Coconino National Forest — I-17 Stoneman Lake Road Dispersed Camp

Where Schnebly Hill Road dumps you onto I-17 and the Rim country opens up, the Stoneman Lake Road corridor (FR 213) offers well-established dispersed camping in tall ponderosa forest on the high plateau. Flat, shaded pull-offs are common along the forest road network here, sitting around 6,500 feet with real seasonal temperature relief compared to the desert floor. It’s a legitimate basecamp for running Schnebly Hill or exploring the rim-edge roads east of Sedona. No developed amenities — pack in water, pack out trash. Fire rings are sometimes present from past camps but always verify current fire restrictions with the Coconino National Forest before you strike a match.

Access off I-17 at Exit 306 (Stoneman Lake Road) puts you on gravel almost immediately. High-clearance 2WD handles the main road fine in dry conditions; side spurs get rougher. The area sees moderate use from Arizonans escaping the Valley heat, especially weekends in summer. Arrive Thursday or early Friday to claim a good flat in the pines. Snow is possible November through April at this elevation.

Ponderosa plateau basecamp near Schnebly's east end.