Best Camping In Sedona

Sedona in Arizona draws many visitors every year. The surrounding area is perfect hiking and camping, and there are lots of excellent campgrounds to choose from.

We have put together this list of the best ones to help you decide where to stay. Keep reading to find out more.

1. Manzanita Campground

This campground is the closest one to Sedona which makes it a popular choice for people who want to explore the area. It is located in Oak Creek Canyon off Highway 89A.

There are some excellent spots for fishing along the creek, and it is a great place to go swimming. The setting of the campground is scenic and beautiful, and there is plenty of wildlife to spot when you go hiking. The tall trees keep the campground well shaded which is ideal in the summer months.

This campground is open all year round and is for tents only. This means that you don’t get any generator noise from RVs. However, it is quite close to the Highway so you may get some traffic noise.

The popularity of the campground can make it difficult to get a site, especially on weekends – there are only 19 sites on the campground.

You might be better off planning a weekday trip and reserving a space. Each site can hold up to 8 people. You can stay for a maximum of 7 days and spaces can be reserved up to a year in advance.

The campground is just across the road from the Sterling Pass Trail which takes you up Sterling Canyon to Sterling Pass – a much loved hiking route in the area. It’s also very close to Slide Rock State Park, a great place to explore.

2. Cave Springs Campground

Cave Springs campground is also found in Oak Creek Canyon, but further from the highway and deeper into the forest. This makes it more secluded and peaceful.

It is in the Coconino National Forest near Sedona, a perfect place for hiking along the creek or up the slopes of the canyon. There are 84 sites, some of them right on the edge of the creek.

The is a popular campground with fishing enthusiasts as the creek offers a chance to catch various species including trout. It is also a good place for birdwatching.

The campground is surrounded by Ponderosa pines and many species of bird make their home in the forest. As well as being able to explore the forest, from this campground you can also head into the town of Sedona or take a look at Slide Rock State Park.

The 84 campsites on this campground are suitable for tents or RVs up to 36 feet long, and there is an additional tent only site. Each site has its own picnic table and campfire ring along with a cooking grill.

The campground has restrooms, coin operated showers and access to drinking water. There are no electrical hookups, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

This is a seasonal campground open from April through to October. April is first come first serve, and the other months can be reserved up to 6 months in advance.

3. Rancho Sedona RV Park

If you want a campground that is close to town and you have an RV, this could be the ideal option for you. It is for RVs only – no tents are allowed.

There are sites with full hookups or partial hookups, and spaces can be reserved online or you can make a reservation over the phone.

This is also a pet friendly campground, so you can bring your dog with you on your adventure – please see the website for the rules surrounding pets.

This campground is walking distance from Sedona and the great attractions there like shops, restaurants and art galleries.

The campground is also right on Oak Creek, so you can enjoy fishing and swimming, or hiking in the surrounding area. A lot of people also bring their bikes so they can explore the area that way instead.

You can also book onto a jeep tour if you want to experience something a little different, or have a relaxing day of golf on the nearby course.

This campground has excellent facilities including free wifi, digital cable, laundry, restrooms, trash and recycling, and recreational areas like fields and a volleyball court.

There is also a pet run where dogs can be let off the leash. If you want to stay on this campground you should reserve a space in advance, as they can book up quickly.

Prices are charged per night and they also offer monthly sites, ideal for retired couples who want to have a summer getaway.

4. Pine Flat Campground

Pine Flat campground is considered to be the most scenic of the campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon. It is nestled in the Coconino National Forest, surrounded by tall pine trees which makes it nicely shaded.

The creek runs along the back of the campground and you can catch views of Orange Cliff from between the trees. Whether you want to go fishing, hiking, swimming or birdwatching, you will enjoy your time on this beautiful campground.

Sedona is a short drive away with its trademark red rocks and a great variety of restaurants and shops. Alternatively, you can explore the forest or check out one of the nearby state parks.

This campground is a natural spring, with taps that allow guests to access the water. There are also coin operated showers, and there are plenty of picnic tables dotted around the campground for outdoor dining.

This campground is suitable for tents or RVs. There are no hookups, but generators can be run outside of the quiet hours (10pm to 6am). You can bring dogs as long as they are kept on a leash.

There is a 7 limit stay, and 18 out of the 56 campsites are reservable. The rest are first come first serve. This campground is further away from Sedona than Manzanita or Cave Springs, but it is still very busy, so it is a good idea to try and reserve a space.

5. Dead Horse Ranch State Park

This state park is South of Sedona in Cottonwood, but is still close enough to drive to Sedona for a day trip. It has a large campground with 100 sites split over 4 different areas.

It is suitable for tents, RVs, trailers, and also has camping cabins available to rent. There are some sites with electrical hookups, and one of the areas is non-electrical and for tents only.

The use of generators is not permitted in any of the areas. The campground has free showers and toilets for guests to use. These campsites fill up quickly and need to be reserved ahead of time.

You can do this online or over the phone. This is a year round park, and it is a lot quieter in Fall and Winter.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park benefits from 20 miles of trails that you can explore on a bike, on horseback, or by hiking. Amongst these trails are some excellent loops and some lovely wildlife walks that will bring you closer to nature.

There are other state parks worth exploring that are within driving distance, and you can visit the historic town of Cottonwood. Visitors also like to check out the Tuzigoot National Monument which dates back to AD.1000.

6. Chavez Crossing Group Campground

If you want to be close to Sedona but still able to enjoy some peace and quiet, this is a great solution.

The campground is nestled between golf courses and large homes with ample grounds on the outskirts of Sedona.

It is close to the town but still immerses you in nature, as you can enjoy a swim in the creek or some fishing. This campground has a lovely swimming hole for enjoying the cool water. This is a year round campground that is suitable for RVs, tents or trailers, but there are no hookups.

This campground is best for group bookings. There are three separate sites that can accommodate groups of 10 or more, the largest holding up to 50 people. You can book one area, or book all three for large groups of up to 110.

It is a great area for hiking, with the start of the Raven Caves Trail in walking distance. You can also take a short drive to the Broken Arrow Trail or Cathedral Rock Trail.

Dispersed Camping

There are lots of areas around Sedona where dispersed camping is allowed – off-road areas of desert where you can camp for free.

This is a great option if you want seclusion and privacy, but there will be no facilities like running water or toilets. This is best for people who prefer wild camping or those who have an RV with a power source.

Summary

Whether you want a luxurious RV campground or a simple tent only campground, there is something for everyone on this list.