Nolan Designated Dispersed Camping
Coconino National Forest
Write a Review Loy Butte Rd. (FR-525) Sedona, AZ 86336 928-203-7500 928-527-3600 Official WebsiteGPS: 34.883, -111.909
Overview of Nolan Designated Dispersed Camping
As of Sept. 1, 2022, the new West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping and Day-Use Area in Coconino National Forest was implemented. Camping is now only allowed at one of these eight designated dispersed camping areas in west Sedona.
No wood or charcoal campfires are allowed in the Red Rock Ranger District. Only propane campfires are allowed.
Please stop at the Information Portal on FR-525 or FR-152C for more details about designated dispersed camping here.
Please follow these new rules and respect all closures so everyone can continue to enjoy this area.
The state of Arizona doesn’t allow camping within 1/4 mile of wildlife water tank/hole.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by camper-918848 on 9/8/2024
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by grantinggrace on 5/23/2019
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 4,494 ft / 1,369 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Nolan Designated Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 928-203-7500
MRD Colorado asked on 9/1/2020
Is the Nolan Tank area suitable for a Class A motorhome?
camper-787485 asked on 3/12/2023
Is the cell service good enough to work remotely? We have AT&T and Verizon.
wendyhous asked on 9/27/2022
Is this area closed to camping at all during the winter? We want to come in late December.
Reviews of Nolan Designated Dispersed Camping 38 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 24 Users
Last reported 9/8/2024
Confirmed by 16 Users
Last reported 2/29/2024
Confirmed by 5 Users
Last reported 2/19/2024
“Best Of the Tragic Mismanagement ”
Reviewed 4/9/2023
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
As a Canadian traveler, I can’t really squeak too loudly as it’s not ‘my’ land and not my taxes. I merely offer my humble opinion as an outsider looking in. I have traveled and camped through a great deal of US ‘managed’ federal land - BLM, Forestry, etc. My experiences have generally ranged from excellent to spectacular and for the... more
As a Canadian traveler, I can’t really squeak too loudly as it’s not ‘my’ land and not my taxes. I merely offer my humble opinion as an outsider looking in. I have traveled and camped through a great deal of US ‘managed’ federal land - BLM, Forestry, etc. My experiences have generally ranged from excellent to spectacular and for the most part, those managing this precious resource should be commended. However, Sedona has completely lost the plot. I cannot imagine how anyone could have created worse ‘strategy’. I understand that sometimes for reasons of conservation, one needs to restrict use. But there is a right way and a wrong way to do so - and Sedona is actively teaching a master class on how to do it wrong. This (Nolan) is in the top 2 or 3 of the ‘legal’ sites - and it’s still tragic. This is now all “Designated Dispersed Camping” - which is neither designated (there are no marked sites - just the poorly marked area perimeter), nor dispersed (on a long weekend, a football stadium tailgate party would be more ‘disbursed’). There are no rules - or more accurately no means of enforcing what few there are. So if you want to run your generator 6’ away from my silent van - there’s nothing to stop you. Want to set up a party tent with a dozen 18” Chinese lanterns and blare EDM all night? Have at it. As the organizer of aforementioned EDM party explicitly told me “go ahead, call a ranger. They’ll be here in 2hrs. We’ll tell them whatever - and tomorrow there is a small chance of them showing up with a Sherif who can actually do something. By that time, we’ll be long gone”. If you must restrict camping, create MANY campgrounds with DESIGNATED private sites and charge a small fee to fund a camp attendant. What you have now is the worst of crowded “RV” campgrounds (people jammed in like sardines) combined with zero enforceable rules.
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AT&T 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Breathtaking views!!”
Reviewed 3/30/2022
| Days stayed: | 14 |
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| RV Length: | 37' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
We drove in on 525 from 89A for about 5.7 miles, as we knew we were staying for 2 weeks. We took it slow and our Fifth wheel did not suffer. You did not need high clearance to be on 525. If you took any of the OHV roads, you definitely did. We actually set up our RV in one site and then drove farther down the road and located a much be... more
We drove in on 525 from 89A for about 5.7 miles, as we knew we were staying for 2 weeks. We took it slow and our Fifth wheel did not suffer. You did not need high clearance to be on 525. If you took any of the OHV roads, you definitely did. We actually set up our RV in one site and then drove farther down the road and located a much better site with amazing views of the red rock mountains. I sat in a chair at the site while my husband went back and got the RV. The first 5 days we were there were crazy Spring Break ATV days. SO crowded, noisy and SO dusty. Then it all settled down and our remaining time was quite and we didn't even receive any new neighbors. We went daily down to the Palatki Heritage site and grabbed 5 gallons of potable water. The sight is open 9:30am-3pm and you need a Red Rock pass or national park pass to park your vehicle . All of these are available at a Kiosk near the parking lot. You also need to register for the tour of 2 ruins sites. Very informative and fun hikes.
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AT&T 4G
Exploringatlast would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Crowded”
Reviewed 12/2/2020
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | N/A |
Overall Rating
We spent a night here in April of this year. The area is completely over run with people camping up to the 14 day limit allowed. In many cases, it appeared campers with tents were living there. Yes, you are close to Sedona and you have great views, especially of Bear Mountain. Just be aware that this is not remote in any way and you wi... more
We spent a night here in April of this year. The area is completely over run with people camping up to the 14 day limit allowed. In many cases, it appeared campers with tents were living there. Yes, you are close to Sedona and you have great views, especially of Bear Mountain. Just be aware that this is not remote in any way and you will have company and noise late into the night, wanted or not. Vacant spots are hard to find. Beautiful surroundings for sure but good luck having an outdoor experience.
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AT&T 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing views and close enough! We'll be back!”
Reviewed 11/23/2020
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| RV Length: | 20' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We stopped for a few nights and really enjoyed our stay! It was a Wednesday when we headed out and even then it seemed spots were getting limited. Google Maps will tell you to take Forest Road 525 off the highway. My recommendation to avoid as much washboard driving as possible (if needed) and take Boynton Pass road out of Sedona to Fo... more
We stopped for a few nights and really enjoyed our stay! It was a Wednesday when we headed out and even then it seemed spots were getting limited. Google Maps will tell you to take Forest Road 525 off the highway. My recommendation to avoid as much washboard driving as possible (if needed) and take Boynton Pass road out of Sedona to Forest Road 152C to 525. Can take a left or right at 525 (Left to the get to the actual location used in Campendium). There's camping everywhere so just be patient and find a spot that calls your name :)
Pros - Off the grid, quiet at night, star gazing, beautiful vista views (trumps any con below!), free near Sedona (~30 minute drive), close to mountain biking/hiking (we hit Aerie Trailhead in ~10 minutes)
Cons - Busy with ATVs, fairly crowded with campers despite the space, dusty/windy, washboard road in, cell service was good not great for working
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Katie Reins would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing views”
Reviewed 11/8/2020
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 16' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
As other reviewers have posted, it's a bumpy washboard road but if you go slow, any vehicle can make it. The site was a bit crowded with 3 rigs, one of which was leaving when we arrived but there were a few other great spots a couple hundred yards that we could choose from if we wanted more privacy. We ended up staying there because... more
As other reviewers have posted, it's a bumpy washboard road but if you go slow, any vehicle can make it.
The site was a bit crowded with 3 rigs, one of which was leaving when we arrived but there were a few other great spots a couple hundred yards that we could choose from if we wanted more privacy. We ended up staying there because the views were just amazing.
We used this place as our base to explore Sedona.
Our rig is a small 16' Airstream towed by an F150 truck.
AT&T cell coverage is excellent.
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AT&T 4G
T-Mobile 4G
Luis would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great boondocking near Sedona”
Reviewed 6/3/2020
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Overall Rating
This is our second time boondocking in this area. Great scenery and easy access to lots of hiking. 525 was a bit more washboarded but doable for most rigs. The first time we were here was over a weekend and it was crowded! Weekdays now and it is much emptier. One note on the specific Nolan Tank area- since our last visit the entire... more
This is our second time boondocking in this area. Great scenery and easy access to lots of hiking. 525 was a bit more washboarded but doable for most rigs. The first time we were here was over a weekend and it was crowded! Weekdays now and it is much emptier.
One note on the specific Nolan Tank area- since our last visit the entire area has been posted no camping. Previously it was only posted closer to the water. Still plenty of dispersed camping options in the area though; just not right at Nolan Tank.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Mikem would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Views”
Reviewed 3/2/2020
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 7 |
Overall Rating
Came here with a 36 foot fifth wheel toyhauler . Tow vehicle Dodge ram 3500 4X4. Great place to stay close to Sedona. Incredible views. I Stayed just south of Nolan tank on FS 525. For large vehicles like mine I would not recommend coming in on Dry wash road from Sedona. Yes that route is mostly paved , but the primitive road se... more
Came here with a 36 foot fifth wheel toyhauler . Tow vehicle Dodge ram 3500 4X4. Great place to stay close to Sedona. Incredible views. I Stayed just south of Nolan tank on FS 525. For large vehicles like mine I would not recommend coming in on Dry wash road from Sedona. Yes that route is mostly paved , but the primitive road section has two areas that have washed out over the past couple of months. This has left some harsh drops. I would think about doing with my trailer only if I had too. My trailer has a little higher clearance then most. FS 525 from 89A is rough for longer but no where near as harsh in spots as Dry wash direction.
Verizon 4G
Mike G would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Breathtaking views”
Reviewed 11/19/2019
| Days stayed: | 7 |
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| RV Length: | 28' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
There's traffic from the jeep tours even during the week, but the noise didn't really bother me. Mainly it just dictated the times I chose to walk my dog. Lots of coyotes in the area and we had one watching us a few times, so I was more comfortable sticking to the road than walking around the "bush" on either side. There are fairly dee... more
There's traffic from the jeep tours even during the week, but the noise didn't really bother me. Mainly it just dictated the times I chose to walk my dog. Lots of coyotes in the area and we had one watching us a few times, so I was more comfortable sticking to the road than walking around the "bush" on either side. There are fairly deep ditches either side of the road so all in all - it's a very safe area but with all the vehicle traffic and the wildlife just be alert and aware if you're walking a dog. Tons of space up here and lots of really nice pre-built fire rings. The vast majority of campers I saw were clean, courteous and quiet.
Sunsets up here are like nothing you've ever seen. So gorgeous.
I came up the road with a truck and a 28 foot trailer. Lots of big rigs around. Bumpy for sure but if you take it slow you can probably get just about anything up here. Not too sure what it's like after the road forks to Loy Butte - I didn't venture up that way.
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Verizon 4G
The Native Tourist would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet spot on the 525”
Reviewed 11/14/2019
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
Overall Rating
The campsite overall was quite nice. A variety of dispersed parking spots, with stone fire pits strewn about. The campers around were very quiet. There was toilet paper here and there at some of the sites, but generally the sites were clean. There was some noise from the 4x4s, as mentioned in other posts, but really just on the weekend... more
The campsite overall was quite nice. A variety of dispersed parking spots, with stone fire pits strewn about. The campers around were very quiet. There was toilet paper here and there at some of the sites, but generally the sites were clean. There was some noise from the 4x4s, as mentioned in other posts, but really just on the weekend, and I didn't mind it anyhow. If you want a quieter site, there are campsites available further back from the 525, where the 4x4 roll by.
On the road in, the 525, there are 2 routes (from the North, and from the South). The route Google Maps recommends (from the South) will take you down the main drag of Sedona, and onto the 525 for 5.5 miles of bumpy dirt road. Instead, I recommend the route from the North. That is, from the main drag of Sedona, take Dry Creed Rd. (It'll work if you set your GPS to navigate you to Bear Mtn Trailhead.) Then a few blocks past Bear Mtn, it becomes a dirt road, and you'll only have 2.2 miles of dirt road to get to Nolan Tank.
Granted, there were a dozen or more pullouts on the 525 between the highway and Nolan Tank, so if you just want your own little spot, you can find that south of Nolan Tank.
In general, this area was gorgeous. I went on some of the most amazing hikes of my life. Fay Canyon was lovely. I highly recommend continuing up into the canyon after the official trail ends. And yesterday we did Wilson Mountain, up to the Sedona Overlook. Astounding. Flabbergasted.
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T-Mobile 4G
Kriegs would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“ Among the rocks ”
Reviewed 10/27/2019
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
We made the 6 mile jaunt out to Nolan Tanks. I would definitely recommend coming in through Sedona instead. Still a bumpy drive but not as long. The noise of the ATVs didn’t bother us. There was a sign posted just after where we parked that said no more camping behind sign...such a shame because there are some nice, big open sites ther... more
We made the 6 mile jaunt out to Nolan Tanks. I would definitely recommend coming in through Sedona instead. Still a bumpy drive but not as long. The noise of the ATVs didn’t bother us. There was a sign posted just after where we parked that said no more camping behind sign...such a shame because there are some nice, big open sites there! I can’t honestly say if Nolan Tank is the best place to stay since it was the only place we stayed but the views were nice. Be prepared to have red dirt everywhere... especially if you have kids. Haha, still cleaning it up!
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Verizon 4G
wanderingwithfive would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
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- Dispersed Camping
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