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Manzanita Campground is a small, year-round, tent-only facility with campsites that fill up very quickly. Visitors enjoy the campground for its fishing and swimming holes along Oak Creek, beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife watching. Oak Creek Canyon is very crowded, especially on weekends; to get a campsite, it is best to reserve a weekday.
Recreation and relaxation abound in Oak Creek Canyon. Camping, fishing, swimming, wading and hiking are some of the activities awaiting visitors. Anglers have the convenience of creekside campsites, where they can cast a line for trout. Families love driving down the road to nearby Slide Rock State Park, one of Arizona's most popular swimming spots, or trying out several nearby hiking trails.
The campground borders Oak Creek in a lush, forested riparian zone with Arizona ash and box elders, gravel beaches and stream-bed boulders. Colorful songbirds add flashes of brilliance to the trees. The creek's crystal clear waters are cool and refreshing on hot summer days.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.
The well-known town of Sedona is popular for its red rock vistas, resorts and shopping. Slide Rock State Park is a great local spot for swimming and only a few minutes away. Campers can also explore the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, which boasts a spectacular variety of scenery and outdoor activities.
$30 / night
While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information.
Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District.
Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. Where can I have a campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions?
While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information.
Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District.
Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. Where can I have a campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions?
Dispersed camping has increased throughout the Flagstaff wildland urban interface in the past several years. In many areas, this has caused resource impacts such as soil compaction and erosion, loss of vegetation, increased fire risk, displacement of wildlife, and accumulation of trash and human waste. To help prevent unacceptable resource damage, disturbance to wildlife and reduce fire risk from dispersed camping, the Forest Service has designated 14 campsites along the Freidlein Prairie road for dispersed camping. Camping and campfires are allowed only at designated sites along Freidlein Prairie Road. There is a map in the area showing site locations. All designated campsites along Freidlein Prairie (FR 522) are located on the south side of the road, with the exception of campsite #1 and #3. Signs have been placed along the road when entering and leaving the designated camping area. The designated campsites are marked with a brown vertical fiberglass post with a site number and a "Designated Campsite" decal. Each designated dispersed campsite has a place to park, fire ring, a place for a tent and no fees. Once you have found a designated site you will find another fiberglass sign that reads "Camp within 50 feet of this post to reduce impact to forest vegetation. Please take all of your trash with you and leave only one fire ring." The east end of Freidlein Prairie Road (approximately 1.5 miles) has a seasonal camping closure for campsites 10 through 14. This seasonal camping closure means campsites 10 through14 will be closed to camping from March 1 to August 31 to reduce disturbance to Mexican spotted owls during the breeding season. This area has traditionally been used by Mexican spotted owls for nesting and a pair of owls are being impacted by increased recreational use and are failing to reproduce. Most sites cannot accommodate RV. Seasonal closures or fire restrictions/closures may be in place. During both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, campfires are prohibited at this site. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed.
Camping is permitted on both sides of FR 9716R and FR 9724D. Camping is also permitted on both sides of FR 82 between FR 9716R and FR 9719P. (See Motor Vehicle Map)
Dispersed Camping Guidelines: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/home/?cid=stelprdb5313448
Guide
Great place for tent camping with a friendly staff and nice amenities. The campground sits on Oak Creek, and is in the perfect location where you are far enough away from Sedona city center to have some peace and quiet, and within an amazing setting of red rocks, tall pines and the sound of a creek surround you. The tent sites are spacious, and offer plenty of privacy. The campground has shower facilities, a small general store where you can get firewood and small groceries, and restrooms. The pit toilets are a bit nasty; I wish they would update them and make them a little cleaner and user-friendly...lol. They can get really disgusting and stink horribly during warmer weather. But the rest of the experience here makes the restrooms the least of the issues. We always stay here when in Sedona.
Legend
In the off season, this sweet little national forest campground is a quiet oasis in one of the beautiful “islands of the sky” which are scattered throughout Arizona. Up at 5000 feet, this place becomes a busy retreat for Tucsonians seeking to escape some of the summertime heat, according to the park ranger we spoke too. It's also a haven for birds!
The campground has designated section for RV’s and tents, though they are same price at just $10 per night. Many pull-through sites are available for larger RV’s, as well as some back in spots. Each site has a HUGE cement picnic table and fire ring and are a nice size with plenty of space between sites. There are trash cans (though no recycling) throughout the campground, and a water spigot near the very clean pit toilets, thanks to the dedicated and very friendly camp hosts. The tent sites overlook the Parker Canyon Lake and are quite spacious. There are few tent sites for groups too.
There is a nice boat dock, as well as small store near the water that sells snacks/drinks, bait, and a few camping necessities. You can rent kayaks, paddle boats, SUPs, sailboats and small motorized fishing boats…or bring your own. There is also a nice and easy trail that follows the lake shore for about 6 miles, accessible to both hikers and mountain bikers. From the lake trail, you can also access the Arizona Scenic Trail (the southern terminus is about 15 miles south of the lake). We also saw quite a few fisherman out enjoying the lake during mid-week.
The closest grocery stores and gas stations are in Sonoita, about 30 miles away. Cell coverage is limited here as you are very close to the Mexican border – none in RV campground, just a bit of coverage in the tent campground.
Ranger
We read one review on this campground and it stated the campground was dirt. We pulled up and were taken away by the beauty. So many trees and beautiful campsites. With only 16 campsites, you have your own piece of camping paradise. There is 2 vaulted toilets, very well maintain, and new. There is an easy trail that runs along the campground, maybe a mile and half, easy walk. You can use wood from the forrest or buy some from the host. We did tent camp and I wish we would of brought a rake to remove rocks from our tent site. Our tent is 11ft and fit wonderfully! Plenty of space to put up tent,bbq grill, stove, and have your vehicle along side of you. There are Rv sites there as well. In our spot you could of easily placed a pop up and move it in. There is water at the host area, no cost. Before you get to the campsite there is a general store that has many items if you forgot something. We did wonder down to go find the graces of Scott Stott and Wilson, but we were not able to. We followed the GPS and reviews and people stated it was close to the campground. We walked a good 30 minutes and found nothing. We believe it is in a canyon which we did not feel comfortable hiking down. We road out a crazy storm, and the canyons made the thunder sound like a really mad Greek God. If you enjoy some antiques and thrift stores Heber-Overgaard offer some unique and great stores. Black Canyon Lake is just a shirt trip down the road. beautiful to walk around and lots of room to fish. Lake was low when we went. This campground has made it to the list of favorites!
Traveler
Had a great time here, clean bathrooms, spacious area to tent camp and friendly staff.
Ranger
We needed a quick place to tent camp close to flagstaff, AZ and we found this campsite on the Dyrt. We tent camped for one night at a cost of 23.00$. Our site was fine, cell service was good, they only have port-a-potty’s, it they were clean, and had auto lights for night time. The campground sold out while we were there, it seems they have a lot of groups attending this camp. There is an extreme course in the same park, lots of activities. No showers, water is extra, location was great, and the host was nice and accommodating.
Scout
Great spot for tent camping. Awesome for beginners and young families. Bathrooms were clean. Fellow campers were respectable. Site overall very clean. Would go again.
Scout
Sleeping in my car, it was a great spot for an overnight. Not too expensive for tent camping and had both bathrooms and showers
Traveler
Friendly staff. Lots of amenities including hot showers, electric or tent sites, beautiful trees in large sites, pool, fire wood, laundry, and more.
Scout
I went because it was advertised as tent friendly… And even though there are a couple tenting spots, there are not a lot, and the ones they had are overlooking the busy road ahead. If you have a camper or an RV you might like this place. But if you’re tent camping like myself, I’d stay away
Traveler
We were pleased to get our family's RV & tent sites adjacent under the pines. Got to set up our new Napier Sportz SUV tent & our Subaru Forester. Wonderful clean bathrooms and warm showers. Pet friendly & warm welcome at check-in.
TravelerMy husband and I tent camped here with one of our dogs while doing doordash in the area
Gorgeous trees fantastic fantastic views
If handicap id use electronic chair but for others of able body its a resort 🏕 ..pool and store and showers to bot
Guide
This is a great state campground. Not a lot of sites but they're REALLY BIG and gives a sense of being in the forest but still has toilets nearby for those who need them. Great place for tent camping but most sites can support MH & Trailers.
TravelerWe enjoyed a couple of days car/tent camping at this multiuser campground . We parked on a private shaded pad next to a fire pit and table. Very quiet (mid week). Showers were closed but the bathrooms were spotless. Camp host on grounds firewood for sale. Close by Payson.
Guide
The camp hosts were great! Toilets and grounds were clean and access to the creek was the high light. The sites are a lot more snug than you’d think with the amount of people they accommodate. It is really set up for tent camping. To right for multiple campers and cars.
Traveler
This place has it all. River access, 2 lagoon areas, horseback riding (not affiliated with park), hiking, a playground with a zip line, fishing and Cottonwood is 1 mile away! There are full hook up sites and tent camping plus cabins. I love this state park- camp hosts are helpful.
TravelerWe stayed in a tent site one night while traveling to Grand Canyon. We found the staff to be very friendly and the facilities top notch. We arrived late at night and found all our info in the drop box waiting.. Thanks for the great stay in our tent!
Guide
Small camp ground with not much parking, looks like it was designed for tent camping but the thing fill with 30 foot trailers making it very crowded. I have a 18 foot trailer and I felt it was too big for the place! Otherwise very nice and clean! Camp host was very nice!
Guide
Nice looking campground, full facilities. Pulled in for the night after a long day on the road only to realize they have no fire pits or grills. I was tent camping in January, so that was fairly important for me. Lol. They were very kind and helpful and I was able to get a refund.
Guide
We will be back to this campground when we we can stay more than one night. There’s a lot to do in the park and the campground itself is very nice. One small, but nice detail are the tiedowns around the tent sites.
Ranger
Lots to do in the surrounding area, including a winery right outside the gate. Good RV and tent campsites. Nice pool and spa area, lodge area, library and mini golfing green.
Guide
Overall great experience camping here. Wife and I tent camped here for 2 nights 3 days. Sucked that we couldn’t have a fire due to a fire state-ban. Close to the highway but not bad on highway noise. Our site was 7 which faces east. Lake is half a mile or so we kayaked so we drove it.
ScoutWe really liked this place! Great location in Flagstaff, right at the base of Mt Elden, the tent sites have a sectioned off area for the tent and the WiFi worked pretty well. The bathrooms were pretty clean. The only downside was the electrical box was a little too far away from the tent area. Overall we had a good experience.
Traveler
Went back in May of 2019 for a family tent camping trip. Friendly Staff, Clean, Well Maintained, and the Lake was great for fishing and kayaking. One of the best features is the large sights, as we had no problem fitting 3 large tents and didn’t have to listen to anyone snoring! Pet and Kid friendly. Looking forward to taking out pop up camper up there later this year.
ScoutI tent camped last minute and it was one of the best stays my entire trip. The sound of the water running down the creek was peaceful and relaxing. The park was clean. At&t service doesn't work down there but they have WiFi available for a fee. Even with the lack of cell service, I highly recommend this location! Great for pets too!
Ranger
Went climbing out at the Pit in Flagstaff for the day, then we came and camped out not too far away! The site had plenty of trees for hammocks, as well as tent sites. It was easy to access for not just 4x4 vehicles and was a nice and quick drive from the main road.
ScoutLoLoMai is our go-to campground. It has an ideal 2h drive distance, is nestled into the oak creek canyon, and secluded from the road. Kids can roam freely. From sitting in the creek during the summer heat, to exploring the nearby wineries, venturing to the parks, or just sitting by the fire enjoying the cicadas sing, there is something nice for every day. The mix of full hookups, cabins and tent camping allows for every style that you might prefer.
GuideOur kids loved this place. They have RV sites that can accommodate big rigs with full hookups and also a tent camping area. We stayed in the full hookups up area and we had a lot of space between our RV and the one the next to us. We didn’t feel crammed at all. There are lots of trees for shade and very spacious to hang out. Kids rode bikes all over. There’s a store that seeks a bunch of stuff. We were there in June.
Tent camping near Happy Jack, Arizona, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Coconino National Forest. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Happy Jack, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Happy Jack, AZ is Manzanita Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Happy Jack, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Happy Jack, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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