Bonito Campground

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.

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

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

Access: Drive 12 miles northeast of Flagstaff on US 89. Turn east (right) on FR 545 and drive 2 miles to Bonito Campground.

Season: May 1 through October 12, 2009

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

Fees: $18.00 per night, up to eight people with one vehicle. Second vehicle per night: $9.00 additional. This campground is available for Picnic/day use (10 a.m to 4 p.m.) for a fee of $9.00 up to 5 people.

Notes:

• 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/atv's may be used for entering or leaving campsite.
• 14 day stay limit.

For more information contact:
Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, (928) 526-0866

Related Links

Group camping nearby:

O'Leary Group Camp

Other Single-Family Unit Campgrounds Nearby:

Lockett Meadow

Little Eldon Spring Horse Camp

Peaks District Recreation Page