Are you looking for quiet, private dispersed camping near Sedona away from the busy 525 and 89A areas?
This is a complete guide to FREE dispersed camping in Coconino National Forest to the East of the Village of Oak Creek near Sedona, Arizona. In my opinion, this area offers the best secluded dispersed camping within an easy drive from Sedona.
There are free camping opportunities in all directions from Sedona. Please read my other guides for more information.
In this guide, you will find maps with directions, updates on road conditions, locations of most campsites, and availability of amenities such as cell coverage, water, and toilets.
About Sedona and Coconino National Forest
Coconino National Forest surrounding the city of Sedona is managed by the Red Rock Ranger District (in red below) under the supervision of the Headquarters in Flagstaff.
As shown in the image above, the Red Rock Ranger Station and Visitor Center is just east of the Village of Oak Creek along scenic route 179 – Phone: (928) 203-2900
Maps and Directions
I highly recommend the Avenza Maps App!
Download the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for Coconino National Forest.
For directions, use the Interactive map from the National Forest Service.
Video footage of the FREE camping areas
I am working on a series of driving and drone videos to show what it’s like to camp for free near Sedona!
Links will be posted as soon as these are available.
Recommended FREE Camping Areas in Coconino National Forest nearest to Sedona
This area is suffering from very high usage and officials are constantly looking at ways to manage the influx of dispersed campers. For this reason, always visit the official Coconino website to learn about changes and camping restrictions before you plan to arrive.
There is an Official Dispersed Camping Guide – please download it here.
Dispersed camping is allowed on Coconino Forest land for a period not to exceed 14 nights within a 30-consecutive day period. The 30-day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location in the forest. The 14-day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 30-day period.
After the 14th night of occupation, the camper must leave Coconino National Forest until the new cycle begins on day 31.
Do stop at the Ranger Station to ask about dispersed camping in the area.
As shown on the map above, here are my recommended FREE dispersed camping areas within an easy drive from Sedona:
- Several Forest Roads off paved Forest Road (FR) 618 to the east of Hwy 17 – easy access, great Verizon service, quiet, RVs of any size
- Several Forest Roads off Route 78 just east of the Village of Oak Creek – easy access, some roads are bad and dusty, spotty Verizon service, quiet, RVs of all sizes
Free Camping along FR618
If you want to camp away from the crowds in an area with strong cell (Verizon) service and easy access to Bell Rock, Village of Oak Creek, and east Sedona, then look no further! In the morning you will have the sun behind you as you travel along Red Rock Scenic Byway into Sedona.
This is my favorite area to camp near Sedona because I cannot handle the traffic and crowds elsewhere!
On the map above, you see the entrance of FR618 (a paved road) to the east of Interstate 17 at exit 298 to SR179 to Sedona.
FR9249E – 4WD high-clearance only. Tricky when wet
As you drive east along FR618, FR9249E is immediate to the left and the 5 sites are ONLY suitable for 4×4 or high-clearance camper vans, truck campers, etc. It is very tricky to drive a trailer or larger unit up the steep, slippery slope at the turn. Should it rain, you will not get in or out – don’t try this without 4WD.
FR689 – Main area and most popular
Next, along FR618, at the 4-way stop, FR689 (turn to the left) is the most popular area and most folks head that way. There are 2 or 3 scenic sites on the hill to the left after you made the turn. If occupied, continue on to a large open area suitable for rigs of all sizes.
In this flat area, there are at least a dozen spots. A few require 4WD – these are the sites near the creek.
Once you reach the unlocked gate, you can turn around. There are no suitable sites on the other side.
FR689 is a good road even when wet but may be closed in severe weather.
FR119 – A few pullouts along a busy road
When you turn right instead of left at the 4-way stop, you are on FR119. This dirt road leads to Montezuma Well – a popular tourist attraction and can get busy and dusty.
You will find a few pullouts and a large camping area along this road but it is too busy for my liking.
Cell service is spotty and they may close this road during severe weather.
Pullout Area to the left
As you continue past the 4-way stop, along FR618. you will see a popular pullout to the left with room for 4 or 5 rigs, as well as a pullout to the right with room for one RV. These sites are not private but are perfect if you want to avoid bumpy dirt roads.
FR121 is a short distance further east along FR618 and to the right. This road is tricky when wet and the gate may be closed then.
When dry, you will find at least 6 great sites to the left and right along the road suitable for all rigs.
Few visitors know about this FR121 but on weekends locals flock to the small Lawrence Crossing Campground near the end of the road.
About potable water and toilets – as shown on the map there are no toilets in the dispersed areas but there is a toilet at the Bell Trail parking area. Water is available at the rest stop just a short drive south along Interstate 17.
Verizon has good LTE service at most of these campsites.
Free Camping along SR78 near the Village of Oak Creek
The easiest dispersed camping option if you plan to explore East Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Unfortunately, this area on occasion attracts some weekend partiers and their trash as well as a few dilapidated trailers.
From the Red Rock Scenic Byway (179), turn southwest onto Beaverhead Flats Rd (SR78). Just a short distance up the road FR9500A branches off to the right. It is a badly rutted road but there are several sites there. RVs of all sizes will fit.
A better option is FR120A – the next turn to the right. Another badly rutted, dusty, and sandy road but you will find plenty of sites on both sides. RVs of all sizes are welcome.
The best option is FR9235R (across the road from FR120A). The road is better and there are several sites with nice views just a short distance from the highway. You can hear the traffic from these sites but 79 is not busy at night. Large RVs can park in the first open area whereas smaller rigs can travel a short distance up the hill for several more options.
Regarding potable water and toilets – there are toilets at the Forest Service Visitor Center nearby. There is a water bottle filling station between the bathrooms.
Verizon has spotty LTE service at these campsites.