Best Places to Camp in Arizona During the Summer Months

1. Mogollon Rim

The Mogollon Rim offers miles of forested camping opportunities with panoramic views, cool temps, and plenty of space. Look for dispersed camping off Forest Road 300 near Woods Canyon Lake.

Woods Canyon Lake Campground

• Why it’s great: Just a short walk from the lake, this popular campground is shaded by tall pines and offers boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

• Elevation: ~7,500 feet

• Facilities: Vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings

• Reservations: Recommended in summer (Recreation.gov)

Rim Campground

• Why it’s great: Perched right on the Mogollon Rim, this campground delivers jaw-dropping views and easy access to the Rim Lakes Vista Trail.

• Elevation: ~7,700 feet

• Facilities: Vault toilets, water, tables, fire rings

• Best for: Scenic overlooks, sunsets, and quiet forest camping

Aspen Campground

• Why it’s great: One of the largest and most family-friendly options in the area, it’s near Woods Canyon Lake but more spacious than its namesake campground.

• Elevation: ~7,600 feet

• Facilities: Flush toilets, drinking water, fire rings, camp hosts

• Notes: Great base for hiking, kayaking, and group camping

2. Flagstaff Area

Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet and offers a wide variety of camping options, from dispersed areas near Walnut Canyon to developed campgrounds like Bonito or Lockett Meadow. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and dark skies for stargazing.

Bonito Campground

• Why it’s great: Located across from Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Bonito offers cool temps, Ponderosa pine shade, and easy access to hiking trails and lava fields.

• Elevation: ~6,900 feet

• Facilities: Vault toilets, drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables

• Best for: National Monument access, quiet forest camping

• Reservations: First-come, first-served

Dairy Springs Campground

• Why it’s great: Tucked in the Coconino National Forest near Mormon Lake, this quieter site offers cool shade, wildlife, and trails leading into serene high-country meadows.

• Elevation: ~7,100 feet

• Facilities: Vault toilets, water, fire rings, picnic tables

• Best for: Peaceful camping, birdwatching, cooler temps away from crowds

• Nearby: Mormon Lake Lodge & horseback riding trails

Fort Tuthill County Park

• Why it’s great: Just minutes from downtown Flagstaff, this campground offers a mix of nature and amenities with nearby events, mountain biking trails, and an adventure course.

• Elevation: ~6,900 feet

• Facilities: Water, showers, flush toilets, fire rings, electric hookups

• Best for: Families, RVs, and festival-goers

• Bonus: Site of the annual Coconino County Fair and other events

3. White Mountains

Located in eastern Arizona, the White Mountains offer some of the coolest summer temperatures in the state. Check out Big Lake, Reservation Lake, or campsites near Greer for fishing, wildlife viewing, and forest serenity.

Big Lake Recreation Area

• Why it’s great: One of the most popular summer camping destinations in Arizona. Cool weather, fishing, boating, and hiking all in one spot.

• Campgrounds: Includes multiple loops likeache Trout, Grayling, and Brookchar

• Elevation: ~9,000 feet

• Facilities: Toilets, drinking water, boat rentals, RV hookups (some loops)

• Best for: Anglers, families, and RVers

• Reservations: Highly recommended on Recreation.gov

Hoyer Campground

• Why it’s great: Located just outside the charming mountain village of Greer, this campground offers shady pines, access to the Little Colorado River, and nearby trails.

• Elevation: ~8,300 feet

• Facilities: Vault toilets, water, picnic tables, fire rings

• Best for: Wildlife viewing, river play, small-town charm

• Nearby: Molly Butler Lodge, Greer Lakes, and scenic drives

Winn Campground

• Why it’s great: Tucked deep in the forest south of Alpine, this secluded campground is ideal for those seeking true alpine peace and quiet.

• Elevation: ~8,600 feet

• Facilities: Vault toilets, water, tables, fire rings

• Best for: Hiking the Escudilla Wilderness, spotting elk and deer

• Bonus: Close to Hannagan Meadow Lodge and scenic Highway 191

4. North Kaibab National Forest

Escape the heat by camping on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This remote region is cooler, quieter, and filled with scenic views. Forest Service roads off Highway 67 provide excellent dispersed camping opportunities.

Jacob Lake Campground

• Why it’s great: Located at the gateway to the North Rim, this shaded campground is a perfect base camp for exploring the Kaibab Plateau and Grand Canyon.

• Elevation: ~7,900 feet

• Facilities: Vault toilets, drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables

• Best for: Proximity to North Rim (45 miles), day trips, and stargazing

• Bonus: Walk to the historic Jacob Lake Inn for cookies and coffee

• Reservations: Available on Recreation.gov

DeMotte Campground

• Why it’s great: Just 7 miles from the Grand Canyon’s North Rim entrance, this quiet spot sits among open meadows and aspen groves with occasional wildlife sightings.

• Elevation: ~8,700 feet

• Facilities: Vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings

• Best for: Canyon access without the crowds

• Nearby: North Kaibab Trail, Cape Royal, and Bright Angel Point

• Reservations: Strongly recommended in summer