Searching for a tent camping spot near Lake Montezuma? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Lake Montezuma campgrounds for you and your tent. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Lake Montezuma's most popular destinations.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.
$26 / night
In 1908 the Arizona Power Company began construction of the Childs Power Plant. For more than 90 years, the water of Fossil Creek had been diverted by a system of pipes and flumes from its natural course to power the turbines of the Childs and Irving hydroelectric plants. During this time, Fossil Creek had been reduced to a mere trickle, compared with the normal one million gallons per hour flow once witnessed by early inhabitants of the region.
In 2004, APS, the current owner of the plants, agreed to decommission them and restore the creek to its natural flow. (From "Pine-Strawberry Archeological and Historical Society")
The area is now a very popular dispersed camping area. It sits below the remnants of the old power plant buildings on the edge of the Verde River. A short hike upstream and some wading will get you to the ruins of the Verde Hot Springs, a once famous resort.
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 Guidelines: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/home/?cid=stelprdb5313448
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.
Guide
We came in after dark and still easily found the sites. We quickly got settled for the night. Our dog was excited to be able to get out and stretch her legs after spending two days in Death Valley.
Guide
Decent dispersed spot, the road in is old asphalt with some big dips and holes but mostly avoidable. Bunch of rocks sticking up in the dirt as you drive around the loop of the campsite but my truck was fine. Stayed here a couple times, first time was almost a week and second time was a few days. Can hear a little bit of highway noise but mostly white noise which I did not mind.
Scout
The climb from Sedona was a bit torturous for my poor 3” lifted Tacoma. The road has intentionally been unmaintained to make it spicy for the paid ORV tours. Around dusk, I saw a guy come in from 17 and start dropping down towards town. He had Honda Goldwing strapped in the bed of his pickup. He made it a few hundred yards down and decided to go back the way he came.
Ranger
This place is huge! Nestled in the red rock country of Arizona, this Thousand Trails campground offers a scenic and tranquil escape. The sites are well-spaced, and the amenities include a pool, hot tub, 2 dog parks, hiking trails, river access and clubhouse. Its proximity to Sedona, Jerome and local wineries makes it an excellent choice for those seeking relaxation and exploration.
Guide
This was not an easy place to find. We came through Jerome and took 89A S all the way through. If you get to Potatoe Patch campground you are very close, but make a left off 89A South to get to these spots instead of a right (where the fee site Potatoe Patch campground was closed)
Guide
Very nice spot. A little rocky, but the view was fantastic. Very remote and quiet with a beautiful dark night sky. Roads are a little rough getting up but we did ok with our rig.
Scout
Overcrowding has ruined this place. 95 percent of all spots were closed off for camping, and the few spots that were available had multiple ppl in them. Would not recommend
Guide
At the start of the road there are a couple of large areas where there were multiple vans parked but we kept going further down until we found a spot on our own. It was flat and we had a nice quiet night.
Guide
Plenty of sites up this road although not all level. Surrounded by trees. Some traffic up and down the road but that settled by evening. We couldn’t hear the highway. Recommended.
Scout
My dog was laying in cigarette butts. At least it's free
Traveler
The area is beautiful Forrest not far off the highway. We drove well past the initial sites and found a pretty quiet spot with neighbors barely visible. The site nearest was full of trash left behind and processed by wildlife. So sad! The road had some pretty big mud puddles along the way, but were passable. There were some pretty big rigs that made it through. I could hear trains in the distance the whole time through Williams or going to the Grand Canyon. Cell service was good for T-Mobile. Level and spacious sites are easy to find. Beautiful place!
Guide
We recently spent 4 nights here, along with about 10-15 other camping vehicles, ranging from a Toyota Camry to 5th wheels and horse trailers. Easy access for our 39ft class A and toad, but it was busy around 2pm when we arrived and filled up even more afterward. Every day a few spots opened up by 10/11a but filled by 5p. There were a couple of port-a-potties, if needed. The camping site is actually bumpier than the gravel road coming in. Not much noise, considering proximity to highway and other campers, surprisingly.
ScoutThis spot was great to stop for the night. It’s close enough to I-40 to be viable for a quick night, but far enough to be quiet. We don’t see anyone. The road was washboards, so getting to it was slow. Other then that it was great
Traveler
This exact campsite is in a nice area, but right across the street from a rock/sand mine of some sort
GuideCamping is only allowed in the big designated campsites, which is not what I thought driving in. It took a bit to find a spot because there are “no camping signs” all over. Once we found a good spot tho, it was awesome. There was a lovely backdrop of the mountains and portapotties.
Scout
10-21-2024 Went to site. No camping signs now posted. Road is now a designated OHV trail known as "Outlaw OHV Trail".
Scout
We camped there for several days in Oct.2024. Road was rough but solid. Most any size rig could access this site. Good Verizon signal. Our biggest disappointment was the red dust. It got into all our rigs and is a mess to clean up. Overall it's a good site.
Guide
I really like the place, however, and this is a big however. The road in is 20 miles or so, and it's all unprepared, so for a smaller vehicle like mine, I had to be very careful. That 20 miles takes about an hour and a half. Remember everything you need before coming into child's. It's a long day if you have to run to the store Trust me, I spent 5 hours there and back. Hot springs are a mile from my campsite. River seems pretty nice. Gonna wet a worm see if the sucker's. biting although there are a couple protected species of suckers.
TravelerGreat spot 5G Verizon service quiet and alone can have fires.
Traveler
Our experience at this campsite near Sedona was amazing! The host was great help making sure we were settled in for the night. The camping spots were clean, well-spaced, and surrounded by stunning scenery. One of the highlights was the nearby creek, which was perfect for unwinding and added a peaceful ambiance to the whole experience. A great place for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the area!
Traveler
Easy to find off Beaver Flats rd. The camp areas are pretty spread out which was nice. Decent shade from some Juniper trees and we could barely hear the road from our campsite. Some of the sites are pretty clase to the road though and are probably fairly noisy. I’m guessing there are about 7 sites total. It’s not the type of place for a big motor home or a big trailer.
Scout
I am a frequent camper at Hilltop. I tent camp so I camp on 16 which isn't as big a the other sites but fine for me. I came spring and fall and never summer. I just went at the end of Sept 2024. Weather was gorgeous 80 hi/ 50 low. This is earlier than I normally camp. I have camped late October and have sleep in my tent in 19° weather. A Mr Buddy heater helps but have a carbon monoxide alarm just in case. Quieter than Lynx Lake campground but a bit further out. Still it's beautiful. I am local so of I forget something I can go home and come back out. Host normally has firewood for sale. They are still working on the water lines so as of the end of Sept there was only the water you bring in yourself. Costco is down the road a ways and they fill propane tanks pretty cheap. Lots to do in the area if you want to go to town and enjoy dinner. Prescott and Prescott Valley have great restaurants.
Traveler
We left late from Phoenix on the Senator Highway from Meyer and we should’ve stopped while we were ahead. We ended up at the North end just outside of Prescott in the dispersed sites. Disgusting. Every single site looked like this one. We’ve got a RTT so thankfully it was a quick set up for the night and we’re outa here. If we’d have had adequate trash bags (a dumpster would’ve been ideal) we’d have spent the next few days cleaning up. If you pack it in pack it out. It’s real easy. That all being said- if you’ve got a large group with sxs and you enjoy the Senator, this is definitely the perfect spot.
Scout
Easy to find. The roads arnt too bad, there’s definitely some rocky spots but I have an SUV that does not have 4x4 and it did just fine. Not too busy of campers/ day users. Only reason for 4 stars is you can kinda hear the freeway. (From where I stayed)
Scout
Large trucks speeding down the gravel road kicking up large plumes of dust. Rager in the woods playing music until 1am and then again early in the morning. This used to be a great spot where people were chill and the area was quiet.
GuideAs I came in there seemed to be allot of fellow campers, but the further back I drove the less people I came across. Until I came to a spot with no other campers around. I was looking for peace and quiet and found exactly that. Beautiful view and plenty of open space. I will definitely return.
Scout
Office ladies were very rude and had no people skills!
Tent camping near Lake Montezuma, Arizona, offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several well-reviewed spots to pitch your tent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Montezuma, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Montezuma, AZ is Manzanita Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Lake Montezuma, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
