Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape around Bellemont, Arizona, with several free forest road sites located within easy reach of Flagstaff. Forest Road 171, Forest Road 222, and Walker Hill Dispersed camping areas provide primitive sites in the Coconino National Forest where campers can set up tents or park RVs without designated facilities. The region includes a mix of public land dispersed sites and established campgrounds, including Flagstaff KOA and Village Camp Flagstaff for those seeking full hookups and amenities. Camping areas range from pine forest settings to more open terrain, with elevations typically between 6,500-7,000 feet.
Road conditions on forest service roads vary seasonally, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles during wet periods. Summer temperatures remain moderate due to the higher elevation, but nights can be cold even in summer months. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly from May through July before monsoon season begins. Most dispersed sites have no services, requiring visitors to bring all necessary water and supplies. Cell service ranges from moderate to poor depending on specific location and carrier. Camping limits on national forest land typically restrict stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. "Great weather, great spots that are shaded all day. Beginning of July and it didn't even spike above 85. Only issue is you've got to bring a lot of water cause the closest water is in the middle of Flagstaff."
Campers consistently rate the pine forest settings and relative solitude as major draws to the Bellemont area. Several visitors highlighted the accessibility of dispersed sites, with one noting, "Plenty of space to not see another camper. Beautiful trees, morning cows, easy dirt road." The proximity to amenities despite the wilderness setting represents another advantage, as most sites are within 15-20 minutes of Flagstaff. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly in the early morning hours. Noise factors vary by location, with sites closer to I-40 or the railroad experiencing intermittent train sounds. The Lava Tube Cave near Forest Road 171 serves as a popular day trip for campers staying in the area, though reviews indicate it becomes crowded on weekends. Winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear as temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
"I'm camped with a group of 6 campervans, but there's space for individual privacy while allowing proximity. I don't have great cell service, but that's true for me of Arizona in general."
"This Area is nice for a nice weekend get away the area is 15 min away from the city! Is got open camping spots and there is good space between them! There is a shooting range near by!"
$100 / night
"Nice campground near highway. Nice pleasant staff. Bathrooms were clean. Beautiful setting with mountain right behind the campground. Short walking trails within campground."
"There is access to some great trails right behind the park. Sites are descent size but definitely not level but that is an easy fix."
"Highway noise in the distance but not a issue. Peaceful area within the large trees."
"The worst part of the road is at the entrance off the highway, then it does get a bit better."
"The road in is bumpy and rocky, but not impossible (a Ford Mustang in the site next to us clearly made it)."
"It is a bumpy road with large portion of potholes so drive cautiously but once you get to the location you get a number of different spots to camp at."
$30 / night
"Tucked into Oak Creek canyon, surrounded by trees, red dirt mountain sides, and a creek this campground is stunning."
"Location: The location of the campground is perfect for all of the Sedona activities. This campground is only a few miles from the popular Slide Rock State Park."
"We had a spot right next to the woods which was great place to walk the dogs. Had a nice general store and coffee shop. A little expensive for us but it definitely was a nice place."
"Conveniently located for the gorgeous drive. Camped in site 6, small trailer site. Came in after office hours. Paperwork, including park map, ready for us next to office."
$10 - $25 / night
"All amenities are shared so we had access to a large playground, basketball and volleyball courts, the store, and the bathhouse."
"Nice campground if you are staying close to conveniences of Flagstaff or to watch a concert at Pepsi amphitheater. We got a group site, 5 vehicles and 6 or 7 tents. We had plenty of space!"
$30 - $45 / night
"Other than being close to the highway, we love this campground. It is in a heavily wooded forest next to Oak Creek. It has multiple bathrooms and accessible drinking water."
"What I liked about this was the great hosts (who seemed on constant patrol in their golf cart), the level sites for tents, and the great access to trails."
"This KOA is very clean and has ton's of amenities on site, very nice showers and bathrooms, some of the amenities are mini golf, pan for gems, trails, go karts, peddle cars, playground, laundry room, store"
"Lots of forest roads to play on near by as well if you have off-road toys."
"All are close to the road, but its not a main drag so other than people coming and going from campsites and mountain bikers not a lot of traffic."
"However, the sites are very far apart and each site is tucked away from the road. "
ScoutWe were in need of a spot for one night and asked the ranger in the visitor center where they recommended. They pulled out a map and showed us this road which has 5-10 dispersed sites. We found one tucked in the trees and it was magical. Fit our 35 foot bumper pull and truck no problem. The road is graded nicely and is wide.
ScoutDon’t get your hopes up as this is just a gravel parking lot with water and electricity - no sewer. However, it’s right in the middle of Sedona and since there is limited camping options in Sedona itself it gets 5 stars from me. It is first come first serve and we were lucky to pull in on a Monday and get a spot. It’s 5 minutes from the soldier pass trail head. Can’t beat the location!
LegendJust south of Camp Verde. Easy access from highway. Dirt road. Not too rough. Lots of dispersed camping spots.
Beautiful area. Not many people around in March.
LegendFS Road 546. Just past Cinder Hills Overlook.
Pretty flat. Beautiful area. mature trees and many flat patches.
Easy dirt road. Some juts to navigate around, but doable.
Very peaceful and quiet.
LegendThe Two Guns Ghost Town on Dyrt is actually on private land. But there is public land available just across the highway near the scenic Diablo Canyon. Exit the highway north, and follow either the paved road north or the good gravel road, running east west. We went west on the gravel road towards diablo , canyon and found several places that were easy to pull off for the night. If you continue down the paved road, you will be farther from the highway, but after a half mile or so , you will be on Hopi owned land. This parcel is Arizona State Trust Land and requires a fifteen to twenty dollar yearly permit per vehical from the State of Arizona to stay here, which can be purchased online.
LegendActually had a really nice time here. No loud people, a little quiet hum from the freeway but not bothersome. It was full of campers but everyone kept to themselves.
TravelerPros: This location has an amazing stunning view of the buttes, valley and nature surrounding Sedona. It’s a gorgeous and great location to set up camp. Nice view of the stars (not as amazing as I’d picture but still great overall)
Cons: It’s extremely windy here, 15-30 mph gust which destroyed our canopy. There are people here it’s not as secluded as I’d initially hoped. People will drive here late at night blasting music which can disturb your sleep. Be careful there are scorpions we saw several but overall they didn’t bother us just as a precaution ALWAYS ZIP UP YOUR TENT.
Recommend: bring extra nails, rope for the wind to tie down any material that can fly or bend , 4x4 to get up here
GuideTypical KOA and that ain't bad. Clean bathrooms and showers . Lots of other amenities like a dog park. Kids playground. Rental bikes for riding around the campsite and fireplaces at all the sites. My wife checked out the cabins and tents and they were really nice. WIFI was a bit weak but usable. $71 a night for power and water with our KOA discount. Used the dump station when we arrived. FYI. $20 if you are using the freshwater service if you are off griding it.
GuideCame up to Flagstaff to beat the heat in southern Az and it did not disappoint. Found a quiet spot with lots of rocks to make a fire ring and stayed for 6 days. A little noise from the I-40 but not bad. The road in was dry but had ruts from muddy times but doable with our 26' travel trailer. 20 min drive back to Flag but there is a truck stop close by.
Dispersed camping locations near Bellemont, Arizona offer primitive sites in Coconino National Forest with elevations averaging 7,000 feet. These free camping areas provide access to pine forests and open terrain within 15-20 minutes of Flagstaff's amenities. Seasonal temperatures remain mild during summer days but can drop significantly at night, with nighttime lows frequently dipping below 45°F even in July.
Hike the Arizona Trail: The area around Bellemont provides access points to the Arizona Trail, particularly near Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping. "We loved this spot since there was amazing access to trails right from our campsite, we were in site 3, including the Arizona Trail. So if you're a hiker, mt biker, or runner this is an excellent spot!" according to Jeanie P.
Visit Lava Tubes: Located a short drive from Forest Road 171, the lava tube caves provide underground exploration opportunities. "Looking for a camping spot close to the lava tubes, this is it! Remote and forest setting," shares Jared H. about the Fort Tuthill Luke AFB Recreation Area.
Mountain Biking: The area offers numerous mountain biking trails suitable for various skill levels. "Review for the activities only. Tons of fun stuff for the kids and adults. Bike park is a blast. Also have an adventure course and zip line. Bike park is free ropes course has fee. Also has a easy mountain bike trail around the area," notes Bryan S.
Wildlife Viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "The surrounding areas are beautiful and a family of deer made appearances regularly," reports Mallory D. about the dispersed camping options.
Isolation and Space: Campers frequently mention the privacy available at dispersed sites near Bellemont. "Plenty of space to not see another camper. Beautiful trees, morning cows, easy dirt road," notes a reviewer. At FR 222 Dispersed, one camper shared, "Road is well maintained, plenty of dispersed camping spots. We have a 26 ft class c RV and there was plenty of spots for us."
Cell Service Availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, most sites near Bellemont offer reasonable connectivity. Drew R. mentions, "Verizon and ATT both have cell service. 1-2 bars of LTE," which allows campers to stay connected while enjoying the outdoors.
Weather Conditions: The higher elevation creates pleasant summer temperatures compared to lower desert regions. "One of the most scenic dispersed campsites we have found," says Suzy J., adding that "The weather was mild, with scattered afternoon showers on Friday and Saturday."
Star Gazing: Clear night skies and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for astronomy. "Set up a star gazing perch at night.....it's spectacular," advises Leesa at Pine Flat Campground West.
Road Conditions: Forest roads can deteriorate quickly with weather changes. "We never made it to the campground. The rocky trail ended with a flat tire on our truck (as we were hauling our truck camper)," warns Joe F. about attempting to reach Edge of the World (East Pocket).
Noise Factors: While sites feel remote, some experience occasional disruptions. "Mostly quiet. Occasional car or truck drive-by and every once in a while, you can hear a dirtbike," reports Gisele J. Train noise can affect sites closer to railroad tracks, with intermittent sounds throughout the night.
Seasonal Closures: Some camping areas close during winter or due to wildlife protection. "Attempted to camp on 3/10 but road to campsites was closed," notes Michael B. about a springtime visit to the area.
Camping Etiquette: Pack out all trash and respect fire restrictions. "Wayyy to many sites with trash and toilet paper everywhere. You can't walk away from your site without seeing lots of trees surrounded by toilet paper. Freekin disgusting," reports Michael C. about conditions at some heavily used sites.
Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Families might prefer established campgrounds with facilities. "Flagstaff KOA is very nice. Lots to do for kids. Clean sites and helpful friendly staff. The cost was about the lowest in the area too," shares Gerry R.
Plan for Temperature Swings: Even summer days can transition to cold nights at this elevation. Pack extra layers and appropriate sleeping bags. "We were here the end of April and it was a little chilly but not uncomfortable. The surrounding forest is BEAUTIFUL and you can get peaks of the mountains through the trees," advises Mikayla M.
Water Requirements: With no water sources at dispersed sites, families need to bring sufficient supplies. "No facilities so pack it in and pack it out. I can't express how beautiful it is up there. If you have the means and the chance - do it!" encourages Katelin M.
Wildlife Awareness: Teach children about respecting local wildlife and proper food storage. "In the morning I was awakened by lots of bird sounds, would highly recommend this site," shares a camper about their family experience.
Site Selection Strategy: Arrive early to secure suitable spots for larger vehicles. "About 20 minutes outside Flagstaff, past the 'luxury resort' gated communities, up the mountain, is a well-maintained though narrow hard gravel road with many dispersed campsites right off of it. Many of the sites are suitable for even large rigs, with space to turn around," advises Antony V.
Camp Setup: Due to dust conditions at some sites, consider positioning strategically. "There is dust, lots of it, right off the road in the turnoffs. But we found it quite simple to drive in a little further where the ground is a carpet of pine needles, soft, fragrant, and no dust at all."
Overnight Temperatures: RVers should prepare for significant cooling after sunset. "We came here last minute because we were unable to get to a different site with our car. We were here the end of April and it was a little chilly but not uncomfortable."
Alternative Options: When dispersed sites are full, Woody Mountain Campground & RV Park offers a backup plan. "Good older Campground with State Park feel. It must have been out of town but is now on the edge of town. Great breakfast tacos at the RV store," recommends Tom S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in Bellemont, AZ?
Bellemont, AZ offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Pinegrove Campground features spacious sites with paved parking pads, fire pits, picnic tables, flush toilets, and pay showers. For dispersed camping, Kaibab National Forest provides free sites, particularly accessible from I-40 exits marked with no truck symbols. Additional options include FR 222 Dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience and Fort Tuthill Luke AFB Recreation Area near Flagstaff for those wanting more amenities. All these locations offer convenient access to northern Arizona attractions.
What is the zip code for Bellemont, AZ camping areas?
The zip code for Bellemont, AZ camping areas is 86015. This covers the immediate Bellemont area, including nearby forest access roads. When visiting campgrounds like White Horse Lake Campground, which is accessible from Bellemont, you'll find friendly hosts and beautiful sites among the pines. Some campers heading to Ashurst Lake also pass through this area, with the lake being about 5-7 miles down a washboard road. For GPS and navigation purposes, using the 86015 zip code will direct you to the Bellemont area.
What camping is available near Bellemont, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bellemont, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 272 campgrounds and RV parks near Bellemont, AZ and 138 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bellemont, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bellemont, AZ is FR 222 Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bellemont, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 138 free dispersed camping spots near Bellemont, AZ.
What parks are near Bellemont, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Bellemont, AZ that allow camping, notably Kaibab National Forest and Coconino National Forest.
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