Bonito Campground

Bonito Campground in located about 12 miles from Flagstaff northeast of San Francisco Peaks, Arizona's highest mountain range. Expect great views of this land where ancient civilizations once lived. It is the ideal camping spot if you plan visiting nearby Wupatki National Monument or Sunset Crater National Monument which is located just outside the campground boundaries.

Wupatki features a four-story pueblo ancient dwelling built in about 1120 by prehistoric Native Americans. This well-preserved Indian Ruin once had about 100 rooms and likely housed 125 inhabitants. Both Wupatki and Sunset Crater features self-guided and ranger guided tours.

The Bonito Campground is named after the Bonito Lava Flow that took place here over 900 years ago. What was once an ancient oozing river of hot, molten lava rock is now frozen in time. Although now cooled and solidified, these cinder cones, petrified rock bubbles and lava caves have the appearance of just happening.

About Bonito Campground

The campgrounds have 44 individual camping sites that include tables, fire rings and cooking grills. There is an amphitheater in the campgrounds that serves as a ranger presentation area about the area's history. There are two educational sites, drinking water and flush-type toilets with one accessible. There is but one Accessible Campsite.

These campsites fill up quickly during the summer season, so get there early to claim your camping site. There are friendly hosts at the campgrounds during the open season which is generally early May through September. The campground is available for day use with limited hours and reduced fee. Camping fees apply. Call the Flagstaff Ranger Station at (928) 526-0866 to confirm current fees.

• No Reservations. No Group sites.
• 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/atv's may be used for entering or leaving campsite.
• 14 day stay limit.

Directions and Distance

Drive 12 miles northeast of Flagstaff AZ on US 89. Turn east (right) on FR 545 (toward Sunset Crater) and drive 2 miles to the entrance of Bonito Campground. All roads and spurs are paved.

GPS: N35° 22’ 9.372”, W-111° 32’ 26.2674”

Map To Bonito Campground

More Information

Confirm open season, current fees and questions. See our Flagstaff Weather and Climate Chart of average monthly temperatures and rainfall with annual snowfall.

Flagstaff Ranger District
5075 North Highway 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(928) 526-0866

Return to List of Flagstaff Area Campgrounds.