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Pumphouse Wash (Forest Road 237) is a popular dispersed camping area in the ponderosa pine forest along SR 89A, midway between Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona. The area is conveniently located near Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff, Woody Mountain Road, Lake Mary, and a variety of recreation sites. It is a popular alternative to traditional campgrounds for visitors to Oak Creek Canyon and the Flagstaff area.
There are four campsite loops, each containing between 11 and 26 signed and numbered sites. The site offers excellent camping opportunities for large groups as well as families and individuals. Most sites offer partial to full shade beneath towering ponderosa pine trees, and are generally flat, making it easy to set up tents or campers. Each site has parking and a campfire ring. There is no trash service, so if you pack it in, pack it out. There are no restroom facilities. Portable toilets are highly recommended.
FR 237 and the camping loop roads are well maintained and suitable for passenger cars.
Camp only in signed and numbered designated campsites.
Park within 50 feet of campsite sign post.
Follow all fire restrictions. 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.
Use designated campfire rings.
Make sure fires are dead out and cold to the touch.
Pack out all waste.
Off-road motorized vehicle travel is prohibited. The free Motor Vehicle Use Map shows where it is legal to travel with motorized vehicles.
Except for this designated dispersed camping area, the region bounded SR 89A, I-17, Kachina Village, and FR 237 is closed to camping and campfires. See Forest Order 04-15-04-R (PDF: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3837063.pdf) for information and a map of this closure.
There is no fee for dispersed camping at undeveloped camping areas on the Coconino National Forest. There are no amenities at this camping area.
On the way in, you come across some bumpy rocks but if you go slow, you should be fine.
We drove our 32’ motor home in with a tow dolly and made it just fine. Numerous campsites to choose from. We chose site 114, which was right near the Forest. We stayed for three days and after the weekenders left, we had it almost all to ourselves, which was great because it allowed us to turn around easily.
Many, if not all, campers pee and poop in the woods and don’t dig holes or dispose of their toilet paper, so there is used TP everywhere.
Other than that, we felt safe and loved the proximity to Sedona and Flagstaff
