Best Tent Camping near Sedona, AZ
Tent campsites around Sedona, Arizona range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on National Forest land. Manzanita Campground offers tent-only camping along Oak Creek, while numerous dispersed options exist on Forest Service Roads including FR 535, FR 240, and the popular Edge of the World (East Pocket) area. These sites provide access to Sedona's red rock terrain and surrounding Coconino National Forest.
Road conditions vary significantly between tent camping locations near Sedona. Schnebly Hill Road requires high-clearance vehicles and is best accessed from Highway 17 rather than Highway 89A, as the climb from Sedona is extremely rough and challenging even for lifted trucks. Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and bring sufficient water supplies. Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, though fires are permitted at many sites when conditions allow. Manzanita Campground, unlike dispersed sites, offers drinking water, toilets, trash collection, and firewood for purchase.
Forest Road dispersed tent sites provide more seclusion and typically allow pets, with alcohol consumption permitted throughout camping areas. Sites along creeks are particularly sought-after for their natural cooling effect during warm months. According to one visitor, "Manzanita Campground has restrooms, a natural water pool (cold), and is 5 minutes away from the Sedona natural slides." Camping areas near water features like Oak Creek offer pleasant ambient sounds that help mask nearby road noise. Some dispersed sites offer spectacular views that rival established campgrounds but require more self-sufficiency. During winter months, unexpected weather can create challenging conditions, with one camper noting, "There was an unexpected snowstorm and our tent collapsed" at Manzanita Campground.