8 Best Camping Spots In Arizona This September -

It’s the time when national parks and campgrounds are less crowded compared to peak summer months, giving you more space to enjoy Arizona’s breathtaking outdoors.

Whether you love red rock views, pine forests, or lakeside mornings, September is the sweet spot for camping in Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)

When people think of camping in Arizona, the Grand Canyon tops the list. But here’s the insider tip: the North Rim in September is unbeatable.

Unlike the busy South Rim, the North Rim sits at a higher elevation and offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

The North Rim Campground provides a classic experience with canyon views just steps away, while backcountry permits let adventure-seekers explore more remote sites.

Wildlife sightings—from bison to mule deer—are common here.

Best For: Adventurous campers looking for remote backcountry spots and families who want a safe, organized campground.
Camping Fees & Reservations: The fee for a standard campsite at the North Rim Campground is $30 per night, while group sites are $55 per night.
A park entrance fee is also required. Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov. Free dispersed camping is available in the adjacent Kaibab National Forest, but amenities are nonexistent.
Accessibility: RVs and tents are welcome, though some backcountry sites are hike-in only.
Things to Do Nearby: Scenic drives to Cape Royal and Point Imperial offer some of the best canyon views in the park.
Getting There: About a 5-hour drive from Phoenix, or 3.5 hours from Flagstaff.

Pro Tip: Campsites fill fast, so book early.

Sedona – Oak Creek Canyon

September is when Sedona transforms into a camper’s dream. The Oak Creek Canyon area, tucked between towering red rock cliffs, offers shaded campgrounds and soothing creekside spots.

Manzanita and Cave Springs campgrounds are popular picks, but dispersed camping options in the Coconino National Forest give you more privacy if you want a rugged experience.

Best For: Families who want easy creek access and adventurous campers who love dispersed camping with red rock views.
Camping Fees & Reservations: Manzanita and Pine Flat Campgrounds charge between $16 and under $50 per night. A Red Rock Pass is also required for most trailheads and sites in the Red Rock Ranger District—$8 per vehicle per day.
Free dispersed camping is available in designated areas but has no services. Reservations are recommended through Recreation.gov.
Accessibility: Most campgrounds are tent and RV friendly, though spaces are limited for large rigs.
Things to Do Nearby: Slide Rock State Park, Cathedral Rock, and Jeep tours through Sedona’s red rock country.
Getting There: Sedona is just a 2-hour drive north of Phoenix.

Insider Tip: Go midweek to skip the weekend rush. And don’t miss a sunset hike around Cathedral Rock.

Mogollon Rim – Woods Canyon Lake & Bear Canyon Lake

If you’re craving pine forests, crisp air, and lakeside mornings, the Mogollon Rim is where you should be in September. At over 7,000 feet, this stretch of Arizona feels worlds away from the desert heat.

Woods Canyon Lake and Bear Canyon Lake offer some of the most scenic campgrounds with fishing, kayaking, and trails that lead to panoramic cliffside views.

Families love it because kids can fish, paddle, or just run around in open meadows.

Best For: Families looking for lake activities and adventure-seekers who want Rim-top hikes and secluded spots.
Camping Fees & Reservations: Aspen Campground at Woods Canyon Lake charges around $25 per night for first-come, first-served sites.
Larger group sites cost more. At Bear Canyon Lake, camping is free but dispersed, with no designated sites or running water.
Accessibility: RVs, trailers, and tents are welcome. Some lakeside sites are walk-in.
Things to Do Nearby: Rim Lake Vista Trail, fishing at Woods Canyon Lake, and stargazing from the Rim overlooks.
Getting There: Roughly 2.5 hours northeast of Phoenix.

White Mountains – Big Lake & Hawley Lake

For those who want to escape the heat entirely, head east to the White Mountains. Big Lake and Hawley Lake sit high above 9,000 feet, making them some of the coolest camping spots in the state during September.

Here you’ll find alpine meadows, thick forests, and tranquil lakes perfect for fishing or kayaking.

Best For: Adventure campers who want high-elevation wilderness, and families who love fishing and boating.
Camping Fees & Reservations: Big Lake is managed by Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and fees vary by campground.
Hawley Lake requires special permits as it lies on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Tent camping here can be as low as $8–$9 per day.
Accessibility: RVs and tents are both common. Many sites have lake access.
Things to Do Nearby: Hiking the Mount Baldy Wilderness, fishing tournaments, and horseback riding trails.
Getting There: About 4.5 hours from Phoenix or Tucson.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Spread across eastern Arizona, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is a massive stretch of pines, rivers, and high-altitude lakes.

In September, the skies are crystal clear, making it one of the best places for stargazing in Arizona.

You’ll find both developed campgrounds and dispersed sites where you can set up camp miles from anyone else.

The cooler evenings and mild daytime temperatures make it comfortable for hiking and fishing.

Best For: Stargazers, families who want developed campgrounds, and solo campers seeking solitude.
Camping Fees & Reservations: The forest has many paid campgrounds with fees that vary. Dispersed camping is free in permitted areas.
Reservations for developed sites are often through Recreation.gov.
Accessibility: RV-friendly campgrounds plus miles of tent-only backcountry areas.
Things to Do Nearby: Fishing at Luna Lake, hiking along the Black River, and birdwatching in fall migration season.
Getting There: Around 4 hours from Phoenix, closer if coming from Show Low or Springerville.

Kaibab National Forest

Bordering the Grand Canyon, the Kaibab National Forest is another September favorite. It’s less busy than the canyon itself but offers equally striking landscapes.

At this time of year, the higher elevations start to show early touches of fall color, especially in the aspen groves.

Camping here gives you a quiet forest experience with the bonus of being just a short drive from the Grand Canyon’s viewpoints.

Best For: Families who want quiet, accessible sites and adventurous campers who love backcountry hikes.
Camping Fees & Reservations: Free dispersed camping is widely available, though with no amenities. Some developed sites exist and require reservations.
Accessibility: RV and tent camping both available; some campgrounds near Jacob Lake are RV-friendly.
Things to Do Nearby: Scenic drives to Vermilion Cliffs and Grand Canyon overlooks.
Getting There: About 4.5 hours from Phoenix, 3 hours from Flagstaff.

Insider Tip: If you’re here late September, watch for golden aspens around Jacob Lake—it’s one of Arizona’s best-kept fall secrets.

Coconino National Forest

Covering everything from Sedona’s red rocks to Flagstaff’s pine forests, Coconino National Forest offers some of the most diverse camping in Arizona.

From family-friendly campgrounds near Sedona to dispersed camping around Flagstaff, you’ll find something for every style of camper.

Best For: Families who want easy-to-access campgrounds and adventurous campers seeking red rock backdrops.
Camping Fees & Reservations: Developed campgrounds usually cost between $16–$50 per night. A Red Rock Pass is needed for many Sedona-area trailheads.
Free dispersed camping is also available.
Accessibility: Both tent and RV camping are supported.
Things to Do Nearby: Flagstaff hiking trails, Sedona vortex tours, and the scenic drive up Oak Creek Canyon.
Getting There: Just 2 hours from Phoenix or 30 minutes from Sedona.

Pro Tip: Pair your camping trip with a day exploring Sedona’s trails—Devil’s Bridge and Bell Rock are especially beautiful this time of year.

Lynx Lake Campground – Prescott National Forest

For lakeside serenity, head to Lynx Lake near Prescott. This spot is perfect in September, when the weather is cooler but still sunny enough for hiking and kayaking.

The campground sits right on the lake, giving you easy access to fishing, picnics, and peaceful morning walks.

Prescott itself is just a short drive away, so you can mix in a little small-town charm with your outdoor escape.

Best For: Families who want an easy lake escape and couples seeking a romantic camping weekend.
Camping Fees & Reservations: Lynx Lake Campground charges nightly fees. As of 2025, a $5 day-use fee applies on the north shore (free on Wednesdays).
Free dispersed camping is allowed in other areas of the Prescott National Forest. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Accessibility: RVs and tents welcome. Paved access roads make it easy for all campers.
Things to Do Nearby: Stroll Prescott’s historic downtown, hike in Granite Mountain Wilderness, and kayak on Watson Lake.
Getting There: About 2 hours north of Phoenix.

Conclusion

Camping in Arizona during September is all about timing—you get cooler weather, fewer crowds, and some of the state’s most stunning landscapes at their best.

From the majestic Grand Canyon to the quiet lakes of the White Mountains, every spot on this list offers a unique experience that feels tailor-made for fall adventurers.

Disclaimer: Camping fees can change, especially with seasonal or reservation-dependent adjustments. Always check the U.S. Forest Service (fs.usda.gov), National Park Service (nps.gov), or Recreation.gov for the latest details before your trip.

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8 Best Camping Spots in Arizona This September

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