (see larger view) was taken by Mark Hickcox, Civil Engineer Tech on the Mogollon Rim District, from the Hutch Mountain Lookout Tower in the summer of 2011. It is looking south-east toward Long Lake.

   

  Recreation activities for the Mogollon Rim District:

  • Campgrounds
  • Trails
  • Wilderness Areas, Boating/Fishing Sites, Scenic Drives

  More information

  • Road Status
  • Forest Orders

   

• Jack's Canyon Camping and Climbing Area
• Red Rock Ranger District

  The colorful collection of buttes, pinnacles, mesas, and canyons surrounding Sedona is famous the world around for its red rock vistas. Over the years, this area has served as the setting of many western novels and movies and has been the subject of uncounted paintings, photographs, and other works of art. The remains of ancient wetlands, these crimson cliffs have been carved by the forces of the desert into one of nature's most magnificent masterpieces.

  No matter what you do in Red Rock Country, you're always sightseeing. Ways to get even closer to all this scenery includes: hiking, horseback riding, taking a scenic drive, sliding down a natural waterslide, picnicking, camping, taking lots of photos and fishing in Oak Creek. The Red Rock District includes some 550,000 acres of magnificent splendor.  Some areas require a pass to park, so be sure to check out the information about our Red Rock Pass Program.

   

  

  Red Rock Recreation Guide [PDF]

  Get the scoop on the Red Rock Ranger District!

  • Recreation Guide [PDF]
  • Recreation Maps
  • Red Rock Pass Information and find out where to get a Red Rock Pass
  • Fee-Free Days
  • Road Status
  • Forest Orders

   

  

  Red Rock Country Area Map

  Recreation activities for the Red Rock Ranger District shown in tables:

  • Campgrounds
  • Trails (A-J)
  • Trails (K-Z)
  • Wilderness Areas, Boating/Fishing Sites, Scenic Drives
  • Picnic Areas, Archaeology Sites, Cabin Rentals and Additional Information

   

• Childs Dispersed Camping Area
• West Clear Creek

  The deep, rocky canyon cut by West Clear Creek, as it slices its way free of the Mogollon rim, is home to West Clear Creek Wilderness, one of the most unique Wilderness Areas in the Southwest. This gorge is so narrow that in places the stream fills it from wall to wall. To descend one has to swim or wade, not once but as many as 15 or 20 times. Lower reaches of the canyon are more accessible and provide excellent places for secluded recreation such as swimming, hiking, trout fishing, and wildlife watching. In addition to the many colorful birds in this area, it is home to some interesting larger creatures such as black bear, javelina, and mountain lion.

  Campground Season: All year at Clear Creek Campground near Highway 260. Clear Creek Campground is open year-round.

  Attractions: Fishing, camping, waterplay, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, photography

  Facilities:

  • Clear Creek Campground has drinking water, cooking grills, vault toilets, a group site, and the General Crook National Recreation Trail nearby.
  • Bullpen Day Use Area has vault toilets and access to the nearby Blodgett Basin Trail and West Clear Creek Trail. There are no other amenities at the Bullpen area. There is no camping (dispersed or campground) at Bullpen.