Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

Looking for something not too far away to be able to enjoy a day in Sedona tomorrow. The worst part of the road is at the entrance off the highway, then it does get a bit better. We didn’t go too far in as we’re only staying the night but easily accessible spots with clearly defined camping areas. Minimal highway noise that you can’t hear through closed windows and amazing dark skies for viewing stars. @TKCompass on YouTube

There are 4 different areas to park in so you can pick more or less shade. Easy access to Kelley Canyon and some great hiking. Road is in good shape and very nice big fire rings.

1st loop of designated camp sites (24 in total) was easy to get to a site. Clearly marked with fire pits. Highway noise in the distance but not a issue. Peaceful area within the large trees.

Entrance very rocky and then road was closed to vehicles. So no good.

People in this area use it as partying site. Lots of beers and literal human poop thrown over the fence! Careful when exploring past the designated camp sites.

No garbage or bathrooms. Lots of spots in this area. It is very bumpy when you first enter.

I’m unsure of how it is in summer months but we came March 2nd and it’s fairly quiet. The weather was in the 70s in the day and the day we got her it dropped to 28 and snowed.

The ride in is rocky, I came in very slowly in a Toyota sienna van, just be careful for sharp rocks.

The campsites are all designated free camping with numbers and all have stone fire pits. Lots of spots to explore

Came up 3/29/2024 and the gate to enter was closed. Online it says status was open. But alas it was not. Will try again later

The camp ground was closed. Seems like a popular spot, we met two other cars that had also hoped to spend the night there.

More than enough spaces. Accessible to 89a. In between FLG and SED.

This was my first solo car camping trip with my dogs and I really enjoyed it. Not too busy, but still plenty of other people around. I felt really safe without being on top of anyone else. People ride ATVs at night (it was an amazing full moon), so don’t plan on quiet at all times. Temperature drops at night are huge so definitely prepare for that. I would definitely come back!

plenty of spaces but not much privacy. nice and quite and peaceful.

Nothing special, but a lot of options. Stayed on a Friday night, so very busy. There are plenty of spots on 3 loops. The further back you go the more privacy.

Quiet little camping area not too far off the main road. We got there late but still found a few spots. Pretty hilly terrain, some fire pits built up. Seemed more like a place for people to crash for the night rather than set up camp for a few days

Road wasn’t bad coming in. I have a mazda and i had to go slow and swerve around the large rocks and holes. Sites are marked, and there was plenty of room. For the most part people were respectful and quiet. It started getting full around 7pm. I would stay here again.

The entrance is very rough. The kind you hold your breath and do your best. I did see one car get stuck today so be mindful of the angles you drive in. Very shaded and beautiful. Nearby Sedona and flagstaff. Most sides are very slanted, a way to level your tent/car/rv is needed.

Looks weird at first but keep going. Wow

It was supposed to be a fairly hard to get to spot. Navigation takes you the long way traversing a rocky dirt rd with a small stream crossing and a dry river bed. The Rd went on for about 3 miles when the dispersed camp sites came into view. The signs stated no campfires but there was plenty of evidence of fires. We picked our spot, looking for the most level area. None of the campsites were full but everyplace you were in plain view of others. There was a lot of traffic on the dirt rd which a previous review I read said no low clearance vehicles. It turned out that the other end of the Rd came out onto intestate 89a about a mile from where we were and any vehicle could make it to the campsites. Overall we enjoyed our 2 days there but would've preferred the quite some other reviews had suggested it was.

We were in Sedona Thanksgiving weekend.. either not the brightest idea or Sedona is nearly a tourist trap at this point, despite it being a magical place of beautiful landscape and kind people. After being swarmed by campers at Coconino Forest Dispersed Camping Area, this place is a breath of fresh air. Located in a forest of pine trees. We are pretty much the only people here. We’re allowed a fire. It’s quiet. It’s free. It was only 2 minutes instead of 20 minutes down a rocky dirt road. Thumbs up.

We showed up late afternoon on a Thursday and there were plenty of spots. In fact, there were only 5 other spots taken on our loop.

The ground was level, there was shade, and we had a great night. I can imagine it gets warm in the summer, but it was perfect weather. There were some mosquitoes, as it had recently rained a lot.

The road is a little rough but there were trailers and motor homes. There also were more little pieces of trash (cut zip ties, bottle caps, etc.) on the ground than I’m used to in dispersed spots.

We would definitely camp here again.

Had a great time, dispersed camping, free spot, lots of spots, clean. Just a short drive to some great watering holes. Took a star off because there was no water within walking distance, and not much of a view from our spot. I also took a star off because it was busy and loud.

This camping spot is so calm. It was easy to find. Lots of spots open. Lots of space between camping spots. It can be a little noisy but that is kinda nice to me. There are a lot of cows roaming around and they did wake us up kinda early but I didn’t mind.

Lots of campsites available and a good location between Sedona and Flagstaff. It tends to fill up quick, at least in the summer months. Privacy can be an issue, especially when you have to use the bathroom. Cows walk through the site though!

Stayed one night car camping at Pumphouse Wash. It was incredibly serene. Marked/numbered sites have fire pits. No bathroom facilities are available. More traffic in and out than I expected, but it was still a great, free stay.

Great spots in between flagstaff and Sedona. Literally 10 minutes from flagstaff. Campfire pits. If you’re coming from flagstaff, there’s a left turn lane to take you into the area

Nice open sites overlooking a valley. Quiet.

Loved it was relaxing and we had a lot of places to choose on Friday-Saturday

After deciding to tent camp last minute, this was the only place we could find. It was the first cooler weekend of the season & was a Saturday night. It was pretty packed, but we managed to find a spot further back past the first cluster of sites. The road is pretty bumpy but it was nice & dry so I was able to get my Ford Mustang back there with no issues - just had to go really slow. So any car should be able to navigate back if I was able to lol. We had no issues with noise, a couple camp sites over someone was playing music but the campground was pretty silent by approx 11pm ish. Camp sites are large, and offer a lot of privacy. You can hear your neighbors at night if someone gets out of a tent to go to the bathroom or something but that could be me being a light sleeper. I’m a solo female camper & didn’t feel unsafe or anything. There definitely could be better camping if you have time to plan your trip, but overall a really solid last minute spot.

Take FR 237 off of hwy 88A south of Flagstaff. Many relatively level spots. The access road is quite rough but fairly short. I found a beautiful spot in the 400 loop for my 38' class A. Unfortunately I saw one spot that was totally trashed with piles of garbage and a few spots that had been overused.

About the same as camping on the west side of the hwy. There’s a ton of traffic, no respect from other campers who blast music, trash the forest, fire off guns at all hours, and overall not a great vibe.

Camped here over 2 days and the land, trees and forest are beautiful all around so IF you can find a secluded area you’ll be ok.

NO CELL service so take that into consideration when dispersed camping