Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Coconino National Forest (NF) · Open Access

6,453 ft
Elevation

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.

 

Photo tour from this site [Flickr].

The facts

  • Season: Oct 12 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026

Recreation.gov's own page

Getting there

Location: Pumphouse Wash area 11 miles south of Flagstaff, 5 miles north of Oak Creek Canyon, and 18 miles north of Sedona.

Access:

  • From Flagstaff: Take I-17 south to the SR 89A turnoff to Sedona. Head south (left) through the round-about. Drive approximately 8 miles to FR 237 on the left.
  • From Sedona: Take SR 89A north approximately 18 miles to FR 237 on the right.

GPS (Map): 35°03'15.5"N 111°43'35.1"W

Maps

 

FR 237 Dispersed Camping Map and Guide (PDF, 910 kB)

35.05426, -111.72644 · 35°3'15.3"N 111°43'35.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.33.53.11.40.90.42.63.02.01.82.13.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

Can you reserve a site at Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area?
No. Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Also listed by

Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • There is no fee for dispersed camping at undeveloped camping areas on the Coconino National Forest. There are no amenities at this camping area.

Restrictions:

  • 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.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.