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Coconino/Cave Springs
Overview
Overview
Cave Springs Campground is tucked away in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon, offering a quintessential high-desert escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this site is widely considered one of the most scenic spots in the region. Unlike typical commercial RV parks, it provides an authentic, rustic experience where the sounds of the rushing creek and the cooling shade of ponderosa pines define your stay in beautiful northern Arizona.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just south of Flagstaff and north of Sedona, this campground is positioned along the famous Highway 89A. The location is famous for its dramatic red rock scenery and winding canyon roads. Guests find themselves surrounded by dense forest, providing a cooler climate than the desert floor below. The proximity to the pristine Oak Creek makes it a perfect setting for those who prioritize natural beauty and tranquility over urban conveniences.
Amenities & Park Features
As a developed Forest Service facility, the campground offers essential amenities while maintaining a rugged charm. Each site includes a picnic table, a fire ring for evening campfires, and a grill. While the campground is not designed for oversized big rigs, it accommodates smaller RVs and trailers comfortably. Guests have access to vault toilets and potable water spigots throughout the grounds, ensuring that basic needs are met in this secluded, forest-based environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area is a gateway to adventure, with several scenic hiking trails directly accessible from the canyon floor. Visitors can spend their days wading in the clear waters of Oak Creek, fishing for trout, or exploring the iconic rock formations of nearby Sedona. The drive itself is a major attraction, featuring sweeping vistas and tight turns that showcase the unique geology of the Coconino National Forest. It is a premier spot for nature photographers and quiet exploration.
Who This Park Is Best For
Cave Springs is best suited for nature-focused travelers who prefer a rustic, unplugged experience over modern resort amenities. It is an ideal choice for families who enjoy camping under a canopy of trees and photographers looking to capture the essence of Sedona’s canyon landscapes. If you prefer a tranquil, back-to-basics lifestyle while exploring the heart of the Coconino National Forest, this scenic campground provides the perfect foundation for your Arizona getaway.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Lubo Li
Camp site is good as other national forest sites. The one issue I want to bring campers attention to is the private concessionaires to manage both the campground and nearby West Fork Trail. These private firms charge unreasonable fees for parking in trail head and shower in campground. National Forests are supported by tax dollars, we are also paying the national park membership. Yet this concessionaire charge $15 for parking and $8 for 3 minutes of shower. In comparison, Badlands National Park charges 50 cents for 4 minutes, and Grand Canyon $1.5 for 5 minutes. Even the staff feel the same way and asked me to share this feedback in Google Maps. I hope BLM get rid of these private concessionaires, or have them follow NPS practices or policies.
Bob Lord
A bit disappointing. Tried 3 sites before my 21 ft Microlite would fit, barely! They have lots of nice boulders lining the roads so backing in any camper is very challenging and I've been doing this for years. I would advise against anything but a very short trailer or shorter class c or van from choosing this site. The bends down from I17 are twisty and despite my overall length of 37 ft was no problem. The speed limit is 20 mph and if you do that it's no problem. The sign says limited to 40 ft and I think longer would be unwise. But you are risking camper damage trying to get into any of the spots.
Richard S
I've stayed here a couple times, and always loved the location and the natural beauty surrounding it. The pit toilets....well, that's the only gripe. Came here one time and they were absolutely disgusting. Haven't been back since. Was a bad camping experience for some of our fledgling campers that time. The rest of the campground is really nice though. The staff is friendly and they have showers as well. Oak Creek is a couple steps away from some sites if you don't want to pay the money for the showers, a nice soak in the creek always refreshed us. The sites on the back 40 are tight, so if you plan on bringing your larger tow behind, you may have issues. We tent camp when we come here. The sites are huge and pretty private. It's a quick drive to get into downtown Sedona, and you can be up in Flag in no time due to the location. If they can remedy the toilet situation I'd say this place would be a solid 5 star. I gave it 3 simply because of the toilets. Everything else here is fantastic, and it offers a great camping experience without being in the mess of DT Sedona or VOC. Yes, they have a skunk issue. But anytime you place humans and human waste that isn't properly controlled in the wilderness, you will attract vermin. It's all part of the organized camping experience. If you don't want that, there are plenty of boondocking sites up the road between Sedona and Cottonwood. But if you want to be in the heart of it all with minimal commuting, you're kind of stuck.
Fernanda Mattes
The staff is super nice, especially Denise! The campground is very clean, they have potable water, hot showers, and even a small store with lots of useful products. We also had great 5G signal during our stay. It’s a great place for couples, groups, and pets are welcome too. We definitely want to come back!
Katy Pearl Craig
Beautiful sites, beautiful water, friendly and knowledgeable staff who keep everything clean, affordable and lots of shade. Honestly one of my favorite campsites I’ve ever been to. I will be back twice a year seeing as it’s only two hours from home. An absolute hidden gem. You can walk and meditate down by the creek at any hour. Staff also works hard to keep noise down during quiet hours. We had one neighbor who wanted to run his generator at night, they promptly came and told him to follow regulations. It was nice because it saved me the confrontation and I could just enjoy my trip. Ended up meeting a friend in that neighbor instead. Showers, wood and ice are overpriced but I get that. I don’t mind supporting such an awesome place run by such awesome women. I wish I didn’t have to leave today. Good work, ladies! Your pride in what you do shines through to the guests