Manzanita Campground sits directly off Highway 89A in a compact single loop, making it easily accessible but closer to road noise than some campers expect. The US Forest Service facility charges $30 per night and accepts reservations, which fill up quickly during spring months according to multiple visitors.
Oak Creek runs behind several sites, creating the backdrop that defines this campground's character. "Listening to the babbling brook at night is priceless," notes Kimberly D.. The creek sound helps mask traffic noise from the adjacent highway. Sites 9-12 and the corner site 19 receive frequent mentions as preferred spots, with creek-adjacent locations offering the most space and water access.
The campground provides standard amenities including drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Several reviewers mention a swimming hole and small waterfall accessible from the camping area. Cell service remains limited throughout the facility. Some sites require campers to park on pavement and walk down to their actual camping spot, which can feel like "camping in a parking lot" for those expecting drive-in access.
Tent camping works best here since RVs cannot be accommodated. Sites sit close together in the small loop layout, and the facility stays busy during peak seasons. "Clean bathrooms, clean campground and excellent hosts make this place a winner," reports Alex S.. Snake warning signs appear throughout the area.
The location provides quick access to Sedona attractions while offering creek-side camping. For those seeking more dispersed options, Forest Service Road 253 Dispersed sits a few miles northeast.
Description
Overview
Manzanita Campground is a small, year-round, tent-only facility with campsites that fill up very quickly. Visitors enjoy the campground for its fishing and swimming holes along Oak Creek, beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife watching. Oak Creek Canyon is very crowded, especially on weekends; to get a campsite, it is best to reserve a weekday.
Recreation
Recreation and relaxation abound in Oak Creek Canyon. Camping, fishing, swimming, wading and hiking are some of the activities awaiting visitors. Anglers have the convenience of creekside campsites, where they can cast a line for trout. Families love driving down the road to nearby Slide Rock State Park, one of Arizona's most popular swimming spots, or trying out several nearby hiking trails.
Facilities
The campground is very easy to access and has paved parking. It is made up of single-family campsites that are fairly close together. Each site has a picnic table, campfire ring and grill. A campground host is available for visitor assistance. Firewood can be purchased on-site.Campground has 4 first-come-first-serve sites which are often occupied. Campground host is unable to "hold" any first-come-first-serve sites for customers.
Natural Features
The campground borders Oak Creek in a lush, forested riparian zone with Arizona ash and box elders, gravel beaches and stream-bed boulders. Colorful songbirds add flashes of brilliance to the trees. The creek's crystal clear waters are cool and refreshing on hot summer days.
Nearby Attractions
The well-known town of Sedona is popular for its red rock vistas, resorts and shopping. Slide Rock State Park is a great local spot for swimming and only a few minutes away. Campers can also explore the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, which boasts a spectacular variety of scenery and outdoor activities.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundManzanita Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Exit 298 for Highway 179. Take 179 north to Sedona. Turn right (north) onto Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon and travel 6 miles to the campground. From Flagstaff, take I-17 south and exit for Highway 89A toward Sedona. Travel 23 miles south on 89A (a winding mountain road) into Oak Creek Canyon. The campground is located just south of Slide Rock State Park.
Address
5900 N HW 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
Coordinates
34.9416667 N
111.7416667 W
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 30 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 1 hr 8 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 43 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 23 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ














































