Camping Near Sedona
The nearest developed camping to Sedona is in Oak Creek Canyon, northeast of town, with other options ranging from 6 to 13 miles away from town. While there is no direct trail access at these campgrounds, and biking on the road is discouraged due to heavy traffic, many of these campgrounds offer lush, shady sites beneath cottonwoods and pines, some with spots right on the creek and access to swimming holes. With a short drive to Sedona from any of these campgrounds, they make for a convenient base for your Festival adventures.
Nearby Campgrounds
Cave Springs
Thirteen miles from downtown, Cave Springs is the best bet for scoring a spot, with 84 campsites including 21 open for advance reservations. It’s also the top choice for vans, RVs, and trailers as there are sites that accommodate vehicles up to 36 feet, though there are no hook-ups. It’s a pretty spot, too, with a leafy canopy beneath red rock cliffs.
- Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=55268&actid=29
Chavez Crossing
The only forest service campground within city limits, Chavez Crossing offers three huge campsites all aimed at groups between ten and 50 people (with prices to match, starting at $80/night). Cost and size aside, it’s an urban oasis, with creek-side sites set in a grove of Arizona sycamore and cypress. Reservations are mandatory.
Manzanita
The smallest but closest of the three USFS campgrounds in Oak Creek, Manzanita has intimate, tent-only sites on the banks of the creek. Eleven of 18 sites can be reserved up to six months in advance.
Pine Flat
Just up the road from Cave Springs, Pine Flat is in a shady stand of ponderosa in the upper reaches of the canyon. Eighteen of 56 sites can be reserved, and there’s space for up to 36-foot campers, though no hookups.
- Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=55374&actid=29
Dispersed Camping
For a more rustic experience, dispersed camping is available at various locations in the Coconino National Forest around Sedona. This type of camping is primitive, meaning there are no bathrooms, water, services, trash cans, or picnic tables, and campfires are not permitted. To keep these areas open, please follow all posted signs and adhere to strict Leave No Trace practices.
For a Coconino National Forest map of designated dispersed camping locations, download their map and guide here.
Our favorite spot is around seven miles west of town, along Forest Road 525. A few miles of pedaling from camp will bring you to excellent singletrack at the Boynton Pass area, including the Aerie, Boynton Pass, and Dawa trailheads.
Directions: Head west on Highway 89A; turn north (right) on Dry Creek Road; left (west) on Boynton Pass Road; and finally left again at the stop sign. Continue west when Boynton Pass Road turns to dirt, then make another left at the next intersection of Forest Road 525. Camping is available at pull-offs along the road. Forest Road 525 is also accessible from the south via Highway 89A.