Red Rock Country , Sedona's Little Secret

Manzanita Campground is the smallest camp in the area, offering only 18 single-unit sites. Located at the bank of Oak Creek, regularly stocked with trout, this campground offers excellent fishing opportunities and several clear water holes for swimming. There are several hiking trails nearby. Access is very easy, as it’s just off 89A, with paved pull through. The campground offers drinking water and vault type restrooms. Due to space restrictions, trailers and RVs aren’t allowed on the campground. Its small size and excellent location make it one of the most contested sites in Coconino, so reservation is a must. Manzanita Campground is opened year round.

Opened from March through November, Cave Springs Campground is also located at Oak Creek, which means trout fishing. Another reason for its popularity is its proximity to both Sedona and Slide Rock Park (according to Life Magazine, one of top ten swimming holes in the nation). The campground offers 82 sites, 11 of which can be reserved. Several scenic hike trails lead up the canyon, offering amazing view of the nearby landscape. Cave Springs Campground offers coin operated showers, vault type restrooms, drinking water, tables, fire pits and grills for cooking. Small RVs and trailers up to 36’ are allowed.

Pine Flat Campground is just a mile south from Cave Springs Campground and offers similar conditions. It offers everything Cave Springs offers, except showers, but visitors from Pine Flat Campground are welcomed to use them. RVs and trailers up to 30’ are allowed.

Chavez Crossing Campground is a bit further away from Oak Creek, but still close enough to allow for fishing. Although it’s surrounded by golf courses and upscale Sedona neighborhood, it still possesses that Red Rock Country charm. It offers three group sites, located at ponderosa pine, sycamore and cypress groves. They can be rented individually of for larger groups (100+) all together.

Clear Creek Group Campground is located in the oasis on the banks of Clear Creek, surrounded by Sonoran desert. Small creek offers nice fishing and there are few desert hike trails in the area. Drinking water is limited, so make sure you bring plenty with you. Each site has a fire pit, grill for cooking and a table. RVs and trailers up to 32’ are allowed.

If you don’t want to bother with tents, there are several cabins in the area that you can rent, sometimes including a comfortable air mattress. Apache Maid Cabin is a small facility offering accommodations for 6 people and located in ponderosa pine grove.

Crescent Moon Cabin is much larger and is spacious enough for 25 people for day use. This former rancher house has both electricity and running water and is very popular due to its vicinity to Cathedral Rock.

Picnic Sites

If your time at Red Rock Country is limited, a nice picnic maybe the answer. All of the camping grounds offer day use passes (from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.) for smaller groups, but there are plenty dedicated picnic areas.

One of the most popular is Crescent Moon picnic site, located at Red crossing at the foot of Cathedral Rock. Basic picnic amenities are available, like tables and cooking grills, as well as drinking fountain. Crescent Moon is very popular wedding spot, so much that if you want to get married here, you have to make reservations well in advance.

Another popular day site is Rock Slide State Park. This amazing natural rock slide is very popular with children, although adults rarely give it a pass. The only downside is that it’s often crowded.

Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area is located at the swimming hole under the cliff side. Several trails are accessible form the site and it offers a great way to end a hike by cooling down in shady swimming hole. There are also several fishing spots nearby.

White Bridge Picnic Site is located above Verde River and offer opportunities for boating (non-motorized kind) and fishing. This site is free to use and offer picnic tables and cooking grill, but no drinking water.

Please remember that camping and picnicking are allowed only at designated areas. Picnic areas do not allow overnight camping. Due to risk of wildfires, fires are prohibited outsides camping sites.

More Information:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234287
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55314
https://allthestuff.com/camping-for-beginners/
https://sedonaverdevalley.org/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/
https://survivalcommonsense.com/