Camping in Sedona: A Guide to Arizona’s Red Rock Wonders

Camping in Sedona offers an unparalleled experience, blending awe-inspiring red rock vistas with serene natural surroundings. Whether you prefer developed campgrounds with amenities or secluded dispersed campsites, Sedona has something for every adventurer. 

This guide will help you navigate the top camping options, from convenient RV parks to rugged wilderness sites, and prepare you for a memorable outdoor journey. Let’s dive in so you can get outdoors.

Can I Camp Anywhere in Sedona?

No, you can’t camp anywhere in Sedona. Much of it is privately owned, and camping overnight at most trailheads, parking lots, and dirt roads is illegal. However, in addition to campgrounds, free dispersed campsites are available west of Sedona. 

Which Campground Is Best in Sedona?

Which campground is best for you depends on your camping style. Fortunately, there’s everything from dispersed wilderness sites to RV sites with luxury amenities and everything in between.

Manzanita Campground

Manzanita Campground is a small, year-round campground just north of Sedona, offering tent-only campsites perfect for families or solo camping. The sites are easy to access, with paved parking areas, pit toilets, and a water spigot. Each site has a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill; firewood can be purchased on-site. Bordering Oak Creek in a lush, forested riparian zone with gravel beaches and part of the Coconino National Forest, plenty of outdoor adventures await. 

The creek is cool and refreshing in the summer, and anglers can catch stocked trout. Nearby, there’s swimming and hiking in the popular Slide Rock State Park. Be sure to bring the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank to recharge your phone when you drain your battery from all the photos.

• This popular site fills up fast. 
• Four sites are first-come-first-serve. The rest require reservations.
• No RVs or trailers allowed. 

Pine Flat Campground

Pine Flat Campground is one of the Coconino National Forest’s most popular campsites, accommodating tents, RVs, trailers, and motorhomes up to 36 feet long. It’s another great scenic spot in a shady stand of ponderosa pines along the banks of Oak Creek, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and nearby swimming. Drinking water and vault toilets are available, and sites have picnic tables, fire pits, and grills with firewood available for purchase. If you’re going camping in the fall or spring, the nights get cold, so bring a warm sleeping bag and be prepared for rain in any season. 

• This site is popular; book your site online at Recreation.gov. 
• There are no RV hookups and no electricity on site. 
• Generators are not permitted between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., so it’s highly recommended that you bring one of the ultra-quiet EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series portable power stations.

Dispersed Camping West Sedona

For those who want more of a wilderness experience or to camp for free, 8 designated dispersed camping areas in west Sedona comprise nearly 36 acres and about 200 campsites with expansive views of Sedona’s red rocks. This is a popular spot with options for trailers and RVs. The roads can be busy, but you can find a quiet spot if you drive farther.   

Since there’s no power, bring a portable solar generator like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W). It’s compact and lightweight, and you can recharge it with its 45W super-efficient solar panel. 

If you’re summer camping, the days can get hot, so bring the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner. It lasts up to 8 hours wirelessly and can be recharged with a portable power station, DC car plugs, AC wall plugs, or portable solar panels. If you’re winter camping, it also doubles as a heater to keep you warm on those chilly nights. 

• No reservations and no fees; all sites are first-come-first-serve.
• These are primitive sites with no amenities. You must be self-sufficient, and practice Leave No Trace rules. 
• Check out the spots ahead of time on the designated dispersed camping map.
• A Forest Order prohibits dispersed camping outside the designated areas to prevent negatively impacting the land or encroaching on private property. 

Munds Park RV Resort

Munds Park RV Resort is located just northeast of Sedona, off I17. It’s perfect for those in RVs and motorhomes who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and easy access to the Coconino National Forest and Monument Valley for hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails but return to their campsite to enjoy modern amenities. It offers full RV hookups, Wi-Fi, and many luxury amenities on-site, including a rec hall and bar, fitness center, playground, heated pool and spa, general store, restrooms, showers, dog parks, water fill stations, RV dump sites, and propane refills. 

• Seasonal park; open from April 1 to October 31. 
• RV sites only, not for tent campers. 
• Pull-through, back-in, and big rig-friendly sites.
• Daily, monthly, and seasonal rates.

Chavez Crossing Campground

Chavez Crossing is a popular group campground just minutes south of Sedona. You can enjoy the shopping, galleries, or nightlife in town, then return to camp for a relaxing night. Even though it’s surrounded by golf courses and fancy homes, it offers a beautiful creekside and red rock scenery in a grove of Arizona sycamore and Arizona cypress trees. Enjoy fishing and playing in the cool waters of Oak Creek, or head out to the nearby hikes. All sites have tables, fire pits, and cooking grills, and a vault toilet and drinking water are available. 

• You must book reservations online at Recreation.gov or call  877-444-6777.
• Two large spots for 10-50 people that accommodate RVs (no hookups) are $120, and the smaller spot for 10-30 people is $95. 
• There is no electricity, and quiet hours are between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am with no generators. However, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is a small solar generator with no noisy motor to worry about.  
• Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times.

What Should I Pack for a Sedona National Park Camping Trip?

• EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series portable power stations are essential for unpowered sites and areas where noisy generators are not allowed.
• Cool, loose-fitting clothing for daytime. 
• Warm sweatshirt, pants, and socks for cool nights.  
• Sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 
• Water bottles for hiking and daytime activities.   
• A quality 3-4 season tent for fall, winter, or early spring camping. 
• Warm sleeping bags for cooler nights. 
• Raincoat and boots, especially if summer camping. 
• Cooking utensils and camp stoves since not all sites have grills. 

5 Sedona Camping Tips

1. Most of the area is private land, so bivvying and van life isn’t easy since camping at most trailheads, parking lots, or dirt roads is illegal.  
2. The dispersed sites in west Sedona are popular; finding a spot in summer can take time. 
3. Official campgrounds are typically open from April to October. Dispersed campsites or RV resorts are the best options in the off-season. 
4. Spring is the most popular season since it gets hot and rains more often in the summer. 
5. Fall is also popular after the summer heat dissipates. Campers can enjoy watching the vibrant leaves changing colors along Oak Creek Canyon. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Sedona offers diverse camping experiences, from well-equipped RV resorts to primitive dispersed sites surrounded by breathtaking red rock views. Whether you want to immerse yourself in nature, explore the area’s unique red rock wonders, or enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and swimming, there’s something for everyone. Planning ahead and packing essentials like reliable gear, layered clothing, and sustainable EcoFlow River 3 Series portable power stations will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Now, get packing and head out on your next unforgettable adventure.