Camping in Sedona has so much to offer: breathtaking scenery, spacious sites, tremendous recreational activities, and a whole lot more. If you’re looking to experience the best of Arizona’s outdoors, there’s no better way than at Sedona campgrounds. Whether you’re looking for barebone basics or luxury facilities, you can find it all within a short drive from downtown.
Keep reading to discover the best campgrounds, Sedona RV parks, and free dispersed camping in Sedona to make the most of your time in Arizona.
Best Sedona Campgrounds
When it comes to camping in Sedona and Sedona campgrounds in general, there’s a lot to choose from. While most of the best camping is around Oak Creek Canyon, there are a few other spots that are worth considering if you hope to escape the crowds and bustle of the city.
These spots typically see quite a few campers, especially during weekends and summer months, and it’s easy to understand why. Combining stunning scenery and basic facilities, they have everything you need for a memorable camping trip.
1. Cave Springs Campground
Oak Creek Canyon camping is best at Cave Springs, a charming forested area with basic facilities and lots to do. There are many hiking trails to explore and lots of room for swimming in the creek. Bring along your fishing rod and binoculars to enjoy the wildlife while camping in Sedona.
Cave Springs is one of the larger Sedona campgrounds with 84 sites, complete with picnic tables and fire pits. Since it’s in the forest, there’s plenty of shade from the ponderosa pines and cool spots next to the creek as well. The area also boasts long drop toilets and token-operated showers, making it an attractive option for a week-long getaway.
Note that Cave Springs gets extremely busy during the weekends, so if you have the option, camp here during the week instead. It can accommodate tents, RVs, and large vehicles, up to 36 feet.
2. Manzanita Campground
When it comes to Oak Creek Canyon camping, it’s hard to beat the Manzanita Campground. Featuring idyllic campsites lining the creek, this scenic spot is a great place to spend a few nights. There are plenty of nearby hiking trails, lots of great fishing, and one of the most famous swimming holes in all of Arizona. It’s a good reason why this place is always hopping in the summertime!
Each campsite has its own picnic table, fire pit, and grill, so you can fry up your daily catch for dinner. Though it’s important to note that Manzanita is a tent-only campground, so if you’re looking for camping in Sedona with an RV or oversized vehicle, you’ll have to choose another place.
3. Pine Flat Campground West
Another stunning Oak Creek Canyon camping option, Pine Flat Campground is a stunning site among the towering ponderosa pines. It’s camping in Sedona at its best: there’s a creek for swimming and fishing, interesting bird watching, hiking trails galore, and of course, everything you need for a comfortable time in the woods.
Pine Flat is a medium-sized campground (59 sites), accommodating both tents and vehicles up to 36 feet. Visit during the week to beat the crowds, and spend your days swimming in the creek, trekking to enjoy the scenery, and cooking fresh trout over the campfire.
There are no showers, but this Sedona campground does have vault toilets and drinking water.
4. Canyon Vista Campground
Camping in Sedona extends beyond only Oak Creek. This glorious spot is close to Walnut Canyon and has sprawling mountain vistas and diverse vegetation. There are only 14 sites, and reservations are not available, so it’s worth arriving early on a weekday to secure a spot. Here you’ll find drinking water and vault toilets, but no showers.
Canyon Vista is an epic place to stay if you’re camping in Sedona for hiking. Both the Sandys Canyon Trail and Vista Loop Trail begin from the campground, with nearby rock climbing and craggy boulders to make use of. The Arizona Trail isn’t far either, and dogs are welcome on a leash.
Feel free to bring your big rigs or trailers, as this is one of the few Sedona campgrounds for vehicles up to 40 feet.
5. Chavez Crossing Group Campground
Looking for Sedona camping with a group? The Chavez Crossing Group Campground should be your first port of call, with three large sites that can accommodate up to 50 people (with small vehicles and RVs). If you’re a group larger than 50, you can rent out the entire Chavez Crossing and have the place to yourselves.
Unlike most camping in Sedona, Chavez Crossing has a 7-day limit, though that may be all you need when you’re with a group of more than 10. The campground has drinking water and vault toilets, and there are lots of restaurants and even a golf course nearby.
When you’re hanging around camp, your group will be treated to splendid sunsets, gorgeous sycamore trees, and Red Rocks, only a short drive away.
Best Sedona RV Parks
Looking for the best Sedona RV camping? These Sedona RV parks are awesome options for larger vehicles and more involved facilities.
6. Rancho Sedona RV Park
Open year-round, the ever-tranquil Rancho Sedona RV Park is a glorious place to park up and chill out if you’re looking for camping in Sedona. It’s designed for RVs only (no tent camping) and allows you to sleep under the sycamore trees. It’s right in the middle of the city, making it one of the closest Sedona campgrounds to downtown – wander over to dinner or explore the city, all within walking distance.
Since it’s along Oak Creek, there’s plenty of swimming and fishing in the summer, with trails to explore close by. The facilities include sites with full or partial hookups, laundry, recreation areas, and even WiFi if you need to get online.
If you’ll be in Sedona for a while, Rancho also offers monthly deals, so lock in your spot for a discount if you plan on sticking around!
7. Rio Verde RV Park
One of the best Sedona RV parks is Rio Verde, a hop and a skip away from Cottonwood. This charming park has a communal feel, with lots of space to spread out and soak in great Arizona outdoors. The sites are a decent size and include full hookups for all of your RV needs.
Since Rio Verde is a pet-friendly Sedona RV park, feel free to bring your furry friends along. You’ll also have access to hiking trails and swimming nearby to keep everyone in tip-top shape during your stay. This spot also has all of the necessary amenities for comfort like restrooms, laundry, and even limited WiFi.
Overall, it’s a scenic spot to enjoy if you’re looking for somewhere dependable and safe for Sedona RV camping.
8. Verde Ranch RV Resort
If you’re hoping to chill out and relax for a while, Verde Ranch is a choice destination for Sedona RV camping. When it comes to Sedona RV parks, this is one of the largest, with a whopping 389 sites, complete with full hookups.
There are lots of places to choose from, whether you’d rather be in the shade or somewhere more secluded near the river. Whatever you choose, you’ll be treated to impeccable service and world-class amenities, like a pool, hot tubs, sports courts, a fitness center, and so much more. Since the property is rather large, make a true vacation out of it and rent a golf cart to cruise between your site and the clubhouse or laundry room. There’s also a dog park if you’re bringing Fido along for the ride.
Since you’ll find it nearly impossible to leave once you see all that’s on offer, Verde Ranch also provides monthly rates for long-term guests.
Dispersed Camping in Sedona
If you’re ready to get off of the grid for a while, these are the best places for dispersed camping in Sedona – aka free camping on public land. Though it comes without the cost of pricey campgrounds, dispersed camping is normally in the middle of nowhere, without facilities, so it’s important to remember to bring plenty of supplies (especially water) and follow leave no trace principles.
9. Coconino National Forest
The good news is that most of Coconino National Forest is open to dispersed camping in Sedona (well, near Sedona). The bad news is it tends to be quite crowded. That said, this area is very scenic to park up for a few nights to enjoy the plethora of trails on offer and some of the best of Arizona’s wilderness.
Rather than driving around for hours trying to find the perfect site, there are a few designated dispersed camping areas like:
- Flagstaff Ranger District
- Mogollon Rim Ranger District
- Red Rock Ranger District
- West Clear Creek
These districts have multiple sites and lots of room for people to spread out and spend a few days off the grid.
Like nearly all dispersed camping, there are no facilities at any of these sites, and some have limited cell service, too. So be sure to pack enough water (more than you think you’ll need) and let people know your travel plans ahead of time.
10. Loy Butte Road
This gorgeous area on Forest Road 525 is one of the best for dispersed camping in Sedona. The close proximity to downtown (25 minutes) makes it an attractive option for a nearby getaway without paying for a pricey hotel.
It’s perfectly flat for comfortable parking, and since it’s off a forest road, the drive-in is easy as can be. But the best part about Loy Butte Road is the size of the dispersed camping area. It’s huge, which means lots of room to spread out and plenty of privacy – a huge win when it comes to BLM camping in Arizona.
Since Loy Butte Road sits among the red rocks, you’ll find heaps of hiking trails nearby, and you can easily spend days on end exploring the area, making it a true gem in the world of Sedona campgrounds.
11. East Pocket Campground
Nestled inside Coconino National Forest, you’ll find an area dubbed the ‘Edge of the World,’ and with good reason. This stunning spot has breathtaking vistas in every direction, looking out over the red rocks and undulating mountains below.
Thanks to the insane beauty, this has been a popular spot for BLM camping Arizona folks flock to. Unlike much of the dispersed camping in Sedona, this place is quite hard to reach and boasts a rough ride for an insane view.
It’s a 26-mile dirt access road that should not be attempted in (or after) the rain. Though if the weather is good and you’re keen on a challenge, the East Pocket campground is a worthy reward after the effort it takes to get there.
Sedona Campervan Rentals
Ready to take your camping trip to the next level? TB Outdoor Rentals offers Sedona campervan and RV hires in Phoenix, Arizona. Our vehicles are large, comfortable, and ready for anything, so if you’re looking to experience camping minus the tent, consider a one-of-a-kind campervan vacation today. Plus, we offer plenty of add-ons to customize a trip that works for you. Experience the best of Arizona’s outdoors – click here to see our rigs.
