Oak Creek Canyon is one of the most scenic drives in the USA; the road winds its way through pine forests for 23 miles, starting at 4,500 feet in Sedona and climbing to 6,900 feet on arrival in Flagstaff. Between Sedona and Flagstaff, there are several national forest service campgrounds providing a base for activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, horse riding and relaxing.
Campgrounds within Oak Creek Canyon
There are several campgrounds within Oak Creek Canyon, each offering various levels of amenities; campgrounds are fee-based, operating on a reservations system at some and on a first-come basis at others. Most campgrounds are within a ten to thirty minute drive from Sedona and are also accessible from Flagstaff; within Oak Creek Canyon, campgrounds include Bootlegger, Manzanita, Cave Springs and Pine Flat.
Bootlegger and Manzanita Campgrounds
Both Bootlegger and Manzanita are small campgrounds, located on the banks of Oak Creek, which is regularly stocked with trout; both campgrounds permit tent camping only (no RVs allowed) and are extremely busy in the Summer season. Amenities are limited at both campgrounds. However, Bootlegger and Manzanita campgrounds are open all year round, although it is best to check ahead for any adverse weather conditions.
There are 18 single-unit campsites, with a maximum of 8 people per campsite; both campgrounds are also open for day-use only for a small fee. Bootlegger campground is about 6 miles north of Sedona on US Highway 89A and is located on the west side of the highway; Manzanita campground is located about one mile before Bootlegger, and is located on the east side of the highway.
Cave Springs Campground
Cave Springs campground is probably the most popular campground within Oak Creek Canyon; it is open from approximately early April through mid-October. There are 82 campsites of which only 11 require reservations but these are probably the best campsites within Cave Springs, being located on the banks of Oak Creek. Amenities include coin-operated showers, fire pits, vault-type toilets, cooking grills and drinking water.
Cave Springs campground is close to Slide Rock state park and West Fork trail and, like all the other campgrounds within Oak Creek Canyon, is easily accessible from both Sedona and Flagstaff where a range of outdoor activities are available. Cave Springs is about 13 miles north of Sedona, located on the west side of US highway 89A.
Pine Flats Campground
Pine Flats campground is the furthest campground from Sedona, about one mile further north on US highway 89A than Cave Springs campground. There are 56 campsites, of which 18 can be reserved; amenities include vault-type toilets, fire pits, drinking water, cooking grills and picnic tables, although there are no showers. Pine Flats is open from approximately March through mid-November. It is close to the road, although some campsites are located further away than others, and traffic noise is limited after nightfall.
A Budget Way to Enjoy Sedona
Camping in Sedona is a fun and economic way to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Arizona, if not the USA; campsites are conveniently located to enjoy a whole range of outdoor activities, shopping, Flagstaff arboretum, native american culture and even some of the best spas. However, it is also possible to do nothing more than sit back and relax with a book, watch the wildlife and enjoy the Sedona scenery.
For Further Information:
Coconino National Forest Service
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
