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Coconino/Bonito
Overview
Bonito Campground offers a truly distinctive camping experience within the Coconino National Forest. Located just outside Flagstaff, Arizona, this park is famous for its proximity to Sunset Crater Volcano, where the ground is covered in dark volcanic cinders. The contrast between the lush ponderosa pine forest and the stark, volcanic landscape creates a visually stunning backdrop for any RV trip. It offers a quiet, contemplative escape from the busier city center while immersing guests in a landscape shaped by ancient eruptions.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet, the campground enjoys much cooler summer temperatures than the surrounding Arizona desert basins. The park is nestled right at the entrance to the Sunset Crater-Wupatki Scenic Loop, providing immediate access to diverse geological wonders. Travelers will find themselves surrounded by a unique mix of volcanic cinder fields and evergreen trees, offering plenty of shade and a sense of deep seclusion. The high altitude also provides a refreshing mountain climate that is highly sought after during the warmer months.
Amenities & Park Features
As a forest service site, the focus here is on providing a rustic, natural experience rather than a resort-style stay. The park provides paved parking pads that can accommodate various RV sizes, though there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available. Each site includes the following features:
- Potable drinking water available at central spigots.
- Clean and accessible vault toilets maintained by the forest service.
- Individual picnic tables and sturdy fire rings at every site.
These features allow for a comfortable dry-camping experience under some of the clearest night skies in the region.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Exploration is the primary draw for guests staying at Bonito. A short drive or walk leads directly to the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, where visitors can hike through ancient lava flows and learn about the area's explosive history. Further along the scenic loop, the Wupatki National Monument showcases several remarkably preserved prehistoric pueblos and ruins. For those looking for more physical activity, the surrounding Coconino National Forest offers miles of rugged trails for hiking and mountain biking through the high-country landscape.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and dry campers who prioritize scenic beauty and tranquility over modern luxury amenities. It is a fantastic home base for photographers and amateur geologists who are eager to explore the fascinating volcanic history of Northern Arizona. Because the site lacks utility hookups, it is best suited for self-contained RVers who enjoy a traditional camping atmosphere and want to experience the unique, quiet intersection of alpine forests and fire-scarred earth.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
DVNP
Some of the campsites are huge, the one I stayed at included. I set up my tent roughly 50' from my car and felt secluded. Campground hosts are awesome. They're on top of everything. Bathrooms and grounds are very clean and well-kept. I shared my site with pinyon jays, Abert squirrels and ravens. Highly recommend. Will be staying here again. Easy access to O'Leary Peak and Lockett meadow.
Cathy Connors
This is an amazing campground within the national forest system. It is managed by a third party vendor. The campground is great. Looks almost brand new, or recently upgraded sites. Will stay here again when in the area.
Wayne McStrack
It’s a clean well kept campground. The campground hosts do a wonderful job and are very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. The bathrooms are updated, modern and clean. There are no showers available though. Generators are allowed.
Ommas Home
Andy and CJ, Campground host kept the campground clean and felt safe with them around working hard. They greet us very friendly and actually greeted every one with great hospitality. We love staying here a couple of days. It's so peaceful, quiet, lots of trees, level space and we will definitely come back again.
Sadie Kopecky
By far one of the cleanest, quietest and most peaceful campgrounds we have experienced. The bathrooms were clean and smelt good. The camp site was extremely spacious. Camp hosts were very friendly and very helpful. Only downside was we had to leave and get back to reality.
Walter R
A very lovely and quite campground operated by the National Forest organisation. We booked our site in advance just to be on the safe side. Some sites are available only on a first-come-first-safe basis. We stayed for two nights and enjoyed it. Nestled in a forest with mature trees .... and cooler temperatures during the night.
Connie Barrington
We camped one night in a first come - first serve site with a motorhome, no utilities. The campground is well maintained and the camp host is friendly and helpful. The park is off the beaten path and very quiet. Lots of good tree cover for shade. There are 44 sites, half able to be reserved, the rest FF. Firewood and ice are available for purchase. The campground is next to Sunset Crater which is a must are. Lots of hiking opportunities and the loop drive to Wupatki National Monument was beautiful.
Whitney McMillen
Campsite is very clean. Sites are far enough away from one another you don’t feel like you’re on top of one another. The pricing for the firewood and ice is very reasonable and comparable to what you’d pay at the grocery store.
Sarah Damian
Our family stayed at Bonito for the second time this weekend. It’s absolutely beautiful, clean restrooms, firewood and ice available for purchase, friendly host and enough space between campsites that you have plenty of room to relax and play with your own group. We will be making this an annual family tradition!
Natasha Tran
We stay here for four nights during the week of Memorial Day (May 24-27, 2024), site was 44, which is a pull in drive way, fit a trailer and a sedan. (Keep in mind there is a fee for a second vehicle.) Not to far from the restroom ( the cleanest restroom there is) the host really take care of the place, has a facet for cleaning or getting water ( just don't wash your dishes there, not allow) Be ware if ya'll are heading in the summer, there was a few yellowjacket and wasp, we brought a trap to prevent getting strung, didn't get strung but get one if you needed. There were a couple of flies, friend got a fly trapper too so took care of that. When we went, there weren't mosquitos but again, we got a spray and sprayed just in case. I had t-mobile and there wasn't any signal, but if you drive out of the campground, you get signal right away. The site was pretty decent, you can put two tents and have a lot of room, fire pit was pretty deep, a nice concrete picnic table and trees all around; which you can bring a hammock and tied around the truck. Across of the site was the Sunset Crater Visitor Center that leads you to the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, worth the drive and visit, there's a few view spots that you can bring food to have a picture and the views are just spectacular. This site is about an hour and forty-five minutes away from the Grand Canyon, about thirty minutes away from Flagstaff for your grocery needs. They don't have showers here but I recommend ya'll to shower at Little America Travel Center (2515 East Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004) showers were only $15.00 (tax included) and they have a freaking bathtub with a separate shower. You have an hour to take a shower or bath, they provide with one towel, hand towel and a mat towel. Especially after a long day at the Grand Canyon, a much needed shower that last more than thirty minutes is great. I hope this reviews helps to anyone that is planning a trip there.