Best Tent Camping: Arizona. Kirstin Olmon Phillips

the inner basin you can also access the strenuous Abineau–Bear Jaw Loop hike, which is equally lovely but much less popular. Most of the trail system is in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, and mountain bikes are not permitted in the fragile alpine environment. Horses, dogs, and camping are also forbidden in the inner basin to protect the mountain aquifer.

      Outside the wilderness boundary, Flagstaff is a thriving community rich in natural and human history. Recreational options for all tastes and seasons include downhill and cross-country skiing at Snowbowl and the Arizona Nordic Village, plus plenty of mountain biking in the Coconino National Forest. Crawl through Lava River Cave for an intimate experience of volcanic geology, or stand on the doorstep of history at the ancient pueblos of Wupatki National Monument. Peer into the heavens during a star party at Lowell Observatory, originally built to map the illusory canals of Mars. Learn more about the wonders of the Colorado Plateau at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Or just sit back beneath the aspens in Lockett Meadow and take it easy.

       GETTING THERE

      From Flagstaff, take US 89 northeast about 12 miles. Turn left onto an unsigned road about 0.1 mile past the FOREST ACCESS sign that’s directly across from the SUNSET CRATER NATIONAL MONUMENT sign. Continue approximately 0.5 mile to the signed intersection, and turn right on FR 552. Follow the signs to the campground.

      GPS COORDINATES N35° 21.638' W111° 37.187'

       6

       Manzanita Campground

      Beauty Privacy Spaciousness Quiet Security Cleanliness

       KEY INFORMATION

      CONTACT: 928-203-7500, tinyurl.com/manzanitacampground; reservations: 877-444-6777, recreation.gov

      OPEN: Year-round

      SITES: 18

      EACH SITE HAS: Picnic table, fire ring

      ASSIGNMENT: First-come, first-served; reservations available for sites 9, 10, and 12–19 at least 2 days in advance

      REGISTRATION: With camp host, on-site, or online

      AMENITIES: Vault toilets, water spigots, campground host, firewood

      PARKING: At campsites

      FEE: $22/night; $10 online-reservation fee

      ELEVATION: 4,800'

       RESTRICTIONS:

      PETS: On leash only

      FIRES: In fire rings only

      ALCOHOL: Permitted

      VEHICLES: RVs or trailers prohibited; ATVs prohibited

      QUIET HOURS: 10 p.m.–6 a.m.

      OTHER: 7-day stay limit; firearms prohibited; radio prohibited; 8-person limit/site; loud generators prohibited; 1 vehicle/site; checkout 1 p.m.