12 Best Free Spots for Dispersed Camping in Sedona, Arizona

LOOKING FOR THE BEST SPOTS FOR DISPERSED CAMPING IN SEDONA?

You are in the right place. Every time we visit Sedona we are boondocking. We have traveled in our RV since 2010 and bring you all the best spots to boondock in Sedona.

There are very few paid RV site options when visiting Sedona so you will want to know the best places for boondocking. Sedona, Arizona is one of the most unique and beautiful places in all the United States. There are amazing hikes like the Birthing Cave, Soldiers Pass, and Cathedral Rock.

There are so many places where you can take advantage of Sedona’s free dispersed camping on public lands and some are just minutes from downtown Sedona and all of the fun things to do there. This is a great way to save money, making it cost-effective to travel in your RV.

If you’re going to be renting an RV for your trip to Sedona, we highly recommend renting an RV through Outdoorsy. They offer a wide variety of RV rentals in the area and have fantastic customer service.

>>Click Here to Look for RV Rentals on Outdoorsy!<<

Best Dispersed Campsites In Sedona

1. Forest Road 525

Distance to Sedona: 12 miles/22 minutes
Cell Service: High LTE Coverage

Forest Road 525 is the best boondocking location in Sedona if you want lots of options and large parking spaces that can be accesses by any type of RV. We always stay in this area because it fits our large 5th wheel great. This is also a popular area so if you are getting in late on the weekend the spots can easily fill up but there are lots of options along this road and nearby.

People in this area may have 4×4 vehicles because there are multiple off road trails in the area and this can create some dust. The area used to be a free for all when it came to dispersed camping but this is not longer the case.

You will find 5 designated dispersed camping areas and the five area are named Surprise, Windmill, Cockscomb, Greasy Spoon, and Nolan. Nolan is the largest area by significant margin as it is almost 12 acres. The other locations range from 1.5 acres to about 4 acres in size.

This are is very close to Angel Valley Road as Angel Valley Road is just on the other side of Highway.

There are no clearance issues at this dispersed camping area.

2. Angel Valley Road (FR 89B, Coconino National Forest)

Distance to Sedona: 11 miles/20 minutes
Cell Service: High LTE Coverage

Angel Valley Road is a nice smaller free camping area in Sedona, AZ. The camping spots are not the most level and they can become full quickly and often. It is not for anything that is much bigger than 30 feet long and has high clearance. This area has a good view overlooking the Sedona mountains.

There are three little pullouts along this road. The road dead-ends into private property that is gated and it is extremely difficult to turn around. The space is limited so it is important to get a spot before things fill up.

Verizon does have a couple of bars of 4G/LTE in this location but can be spotty. This area is smaller and may not fit large RVs compared to Forest Road 525.

This location has had issues with trash being left and, in the past, has been closed because of the trash. Make sure you leave your area better than you found it. It does not cost any money to stay here the least you can do is keep it clean.

It is important to remember when boondocking or using dispersed camping of any kind you do not leave any kind of trash. If you ever have more questions about the area, you can contact the Red Rock Visitor Center at 928-203-2900.

3. Forest Road 9570A

Distance to Sedona: 13 miles/26 minutes
Cell service 3 bars LTE

Forest Road 9570A is a short distance past Forest Road 525 and Angel Valley Road. Your turn is on the same side of the road as FR525. Shortly after turning onto FR9570 the road splits. You wan to take the FR9570A which is the road towards your left.

There is only one dispersed camp ground here and it is called Rockview. The area is about 11 acres in size and it a good option because it is a little more less know than the FR525 and not that much farther away.

These roads can be traveled without four-wheel drive but each year and during different climates, this may not be the case. If you are traveling miles away from the main road it is best to have a vehicle with four-wheel drive.  

4. Schnebly Hill Road Camping

Distance to Sedona: 8 miles/45 minutes
Cell Service: Decent service 4 bars LTE

Schnebly Hill Road camping is also known as Forest Road 153 or FR153. If you are accessing the camping road from the freeway you will find most of the common camping spots in the first few miles of the road. The road is not open year-round depending on weather and road conditions.

Typically, the Forest Service opens the road around April or May. It is a dirt road and after a few miles is bumpy. If you are accessing Schnebly Hill Road from the freeway just before you get to the Schnebly Hill Overlook, boondocking or dispersed camping is no longer allowed.

Schnebly Hill Road camping is approximately 12 miles long and is a common local camping and recreation area. The area is very nice because it is in the forest and creates great shade.

If you are looking at Schnebly Hill Road camping on the weekend you will most likely find campers with their off-road vehicles like 4-wheelers and side-by-sides. The farther away from the freeway the more secluded the Sedona area BLM camping.

5. Edge of the World Flagstaff (East Pocket) – Forest Road 231

Distance to Sedona: 30 miles/1 hour 30 minutes
Cell Service: Spotty

The East Pocket has many different names. It is called the Edge of the World near Flagstaff or the End of the World. Its formal name is the East Pocket, and it is on Forest Road 231. There is a lookout tower at the end of the road called East Pocket Lookout Tower.

The easiest way to find the Edge of the World Flagstaff dispersed camping spots is to search for the East Pocket Lookout Tower in Google Maps. This will take you exactly where you want to go and past the great views and dispersed camping spots.

This road is closed during the winter and is not regularly maintained. It is suggested to have a fairly high clearance vehicle when traveling to The Edge of the World near Flagstaff dispersed camping spots. To get to the end of the world it takes about 50 min once you hit the dirt road. The road is about 25 miles long and it is bumpy.

6. Pumphouse Wash Dispersed Camping – Forest Service Road 237

Distance to Sedona: 17 miles/30 minutes
Cell Service: 3 bars of LTE

Pumphouse Wash, also known as Forest Road 237, is commonly used as dispersed camping near Sedona, AZ, and Flagstaff, Arizona. The dispersed camping is great for larger groups and there are four campsite loops.

Each Pumphouse Wash dispersed camping site has a fire ring. The is no trash service and there are no restrooms available. The Pumphouse Wash dispersed camping road is maintained and is good for cars.

It is open from May to October 12. It is required to camp in a designated camping area in this location. You need to be parked within 50 feet of a campsite signpost. This dispersed camping site does not allow for off-road vehicles.

The area is maintained by the Flagstaff Ranger District. They can be reached at 928-526-0866. This is free Sedona BLM camping, but you must stay at a designated campsite.

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7. Forest Road 535

Distance to Sedona: 17 miles/30 minutes
Cell Service: 3 bars LTE

Forest Road 535 has been designated a dispersed camping area for Sedona, Arizona. It is to the east of Forest Road 237 which is also known as the Pumphouse Wash dispersed camping area. This camping area is open seasonally and is typically open in May.

The dirt road and can be rough and narrow. The majority of the larger spots are a mile or more down the road. If you are tent campers or are camping in your car, you will not have a problem finding a spot at the beginning of the road.

The location is about 40 min from Sedona and the drive is very pretty. In this location, you are approximately 15 min from Flagstaff. This is a popular Sedona BLM camping location for locals from Flagstaff because of the great forest area it is located in and its proximity to Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona. Many people drive ATVs and off-road vehicles in this area.

This area does have cell service.

8. Childs Dispersed Camping Area

Distance to Sedona: 57 miles/2 hours
Cell Service 3 Bars LTE

The Childs Dispersed Camping area came to be after a hydroelectric power plant agreed to stop operations and to return the area to is normal flow. It is a common dispersed camping area but because the road is not very good it is not frequented as much as other dispersed camping in Sedona. If you get stuck the fee to get towed out is hefty.

It is on the edge of the Verde River. This campsite is also within hiking distance of the Verde River hot springs making this a great dispersed camping area close to Sedona. It does have a vault toilet available.

This location has a few different regulations from the other dispersed camping in Sedona. There is a 5-day limit. The limit in the national forest is 14 days. Public nudity is not allowed and at times this location can be shut down due to seasonal fire closures.

You can call the ranger station to check on closures. It is operated by the Red Rock Ranger District 928-203-2900

9. Forest Service Road 618

Distance to Sedona: 19 miles/40 minutes
Cell Service: Limited Service

Forest Service Road 618 has a large swath of dispersed camping near Sedona, AZ. It is in what is called the Wet Beaver Wilderness Area and is on the same road as Sedona Horseback Rides by M Diamond Ranch.

There are paid camping locations nearby if you decided you want something a little more formal. You can find the Lawrence Crossing Campground and the Clear Creek Campground not far from Forest Service Road 618.

There is nothing special about the FR 618 dispersed camping sites, but it is only 9 miles from Sedona and mostly just a pull-off on the side of the road.

10. Soda Springs Road

Distance to Sedona: 17 miles/30 minutes
Cell Service: 2 bars of LTE

The Soda Springs Road dispersed camping is a smaller camping area, but it is not typically overly busy. The spots are smaller, and the cell service is possible for remote work but can be spotty. A cell phone booster would be recommended.

The area can be dusty, but it is accessible for larger campers as long as you don’t have to contend with too many other campers. Small groups would do well here as they could fill up a spot easily and would fit nicely together.

11. Lawrence Crossing Campground

Distance to Sedona: 19 miles/35 minutes
Cell Service: Limited LTE

The Lawrence Crossing Campground is only for tent camping. There is a parking lot where you can park your car and the tent camping sites are a short walk from the parking lot. There are fire rings and a vault toilet.

The road to the Lawrence Crossing Campground is rough and had a short but steep decent down into the parking lot. We made this drive in a small front-wheel drive car but with any moisture, this would not be drivable.

On our way out driving up the hill was a little bit challenging and could easily present challenges for small vehicles that are not four-wheel drive. The Wet Beaver Creek runs right next to the campground, and it creates a fun and enjoyable camping experience. This area is south of the Village of Oak Creek.

12. Forest Road 689

Distance to Sedona: 18 miles/35 minutes
Cell Service: 1 Bar LTE – Limited Service

If you are traveling along the I17 Freeway this is a great spot for dispersed camping. This would be a favorable spot if you are traveling towards the Grand Canyon and are looking for a free camp spot for the night.

There are many options as you drive down the road. The road is bumpy but can be done without four-wheel drive or high clearance. Overall, this is a decent spot for dispersed camping near Sedona.

Dispersed Camping in Sedona Map

Note: You can view an interactive version of this dispersed camping map online here.

The Coconino National Forest Service has one of the most useful dispersed camping maps I have ever seen. The map has all the Sedona BLM camping roads labeled making it very easy to see where you can and cannot disperse camp in the Sedona Arizona area.

We have listed and visited the majority of the most common and well know dispersed camping locations above but you could spend many days exploring miles of trails throughout the area that allow for dispersed camping.

Dispersed Camping in Sedona Guidelines: Rules and Regulations

Dispersed camping in the Coconino National Forest is restricted to a 14-day stay limit in a 30-day period. As noted previously, you will see on a few select locations the limit is less than 14 days. This is a great resource for planning your RV trip.

There is no camping and fires within the city limits. It is important to never camp on private property unless you have been given permission from the landowner. It is not permitted to chop down trees or collect wood with the purpose of taking it out of the forest. You can collect wood that is on the ground to use during your stay.

When burning firewood it is important you put the fire out when it is not being attended to. It is illegal to leave a fire burning if you are not actively tending to the fire, and make sure you are not making a fire in a prohibited area.

If you are unsure you can visit the Alerts and Notices online page. Here you can find numbers to the ranger stations and maps where you can determine if you are in an area with fire restrictions.

It is never okay to leave trash of any kind. Any trash you bring must be taken with you and disposed of properly.

The Forest Service has published a brief flyer about dispersed camping near Sedona that is another helpful resource. You can find the flyer online here.

MORE GUIDES ON SEDONA

Hiking Trails: 18 Unbelievable Trails for Hiking in Sedona
Cathedral Rock: Everything to Know About Hiking Cathedral Rock in Sedona
Birthing Cave: A Complete Guide to Hiking the Birthing Cave in Sedona
Devil’s Bridge: Everything You Need to Know About Hiking Devil’s Bridge
Soldier’s Pass: How to Hike Soldier Pass Trail and Soldier Pass Cave
Bell Rock: A Complete Guide to Hiking Bell Rock in Sedona

What to Bring when Dispersed Camping in Sedona  

Dispersed camping can be a wonderful experience with the right tools. Depending on where you want to go and how long you are going to be you will want to make sure you are prepared. Fortunately, the majority of dispersed camping sites in Sedona have some cell service.

If you are going to be doing a lot of back road traveling or dispersed camping, below are some must-have items and a few items to make your dispersed camping trip a little bit more glamping.

Garmin GPS Navigator

We would recommend purchasing the Garmin-eTrex handheld GPS navigator to help find Sedona’s BLM camping and to use when hiking the Sedona trails. This will always have your back to ensure you are headed in the right direction.

Check Prices for the Garmin GPS Navigator on Amazon Here!

Small RV Grill

If you camp frequently in your RV, you should definitely bring a small RV grill to cook delicious camping meals. It is one of our RV kitchen essentials and there are many options. Depending on the size of your vehicle and how many people you will have with you can help determine the type of grill you will need.

Cooking outside can also help make your RV propane tanks in your camper last longer.

Check Prices for Outdoor Grills on Amazon Here!

Outdoor Solar Lights

Solar lights are a great way to liven up your outdoor camp space. Outdoor lights on your awning can also make for a very romantic and homely feel when we add them to our trips. The solar lights are really nice to use when boondocking because you won’t have a connection to power.

Check Prices for Outdoor Solar Lights on Amazon Here!

Cell Phone Booster

A cell phone booster will definitely help boost your cell service in your Sedona BLM camping spot. If you plan on working remotely or want to make sure you have access to the internet, a cell phone booster is a great way to get the most out of your cell service.

Check Prices for a Cell Phone Booster on Amazon Here!

Picnic Table

Popup picnic tables are one of the best ways to add seating and table space for when you are boondocking. You can have a space to play cards or board games. One of our kids’ favorites is Goat Lords.

It is also nice to have a place to eat outside and enjoy the beautiful Sedona weather.

Check Prices for Picnic Tables on Amazon Here!

Folding Table

A folding table is the best way to add extra counter space. Many grills do not offer space to put cooking supplies or to prepare your food. Even when we have our motorhome we love our small folding table.

It makes cooking in the outdoors so much easier, especially when you don’t have a picnic table that is commonly provided at paid campsites.

Check Prices for Folding Tables on Amazon Here!

Outdoor Camp Rug

Camp rugs are a must when dispersed camping. You put it in front of your door where you will be getting in an out. This rug helps prevent from getting mud and dust into your camper. It is a total lifesaver!

Check Prices for Outdoor Rugs on Amazon Here!

Propane Fire Pit

A propane fire pit is the safest way to have a fire. Many times fires are prohibited when a propane fireplace is allowed. These create added heat and create a centerpiece to relax with friends and family.

Check Prices for Propane Fire Pits on Amazon Here!

Camp Chairs

If you need anything, camp chairs will be at the top of everyone’s list. Camp chairs are very cost-effective and they give you a very relaxing way to watch the sunset after hiking to Devil’s Bridge or many of the other great hikes in the area.

Check Prices for Camp Chairs on Amazon Here!

Solar Panels

Solar panels are always a good idea if you will be boondocking for longer periods of time. It is often difficult to keep those RV camper batteries charged even when you have a generator.

Solar panels will definitely make your battery last longer.

Check Prices for Solar Panels on Amazon Here!

Generator

Generators are very convenient and can help in many different situations. If you want a solar-powered generator we would highly recommend the Jackery.

Check Prices for the Jackery on Amazon Here!

If you are more into gas-powered generators the Honda generators are very quiet and very reliable. We love our Honda generator and have not ever had a problem with it.

Check Prices for Honda Generators on Amazon Here!

Jumper Starter Pack

A Jumper starter pack is a great option to have in your safety kit. If your battery ever goes dead you will not want to spend your time waiting for someone to give you a jump, especially if you are camping in a remote part of the BLM camping near Sedona.

Check Prices for Jumper Starter Packs on Amazon Here!

RV Leveling Blocks

RV leveling blocks or jacks can be a big deal with campers of any size. This can especially include camper vans as well as motorhomes and RVs. Leveling blocks are especially important when boondocking because camping spots will more than likely be uneven.

Many standard leveling systems are not sufficient to level your vehicle by themselves. Leveling blocks are great additions to ensure you are not ending up on the floor or smashed up against your partner during the night.

Check Prices for RV Leveling Blocks on Amazon Here!

Outdoor Portable Shower

Boondocking is a lot of fun but it can also be dirty at times, especially if you are camping in an RV with a baby. An outdoor solar portable shower is a great way to save water and to get cleaned off during your dispersed camping, especially in Sedona Arizona where there can be a lot of dust that can end up just about everywhere.

Having an outdoor shower is also really important when boondocking because it helps to not fill up your tanks.

Check Prices for Outdoor Portable Showers on Amazon Here!

Additional Sedona Travel Blogs

Sedona is such a magical place to visit. Every time we find ourselves in Arizona, we stop by, even if it is just for a couple of days. The beautiful scenery and amazing hiking trails make it a great place to visit. It is also a great place to drive through if you are heading out on a road trip through the American Southwest.

If you’re looking for more info on traveling to Sedona, Arizona, check out these additional Sedona travel guides:

• 18 Unbelievable Trails for Hiking in Sedona
• Everything to Know About Hiking Cathedral Rock in Sedona
• A Complete Guide to Hiking the Birthing Cave in Sedona
• Everything You Need to Know About Hiking Devil’s Bridge
• How to Hike Soldier Pass Trail and Soldier Pass Cave
• 12 Best Spots for Dispersed Camping in Sedona
• 9 Best Sedona Vortex Tours
• Sedona to Antelope Canyon: A Complete Roadtrip Guide
• 28 Best Things to Do in Sedona with Kids
• A Complete Guide to Hiking Bell Rock In Sedona
• Broken Arrow Trail: Driving and Hiking This Sedona Trail