Best Tent Camping near Rimrock, AZ
National Forest lands surrounding Rimrock, Arizona offer diverse tent camping options, from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Manzanita Campground, located along Oak Creek in Sedona, provides walk-in tent sites with creek access and basic amenities. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, Edge of the World (East Pocket) offers spectacular views of Sedona's red rock landscape from dispersed sites along forest roads. Other tent-friendly options include Schnebly Hill Road dispersed camping and Forest Service Road 253, both providing secluded tent campsites within 30 minutes of Rimrock.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature dirt or pine needle-covered surfaces with minimal site preparation. Manzanita provides drinking water, vault toilets, and picnic tables, while dispersed camping areas like Edge of the World require self-sufficiency with no facilities available. High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many backcountry tent sites, particularly after rain when forest roads can become rutted and difficult to navigate. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and campers should bring their own water supply for primitive tent camping locations. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to all dispersed camping in Coconino National Forest.
Tent campers frequently note the dramatic temperature changes in this high-desert environment. One visitor to Edge of the World reported, "It can still be pretty hot during the day, but anything in shade was comfortable, and nights cool down significantly." Weekday camping typically offers more solitude, with another camper noting, "If you can go during the week when few people are there, that's the key to a better experience." The best tent sites are often those farther from main forest roads, providing both better views and less noise. Many tent campsites feature established fire rings and flat areas suitable for pitching tents, though campers should practice Leave No Trace principles as trash has been reported at some popular areas.
