Sedona’s red rocks, beautiful scenery, and refreshing ambiance make it one of the best places to visit for fun outdoor activities. So if you want to head that way and experience the outdoors, where is the best camping in Sedona?
The best camping spot in Sedona for pure beauty and scenery is Manzanita Campground which is for tents only. The best RV resort in Sedona is Verde Valley RV Resort. And for both tent and RV camping, the best location is Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
But those are just 3 of my top 19 picks for the best camping spots in Sedona, Arizona! Majestic cathedral rock, red rock buttes, creeks, and tantalizing trails are just a few of the attractions of Sedona.
Without further ado, let’s check out my top 19 camping spots in and around Sedona, Arizona.
Welcome, fall! The leaves haven’t started turning yet, but with the changing of the seasons, Arizona has some beautiful colors to look forward to. 🍂 https://t.co/LMRXOzHyOB #autumnequinox
📷: Dead Horse Ranch State Park pic.twitter.com/7b4EFEDK9g— Arizona State Parks (@AZStateParks) September 22, 2022
1. Dead Horse Ranch State Park
This ranch, with its great views, is a perfect place if you like your privacy. There are about 100 sites, and they are secluded enough from each other. They come with grills, campfire rings, picnic tables, and hookups for RVs. There are restrooms and a spot to do your laundry.
Both tent camping and RVs are allowed.
Great hiking trails, boating on a lake, fishing, and swimming during the summer months are some of the attractions. And at Boynton Canyon, you can experience one of the coolest energy vortexes.
Some folks believe that spirits do visit these vortexes at night. So if you believe in the supernatural, this could be an awesome experience for you. On the whole, Dead Horse ranch is a great place.
Pricing:
Fees range from $30–35 per night for sites with electricity and $20 per night for sites without electricity.
Pros:
- Enchanting and peaceful
- The grounds are very clean
- You can bring your dogs
- Lots of great trails
- Within walking distance of a Lagoon
- Friendly staff
- Close to other great sites such as Jerome and Montezuma castle
Cons:
- It is small
- Dogs must be leashed at all times
- Sites are too close to each other
- Bathrooms could be cleaner
- Trails are not well-marked for easy access
Contact:
https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse/
2. Rancho Sedona RV Park
Folks who come here often stay for more than a week. So, it’s ideal for your next camping trip, especially if you’re looking for a place where you could really unwind, seeing as there are a lot of attractions to keep you and your loved ones engaged for days.
Another great thing about the place is that there are both full and partial hookups. And the starting price as of the time of writing is $36 per night, going up depending on the RV size and the number of days visitors intend to stay.
Its amenities include full-hook-up campsites, free wifi, a basketball court, private bathrooms with showers, a rec hall with a pool, laundry facilities, and a playground for kids.
Pricing:
Price: $36 to $88
Pros:
- Great spot on the banks of Oak Creek
- Nice large camping spots
- Well-kept facilities
- Clean showers and hot water
- It’s convenient and close to town and trails
Cons:
- You are required to have sewer hose support
- It is expensive
- Not for tent camping
- Wifi can be spotty at times
Contact:
3. Camp Avalon
Camp Avalon is a perfect location if you’re interested in spirituality. It’s sacred land that has been used for decades for spiritual communion, meditation, reflection, and connecting with nature. It’s a place for seekers to rest, retreat, and reflect as they seek spiritual growth.
Pricing:
$45 per night. Two weeks max
Pros:
- Beautiful and located away from the main road
- It has a peaceful, spiritual vibe
- Swimming area
- It is spacious
Cons:
- Can be crowded at weekends
- No socializing at night
If you’re going camping with kids, you know keeping them entertained can be a challenge. In this recent article, I shared 37 fun camping activities for teenagers and kids.
Just click it to read it on my site.
Contact:
4. Chavez Crossing Group Campground
Chavez offers amazing red rock scenery and a countryside ambiance. The campsites are located in a grove of sycamore cypress trees. It’s also close to town, where you can access great restaurants and golf courses, amongst others.
Three sites are on offer, and they are spacious enough for large groups. And you can reserve the whole campground if you’re coming with larger groups. Attractions include photography, shopping, hiking, sightseeing, and waterplay.
Pricing:
- Sycamore Group Site: $80 per night, per group (10-30 people)
- Cypress Group Site: $100 per night, per group (10-50 people)
- Ponderosa Group Site: $80 per night, per group (10-30 people)
- Entire Chavez Crossing: $235 per night, per group (25-110 people)
Pros:
- Great view of red rocks
- Highly beautiful
- Drinking water available
- Small RVs and trailers permitted
- Pets are welcome
Cons:
- 7-day stay limit
- No utility hookups
- Motorbikes to be used for entering or leaving the campground only
- No horses allowed
- Pets must be restrained or on a leash
Contact:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55270
Spent the weekend at the Manzanita Campground and had to bust out the cobija to stay warm pic.twitter.com/mnLMbYQidD
— (╯°□°）╯︵∀⊥ᴚƎ∩H ⋊ƆIᴚƎ (@ElRandomHero) April 26, 2021
5. Manzanita Campground
Manzanita campground is a small, tent-only site open throughout the year. It’s filled with beautiful places to behold and many activities you can engage in.
You can swim or go fishing, for example. It’s a popular site, so naturally, it fills up very soon, especially on weekends. So, you’ll have to book early, and it’s best to book on a weekday. It is easy to access and has paved parking. There’s a camp host to assist visitors.
The following are some of its amenities: tables, campfire rings, a fire pit, accessible pit toilets, and a water spigot. And you’re allowed to bring your pets.
Pricing:
Campsite: $22 per night. Firewood: $7 per bag (available from campground hosts)
Discounts: Senior and Access Interagency passes are accepted for a 50% discount on single-site camping fees. Other Interagency passes are not accepted.
Pros:
- Great view of red rocks
- Highly beautiful
- Incredible bargain
- You can swim in Oak Creek
- Closest to Sedona
Cons:
- Campsites are small and close together
- Tents only
Contact:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234287
6. Pine Flats Campground
Pine Flats Campground is one of the most scenic campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon. It has amazing views, such as tall pine trees rising high against some hills. It also attracts a variety of wildlife and is open to tents and RVs.
Pricing:
- Campsite: $22 per night (up to 8 people per site. If your party consists of more than 8 people, you will need an additional site.)
- 2nd vehicle: $10 per vehicle, per night (space permitting)
- Firewood: $7 per bag (available from campground hosts)
- Discounts: Senior and Access Interagency passes are accepted for a 50% discount on single-site camping fees. Other Interagency passes are not accepted.
Pros:
- Beautiful, tucked at the base of red rocks
- Great camp hosts
- Clean grounds
- Clean bathrooms
- Convenient location between Flagstaff and Sedona
Cons:
- Noisy, because it’s close to the road
- No electric, water, or sewer hookups
- Water stations near the bathroom, no way to connect a hose to a camper
- The sites are small
- There could be flash floods during the monsoon season
Contact:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55374
7. Living Springs Camp
A beautiful, simple, and rustic campground located less than 4 miles from Slide Rock State Park (which does not allow camping).
Slide Rock is one of America’s top 10 swimming holes. Slide Rock is ½ a mile of the village of Oak Creek, which is open for swimming, wading, and sliding.
It’s a place that’s brought a lot of fun to countless families. But you want to take special care because the water can be at near-freezing temperatures and the sandstone rocks under the water’s surface are slippery.
Pricing:
Unknown
Pros:
- Great fun if you can swim and climb rocks
- Propane and stove allowed
- Easy to access
Cons:
- Rustic
- No active website or way to reserve online
Contact:
Phone: 928-282-6871
8. Cave Springs Campground
Cave springs campground is on Coconino national forest land. It’s shaded by ponderosa pines. It’s a popular site, so it’s best to arrive early or book in advance.
There is trash collection, restrooms, and water faucets can be located throughout the campground. There is potable water, showers, picnic tables, firewood for sale, and a general store. It’s economical, and you’ll get added saving if you have the National Park senior pass. And you can bring your pets.
Pricing:
$22 per night
Pros:
- Overall, a lovely place
- Knowledgeable and supportive staff
- Well-stocked store, reasonable prices
- Pit-style outhouses kept super clean
- Great spot for hiking
- Sites are larger than typical campgrounds
Cons:
- Some campers are very noisy, not ideal if you want peace and quiet
- Portables by the shower house are not very clean
- No Wi-Fi and cell service down in the canyon
- Not the best choice for an RV, but okay for smaller set-ups
Contact:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232194
Verde Valley RV Resort, Cottonwood AZ
Well after juggling around a broken truck and meeting family in Lake Havasu we made it to Valley Verde! We started with a 3 week reservation and ended up with 3 days it was not nearly enough, we will be back! It was such a great place. pic.twitter.com/tRDgvutZKQ
— LanceFamilyTravels (@LanceFamilyTVLs) December 19, 2018
9. Verde Valley RV Resort
Verde Valley is an oasis of green on the banks of the Verde river. The sites offer full hookups, are large, and are filled with large trees. They are open to both RVers and tent campers.
Its amenities include showers, flush toilets, horseshoe pits, an outdoor pool, a mini golf course, and a recreation center with a pool table and ping pong tables.
Pricing:
$148 per night.
Pros:
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Good water pressure
- Nice and clean facilities and grounds
- Great spot for pets
- Sites are larger than typical campgrounds
Cons:
- There was some noise from the highway (but not a deal breaker)
- Some folks don’t take care of their dog’s business
Contact:
https://thousandtrails.com/arizona/verde-valley-rv-camping-resort/
10. Distant Drums RV Resort
Distant Drums RV Resort is a great location to stay as you tour the neighboring attractions in Red Rock Country, such as the Grand Canyon, the ghost town of Jerome, Arizona’s wineries, and others.
It is highly spacious and ordered in such a manner that you can easily drive your RV in and out. It’s one of the best RV sites for exploring the Sedona area.
They have daily, weekly, and monthly rates for water and electricity, and motorhomes.
Pricing:
Daily Rate
Water & Electric Only: $35 (w/Tax $39.54)
Back-In: $49 (w/Tax $55.36)
Pull-In Motorhome: $52 (w/Tax $58.74)
Premium Pull-in Motorhome:$56 (w/Tax $63.26)
Pull-Thru: $60 (w/Tax $67.78)
Pros:
- Heated pool and spa
- Daily trash pick-up (free)
- Night security is provided
- Full hookup
- Enclosed dog park
- Free shuttle to Cliff Castle Casino
- Concrete sites
- Enough room for big rigs
- Free escort service to your site on arrival
- Helpful and friendly staff
Cons:
- Internet coverage sketchy in some parts of the resort
- The sites are tight
Contact:
11. Lawrence Crossing Campground
Lawrence Crossing Campground is one of the most dispersed camping areas you can explore. It is located at Rimrock, AZ 86335, near Soda Springs ranch and Montezuma Well.
What is dispersed camping? This is essentially camping outside designated campgrounds.
It’s a great way to find free camping. In effect, you forget about the facilities and amenities one would ordinarily expect. To get similar dispersed camping grounds, you’d have to drive off the main road and explore some forest roads or dirt roads.
But note that it doesn’t mean that you can camp anywhere. Be sure to check with a ranger to know if where you’re considering is free and if there are restrictions. Free dispersed camping is usually allowed on public lands such as BLM and National Forest Land.
Pricing:
Free
Pros:
- You’ll be able to save a lot of money
- Closer proximity to nature
- Better scenery
Cons:
- No amenities
- Risk of crime
- Could be noisy if many other people are using the same area
- Lack of phone and data connectivity
- Roads not built for modern rigs
Contact:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=74377&actid=43
12. Munds Park RV Resort
Munds Park is a large and convenient resort for a large variety of RVs. There’s a country store where you can buy basics. You can dump, do laundry, and refill your propane. And there’s also a swimming pool.
Pricing:
Daily Rates: $58.00 – $67.00
Discounts/Memberships: FMCA
Pros:
- Lots of trees
- Easy to get in and out
- Nice and clean facilities and grounds
- Friendly and supportive staff
- There is a general store
- There are guards overnight
Cons:
- There was some noise from the highway
- Some of the amenities are not kept as clean as one would like
- Wifi connections can be sketchy
- Sites are narrow
Contact:
Crescent Moon Recreation Area, Sedona, Arizona
iPhone 7 Plus imageRed Rock Crossing had been a low water crossing over Oak Creek until a major flood washed the road out back in the 70’s. The bridge was never rebuilt. This view shows Cathedral Rock, and Oak Creek. pic.twitter.com/JwJ7OVWzcq
— Gary Litwin (@Glitwin52) July 18, 2022
13. Crescent Moon Campground
Crescent Moon Campground is located off Highway 89 in Oak Creek town.
It has 19 “first come, first serve” sites. There’s no fee to camp there. But there are fees to use some of the facilities, such as the parking lot and showers. There is no hot water. But there is cold water from the faucet that can be used for washing and bathing.
The following are some of the amenities available: drinking water, picnic tables, paved pathways, accessible pit toilets, and grills.
Some parts of the campground may be reserved, so if you plan to set up your tent, it’s best to contact the visitor center where you’ll be directed to the parts you could set up your tent. Activities you could engage in include biking, fishing, picnicking, swimming, and photography.
Pricing:
Free
Pros:
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Easy to access
- Access to creek
- Nice and clean facilities and grounds
Cons:
- There was some noise from the highway (but not a deal breaker)
- Limited parking
- It can be crowded at weekends
Contact:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232299
14. Loy Butte Road
Loy Butte is one of the best free campsites in Sedona.
It’s located far off the beaten path. So, it’s not often crowded. It’s so ideal, it’s won prizes twice. Because it’s free, there are no amenities. You’ll have to come with what you need. You can easily locate it with Google maps.
Pricing:
Free
Pros:
- You’ll be able to save a lot of money
- Closer proximity to nature
- Better scenery
Cons:
- No amenities
- Risk of crime
- Could be noisy if many other people are using the same area
- Lack of phone and data connectivity
- Roads not built for modern rigs
Contact:
15. Oak Creek Mobilodge
Oak Creek Mobilodge is a part-time RV park, part-permanent residence. It has abundant shade trees that make the environment cool even during summer. Beautiful cobbled walkways lead to the creek, where you can swim, bike, or fish. You can visit all year round, and there are hookups available.
Pricing:
Nightly: starting at $65/night
Pros:
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Affordable
- Wifi worked well
- Friendly residents who mind their own business
- Easy to access
- Access to the creek, trail, and everything Sedona
- Clean laundry room
- Sites are level and roomy
Cons:
- Run down homes
- Small space, not easy to navigate RV
- Not much privacy
- Only 7 sites can be reserved
Contact:
https://www.oakcreekmobilodge.com/
16. Clear Creek Group Campground
Clear Creek flows along this campground. It’s a popular spot that a lot of people visit.
It’s great for hiking, swimming, wading, and bird watching (there are colorful songbirds and raptors). You could simply relax under the umbrella of cottonwood trees. Someone described it as the best park they’d ever been to.
Pricing:
Fees: Campsite: $18 per night. 2nd vehicle: $8 for the second vehicle at single-unit sites. Group Site (1-30 people): $80 per night per group.
Pros:
- Exceptional views
- Friendly and helpful manager
- Affordable
- Over 5000 trails
- Wifi worked well
- Easy to access
- Access to Clear Creek
- Sites are level
- Easy to recycle
Cons:
- No sewer in some sites
- Often very full, reservations have to be made 60 days in advance
- Small space, not easy to navigate RV
- Not enough room to park tow vehicles
- Choppy wifi
- No full hookups
- Not much privacy
Contact:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55274
These Red Rock formations near Sedona Arizona are called Seven Sacred Pools. pic.twitter.com/keE0yEqK3t
— 🌼Don’t Hold Your Breath🌿🌸🐝 (@Don_DHYB) December 5, 2021
17. Zane Grey RV Village
Zane Grey is a beautiful RV park in the Red Rock region of Arizona.
It’s surrounded by mountains that provide shelter, and the summer rains make the valley verdant. The grounds are well-managed, and there is a pavilion where folks relax. Laundry, restroom, and showers. You can buy RV supplies and propane. And there’s free Wi-Fi.
Pricing:
- Daily Rate: $50 – $65
- Weekly Rate: $252 – $264
- Monthly: $575
- Note: There is a $3.50/night charge for any additional guests over the age of 6.
Pros:
- Immaculate
- Very quiet and peaceful
- Friendly and helpful managers
- Affordable
- Split rail fences to separate sites
- Dog-friendly
- Easy to access
- Sites are level with crushed rock surface
- Wi-Fi access
Cons:
- No cable
- No campfires allowed
- A bit noisy
- Some complained of rude staff or excessive rules and policies
Contact:
18. Sunrise Park Resorts
Sunrise Park is Arizona’s go-to recreation resort. There are affordable 5-star amenities. Mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, and more. In the winter, there’s skiing, snowboarding, ski biking, and lessons for all ages.
In this recent article, I shared 35 best outdoor night games your teenagers would love. Just click the link to check it out on my site.
You can choose from 147 RV sites. If you’re in the mood for something luxurious, this is the place to go.
Pricing:
Pre-Season Sale: Adult (18-64): $649 $529 ; College Student: $429 $379 ; Teen (13-17): $429 $379 ; Child (6-12): $349 $329 ; Senior (65-74): $369 $349.
Pros:
- Top-notch service
- Wi-Fi and cable worked well
- Renters in their own place
- Swimming pool
- Large hot tub
- Easy to access
- Sites are level
- Easy to recycle
Cons:
- Expensive
- Tight and difficult to get into
- Sites not completely level
- Sewer hookup at the back of the site
Contact:
19. Turquoise Triangle RV Park
It is located a short distance from the Verde river. The river is one of the main attractions as it offers the opportunity to go bird-watching, kayaking, and hiking. You have access to cable TV and Wi-Fi, and full hookups. It’s pet friendly, and the staff is on call 24/7. On-site laundry and clean baths and showers.
Pricing:
$30 per night
Pros:
- 10% discount
- Thoughtful and considerate staff
- Nice small-town feel with a “lounge”
- Affordable
- Shaded, cool atmosphere
- Wi-Fi and cable worked well
- Easy to access
- Sites are level
Cons:
- It’s an old park with a lot of residents
- Dogs are not allowed on the grass
- Not much privacy
- Website not secure so some browsers will give you a warning (don’t pay online)
Contact:
http://turquoisetrianglervpark.com/index.html
20. The Main Drag BLM Camping
It is a free site located in the south of Coconino National Forest. It’s open to tent and van campers and can accommodate large RVs, but it may be hard to find space at weekends. Because it’s a free site, there are no amenities. So, you’ll have to bring what you need.
Pricing:
Free
Pros:
- You’ll be able to save a lot of money
- Closer proximity to nature
- Better scenery
Cons:
- No amenities
- Risk of crime
- Could be noisy if many other people are using the same area
- Lack of phone and data connectivity
- Roads not built for oversized RVs
Contact:
Before we call it a wrap, in this recent article, I shared 27 best family-friendly camping spots in California. Northern California has everything from beautiful coastlines to redwood trees to mountains and plains.
Just click the link to check it out on my site.
Conclusion
In the article, we looked at 19 of the best sites you could explore on your next trip to Sedona, Arizona. Most are paid, and the prices are reasonable, considering the amenities.
I covered some that are RV resorts, while others allow both RVs and tents.
I also covered several different price ranges, so there’s something for everyone. And a number of the ones I listed are actually free! Happy camping!
Check Out All My Top Campground Recommendations
Family-friendly Northern California
Image by Guy Pendlebury from Pixabay
