Fernow Cabin

Star4.62
39 reviews
5075 N. HWY 89, FLAGSTAFF, AZ, 86004, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,656 ft

Price

$75 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 15 - Novemb...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Fernow Cabin
$75.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates are $75 per night between April 9 and May 15, and October 16 through November 13. Peak season rates are $125 per night between May 16 and...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-526-0866
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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 39 reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

dusty

"Fernow Cabin is highly regarded for its secluded location, rustic charm, and well-maintained facilities. Most reviews praise its cleanliness, privacy, and suitability for outdoor activities. However, some mention issues with the wood stove and vehicular road conditions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5075 N. HWY 89, FLAGSTAFF, AZ, 86004, USA

Fernow Cabin

5075 N. HWY 89, FLAGSTAFF, AZ, 86004, USA

Driving directionsFernow Cabin is located approximately 22 miles south of Flagstaff on Forest Road 231. From Phoenix, travel north on Interstate 17 to the junction with Interstate 40 in Flagstaff. Go west on Interstate 40. Turn right at the Flagstaff Ranch Road exit and continue to the stop sign. Turn right onto historic U.S. Route 66. Turn right at the Woody Mountain Campground, onto Forest Road 231 (Woody Mountain Road) and continue for 21 miles. At Forest Road 231A, continue along Forest Road 231 for less than a mile, taking the second right, onto Forest Road 231E/Fernow Draw. The cabin is a quarter-mile further on Forest Road 231E. During heavy rainfall, roads may become difficult to navigate.
All roads are suitable for passenger vehicles, but caution is required for the last mile. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, as roads are not always maintained after weather events.
Nearby places
Flagstaff (22 miles south), Sedona (approx. 34 miles), Grand Canyon National Park (approx. 2-hour drive northwest).
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies can be found in Flagstaff, AZ, including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Fernow Cabin

Experience nature's daily drama as warm sunshine filters through the forest canopy by day, giving way to refreshingly cool mountain evenings perfect for stargazing. From mid-June through mid-September, spectacular afternoon thunderstorms roll across the highlands, filling the air with the scent of rain-soaked pine and painting dramatic skies. Fall and winter transform the landscape into a crisp wonderland where crystal-clear air reveals endless blue skies and distant mountain vistas that take your breath away.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 10% in AZ

Summer is popular: warm days, outdoor activities, peak season May 16–Oct 15.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall within open season; scenic rim/forest setting and cooler evenings make fall appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers and pleasant weather but site opens mid-May, limiting spring window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Cabin is reservable May 15–Nov 12; winter stays outside official season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 through October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15 - November 12 (reservable period).

About Fernow Cabin

Escape to Fernow Cabin, where the whispers of tall pines and the legacy of forest guardians create an unforgettable wilderness experience in central Arizona's highlands. This historic U.S. Forest Service guard station has been transformed into a rustic mountain retreat that welcomes up to eight adventurers seeking refuge from the everyday world. Surrounded by miles of pristine forest, the cabin serves as your private basecamp for exploring endless trails on foot or mountain bike, with nothing but birdsong and wind through the pines to interrupt your thoughts.
Fernow Cabin offers cabin accommodations suitable for groups of up to eight people. The setting provides a blend of rustic charm and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time varies but typically aligns with standard check-in policies. Visitors should confirm prior to arrival.
Check-out
Check-out time varies but typically aligns with standard check-out policies. Visitors should confirm prior to arrival.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 5 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

Fernow Cabin serves as a hub for outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Its proximity to Sycamore Canyon and Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness areas offers various recreational opportunities.
HikingNumerous trails are available nearby, including routes through Sycamore Canyon and Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness. Hikers are advised to remain on designated trails.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity, with trails available in the vicinity. A reviewer mentioned using the cabin as a 'base camp for exploring the area on our mountain bikes.'
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently mention the abundance of wildlife and opportunities to connect with nature. One reviewer stated, 'Plenty of hiking, exploring on back roads and lots of wildlife to see.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSmoke leakage from the furnace stack has been reported in user reviews. Roads may be difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Fernow Cabin

Reviews

4.6
39 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Fernow Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Fernow Cabin is highly regarded for its secluded location, rustic charm, and well-maintained facilities. Most reviews praise its cleanliness, privacy, and suitability for outdoor activities. However, some mention issues with the wood stove and vehicular road conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the cabin's clean facilities, 'spectacular' forest setting, and the availability of basic amenities such as firewood. Many reviewers describe their stays as 'relaxing' and 'amazing.'
Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

The primary complaint is smoke leaking into the cabin from the wood stove, as mentioned by a reviewer who stated, 'the stack for the furnace leaks smoke INTO the cabin.' Additionally, rugged road...
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Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own linens, towels, flashlights, and additional firewood. A reviewer recommends hiking back roads for solitude and advises securing food in plastic tubs to avoid attracting rodents.
Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer stays are popular due to warm weather and outdoor activities, while winter visits offer a unique experience with crisp air and scenic views. Thunderstorms are common from mid-June through...
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Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely amazing experience!' - Joshua K. 2. 'Loved Fernow Cabin. It’s a comfy retired forestry cabin located on a gated forest service road so there is lots of privacy.' - Kaylin Schwiesow 3....
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Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001, Loop: FERNOW is consistently praised for its seclusion, well-maintained amenities, and rustic charm.
Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is enhanced by the ramp to the front porch, as noted in official sources.
Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many reviewers enjoyed bringing their dogs. One stated, 'Absolutely no cell service, just beautiful views and some cool hiking trails nearby. We took our dogs and they had a...
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Based on 39 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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