Best Campgrounds near Sedona, AZ

Sedona, Arizona's surrounding landscape features a diverse range of camping options within the iconic red rock terrain. Established campgrounds like Cave Springs and Manzanita offer developed sites along Oak Creek, while free dispersed camping can be found at West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping and Schnebly Hill Road areas. Within 30 minutes of downtown, campers will find everything from primitive tent sites to full-service RV resorts with hookups. Dead Horse Ranch State Park in nearby Cottonwood provides year-round camping with amenities like showers and electric hookups, serving as a popular alternative when Sedona sites fill up.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, particularly for dispersed camping access. Schnebly Hill Road presents challenging terrain when approached from Sedona, with multiple campers noting the route requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles. "The climb from Sedona was a bit torturous for my poor 3" lifted Tacoma," reported one visitor, while others recommend accessing the same areas via I-17 for easier travel. Seasonal considerations include summer heat, winter snow at higher elevations, and monsoon storms that can affect road conditions. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in dispersed camping areas. Cell service remains reliable near established campgrounds but becomes spotty in remote locations.

Oak Creek access represents a significant draw for many campers visiting the area. Rancho Sedona RV Park receives consistently high ratings for its creek-side location, with one visitor noting, "The creek is lovely to sit in or swim in and chill down." Several campgrounds feature mature shade trees that provide relief during hot weather. Crowding remains a common concern, especially at free dispersed sites. A camper at West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping observed it was "more crowded than I thought, a local ranger in Cottonwood warned us 'that place is starting to look like an RV park.'" Despite popularity, most visitors report the spectacular red rock views and proximity to hiking trails make the experience worthwhile.

Best Camping Sites Near Sedona, Arizona (325)

    1. West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    72 Reviews
    Coconino National Forest Recreation, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "Good location for dispersed camping near Sedona. Only about a 15 minute drive to town and the popular hikes. Was very crowded but not bad if you find a spot away from the groups."

    "Clean, wide open space. 15 min from Sedonas tourist area. Quiet at night. Several had ATVs so not sure how quiet in daytime."

    2. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    53 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Dispersed camping down a long, dirt road overlooking beautiful canyon and Sedona red rock. Rock fire rings at some sites, but signs indicated camp fires were not allowed."

    "This is an awesome spot if you're looking for great views of Sedona. The road to get to the campsites is long and can be rough in spots. Watch out for cattle and deer when driving down the dirt road."

    3. Rancho Sedona RV Park

    40 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 282-7255

    $42 - $84 / night

    "Nice RV Park close to Cottonwood and Jerome and only 30 minutes away from Sedona. Quiet area and well kept that also has Park Model cabins available."

    "We stayed in the adults only section near ish to the creek. Very shady, and really good sized spaces. The creek is lovely to sit in or swim in and chill down."

    4. Cave Springs

    45 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 282-1629

    $30 / night

    "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"

    "Tucked into Oak Creek canyon, surrounded by trees, red dirt mountain sides, and a creek this campground is stunning."

    5. Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort

    41 Reviews
    Cornville, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 634-4700

    $59 - $150 / night

    "The campground is beautiful with trees everywhere and most campgrounds are close to the creek. Just 15 minutes away from Sedona and Cottonwood, about 30 minutes away from Jerome!"

    "We stayed here in June which is a hot time to camp in Arizona. This campground has Oak Creek running through it which is a great place to cool off."

    6. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Cottonwood, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 634-5283

    $25 - $70 / night

    "The three small lakes are a great spot to fish and lots of shade. A horse stable and playground are nearby. There are 4 camping loops, 1 tent only."

    "There are a couple of nice trails in the park, one leading into Old Town Cottonwood - try Old Town Cafe for their flaky croissants!"

    7. Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

    52 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    14 miles
    Website

    "Due to the ease of access from Sedona and Flagstaff this campground sees a lot of action."

    "Lots of campsites available and a good location between Sedona and Flagstaff. It tends to fill up quick, at least in the summer months."

    8. Manzanita Campground

    25 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 204-2034

    $30 / night

    "Right on oak creek with good entry to the creek, shaded, and good location from Sedona. A little close to the road, but the sound of the creek helps with that. Host was very friendly also."

    "The river access also added to the positives of the spot.

    My only complaint is that a handful of sites are where you park on the pavement and have to walk down into your actual site."

    9. Pine Flat Campground West

    34 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 282-3233

    $30 / night

    "Our host welcomed us and informed water and toilet located."

    "Other than being close to the highway, we love this campground. It is in a heavily wooded forest next to Oak Creek. It has multiple bathrooms and accessible drinking water."

    10. Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam

    20 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Love this site but I highly recommend getting to it via route 17 unless you are very comfortable with off-roading."

    "Beyond my location got VERY rocky, like, larger rocks sticking up all over the place, and I’m traveling alone, so I stopped here. I have a Subaru Forester."

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Recent Reviews near Sedona, AZ

2168 Reviews of 325 Sedona Campgrounds


  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas

    Very windy and peaceful

    Sites are spread out about 30 feet. Nice paved driveway to park vehicles. Very windy in October. If you have the national park annual pass will get you 50% off regular tent sites.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    573 Forest Road Dispersed Site

    Quiet Spot nestled back off the road

    This place is fabulous. The spots closer to the entrance are only about 100 yards apart but as you travel down the road they are further spread out. Some sites have fire pits and some don’t. The highway is close by but not to loud. There are some trees and looks like you can ride your ATV from these sites. It was quiet at night and the night sky was amazing. This is definitely a great spot for overnight or for a few days. The entrance is tight but we made it just fine with our trailer. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Soda Springs Road

    Boondocking site east of I-17 & south off of Highway 179 in northern Arizona.

    Quiet, no neighbors, nice breeze, free.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop

    Dispersed Campsite 4

    We drove our Chevy 2500 and a 28’ camping trailer. On the way in we came from the north from Iron Springs Rd. That was very tight but if you come from town on Thumb Butte Rd it’s a much easier drive in. The forest road was a little bumpy but not a concern. We saw a number of cars and vans without all or 4wd.

    Great place. We drove up on Friday during the day, the first three campsites are nestled together and were taken.

    Site 4 was large and backed up to a nice hiking trail and vista. We did get a few hikers here and there, as well as some cars passing by but it was secluded and we were able to disconnect and enjoy.

    Passed site 4 there were numerous other sites include some on the peak with excellent views. However if you have an rv or camping trailer site 4 was ideal.

    I would highly recommend this site to anyone looking for dispersed camping near Prescott.

  • Amilyn W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Willow Lake RV Park

    Not too far from Whiskey Row

    We chose this RV park because of it's proximity to Whiskey Row and the road to Jerome. We brought our motorcycle specifically for that ride. Showed up after office hours (closed at 6pm). The road off the hwy is narrow and pot holed. Checked in with the camp host who had us follow his golf cart to our spot, which was a pull through. Spot was on the edge of the campground, next to a fence separating it from a mobile home park. Lots of full timers in the campground, one of whom kept coming over trying to talk to us any time we were outside, which was annoying. Trees and bushes all around, but not a lot of shade. Advertised picnic tables and fire rings. Some spots had movable tables, but not all. Ours had a table on the back of our trailer, but it was not movable, and a bush was growing over it. No fire rings. Wood fires a no go, but propane fires are allowed. Someone was yelling all night long our second night and again in the early morning, waking us up. Supposedly there's a trail to hike to the lake, but we didn't go. Staff very friendly when we checked in. Office has small convenience store. Didn't use bathrooms or laundry. Check out must have been 11am (they didn't say at check in) because the power shut off at 11:15am. We basically just needed a place to sleep 2 nights and we were gone all day on our motorcycle, so this campground filled our needs. Can see staying here again for the same purpose.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Winona Dispersed Camping

    Don’t Pee Ouside

    I made a rookie move (I guess) and pee’d as soon as I parked.

    It was a long drive in and I couldnt get to my usual method.

    Anyhoo. I could hear an animal outside my van last night. And woke up to paw prints in the mud around my van. 😬 They have Mountain Lions, Black Bears and Coyotes in these parts. 🫠

    Overall, I’m happy with my site. If I stay another night, I might relocate sites. I got here last night right at sunset.

  • Sheri C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Coleman Lake Camp

    Beautiful

    Great dispersed camping in the forest . There are beautiful meadows also. Great trail system for our side by side.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Flagstaff KOA

    Lovely Place

    Everything you need is at the KOA and if it isn’t, it’s near by. There’s also access to Mount Elden/Fat Man’s Loop trails in the Coconino National Forest from the park. Kids also have activities available to them at the park, including an inflatable inground trampoline. Staff is friendly and welcoming. Roads are narrow but I’ve seen big rigs maneuver them without too much trouble. Sites are close together but that’s expected with most RV parks. Definitely staying here again!


Guide to Sedona

Camping near Sedona, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails around Sedona. Campers love the access to hiking spots, with one reviewer mentioning, "There are beautiful tall trees for hammocking or wandering through as well as hikes right from camp" at Cave Springs.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the nearby swimming holes and fishing spots. One camper at Houston Mesa Campground said, "The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration."
  • Sightseeing: Don't miss the breathtaking views. A visitor at Edge of the World (East Pocket) shared, "This spot has unmatched views. I lived in Sedona years and never knew about it until I was in college."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. A reviewer at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of camp hosts. One camper at Flagstaff KOA said, "Nice pleasant staff. Bathrooms were clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A visitor at Houston Mesa Campground remarked, "We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can lead to noise. A camper at Flagstaff KOA mentioned, "Mild but constant car noise."
  • Crowded Conditions: Popular spots can get packed, especially in peak season. One reviewer at Cave Springs said, "Packed in like sardines. Spaces are pretty small."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A visitor at Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) noted, "There are now 4 large pull-offs that you can camp in...you’re on top of each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A camper at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort mentioned, "There are a few activities for the kids."
  • Plan for Privacy: Some sites can be close together, so consider your family's comfort. A reviewer at Cave Springs said, "If a spot here says max vehicle length is 30 then you can be guaranteed to have a little less than 8ft x 30 ft on that pad."
  • Pack for All Weather: Be prepared for temperature drops at night. One camper at Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) advised, "Temperature drops at night are huge so definitely prepare for that."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Some campgrounds have limited hookups. A visitor at Rancho Sedona RV Park noted, "Sites a little close to each other...but the grounds are pretty and peaceful."
  • Be Mindful of Fire Restrictions: Some parks don’t allow campfires. A camper at Rancho Sedona RV Park mentioned, "Lovely spot near the creek with plenty of trees but contrary to the listing here they don’t allow fires."
  • Plan for Limited Wi-Fi: Connectivity can be spotty. A reviewer at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort said, "The lack of wifi, especially when there is no cell coverage, is unbelievable."

Camping near Sedona, Arizona, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly sites to serene getaways. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free or low-cost camping options near Sedona?

For budget-friendly camping near Sedona, dispersed camping offers the best value. Schnebly Hill Road provides free camping with incredible views, though the western portion closer to Sedona is quite rocky. For easier access, approach from I-17 using exit 320. Another excellent free option is Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site, located about 25 minutes from Sedona with well-maintained roads and established fire pits. While you might hear distant highway sounds, it's minimal and doesn't detract from the experience. Both locations require self-sufficiency with no amenities, so bring all necessary supplies including water. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your trip.

What are the best campgrounds in Sedona for tent camping?

Sedona offers excellent tent camping options with beautiful red rock views. Manzanita Campground stands out as a premier choice, situated right on Oak Creek with good water access, ample shade, and a friendly host. The location is convenient to Sedona while providing a natural creek-side setting. Another solid option is West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping, located just 15 minutes from town and popular hiking trails. While it can get crowded, finding a spot away from groups provides a more secluded experience. Both locations offer the quintessential Sedona camping experience with different atmospheres – developed creek-side camping at Manzanita or more rustic dispersed camping with easier access to town at West Sedona.

What is the best time of year to go camping in Sedona, Arizona?

The ideal seasons for camping in Sedona are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are moderate and comfortable. During these months, daytime highs typically range from 60-80°F with cool, clear nights – perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and stargazing. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat often exceeding 90°F, making activities challenging unless planned for early morning or evening. Winter (December-February) offers a unique experience with fewer crowds at locations like Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground, though nights can drop below freezing. For the most pleasant experience, consider camping at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort during transition seasons when you can enjoy amenities like the creek, pool, and hot tub in comfortable weather.

Are there any waterfront camping sites near Sedona with fishing access?

Yes, several campgrounds near Sedona offer waterfront sites with fishing opportunities. Rancho Sedona RV Park sits along beautiful Oak Creek, providing access to swimming and fishing in a professionally managed setting with concrete pads and excellent amenities. The creek offers a refreshing place to cool off and try your luck fishing. For a more rustic option with state park amenities, Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground features three small lakes that are great for fishing, with plenty of shade and facilities. Located in Cottonwood about 30 minutes from Sedona, this park combines waterfront access with family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and horse stables. Both locations provide different waterfront experiences while maintaining relatively easy access to Sedona's attractions.