Mormon Lake's surrounding region features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within Coconino National Forest. The Pinegrove Campground provides amenities like flush toilets, pay showers, and access to the Arizona Trail, while Double Springs Campground offers a quieter, more secluded experience. Several dispersed camping options exist along Forest Roads near Mormon Lake, with FR 240 dispersed camping providing free sites that accommodate tents and some RVs. Campers seeking full hookups can find them at Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground, though spaces there tend to be more limited and packed together.
Summer brings pleasantly cool temperatures to the Mormon Lake area, with daytime highs typically between 65-70°F even in July, dropping to around 50°F at night. Fire restrictions are common during drier months, with complete bans sometimes implemented. The area experiences regular afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season (July-September), which can temporarily affect road conditions on the forest service roads. Most dispersed camping areas have limited or no cell service, particularly with carriers other than Verizon. As one visitor noted, "Do note: Campsite does not have cell service (and I have Verizon). You can walk out to the camp entrance just at the main road and pick up some service there if needed."
Proximity to Mormon Lake itself represents a key draw for many visitors, though the lake itself is known for frequently having little to no water, depending on seasonal rainfall. "Mormon Lake - notorious for never actually having any water - this time it also didn't," mentioned one camper. Despite this, the nearby Upper Lake Mary provides opportunities for fishing and water recreation. The Arizona Trail passes through several camping areas, offering excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities directly from campsites. Wildlife viewing is common, with elk frequently spotted in the area. Campers consistently praise the tall pines that provide ample shade throughout developed campgrounds, while the dispersed sites allow for more space and privacy, though they lack amenities like toilets or trash service.
$34 / night
"Close to Mormon Lake. Access to Arizona Trail right by camp."
"Our site was among the pines bordering a meadow. Each site had a fire pit and picnic table. Campground had wood for sale, clean bathrooms, and pay showers located near the host sites."
$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."
"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."
"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."
$42 - $84 / night
"Compared to another campground close by that is a little less but we had double the space and trees and a creek behind us. They’re very busy and we were only able to get two nights."
"Sites a little close to each other. Grounds were surrounded by nature and close by main Sedona street. Check in after hours were smooth."
"The road from the I-17 entrance was well maintained and can be driven on with any vehicle. I had my Chevy trax (front wheel drive) and made it fine. There are plenty of pull off trails we explored."
"Exit 226 off of I-17 and head west on Schnebly Hill Rd. There is dispersed camping all along the road for the first mile or two. It is first come first serve."
$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."
$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."
$30 / night
"The river access also added to the positives of the spot. My only complaint is that a handful of sites are where you park on the pavement and have to walk down into your actual site."
"This is pretty close to Sedona (10 minutes) and right along a river that’s fun to wade in (not sure if you can canoe it?), plus long hiking trails nearby."
"Not super dispersed, but the access road is accessible to most vehicles. However, some side road pulloffs are definitely better suited for 4WD vehicles."
"This spot had good cell service with Verizon and AT&T, nice hiking or biking trails, and was within walking distance of the national monument and Flagstaff. Would definitely stay here again!"
TravelerNot far off the main road there is a lot of spots available. The road is in good shape. Keep driving for more secluded spots but good ones fill up quickly on a weekend.
TravelerThis campground is awesome. It was the perfect refuge for the rainy week. It’s super well maintained. Free drinking water stations and a picnic area for each spot. Quiet and even with a gas station and Home Depot within a 15 min walk it still feels like you’re in the woods especially when the coyotes start howling at night. I wish we would have gone to the horse camp FF spots instead: they are farther away from the road sounds, more spaced out, and we could’ve stayed another night for the same price on the other side. Only difference is pavement roads/sites.
ScoutThe official campgrounds weren’t open for the season yet and the first three camping areas we checked were all full but we got a nice spot at this one. No amenities or anything but we drove over to 9350’s pit toilets in the morning.
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.
TravelerBeautiful sites directly on the rim with fire rings with grills. Amazing views. All for free. Thank you forest service!
Camping sites near Mormon Lake, Arizona are located at an elevation of 7,000 feet in the Coconino National Forest, creating a cooler mountain environment compared to much of Arizona. The area features ponderosa pine forests with open meadows, and campers can often spot wildlife including elk, deer, and various bird species. During monsoon season, forest roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate even with high-clearance vehicles.
Hike West Fork Oak Creek: Just a short drive from Pine Flat Campground West, this trail offers an accessible wilderness experience. "We hiked the West fork of Oak Creek and really enjoyed it. Super busy - Go early or late. Also hiked Cathedral Rock - Again, go early of late to find parking," notes camper Bill R.
Stargaze at night: With minimal light pollution, Mormon Lake area campgrounds offer excellent astronomy opportunities. "We came from route 17 and camped 2.1 miles farther down the road than the gps coordinates here. I saw some nice forested sites along the way... it was a quick walk away to see the sunrise. Quiet and peaceful," shares Katherin from Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam.
Use Sedona as a day trip: The Mormon Lake area serves as an affordable base camp for Sedona adventures. "The camp is located perfectly to get anywhere you want in Sedona within 30 minutes or less. It has a fantastic view, good amenities, a full and worthwhile creek, and is close enough to walk (1/2 miles or so) to some truly gorgeous hikes/trailheads," reports Amy & Stu B. from Rancho Sedona RV Park.
Cooler temperatures: The high elevation means comfortable camping even in summer months. "Three visits there so far. Going up again this month. A pleasant week. Sites are level enough. And enough room to not feel crowded. I enjoy the cool pines!" explains David D. from Pinegrove Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to spot native animals. "We saw cows, elk, ravens, and deer. That was awesome! I was totally expecting to be surrounded by large pine trees but there weren't alot, it was more so high land desert scenery (still beautiful)," reports marie A. from Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping.
Creek access for cooling off: Several campgrounds feature creek access for hot days. "The best part is the closeness to oak creek. Listening to the babbling brook at night is priceless. However, the sites are close to each other and you will be right off Hwy 89A so expect traffic noise until late evening," explains Kimberly D. from Manzanita Campground.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Check current rules before arrival. "We went in mid October. We were pleasantly surprised that while we weren't allowed to use the charcoal grill, we were allowed to have a small campfire," notes Leesa from Pine Flat Campground West.
Cell coverage is spotty: Don't count on reliable service in most areas. "NO CELL service so take that into consideration when dispersed camping," warns Alex S. from Pumphouse Wash Dispersed Camping Area.
Access roads can be challenging: Some dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. "The rocky trail ended with a flat tire on our truck (as we were hauling our truck camper.) We were looking forward to the views, but we were forced to turn back," cautions Joe F. from Edge of the World (East Pocket).
Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer. "Since the first come sites are booked by midday...come early and talk to the hosts about who is scheduled to leave that day. You can then pre-pay for your chosen site and go to town until after checkout time (1:00pm)," suggests Leesa from Pine Flat Campground West.
Choose developed campgrounds for amenities: Families often appreciate basic facilities. "This campground has everything you need. Flush toilets, pay showers, water, easy access to sites. If you're looking for comfortable camping, this is a great place for you," suggests Steph A. from Pinegrove Campground.
Look for kid-friendly water features: Children enjoy cooling off in creek areas. "One of the most lush & beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen. Felt like a rain forest, with moisture in the air, trickling creek water nearby, birds chirping," describes Colette K. from Cave Springs.
Check for recreation facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional activities. "Very nice KOA... you're in a beautiful camp tucked in the tall spruce trees. Great if you have children. Lots for them to do and lots of kids to play with," notes Joshua M. from Flagstaff KOA.
Size restrictions matter: Many forest roads have limitations. "Sites are tight, but with the layout, fences, and trees it does not feel crowded," explains Joe C. from Rancho Sedona RV Park.
Scout spots before committing: Walk dispersed sites before pulling in your rig. "Cosnino Road is dirt and in decent shape (slight washboarding). The many side roads into the sites are a variety of ruts and bumps - it's helpful to pause the rig on the road and walk in to make sure you're OK with the 'driveway' before committing to a particular site," advises Marcy from Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping.
Check site length for larger RVs: Confirm measurements before booking. "Note that the water stations do not allow you to fill up your RV as there's no hose adapter," warns Andrew H. from Cave Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring an RV to Mormon Lake camping areas?
Yes, RVs are welcome at Mormon Lake camping areas. Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground offers dedicated RV sites with hookups, including some with 50-amp service while most have 30-amp connections. All sites include water and sewer hookups. However, be aware that RV sites are quite close together, which can make extending slides and awnings challenging. For those seeking more space, Verde Ranch RV Resort offers more spacious accommodations. Many surrounding forest roads also accommodate RVs for dispersed camping, though without hookups.
Where is Mormon Lake campground located in Arizona?
Mormon Lake camping areas are located approximately 35 miles southeast of Flagstaff in Arizona's Coconino National Forest. The area sits at around 7,000 feet elevation in a scenic ponderosa pine forest. Double Springs Campground is one of the established campgrounds in the Mormon Lake area, offering a quieter alternative to the busier sections. Dairy Springs Campground is another nearby option that provides access to Mormon Lake for fishing and recreation. The Mormon Lake area serves as a good base for exploring northern Arizona, including day trips to Flagstaff and the surrounding natural attractions.
What amenities are available at Mormon Lake campgrounds?
Amenities vary across Mormon Lake area campgrounds. Pinegrove Campground offers flush toilets, pay showers, spacious sites with level paved parking pads, fire pits, picnic tables, and weekend ranger talks at a small amphitheater. It also provides access to the Arizona Trail. Lakeview Campground is a quieter national forest campground in the area. Most developed campgrounds include drinking water, toilets, and designated camping spaces, while some have additional amenities like firewood for sale. The RV park offers full hookups. Amenities decrease as you move to more primitive and dispersed camping options in the surrounding forest.
Is dispersed camping allowed at Mormon Lake?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas around Mormon Lake. FR 240 Dispersed Camping provides numerous free camping spots along the forest road, with sites shaded by trees. These dispersed sites offer a more primitive experience with no facilities but allow you to camp with more privacy and space than developed campgrounds. Another option is Manan Spring on Forest Road 135, which is about 35 miles south of Flagstaff and offers dispersed camping opportunities. Remember that dispersed camping typically means no restrooms, water, or other amenities, so come prepared to be self-sufficient.
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