By:
Submission
Dispersed camping has increased throughout the Flagstaff wildland urban interface in the past several years. In many areas, this has caused resource impacts such as soil compaction and erosion, loss of vegetation, increased fire risk, displacement of wildlife, and accumulation of trash and human waste. To help prevent unacceptable resource damage, disturbance to wildlife and reduce fire risk from dispersed camping, the Forest Service has designated 14 campsites along the Freidlein Prairie road for dispersed camping. Camping and campfires are allowed only at designated sites along Freidlein Prairie Road. There is a map in the area showing site locations. All designated campsites along Freidlein Prairie (FR 522) are located on the south side of the road, with the exception of campsite #1 and #3. Signs have been placed along the road when entering and leaving the designated camping area. The designated campsites are marked with a brown vertical fiberglass post with a site number and a "Designated Campsite" decal. Each designated dispersed campsite has a place to park, fire ring, a place for a tent and no fees. Once you have found a designated site you will find another fiberglass sign that reads "Camp within 50 feet of this post to reduce impact to forest vegetation. Please take all of your trash with you and leave only one fire ring." The east end of Freidlein Prairie Road (approximately 1.5 miles) has a seasonal camping closure for campsites 10 through 14. This seasonal camping closure means campsites 10 through14 will be closed to camping from March 1 to August 31 to reduce disturbance to Mexican spotted owls during the breeding season. This area has traditionally been used by Mexican spotted owls for nesting and a pair of owls are being impacted by increased recreational use and are failing to reproduce. Most sites cannot accommodate RV. Seasonal closures or fire restrictions/closures may be in place. During both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, campfires are prohibited at this site. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed.
From Flagstaff drive north on US 180 for about 7 miles to FR 516 (Snowbowl Road). Drive approximately 2.25 miles on this paved road to a dirt road, FR 522, and turn right. The Dispersed Camping area begins about a quarter mile from Snowbowl Road.
Location: Off Snowbowl Road on the southern flank of the San Francisco Peaks, north of Flagstaff, AZ.
Access: From Flagstaff drive north on US 180 for about 7 miles to FR 516 (Snowbowl Road). Drive approximately 2.25 miles on this paved road to a dirt road, FR 522, and turn right. The Dispersed Camping area begins about a quarter mile from Snowbowl Road.
There is no fee for dispersed camping at undeveloped camping areas on the Coconino National Forest. There are no amenities at this camping area.
Came here after finding out Lockett Meadow was closed. The road to it is a little rocky, so drive with caution. It's a pretty nice dispersed camping area, can't beat free either but no facilities. The road forks, to the left are spots 5-15 and to the right are spots 2-4. We stayed in spot 3, could probably fit 2-3 vehicles. We checked out spot 4 which is more private it's at wide open dead end but the actual campsite was a little too sloped to put up our tent.
Beautiful spot, but it looks like it's newly restricted for camping and camping fires due to land preservation. Had to find another dispersed camp spot.
I was here a couple weeks ago for about 3 days. The trail is a bit rough, especially when you go past twelve. But boy is it beautiful! We were at lot 8; great! Except for the fact it was run by wasps! We became wasp whisperers with jelly! Put it on a plant by the big ole log! Helped keep about 250 wasps happy while we camped. The only other thing that was a nuisance was there were guys working making woodchips. I know people be doing work but.. still. From 6 am to 8pm. Other than that, gorgeous and a great place to get away for no cost! I will be back. But to try out campsites 10 through 14!
Found this on google. It's beautiful tent camping and FREE! The road is a bit rough. No restrooms. There are a couple of fire pits. Nice and cool sleeping weather in July. Recommended!
Beautiful spot for dry disbursed camping. The road is a little bumpy but our 2 wheel drive, normal clearance van made it just fine as would most all sedans.
