Lake Camping Near Flagstaff, Arizona, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Looking for a camping experience near Flagstaff, Arizona, with a lake? Look no further than Grand Canyon Eco Retreat! With over 174 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you'll find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, paddling, or swimming, there's something for everyone. And don't just take our word for it – check out the top campsites with glowing reviews like Verde River Vortex and CampWay Friendly Pines. Plus, with amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and cooking equipment, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about the little things. And the best part? You can book your stay for as low as $25 per night, with an average price of $50 per night. So get ready to pitch your tent, dive into the lake, and experience camping at its finest!

99% (194)

Top-rated campgrounds

A hot soak after a long day adventuring. YES PLEASE. (:

Looking for a camping experience near Flagstaff, Arizona, with a lake? Look no further than Grand Canyon Eco Retreat! With over 174 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you'll find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, paddling, or swimming, there's something for everyone. And don't just take our word for it – check out the top campsites with glowing reviews like Verde River Vortex and CampWay Friendly Pines. Plus, with amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and cooking equipment, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about the little things. And the best part? You can book your stay for as low as $25 per night, with an average price of $50 per night. So get ready to pitch your tent, dive into the lake, and experience camping at its finest!

99% (194)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Verde River Vortex

99%

(313)

36mi from Flagstaff · 4 sites · Lodging · Clarkdale, AZ

Learn more about this land: Greetings fellow adventure lovers! Welcome to Verde River Vortex where we have simple yet Comfy Cabin Camping with access to tons of outdoor activities in close proximity to Camp. The Cabins are nestled around a patch of Bamboo and other high desert vegetation as well as a very rich cultural history with many Ruins and Other Native American Sights in the surrounding areas. The Verde River is one of Arizona's only two Wild and Scenic Rivers, yet it remains relatively undiscovered as a recreational resource offering endless exploration and water fun in the Spring and Summer Months! The road to reach us is breathtaking in itself with ancient Sinaguan Ruins and strangely beautifully sculpted landscapes along the River drive. Enjoy miles of forests, rivers, lakes, swimming, hiking, mtb, all near by and all while being comfy and cozy for a nights recharge to do it all again after a hot shower or Jacuzzi. Each Cabin is fully equipped (hot water/basic appliances/kitchen/bathroom/dishes) as an Adventure base during your stay providing a comfortable, cozy and unique location for couples or small groups to enjoy while adventuring and creating memories in the area. We provide various suggestions on local activities for our guests to enjoy as well as helpful tips to get the most out of their stay. Your Host is a professional Outdoor Adventure guide with years of experience all over the Southwest and Costa Rica and always happy to help with adventure shine! TWO CABINS AVAILABLE: Crystal Cabin Loft With Outdoor Jacuzzi - 1-4 ppl Great For Couples Juniper Cabin 1-4+ ppl Better for families or larger groups needing more space. More details on the spaces can be viewed in the individual cabin pictures/description. approx times to various points of interest from VRV: The Grand Canyon - 2.5hrs Cottonwood - 10-20 Sedona - 30-45 min Flagstaff - 1hr Prescott - 1hr Bryce Canyon - 6hrs Zion Nat Park - 5hrs Mexico - 6-7hrs **It should be noted that this is a Rural Area in which case you might hear Farm Animals, Dogs, Critters like Cayotes ! We are located on a Dirt Road, 4x4 is not needed unless we are having very stormy weather** Safe Adventuring to all and feel free to reach out with any questions.

2. Camp Serenity

33mi from Flagstaff · 1 site · Tent · Williams, AZ

Welcome to Camp Serenity in Gnome Man's Land. If you're Planning on Visiting Grand Canyon National Park (The South Rim) and/or Williams Route 66, Flagstaff, Sedona, or Page, Arizona this Magical Property is The Perfect Location for You and Your Group's Next Base Camp. Spend a Couple Nights Camping Under the Stars! We are a Pet Friendly Campsite with Leash Hookups. Gnomadic Campers Welcome! Stargazing at its Finest; See Stars & The Milky Way! We're Happy to Help You with Details about Local Shops, Restaurants, Activities & Attractions: Midway between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, Williams' small-town charms invite lingering. This gateway to the Grand Canyon boasts a vibrant historic downtown district, plenty of lodging and dining options, and access to outdoor recreation. Our Campsites Accessible via Private Dirt Road. Please be careful traveling from where-ever you are coming from. Here's approximate distances: 2:30 min (N) from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 1:30 min (N) from Sedona Airport (SDX) 10 minutes (N) from H.A. Clark Memorial Field, Public Use Airport (KCMR) 35 min (W) from Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) 40 min (W) from Northern Arizona University/Lowell Observatory 38 min (W) from Target, WalMart, Sportsman's Warehouse, etc. 33 minutes (W) to Historic Route 66 Williams / Rodeo Grounds Adventures & Entertainment: 9 minutes (N) from Canyon Coaster Adventure Park 7 minutes (N) from Bearizona Wildlife Park 5 minutes (N) from Kaibab Lake (Fishing Ok/No Swimming) 9 minutes (E) from Grand Canyon Railway (aka The Polar Express) 12 minutes (NE) from Elephant Rock Golf Course, Williams (Book a Tee Time) 44 miles (S) from Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim Entrance "Camping Under The Stars" is a perfect solution for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, work schedules, and matrix-life as you know it. Please keep us in mind as it's common for the local Hotels and KOA's to become booked by international travelers. No Trailers, No RV's, 4x4's & 2x4's are OK. See you at Camp!

3. Coconino National Forest

97%

(65)

396 sites · Flagstaff, Arizona

Discover a wide range of landscapes in this national forest.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

4. Kaibab National Forest

95%

(31)

291 sites · Williams, Arizona

It’s time to get wild in the wild west! Head into the red rocks, pines, deserts, and canyons and sink your soul into some vast and untrammelled land that is beyond amazing. Kaibab National Forest has got what you need for a Northern Arizona getaway no matter what you are looking for. With three distinct areas: Williams, Tusayan, and North Kaibab, this diverse place will leave you with a perma-smile and a wild streak you didn’t know you had. Also, wait for it...this forest borders both the north and south side of Grand Canyon National Park! For all the epicness that the Grand Canyon offers (some of the trails actually follow the rim of the canyon!) without the tourists and crowds, come here and feel like you hit the jackpot. There’s really no other way to say it. You just gotta see it for yourself!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Dead Horse Ranch State Park

93%

(15)

134 sites · Clarkdale, Arizona

Discover the serene beauty of Dead Horse Ranch State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Flagstaff

100%

(3)

Canyon Vista Campground

4.3mi from Flagstaff · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coconino National Forest

100%

(1)

Marshall Lake Dispersed Camground

6.8mi from Flagstaff · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Coconino National Forest

83%

(3)

Little Elden Springs Horse Campground

6.9mi from Flagstaff · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coconino National Forest

100%

(1)

Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping

8.8mi from Flagstaff · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Coconino National Forest

Lakeview Campground

11mi from Flagstaff · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coconino National Forest

Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle Area

11mi from Flagstaff · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Coconino National Forest

Storm rolling in. Leaves on their way out. Good times to be had!

94%

(9)

Lockett Meadow Campground

12mi from Flagstaff · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coconino National Forest

100%

(2)

Bonito Campground

14mi from Flagstaff · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coconino National Forest

Site 36 on the reservation side. One of the more private sites you can grab - right on the edge on the southwest side

100%

(5)

Pine Flat Campground West

14mi from Flagstaff · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coconino National Forest

Oleary Group Campground

14mi from Flagstaff · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coconino National Forest

Pinegrove Campground

14mi from Flagstaff · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coconino National Forest

Play in the water! The creek that runs along the campsites in this canyon is loaded with activity ops: swimming, fishing, photography, wading, etc.

100%

(5)

Cave Spring Campground

15mi from Flagstaff · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coconino National Forest

Stories from the community

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Heather

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Verde River Vortex

We loved to cabin on Jason’s land. Incredibly serene with a great view. Close to Old Town Cottonwood and many outdoor adventures. His cabin was very grounding and allowed us to fully relax.

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Sarah

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Verde River Vortex

Super accommodating host, gave lots of information on nearby hikes to make it a fun trip. The cabin itself was very cozy and worked well for our group of 4.

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Lauren

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Verde River Vortex

Our host went above and beyond to make everything about this experience amazing. The stay was so soulful. We took the opportunity for river kayaking, and it was made so easy with our hosts help. We were blessed to be able take the time to spend a quiet day painting rocks and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. A few nights under the stars on the loft deck were the reset we needed. Can’t boast more about this stay. Highly recommend all of it.

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Chelsea

October 2025

4 nights at Verde River Vortex

Peaceful, cute cabin in a great location. No frills but cozy and with all the amenities needed- ninja coffee maker, full cooking set, and a great front porch. Jason is a great host! Very communicative and gave us lots of great local recommendations.

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Megan

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Verde River Vortex

A very peaceful stay away from the busy city! Jason's helpfulness of what we could do in the area was very much appreciated. It was the best to have a place to stay with two little kids where we didn't have to worry that their busy feet were annoying anyone below us in a hotel. It was an added bonus to be able to bring our dog.

Crystal Loft Cabin with Upper Tree house/Balcony

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Yuka

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Verde River Vortex

We created some very special memories staying at Jason's cabin and meeting Jason! The nature that surrounds the cabin is stunning and is a great getaway. We used hot bubbly Jacuzzi under a beautiful sky after our long hike. We all loved climbing up on the loft just to chill and observe beautiful sky and feel some fresh air. Jason welcomed us so kindly and made us feel home. The cabin and Jason's hospitality is so special and something that is hard to find elsewhere. We highly recommend! Thank you so much Jason! We will be back!

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Jennifer

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Verde River Vortex

WE LOVED OUR STAY. The host was super helpful and had countless suggestions on places to check out. The river was beautiful! We plan to come back again and explore. This town is soooo underrated. It feels like we know about a secret place and it’s only 1.5-2 hours from the Phoenix Valley. The “cabin” was small and basic. No frills but we felt safe, had WiFi, clean place to cook, shower and sleep.

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Zak

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Verde River Vortex

We absolutely loved these cabins! Jason was amazing! The hot tub was hot and felt great! Pet friendly and our dogs found so many bones! Trees provided so much shade. Comfy beds and futon. If your over 30 I wouldn't suggest sleeping in the loft if you've been drinking lol. Could use some games and a microwave but honestly was the time of our life! It was a staycation for us as we live in cornville but such a great get away. Will definitely book again.jason was the shit!!!!

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Christian

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Verde River Vortex

Jason’s property was awesome. Communication was definitely a big key to making the experience so great.

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Elida

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Verde River Vortex

What a beautiful hidden gem. 10 stars for the host Jason. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable on all things adventure near by but he’s always there when you need something and is super accommodating. You get great privacy at this cabin and really get that full on nature experience. Would love to come back.

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Aaron

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Verde River Vortex

We absolutely loved staying at Jason’s place! It was clean & had everything we needed. The jacuzzi, AC & hummingbird watching were amazing. Jason was one of the best hosts we’ve had! He was helpful, welcoming & communicative. We’ll definitely be back!!!

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Janna

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at Verde River Vortex

We loved these cabins! Super cozy, comfortable & pleasant. The kids enjoyed playing in the Jacuzzi and Jason was very hospitable and knowledgeable of the area, providing details and pins to guide us to great spots by the river that were perfect for even my mom to access. Paddle board rocked and the stars were amazing as well. Beautiful place, will most definitely be back!

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David

July 2025

3 nights at Verde River Vortex

It is a great location for stargazing and fishing. Close enough to Sedona to visit. Host was excellent and helped us find some cool spots for hiking and fishing! Beds are comfy enough. No microwave. But that would be my only negative.

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Aaron

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Verde River Vortex

Except hidden gem. It’s off the beaten path but well worth it with the hospitality and information Jason provides. Minutes from the relaxing river and close enough to the city for fast food if you get carried away with the day. Should recommend highly for getaways. Dog friendly as well

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jenifer

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Verde River Vortex

Jason was fantastic. We had such a great trip. He went out of his way to make sure we had all the information about the area and different things to explore. We very much enjoyed being disconnected from electronics and just being in the out doors.

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Sylvie

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Verde River Vortex

Jason is a great host! Replies quickly to messages. The views were amazing from the tree house. The bed upstairs was comfortable but the one downstairs was so so. Wish we could have had more time there.

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Demi

June 2025

With pets

2 nights at Verde River Vortex

We just celebrated my boyfriend’s birthday here and it was amazing. The gas oven works wonderfully- a full fridge is also available for those that are packing to picnic like us! The bed offered in the loft is so comfy and clean with a bunch of pillows and blankets! Can’t forget the deck! We played dominos on the deck upstairs under the stars. The little community Jason has is so peaceful and beautiful! We also got the swimming hole excursion and it was so worth it! Jason is super knowledgeable on this area (and a bunch others) and picked out the best little water oasis for us to go to. Will definitely be back!❤️

Shannon

May 2025

5 nights at Verde River Vortex

We had the best time at Crystal Loft Cabin! Jason was an incredible host offering all the tips you could need on everything from places to eat, hike, kayak, bike, live music, etc. He even came to pick up my friend and I at the end of kayaking on the verde river! Crystal Loft is a perfect space 17 minutes outside of downtown Cottonwood, and 40 or so from Sedona with amazing star views, and all the amenities you could need. It was mid 80’s-low 90’s when there, but cooled off perfectly in the evenings, and Jason had an AC unit and fan that kept the cabin perfect temp. The bed on the upstairs loft was comfortable. Highly recommend this spot- so glad we found it. Thanks Jason!

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Shelly

May 2025

4 nights at Verde River Vortex

If you arrive at night be sure to roll your windows down and take a deep breath and smell the night blooming flowers(I was there in May) It feels like a woodsy desert oasis. A microwave would have been nice but not a big deal. The hot tub made up for it!! I will definitely come back.

Jill

May 2025

4 nights at Verde River Vortex

Truly a gem. Jason, this space, and this area. From the moment I walked in I felt at home. All the amenities I needed and more. Super peaceful. I will surely be back. The Verde River is my newest love. Thank you Jason. Till next time!