This past month, we took the long way from Payson, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park, and along the way, we shot photos of hundreds of campgrounds! Listed below are some highlights.
Payson Arizona is a delightful little town with lots to do. On the top of that list would be visiting the Mogollon Rim. There are many National Forest Campgrounds in the area that charge a fee for camping, but there there is also a vast amount of free dispersed camping. Our favorite spot was 9350 Camping Area because it’s right on the rim and has cell service.
Not far from Payson, between Phoenix and Flagstaff is Camp Verde, AZ. Distant Drums RV Resort is conveniently located off of the I-17 with free shuttle service 24/7 to and from Cliff Castle Casino.
Twenty minutes from Prescott, AZ is Yavapai Campground in Prescott National Forest. Campsites are between outcroppings of granite rock and can accommodate RV’s up to 40′ long. Be warned, there isn’t any cell service here.
An obvious choice when visiting Cottonwood, AZ is Dead Horse Ranch State Park. If you’re up for something off the beaten track, we recommend boondocking on Thousand Trails Road.
Just north of Sedona, AZ, nestled among ponderosa pines is Pine Flat Campground. This is a popular spot, so come early or mid-week. Eighteen of the fifty-six sites are reservable.
Our favorite new boondocking spot is just west of Flagstaff and on the same road as the US Naval Observatory, hence the name. Even though campsites are surrounded by ponderosas, there’s also enough open space that solar shouldn’t be a problem. Added bonus, great cell service and easy access to downtown Flagstaff.
If you plan to stay in Winslow, AZ, be sure to visit the archaeological sites and petroglyphs of the Hopi People at Homolovi State Park.
Williams, AZ sits in between Grand Canyon National Park and Flagstaff, AZ. For $20 a night, Kaibab Lake Campground in Kaibab National Forest is convenient and beautiful.
Grand Canyon National Park is a destination that deserves it’s own post, so be sure to check it out: Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim