Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

Area Status: Open

Photo of a typical campsite in the FR 237 Pumphouse Wash dispersed camping area

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].

Camping: Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	During the winter, roads leading into the area are closed to vehicles. Road closures.
Fees:	There is no fee for dispersed camping at undeveloped camping areas on the Coconino National Forest. There are no amenities at this camping area.
Open Season:	- Oct 12
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	Summer
Busiest Season:	Summer
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. Except for this designated dispersed camping area, the region bounded SR 89A, I-17, Kachina Village, and FR 237 is closed to camping and campfires. See Forest Order 04-15-04-R (PDF) for information and a map of this closure. See Forest Orders for other closures and restrictions.
Closest Towns:	Flagstaff, AZ
Water:	No water available.
Restroom:	No toilet facilities.
Operated By:	Flagstaff Ranger District 928-526-0866

General Information

General Notes:

Leave No Trace: Recognize your role in preserving wild lands by practicing these Leave No Trace principles:

Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts.
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.

Directions:

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

Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF):
- Mountainaire (350011137)
More Maps:
- USDA FSGeodata Clearinghouse: Arizona FSTopo Maps available for download in Geo-enabled PDF and GeoTIFF formats. Note: USGS 7.5 Minute (1:24K) Topo Maps and FSTopo Maps use the same title.
- USFS Store: Map Locator & Downloader purchase or download USGS topographic maps. Note: USGS 7.5 Minute (1:24K) Topo Maps and 1:24K FSTopo Maps use the same title.