Best Guide to Camping in Sedona | 10 Campgrounds with info

Sedona is a desert town in Arizona. People love this town for its beautiful red-rock buttes, pine forests, and steep canyon walls that make great back-drops for pictures. This is the perfect town to take the whole family camping. It’s noted for its mild climate and vibrant arts community. Uptown Sedona is dense with New Age shops, spas and art galleries. On the town’s outskirts, numerous trailheads access Red Rock State Park, which offers bird-watching, hiking and picnicking spots.

List of campgrounds in Sedona

• MANZANITA CAMPGROUND
• CRESCENT MOON CAMPGROUND
• RANCHO SEDONA RV PARK
• PINE FLAT CAMPGROUND
• VERDE VALLY RV RESORT & CAMPGROUND
• CAVE SPRINGS CAMPGROUND

1. MANZANITA CAMPGROUND

Location: 5900 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336.

This campground is open year-round and is tent-only. Campsites here fill up very quick as it has only gotten more and more popular as the years go by. You can enjoy swimming holes and and fishing that stretch across the Oak Creek or enjoy the magnificent scenery and beautiful wildlife that it has to offer. It is always best to reserve a spot ahead of time before coming here.

Nearby attractions to the Manzanita Campground

One of the most popular attractions that close to the Manzanita Campground is

Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Swimming

Amenities

• Campfire Rings
• Water Spigot
• Tables
• Accessible Pit Toilets
• Fire Pit
• Pets Allowed
• Picnic Table

2. CRESCENT MOON CAMPGROUND

The Crescent Moon Campground in Arizona is located just off Highway 89, near the town of Oak Creek and offers 19 campsites on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each site has a designated fire pit and picnic table. There is no cost to camp in this location, but there are fees for parking as well as fees if you need to use the restrooms or shower facilities. The area does not have hot water available; however, it offers cold water from the faucet that can be used to bathe and wash dishes.

Pro tip: Crescent Moon Campground may only seem like a tiny place with limited sites to choose from; however, there are two different campgrounds that allow you to stay here at this location. Some campers prefer one over the other because one of them is much quieter than the other. To get to the quiet campground, you need to drive through some winding roads until you reach a turn-off on the left side; take this road leading down into a creek bed where it eventually leads up a hill that will lead you back towards town.

Another pro tip: If you have your own tent, but are not sure if there’s somewhere to set it up, try contacting the Visitor Center in town (Woods Valley Road at 89A) where they can help direct you to locations within Crescent Moon Campground. The reason why we say this is because some spots may be reserved for larger groups and may not be available for smaller camping parties such as yours.

Activities available
Fishing
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Picnicking
• Photography
• Biking
Amenities Available
• Drinking Water
• Accessible Pit Toilets
• Accessible Grills
• Accessible Picnic Area
• Grills
• Paved Parking
• Accessible Scenic Overlook
• Pets Allowed
• Pit Toilets
• Paved Pathways
• Picnic Tables
• Picnic Area

3. RANCHO SEDONA RV PARK

Location: 135 Bear Wallow Lane Sedona, Arizona 86336

Visitors who come here usually spend more than one week. There are many attractions to keep everyone busy for days on end. Attractions such as a sunset jeep tour, amazing restaurants, yoga classes and many more. Below is a list of some of the other attrations that might be what you are looking for.

This park in Sedona Arizona is a really good spot to camp if you are staying for a short period of time. It’s also a great location because it is only a few minutes away from all the attractions and places to visit. Another plus about this park is that they have both full hook-up and partial hook-up campsites. So no matter what kind of camper you are, full or partial, this has you covered. The cost for this site is reasonable for what they offer with prices starting at $35.66 USD/ night and going up depending on size of your RV and length of stay.

The parks amenities include: Full Hook-Up Camp Sites, Private Bathrooms with Showers, Free Wireless Internet, Rec Hall with Pool, Table and Air Hockey, Laundry Facilities , Playground Equipment for the Kids, Basketball Court.

Cities close to Rancho Sedona Rv Park

In State	Miles away	Travel Time
Grand Canyon	106	2.0 hrs
Lake Havasu	234	4.0 hrs
Payson	85	1.5 hrs
Jerome	28	0.5 hrs
Flagstaff	27	0.8 hrs
Kingman	175	3.0 hrs
Monument Valley	210	4.0 hrs
Page/ Lake Powell	167	3.0 hrs
Williams	60	1.0 hrs
Phoenix	116	2.0 hrs
Yuma	284	5.0 hrs
Prescott	56	1.0 hrs
Tucson	210	4.0 hrs
Out of State	Miles away	Travel Time
Las Vegas	267	5.0 hrs
Laughlin	205	3.5 hrs
Los Angeles	457	8.0 hrs
Albuquerque	390	6.5 hrs

4. Pine Flat Campground

Pine Flat Campground is a preferred outdoor camping site in breathatking Oak Creek Canyon in Arizona's Coconino National Forest. The camping site is snuggled in a forest canyon near the widely known community of Sedona, Arizona, as well as its red rock high cliffs. The views is unequaled, the stream is filled with trout, and also offers swimming, treking and also birdwatching spots can be accessed from the center.

Pine Flat Amenities

Types of tables	Fire pits, tables and cooking grills.
Drinking water	For hand and dishwashing, N available for tank fill-up.
Toilets	Vault-type toilets
Parking	One vehicle plus a trailer. Additional fee for additional vehicles.
Tent camping	Tents are allowed at all campsites.
Camping trailer	All up to 36 feet. Utility hookups not available.

5. Verde Valley RV Resort & Campground

Location: 135 Bear Wallow Lane Sedona, Arizona 86336

The Verde Valley RV Resort and campground is located on the banks of the Verde River. Located about 30 - 40 minutes from Sedona, the Verde Valley is a resort that features open space that is perfect for rvers and tent campers, and has ample shade. Unlike some other sites, this resort and campground has large sites that offer full hookups. There are flush toilets and showers available at the comfort station. Be prepared to enjoy the mini golf course, the pool, the recreational center, and a horseshoe pit.

6. Cave Springs Campground

Location: AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

This camping site gets full very quick; bookings can be made beforehand for 21 of the 80 campgrounds.

The campsites do not consist of hookups, nonetheless there are restricted services offered. Trash collection, restrooms and also water faucets can be located throughout the premises. You'll obtain added savings if you have the National Park senior pass.

This is an economical camping area with terrific accessibility to hiking trails. Comparable to The Main Drag 525, this camping site lies on Coconino National Forest Land.

7. Loy Butte Road

Location: Sedona, AZ

Loy Butte Road has been awarded the Campendium Campers Choice Award 2 years in a row. This award goes out to 24 of the best campground around based on reviews made by regular people.

There are no amenities provided here so you will have to come fully prepared to be fully self-sufficient. The campground is fully off-grid but has been said to provide good cell service. This campground will be perfect for someone who does not like busy campgrounds.

8. Forest Road 535 BLM Camping

Location: Flagstaff, AZ 86001

The roadway is long and also has numerous outdoor camping places offered within the initial 5 miles. The weekend will certainly draw crowds, yet the weekdays remain incredibly slow.

This totally free camping site splits the difference. It's located in between Sedona and Flagstaff. In addition, situated at a greater altitude, Forest Road 535 will certainly keep you cool throughout the day.

Important information about Sedona Arizona

Here are a couple things to remember or know before making the trip to camp in Sedona Arizona.

• Sedona is located at a high elevation

Even though Sedona is a desert, it is located at an elevation of roughly 4300 feet above sea level. Even though Sedona is a desert, it is located at an elevation of 4,300 feet above sea level. This means that if you are camping in Sedona, you will want to be prepared for warmer days and cool nights. Even if you are visiting Sedona in the summertime, plan for the nights to be cooler. This means dressing in layers, packing warm blankets for sleeping, and making sure you have enough wood for a campfire.

9. Dispersed camping in Sedona Arizona

It is easy to find a desert location in Sedona Arizona to do dispersed camping. And many people do it, as there are about 7,000 RV campers in Sedona each month.

You can find a wide variety of different spots to set up your campsite anywhere from the banks of Oak Creek that wind through town and off into high red rock buttes. Or you can see some spectacular views on top of the surrounding Mogollon Rim where quiet camping is usually permitted close to trails leading to amazing views such as Max Flank Overlook above Sucker Flat Campground near Payson Arizona or Glencairn Museum in Pine which specializes in mountain man art and timeless Americana.

There are four areas where hikers have created long-term camps in the location. They include places like: Oak Creek Canyon, the Mogollon Rim, and Secret Mountain Wilderness Area, and West Clear Creek.

These are great locations if you plan on camping in arizona.

10. Dead Horse Ranch State Park

This is one of the popular spots to camp in Sedona. You get to choose between 100 different sites that have campfire rings, picnic tables and grills. The sites also come with water hookups for RV’s. There is a spot to do laundry and several restrooms throughout the park. The camping spots are secluded enough from each other so you feel as if you have your own privacy.

This park features boating on Lake Mary Ronan, fishing in Oak Creek and there is a swimming pool available during summer months. There are many hiking trails here but they will take you about an hour just to get to some of them because of the terrain. If you are up to the task, these terrains will offer great opportunities for amazing photos.

There is a location here called Boynton Canyon where you can experience one of the best vortexes in Sedona, which you will learn more about later. This vortex is an awesome place to take pictures and meditate while looking out over this beautiful canyon. Some say that if you go there late at night, spirits will visit you. For those who are believers in such things, it would be quite an exciting adventure for them to take part in. There are picnic areas and hiking trails near this spot as well so you can spend the entire day doing these activities and enjoying your time with family or friends.

Where can you stay in Sedona Arizona if no campsites are available?

There are many high-end hotels in Sedona. Depending on the quality and price range you are looking for, there is likely a hotel that will fit your needs. If you are looking for more of a Bed and Breakfast experience, the Sedona Heritage Inn is a great option. They offer beautiful rooms and an wonderful breakfast each morning. Another great option is the Cottonwood Suites. They offer spacious one-bedroom suites with full kitchens and living areas. This can be a great option if you are traveling with family or friends and want to be able to cook meals together.

If you don't want to spend money on a hotel, there are also plenty of camping options in Sedona. Below are some of the types of hotels available.

• High-End Hotels - These types of hotels are perfect for those looking for a luxurious and relaxing experience. The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is a great option, as is the Enchantment Resort.
• Boutique Hotels - These hotels offer a unique and intimate experience. They often have fewer rooms and are focused on providing excellent customer service. Some great options include the L'Auberge de Sedona and the Sky Ranch Lodge.
• Chain Hotels - If you are looking for a more affordable option, chain hotels are a good choice. There are plenty of options in Sedona, including the Hampton Inn & Suites, the Marriott Residence Inn, and the Homewood Suites by Hilton.
• Bed and Breakfasts - If you would much like a more family-friendly and homey atmosphere, bed and breakfasts are a great option. There are many to choose from in Sedona, including the Adobe Hacienda Inn Bed and Breakfast, the Gardens at Sedona B&B, and the Elk Ridge Ranch B&B.

No matter what your budget or travel style is, there is a perfect place to stay in Sedona. So don't let the lack of campsites keep you from experiencing all that this beautiful place has to offer.

3 things to do while you're in Sedona Arizona

• Use telescopes for stargazing

Many of the hotels in Sedona have their own telescopes, but you can also rent or buy a telescope yourself. If you go to a dark area like Airport Mesa, there are plenty of businesses offering stargazing tours and even meditation classes that take advantage of the darkness.

Sedona has some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country. The city is located in a dark sky community, which means it has an ordinance that protects its night sky from light pollution.

You can get some great telescopes for stargazing here.

• Hike or bike the different trails in Sedona

Sedona is known for its beautiful red rocks and there are lots of ways to enjoy them. You can hike or bike on the trails located right in town. There are several trails just minutes from the downtown area and some lead hikers to ancient ruins. If you're looking for something a little more challenging you can drive up to Bell Rock or Airport Mesa and start your hike from there. The views around these areas are stunning.

• Soar above the red rocks in a helicopter.

Seeing the red rocks from the ground is great, but seeing them up close and personal from a helicopter will be an experience that you’ll never forget. You can take one of the many different tours available and see the sights from above.

You can get a tour on a small plane or book a private plane if you want to enjoy your flight with just your family and friends. No matter which option you choose, it will give you an amazing perspective of the area.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this blog post about camping in Sedona, Arizona. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors scene, there is no better place for your next family vacation than The Verde Valley of Arizona! This blog went over some of the best campgrounds in Sedona. Sedona camping is becoming very popular and if you have any additional questions on where to stay when visiting our great state, please feel free to reach out and we'll help answer them quickly.