Several of the local lakes and streams boast camping right along the shore. In addition, some lakes and streams have day use picnic facilities.

South of Flagstaff campgrounds offer a variety of elevations. The city of Flagstaff and surrounding campgrounds are at an elevation of approximately 7000 feet. These installations are largely associated with the region's fishing lakes. Soaring Ponderosa Pines and cool breezes are the trademark here.

Oak Creek Canyon campgrounds are located in the afore named Oak Creek Canyon between Sedona and Flagstaff, at approximately 5000 feet elevation. This beautiful canyon features colorful foliage and soaring cliff walls. Summer trout fishing is popular here because the canyon is naturally cooled by the creek.

Forest Service Press Release

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April 27, 2010

USDA Forest Service
Coconino National Forest

Grand Annual Red Rock Pass Change

Sedona, AZ – The Red Rock Ranger District will discontinue the sale of the Grand Annual Red Rock Pass as of April 30, 2010. The Grand Annual Pass is an annual Red Rock Pass with unlimited use of the Red Rock Pass area and concession managed day use sites under special permit with the Forest Service. Concession operated day use sites include: Crescent Moon, Grasshopper Point, Call of the Canyon (West Fork), Banjo Bill and Bootlegger Day Use Areas. All Grand Annual passes sold prior to April 30 will retain their full 12 month value within the Red Rock Pass area and concession operated sites.

The Forest Service anticipates a new annual pass for these concession sites will be available by January 1, 2011. The new annual pass will be available for purchase from the private concession separate from the Red Rock Pass program. The price of this annual pass will be announced later this year following the selection of the new special use permittee for concession operation.

This change is the result of a new concession permit, effective January 1, 2011. The permit is for the operation of campgrounds and some day use sites on the Red Rock Ranger District under a special use permit. After January 1 the Forest Service will no longer be able to require the new permittee to honor the Grand Annual Pass. However, the permittee will be required to offer an annual pass for use of these recreation sites.

For more information, please contact Bob Heiar at the Red Rock Ranger District at 928-203-7500.

Sedona's Red Rock Country camping is spectacular. The scenery, the mild temperatures, and the available activities and amenities make this area a "must experience." Sedona, the nearby Forest Service facilities and commercial RV camps are at approximately 4400 feet in elevation.

The Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a great example. The Park is located along the Verde River just outside the city of Cottonwood. Day use picnicking, biking, fishing, and canoeing the lagoons fed by the nearby river are popular activities in the park. Hiking and observing nature in this unique riparian environment are also available. The 3300 foot elevation of the park makes it an ideal location year round.

These South of Flagstaff campgrounds make it very convenient for visitors to use and enjoy the local fishing, hiking, cool weather, and relaxing.

Another good thing about camping in the National Forest... you don't always have to camp in an established campground. During most of the year remote, dispersed camping is allowed and even encouraged.

Dispersed camping is a fancy name for finding a spot you like and just camping in the woods.

The Coconino National Forest website offers a lot of great information about their South of Flagstaff campgrounds.

Be sure to visit their website. Here are the links again for your convenience...

Wherever you camp, you're sure to enjoy the cool days and nights you spend here. Sample several campgrounds and pick your own favorites.

My two favorite South of Flagstaff campgrounds are Ashurst (by the lake) and Cave Springs along Oak Creek. The campground at Ashurst is a little primitive, but it's right on the lake.

If you require a more civilized campground, it's hard to beat the Pine Grove Campground, located on Lake Mary Road across from the Ashurst Lake road turnoff.

Coconino County Parks operates a camping facility at Ft. Tuthill that is convenient to events at the Fairgrounds.

Many of the higher elevation campgrounds are closed during the winter months due to anticipated access difficulties and deep snow. See the News Releases Page for winter closure notices.

A Google search for keyword phrases such as private campgrounds + flagstaff or sedona rv camping will give you additional resources and ads.

South of Flagstaff Campgrounds

Grand Annual Red Rock Pass Change