Bonito Campground

Area Status: Open

Bonito Campground is named for the Bonito Lava Flow which oozed across this high desert plain some 900 years ago. That river of liquid rock, now frozen forever, is just one of the many remnants of volcanic activity which lend an otherwordly appearance to this starkly beautiful place. Though the cinder cones, lava squeeze-ups, lava caves, and petrified rock bubbles that dot the landscape became inactive over a century ago, they all look as if they could have been spurting and spouting just yesterday. This area of recent volcanic activity is so unique that much of it has been set aside as the Sunset Crater National Monument. The monument is located just beyond the boundaries of the campground.

Also nearby is Wupatki National Monument. The centerpiece of this area is a four story masterpiece of Native American stone masonry. Construction of that stone-age condominium began in about A. D. 1120. At one time it contained as many as 100 rooms and housed as many as 125 people. Both Sunset Crater and Wupatki have visitor centers and feature self-guided as well as interpreter guided tours.

The campsites are located in a stand of ponderosa pines struggling to establish a foothold in this hostile environment. All roads and spurs are paved.

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At a Glance

Reservations:	Reservations available at Recreation.gov.
Fees:	Camping: $30 per night, up to eight people with one vehicle. 22 sites are reservable/21 sites are first come-first serve. Second vehicle per night: $8 additional. Picnic/day use (10 a.m to 4 p.m.): $8 up to 5 people. Senior and Access Interagency passes are accepted for a 50% discount on single-site camping fees. Other Interagency passes are not accepted.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (running generators not permitted during quiet hours)
Closest Towns:	Flagstaff, AZ
Water:	Drinking Water
Restroom:	Flush Toilets, one accessible
Operated By:	Concessionaire - Contact Flagstaff Ranger District - 928-526-0866

General Information

Directions:

Location: 18 miles northeast of Flagstaff, near Sunset Crater/Wupatki National Monument. Elevation is 6,900 feet.

GPS (Map): 35°22'13.5"N 111°32'37.0"W

Access: Drive 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.

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General Notes:

Attractions: Camping, volcanoes, lava flows, cultural resources, interpretive programs, hiking, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, fall colors

Facilities: 44 single unit sites with tables, fire rings and cooking grills, paved roads and spurs, campfire program auditorium, drinking water, toilets (flush type), One Accessible Campsite, Barrier Free Toilets, Two Educational sites

No Reservations. No Group sites. (See "O'Leary Group Camp" nearby).
Tents, motor homes and trailers under 42' are permitted
No utility hookups.
Pets must always be restrained or on a leash.
No horses allowed in the campground.
Only "street-legal" motorbikes/atvs may be used for entering or leaving campsite.
14 day stay limit.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

No. of Sites	44 single unit sites with tables, fire rings and cooking grills, paved roads and spurs
Reservation Info	Not reservable
No. of Accessible sites	One Accessible Campsite, Barrier Free Toilet