The best waterside campgrounds near Flagstaff, Arizona

At an elevation of 7,000 feet on the outskirts of the Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff attracts visitors throughout the year, owing largely to its proximity to the Grand Canyon. (the South Rim is about an 80-mile drive away) as well as the San Francisco Peaks. The city's cooler (by Arizona standards) summer temperatures also make it a popular getaway option for people from elsewhere in the state. There are plenty of things to see and do right in town, from hiking in Walnut Canyon National Monument to checking out the Meteor Crater, where a meteor hit some 50,000 years ago.

88% (1.5K) • 4 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Flagstaff

Kaibab National Forest

1. Kaibab National Forest

95%

(31)

National forest 32mi from Flagstaff · 291 sites

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

Toilets

Campfires

At an elevation of 7,000 feet on the outskirts of the Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff attracts visitors throughout the year, owing largely to its proximity to the Grand Canyon. (the South Rim is about an 80-mile drive away) as well as the San Francisco Peaks. The city's cooler (by Arizona standards) summer temperatures also make it a popular getaway option for people from elsewhere in the state. There are plenty of things to see and do right in town, from hiking in Walnut Canyon National Monument to checking out the Meteor Crater, where a meteor hit some 50,000 years ago.

88% (1.5K) • 4 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Flagstaff

Kaibab National Forest

1. Kaibab National Forest

95%

(31)

National forest 32mi from Flagstaff · 291 sites

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

Toilets

Campfires

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Flagstaff guide

Where to go

Red Rock Country

A short drive south of Flagstaff, Arizona’s Red Rock Country is characterized by beautiful red sandstone rock formations and plenty of great hiking and camping opportunities. This region is also home to the bohemian-chic city of Sedona, which has some of the region's best spas, resorts, and art galleries.

Grand Canyon Area

Grand Canyon National Park is north of Flagstaff, with many visitors hitting the city specifically to visit the park. While the canyon and its surrounding national park are the star attraction in this wild region, there are other nearby areas to camp, hike, and play outside too, like in the Kaibab National Forest.

Phoenix Surrounds

If you're in the mood for a bit more urban adventure, the massive Phoenix metro area has you covered. Along with a variety of museums and other cultural attractions, you'll find hiking, camping, and swimming to the west of town in the Tonto National Forest.

When to go

The Flagstaff area attracts visitors throughout the year, with hot, dry summers and cool winters that sometimes get snowfall. Summer is busiest, with hot days and cool nights, when refreshing summer thunderstorms are not uncommon in July and August. For the most pleasant weather without the crowds, consider visiting between September and November, when area kids have already returned to school for the year, but temperatures have yet to drop.