The best waterside campgrounds near Sedona, Arizona

In the heart of Arizona's Red Rock Country, the cozy city of Sedona attracts outdoors enthusiasts, art lovers, and spiritual seekers with its mix of galleries, spas, restaurants, and—according to some—energetically charged vortexes. Even still, Sedona’s most striking feature is its fantastic landscapes, and there are plenty of excellent spots in the area worth exploring. Popular hiking trails include Cathedral Rock, with its red rock views, and Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon (both known for vortexes). Slide Rock State Park offers refreshing swimming holes right in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon.

90% (1.6K) • 4 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sedona

Kaibab National Forest

1. Kaibab National Forest

95%

(31)

National forest 35mi from Sedona · 291 sites

It’s time to get wild in the wild west! Head into the red rocks, pines, deserts, and canyons and sink your soul into some vast and untrammelled land that is beyond amazing. Kaibab National Forest has got what you need for a Northern Arizona getaway no matter what you are looking for. With three distinct areas: Williams, Tusayan, and North Kaibab, this diverse place will leave you with a perma-smile and a wild streak you didn’t know you had. Also, wait for it...this forest borders both the north and south side of Grand Canyon National Park! For all the epicness that the Grand Canyon offers (some of the trails actually follow the rim of the canyon!) without the tourists and crowds, come here and feel like you hit the jackpot. There’s really no other way to say it. You just gotta see it for yourself!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

In the heart of Arizona's Red Rock Country, the cozy city of Sedona attracts outdoors enthusiasts, art lovers, and spiritual seekers with its mix of galleries, spas, restaurants, and—according to some—energetically charged vortexes. Even still, Sedona’s most striking feature is its fantastic landscapes, and there are plenty of excellent spots in the area worth exploring. Popular hiking trails include Cathedral Rock, with its red rock views, and Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon (both known for vortexes). Slide Rock State Park offers refreshing swimming holes right in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon.

90% (1.6K) • 4 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sedona

Kaibab National Forest

1. Kaibab National Forest

95%

(31)

National forest 35mi from Sedona · 291 sites

It’s time to get wild in the wild west! Head into the red rocks, pines, deserts, and canyons and sink your soul into some vast and untrammelled land that is beyond amazing. Kaibab National Forest has got what you need for a Northern Arizona getaway no matter what you are looking for. With three distinct areas: Williams, Tusayan, and North Kaibab, this diverse place will leave you with a perma-smile and a wild streak you didn’t know you had. Also, wait for it...this forest borders both the north and south side of Grand Canyon National Park! For all the epicness that the Grand Canyon offers (some of the trails actually follow the rim of the canyon!) without the tourists and crowds, come here and feel like you hit the jackpot. There’s really no other way to say it. You just gotta see it for yourself!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Sedona guide

Where to go

Northern Arizona

Stretching across the Colorado Plateau, Northern Arizona is the lushest part of the state, with a mix of lakes, mountains, ponderosa pine forests, and desert landscapes. Sedona and nearby Flagstaff are both within this region's boundaries, as is Grand Canyon National Park. Campers have options here, with campsites available in Pine Flat Campground, Manzanita Campground, and Cave Springs Campground. Dispersed camping areas also dot the Coconino National Forest.

Central Arizona

South of Sedona, Central Arizona offers a mix of wilderness areas and big cities, notably the Phoenix metropolitan area. It's also home to the Montezuma Castle National Monument, a short drive from Sedona in the town of Camp Verde, as well as Kartchner Caverns State Park.

Southern Arizona

For a taste of the Old West, head to Southern Arizona, where you'll find a mix of historic sites, ghost towns, and even wineries. Highlights for nature lovers include the cactus-filled Saguaro National Park in the Sonoran Desert and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, just outside of Tucson.

When to go

Sedona is at its busiest during the summer months, when it plays host to all sorts of cultural and music festivals. However, this time of year is also hot, and temperatures of over 100°F are common. If the combination of heat and crowds sounds less than ideal, consider visiting in early spring or late autumn, when temperatures are hot but not scalding. Winter is also a good option, when daytime highs hover in the 60s.