Bonito Campground (Az)
4.70137 reviewsBONITO CAMPGROUND, FR 545, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86001
Bonito Campground (Az)
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nightly rate for standard nonelectric campsites is $34 during peak seasons. Additional fees include $10 per night for a second vehicle and a $10 fee for firewood bundles or $5 for ice bags.
About this campground
Nestled among towering Ponderosa pines just 18 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Bonito Campground invites you to camp on the edge of ancient volcanic history. With 44 thoughtfully spaced sites—half available by reservation and half welcoming spontaneous adventurers—this peaceful retreat takes its name from the dramatic Bonito Lava Flow that shapes the surrounding landscape. Here, where pine-scented air mingles with the whispers of geological time, you'll discover a gateway to some of Arizona's most remarkable monuments while enjoying pristine dark skies perfect for constellation hunting and quiet mornings filled with birdsong.
Bonito Campground caters to both tent and RV campers with its mix of reservable and first-come-first-served sites. It does not offer group camping, cabin lodging, or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Bonito places you at the crossroads of ancient civilizations and volcanic forces that shaped northern Arizona. Just minutes away, Sunset Crater National Monument preserves the aftermath of eruptions that local Indigenous peoples witnessed firsthand, while Wupatki National Monument protects remarkable masonry dwellings that have stood since 1120 A.D. These neighboring treasures, along with nearby Walnut Canyon National Monument, weave together a thousand-year story of human resilience and adaptation in this dramatic landscape—all within easy reach of your campsite.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-country climate at Bonito delivers the best of Arizona's mountain weather, where summer days warm your adventures while evenings cool to sweater-perfect temperatures. As one autumn visitor shared, 'We were here at the end of September, mild days with cool nights'—a sentiment that captures the campground's reliable comfort. While the region stays predominantly dry, winter occasionally dusts the volcanic landscape with snow, transforming the dark lava fields into a striking monochrome masterpiece that few visitors get to witness.
ElevationPerched at 6,900 feet above sea level, Bonito Campground offers a refreshing escape into Arizona's cooler climes, where the thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and promises spectacular vistas. This elevation gifts campers with naturally air-conditioned summers and crystalline night skies, though newcomers to the altitude should take it easy their first day as their bodies adjust to the thinner atmosphere. The reward? Breathtaking views across volcanic fields and forest that seem to stretch endlessly under the vast Arizona sky.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a cathedral of Ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the morning sun while volcanic sand crunches softly beneath your feet. Bonito's landscape tells a dramatic story written in black lava rock and evergreen forest, where ancient ravines carve through hillsides and create natural amphitheaters of stone. This is camping at the intersection of forest and fire, where every trail leads to another glimpse of nature's raw creative power—from delicate wildflowers pushing through volcanic gravel to hawks circling above the rugged terrain.
Geological RegionBonito Campground sits atop one of North America's most fascinating geological stories, where 900-year-old lava flows create a moonscape dotted with resilient Ponderosa pines. This high desert wonderland emerged from volcanic eruptions that local inhabitants witnessed, leaving behind the Bonito Lava Flow—a river of frozen stone that gives the campground its name. The surrounding terrain reads like a textbook of volcanic activity, with cinder cones, lava tubes, and ash fields creating a landscape so otherworldly that NASA once trained astronauts here. Yet life persists magnificently, with pine forests reclaiming the harsh volcanic soil and creating the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has one ADA-accessible site and accessible paths to some facilities, such as the amphitheater. A user noted, "the washrooms are very clean & have flush toilets and sinks for hand-washing, plus each includes a handicap-accessible stall."
Sites SizeThe sites at Bonito Campground are spacious enough to accommodate various setups, including larger RVs. For instance, site #40 was described as "long enough for our 34 ft 5th wheel and truck."
Sites PrivacySites are well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy. One user mentioned, "Sites are spacious and offer plenty of privacy," while another noted, "Sites are spacious, clean, and well placed."
Total Campsites44 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOdd-numbered sites are on the campground's outer edge. Site recommendations include reservable sites like #40, #28, and #33 for larger rigs and privacy.
Best CampsitesSite #7 has good sun exposure for solar panels and is fairly level. Other reviewers praised site #22 for its spaciousness and site #40 for accommodating large RVs.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM local time.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum two tents per site or one trailer/motorhome.
Groups
There is no specific mention of group camping accommodations.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into a loop with paved roads and spurs. Sites 1-22 are first-come-first-served, while the remaining sites are reservable.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 2 to October 12 for reservations; closed during the off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or by phone.
Walk-in Availability22 of the 44 campsites are designated as first-come-first-served. Fill patterns suggest weekends and holidays may require early arrival to secure a site.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (after midnight 1 day before check-in) incur an additional penalty of forfeiting the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bonito Campground is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing. It is located near unique geological and cultural sites, including Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments.
Hiking
Hiking is a popular activity at Bonito Campground. Trails such as the Lava Flow Trail and paths leading to Sunset Crater provide varying levels of difficulty. A user noted, "We did a 5-mile hike leaving right from the campground on the lava flow edge trail."Biking
Biking opportunities exist, with some users mentioning the scenic roads and trails nearby.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, with pronghorns and other species sighted in the vicinity. A user stated, "Saw some pronghorn in the open field just before the campground."Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground offers ranger programs and educational talks at its amphitheater. A user highlighted, "We were lucky enough to be there on the night the park ranger gave a presentation on the raven... very cool."Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned for the campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned as activities at or near the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed unless restricted due to fire danger. Firewood is available for sale on-site.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, volcanic terrain, and fire restrictions during dry periods.
Active alertsSome reviews note damage from recent fires and flooding, though facilities remain usable.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Heavy rain
Precipitation: 11.4%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (11.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Heavy rain
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Flagstaff Medical Center (approximately 18 miles away); Coconino National Forest Ranger Station (12 miles away); Flagstaff Police Department (18 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2 to October 12 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present, and the campground is kept clean. Recycling availability is not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo natural water bodies within immediate proximity; potable water is available near restroom facilities.
Common complaintsComplaints include limited cell service, lack of showers, and occasional host behavior issues.
HostCampground hosts are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. "The hosts were wonderful, they were kind and very helpful," stated one reviewer.
Campground Map
BONITO CAMPGROUND, FR 545, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86001
Driving directionsDrive 12 miles northeast of Flagstaff on US 89. Turn east (right) on FR 545 (toward Sunset Crater) and drive 2 miles to Bonito Campground. Campground entrance is just before the entrance station of Sunset Crater National Monument.
The campground is accessible via FR 545, a paved road leading to the Sunset Crater entrance. Roads within the campground are also paved, ensuring easy navigation for vehicles of varying sizes. However, no utility hookups are available.Nearby places
Flagstaff (18 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Sedona (50 miles, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)
Grand Canyon Village (80 miles, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies in Flagstaff (18 miles)
firewood ($10 per bundle) and ice ($5 per bag) available on-site at the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.7
137 reviews
Bonito Campground (Az) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize Bonito Campground's cleanliness, serene environment, and proximity to the Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments. The campground hosts frequently receive high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor.
Review Summaries
Based on 137 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean facilities, spacious sites, well-maintained grounds, and helpful camp hosts. Many users appreciate the peaceful setting and proximity to attractions.
Based on 137 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of showers, poor cell service, and occasional rude behavior from specific hosts. Some users also mentioned difficulty leveling RVs at certain sites.
Based on 137 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing sufficient water containers due to limited water availability, arriving early for first-come-first-served sites, and being prepared for dry camping with no hookups.
Based on 137 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are particularly busy, and some users noted challenges with fire restrictions during this period. Spring and fall are praised for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Based on 137 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The campground is located next to two wonderful national monuments; sites are well spaced with clean bathrooms with flush toilets." "The campsites were in fantastic condition and the hosts were the...
Based on 137 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #40: "Long enough for our 34 ft 5th wheel and truck." Site #7: "Fairly level as well. Perfect for solar needs." Site #22: "First-come-first-served, barely fit our rig with our Jeep."
Based on 137 reviewsAccessibility Features
One ADA-accessible site is available, and paths to key amenities like the amphitheater are accessible. Users report clean, accessible restrooms.
Based on 137 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be restrained or leashed at all times. Users appreciate the pet-friendly policy.
Based on 137 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025