A Campervan Guide to Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, Arizona often has the reputation as the gateway to Grand Canyon National Park, but this high desert college town is well deserving of a stop all on its own. And don’t just take our word for it—U.S. News and World Report ranked it No. 16 on the best underrated travel destinations in the U.S.
With gorgeous pine forests, stunning red rocks, dispersed camping in nearby national forests, a charming downtown, and world-class night skies, you won’t regret making a stop in Flagstaff on your travels.
Planning Tips for Visiting Flagstaff in a Campervan
Even if you’re more of a “see where the wind takes you” traveler, a little planning goes a long way in Flagstaff.
The Best Time to Visit
For many van travelers, the best time to visit Flagstaff is fall (September through November) because you’ll get warm days, vibrant autumnal colors, and fewer crowds than in the summer. That being said, depending on what you’re looking for, Flagstaff is pretty great any season.
In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the nearby Snowbowl Ski Resort. The spring is still a little chilly, but by late spring, the temps are prime for hiking and wildflower viewing. The summer doesn’t get too hot, with highs in the low 80s, making it a prime spot for escaping the scorching heat of lower elevations. However, it’s also the high season for tourism, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
Campervan Essentials for Flagstaff
Because there’s so much dispersed camping around Flagstaff, it’s become a pretty great hub to reset your van or do any necessary maintenance while on the road. You can find a free RV dump station at two of the Speedway stations in town along with other paid dump stations, free and paid water fill-up locations, and private showers and bathtubs (though a bit pricey) at the Little America Travel Center.
If you need any general van maintenance, I recommend Brakes Plus on the east side of town.
Where to Camp in and Around Flagstaff, AZ
Now for the fun part: Where you can park for the night and wake up to beautiful sunrises, good coffee, or hot showers.
Dispersed (Free) Camping
Unless it’s already in your rig, this won’t get you the hot shower, but it’s the most cost-efficient way to spend a few days exploring Flagstaff. And you can catch some jaw-dropping views. With Coconino National Forest surrounding the city, and Kaibab National Forest nearby, it’s not difficult to find scenic, forested dispersed campsites. There are many good spots 15–20 minutes out of town along roads I-40, I-17, US-180, and AZ-89A. Check out iOverlander to get more specific locations. Just keep in mind, these sites don’t have any amenities, and there are no reservations. Come early in the day to get the best selection of campsites and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Paid Campsites
If you prefer more amenities with your campsite, Flagstaff has various options at different price ranges and amenity offerings.
These are a few suggestions:
Black Barts RV Park — right in town, pet-friendly, full hookups, general store, and 10% off dining at Black Barts Steakhouse.
Flagstaff KOA — close to town, tent and RV sites, water and electric hookups, unlimited hot showers, WiFi, playground, laundry room, store and snack bar, and bike rentals for a fee.
Woody Mountain Campground and Bed & Breakfast — tent and RV sites, wine and coffee lounge, warm showers, laundry, and tree coverage.
Canyon Vista Campground — National Forest campground, no hookups, water, pit toilets.
Where to Eat and Drink in Flagstaff
Flagstaff may be small, but it has some amazing local treasures for any visiting foodie.
Coffee and Breakfast
Start your day off right at one of the independent coffee shops in town. A few options include Lund Canyon Coffee, Macy’s European Coffee House and Bakery, and Late For the Train Coffee Roastery.
Good Meals
For lunch and dinner, you’ve got an impressive selection of tasty options from pizza to BBQ. If you only have one night, head to Pizzicletta for wood-fired Neapolitan style pizza where you can sit outside and enjoy the evening air or cozy up inside with a view of the wood-fired oven.
A few other mouthwatering options to check out if you have the time include:
Diablo Burger — unique burger creations with locally sourced beef.
Salsa Brava — a vibrant Mexican restaurant with salsa bar and Guy Fieri recommendations.
Satchmo’s Cajun and BBQ — a Flagstaff favorite serving up New Orleans-style BBQ and Cajun food and showcasing some of Flagstaff’s diverse culture.
Beer
Flagstaff has a thriving craft beer scene for its size, and all of them offer tasty, interesting brews to sip after a day of exploring. Check out Mother Road Brewing Company if you want to get a beer with dinner (Pizzicletta is right next door and has a partnership with them). If you’re just looking for a post-hike brew and good people, Wanderlust Brewing features a wide range of different beers and events like live music and trivia nights.
Things to See In and Around Flagstaff
For a small city, there is a surprisingly wide array of things to do and see. From learning about the local Native American culture to hiking up a mountain to perusing the Flagstaff Community Market, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
Culture and History
Flagstaff is a pretty cool point of interest for history buffs. For one, the famous Route 66 goes straight through Flagstaff, which you can learn more about on the “Walk This Talk” audio walking tour of Flagstaff’s Southside Historic District. What’s more, the city and surrounding area have a huge Native American presence and much of the surrounding area is considered sacred to the many tribes that call this area home. You can learn more about the history and culture at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
Outdoor Adventure
Flagstaff is a dreamland for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike to Humphreys Peak in the San Francisco Peaks. Explore the many nearby national and state parks and monuments such as the Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, the Petrified Forest, Slide Rock State Park, and Red Rock State Park. Or head underground to walk through the mile–long Lava River Cave.
Stargazing
As the world’s first International Dark Sky City, Flagstaff on a clear night offers a spectacular display of the Milky Way. Wherever you end up camping, be sure to spend some time after sundown looking up at the sky. For night-sky enthusiasts, head to the Lowell Observatory for guided stargazing and a chance to view planets and stars through advanced telescopes.
