The park has 29 full hookup, 34 electrical, 66 individual tent sites and two group tent areas, as well as 8 rustic yurts. Named for the Bonito Lava Flow which once covered this area 900 years ago, the Bonito Campground is just beyond the boundary of the Sunset Crater National Monument. Also nearby is Wupatki National Monument. Most applications require a minimum of 14 days to fully process. Permits are NOT generally required for: Visitors engaged in filming or photography intended for their personal use and enjoyment or engaged in filming or photography in an area open to the public. A National Forest Service campground, Bonito Campground is located in the Coconino National Forest on the Sunset Crater Volcano-Wupatki Scenic Drive Loop Road. Permits are also required for access to areas normally closed to the visiting public and night-time photography. The campground gets its name from the Bonito Lava Flow, which oozed out of the base of Sunset Crater Volcano nearly 900 years ago. 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. "Unpredictable" best describes the weather at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Bonito campground has 44 campsites and is located close to Sunset Crater National Monument in Northern Arizona. District Offices with Sunset Crater is an extinct volcano, while Meteor Crater is a meteorite impact site 40 miles southeast of Sunset Crater. Activities. Sunset Crater is the youngest in a string of volcanoes (the San Francisco volcanic field) that is related to the nearby San Francisco Peaks. Campground amenities include drinking water and flush toilets. Construction of that stone-age condominium began in about A. D. 1120. MAKE SURE YOUR SITE MEETS YOUR CAMPING NEEDS Meteor Crater is hands down the BEST, easy access on/off the interstate and access to Meteor Crater with discount tickets, a nice little gas station, the sites are shaded and spacious, the grounds are clean and well maintained, spotless bathrooms and laundry room, a great store and hostess. However, Bonito Campground, operated by the US Forest Service, is located across from the visitor center at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Office: (928) 527-3600 The mile-long interpretive trail loop at the base of Sunset Crater … Campground entrance is JUST BEFORE the entrance station of Sunset Crater … The monument is located just beyond the boundaries of the campground. The centerpiece of this area is a four story masterpiece of Native American stone masonry. While at Sunset Crater National Monument you can get by without a map in hand because there are maps posted at each of the hiking trails. The centerpiece of this area is a four story masterpiece of Native American stone masonry. In August 2016, we stayed in our Motorhome at Bonito Campground in Flagstaff, AZ. This medium-sized campground has 44 campsites with access to flush toilets and drinking water. Generally filming permits are required and are issued for photography, filming, and associated sound recording when they involve props and models, professional crews, and casts or set dressings. Fax: (928) 527-3620. View album on Flicker. This area of recent volcanic activity is so unique that much of it has been set aside as the Sunset Crater National Monument. Camping. Bonito Campground is named for the Bonito Lava Flow which oozed across this high desert plain some 900 years ago. You Can Walk Through A Lava Flow. Applications require a minimum of 14 days to fully process. Fascinating geology with lava and cinders everywhere under tall Ponderosa pines. Bonito Campground is named for the Bonito Lava Flow which oozed across this high desert plain some 900 years ago. Gated entry, private restrooms with showers, laundry, Club House, free WIFI, a Mobil gas station, country store, 2 dog parks and ADA accessible facilities. The crater is within the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Shopping in Flagstaff at mall/shopping center, about 10 miles. Between 1064 and 1180, Sunset Crater Volcano erupted. Exact dates vary depending on the year, so call if you plan on camping there in May or October. Bonito primitive campground at the Sunset Crater visitor center can accommodate rigs to 35 feet and – weather permitting – stays open through October. Visit our Permits Page for more information. When is it open? Sunset crater national monument is right there. Find a Free Campsite Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered. 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. The campground is open from the end of May to mid-October. Hover mouse over photo to display slideshow controls. Stretch your legs on the several short trails (each a mile or shorter) and explore this arid volcanic field. Elevation is 6,900 feet. The monument is located just beyond the boundaries of the campground. The entire campground is first-come, first-served with no reservations available. About Sunset Crater many get its name from the volcanic rim's brilliant red rocks, but there's more to explore see than just the volcano. Supervisor's Office, 1824 S. Thompson St. So, the location is great. 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, Map showing recreational areas. Turn east (right) on FR 545 (toward Sunset Crater) and drive 2 miles to Bonito Campground. Map Information. Road to Bonito campground and Sunset Crater – Bonito campground (CG) in the Coconino National Forest (NF) is east of Flagstaff, AZ, west of Sunset Crater Volcano and south of the Wupatki National Monument. Precipitation falls as snow in fall and winter and as rain in summer. Campground entrance is JUST BEFORE the entrance station of Sunset Crater National Monument. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Lodging: There is no lodging inside of the monument. Camping near Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Warm air hitting the Peaks is uplifted and cooled, forming clouds. Situated in one of the most scenic areas on the Oregon coast, Sunset Bay State Park features beautiful sandy beaches protected by towering sea cliffs. 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. Researchers may apply online through the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System. The rock formations from the lava flow are very sharp, and protrude in all directions. The landscape is hugely interesting. The park also contains unique geologic features like lava fields and cinder deposits. You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Sunset Crater Volcano NM--Bonito Campground Coconino County , Arizona , US — Get Directions All Months Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec All Years Last 10 Years Current Year Currently Viewing Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Camping. A special use permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large and requires written authorization and management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest. The facilities are good for a dry-site only campground. Located at 7000' (2333 m) elevation on the edge of the San Francisco Peaks, the monument is subject to abrupt weather changes. Location: 18 miles northeast of Flagstaff, near Sunset Crater/Wupatki National Monument. From Flagstaff it takes 30 min to get to Sunset Crater. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a small park, and a convenient detour, on your way to or from Grand Canyon National Park. There is no direct access between FR 776 and FR 545 (Sunset Crater-Wupatki Scenic Loop Drive). Use the free Motor Vehicle Use Map, which shows where motorized vehicle travel is legally permitted. This campground is generally open from late May through mid-October. The Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Road jogs off Hwy 89, loops past Sunset Crater and Wupatki national monuments, and reconnects with Hwy 89 about 18 miles north of the original junction. We have stayed in 7 different RV parks along I-40, Oklahoma to California. Access: Drive 12 miles northeast of Flagstaff on US 89. Travelers' Choice Meteor Crater's RV Park offers 71 "big-rig friendly" ALL pull-through RV spaces, 3 tent sites and 2 dry camping sites. 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. All roads and spurs are paved. The directions are to take U.S. 89 north for 12 miles (19km), turn right on the Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles (3km) to the visitor center at 6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff AZ, 86004. Turn east (right) on FR 545 (toward Sunset Crater) and drive 2 miles to Bonito Campground. Birds. Also nearby is Wupatki National Monument. Each of these activities requires a special use permit that must be acquired in advance. All sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations). Climate. Camping is not permitted within the monument, however Bonito Campground is located across from the Sunset Crater National Monument visitor center, and is … The one-mile wide, 550 foot-deep crater is about 50,000 years old (once again, young by geologic standards) and is the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. The campsites are located in a stand of ponderosa pines struggling to establish a foothold in this hostile environment. Hotels, Lodging & Camping There is plenty of lodging, including hotels, motels and RV parks, available in the nearby Flagstaff area. Turn east (right) on FR 545 (toward Sunset Crater) and drive 2 miles to Bonito Campground Campground at a Glance Nearby Attractions and Activities: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument was established by President Herbert Hoover on May 26, 1930, to protect Sunset Crater and the surrounding geologic formations. super campground for visitors of Sunset Crater NM This campground is so close to sunset crater that one of the hikes into the NM starts at the campground. If you are looking to stay nearby, then the best bet is to stay in nearby Flagstaff. At one time it contained as many as 100 rooms and housed as many as 125 people. Getting there:From the train station in Flagstaff, AZ, take Rte 66 east through town unti… Permits are issued to ensure the protection of resources and to prevent significant disruption of normal visitor uses. As you can see on the map of Sunset Crater National Monument (below) all the hiking trailheads are close together, there is only one road through the park, and the campground is across from the visitor center. Examples include: organized group events, weddings, athletic events, First Amendment activities and special assemblies. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=55072&actid=29, Concessionaire - Contact Flagstaff Ranger District - 928-526-0866, 44 single unit sites with tables, fire rings and cooking grills, paved roads and spurs, One Accessible Campsite, Barrier Free Toilet, Tents, motor homes and trailers under 42' are permitted. The mountains are mainly jet black ash, with regions of rust red and a tree here or there. Animals. Special Use Permits are required for all commercial filming, special gatherings such as weddings, and any back country access. Head to the visitor center down the road to learn more about the volcanic history of the region. Access to the Cinder Hills OHV area is through the junction of FR 776 and Highway 89. Camping There is no camping in the monument. If after reading the information from the above links you have questions or not sure a permit is needed, please contact the Special Use Permits Coordinator at nicholas_a_poulos@nps.gov. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs (up to 32 feet), and are set in beautiful Ponderosa forest. Maximum vehicle size is 35 feet, no hook-ups. This area of recent volcanic activity is so unique that much of it has been set aside as the Sunset Crater National Monument. addresses & phones, Coconino Nat'l Forest Commercial Filming / Still Photography Permits. The campground is located across from the Visitor Center and is generally open from late May through mid-October. The Bonito Campground is just outside the entrance to the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, off a paved road. Both Sunset Crater and Wupatki have visitor centers and feature self-guided as well as interpreter guided tours. Off-road travel between FR 545 and FR 776 is prohibited. 78 reviews of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument "My National Parks pass pays for itself here. Accessibility. And soon it will be too cold for that excursion. Enjoy your winter. Features so unique that NASA astronauts once used this area to … I know you could have arrived at your winter campground two days earlier, but look at what you would have missed. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Camping: Camping is not allowed in the monument, but right across from the visitor center is the Bonito Campground. 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