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Coconino/Cave Springs
Overview
Cave Springs Campground offers a quintessential Sedona experience, nestled within the scenic depths of Oak Creek Canyon. As one of the most popular campgrounds in the Coconino National Forest, it provides a lush, forested escape from the desert heat. Travelers arrive here to find a serene atmosphere where ponderosa pines tower over the campsites, creating a sense of seclusion despite its proximity to the city. This is a rustic destination that prioritizes the natural beauty of northern Arizona over modern resort luxuries, offering a true immersion in the wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated along State Route 89A, a designated scenic byway that winds through dramatic red rock formations and steep canyon walls. Oak Creek runs adjacent to the campground, offering refreshing swimming holes and a tranquil soundtrack of flowing water. The surrounding landscape is characterized by its unique transition from high-desert scrub to dense evergreen forest. Visitors are treated to spectacular views of colorful sandstone cliffs that glow under the Arizona sun, making every morning a visual treat for those parked within the canyon floor.
Amenities & Park Features
This facility is designed for those who enjoy a back-to-basics lifestyle, as it does not offer electrical or water hookups. However, it provides well-maintained vault toilets and access to potable water throughout the loops. One standout feature for a national forest site is the availability of token-operated showers, allowing campers to freshen up after a day on the dusty trails. Each individual site comes equipped with a heavy-duty fire ring and a sturdy picnic table, perfect for evening gatherings under a canopy of stars far from city lights.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves perfectly positioned to explore the best of the region. Just a short drive away is Slide Rock State Park, where visitors can slide down natural water chutes in the creek bed. Hiking is the primary draw here, with the famous West Fork Trail located nearby, offering a breathtaking trek through canyon narrows and stream crossings. For a change of pace, the vibrant art galleries and restaurants of downtown Sedona are easily accessible, providing a balance of wilderness and local culture.
Who This Park Is Best For
Cave Springs is ideal for RVers who prefer a primitive camping experience and the chance to disconnect from technology. Because there are size limits for larger rigs, it is best suited for small to mid-sized trailers and campervans. This park is a dream for nature photographers and hikers who want to be at the trailhead early in the morning before the crowds arrive. If you value a cool, shady environment and proximity to one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country, this canyon retreat is an excellent choice.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
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.
Chris Phillips
Very quiet campground, some road noise but not bad and definite not at night. Some spots are spacious while others definitely are squeezed together. Vault toilets are clean and showers for $8/8min are available. Close to West Fork Oak Creek trailhead. Site E11 is spacious and tent area is level with nice views of canyon walls
Shelly Emery
This is a beautiful area and we were excited to stay and do some hiking. Unfortunately, we found the sites very narrow, close together, and we could barely fit our van/casita combo. Also, stay away from site A3, 4, 5 unless you enjoy the smell of the vault toilets and dumpster. We were there in late October so I can’t imagine the smell in summer. Other problems include the lack of hook-ups, lack of a dump station, and the poor condition of the road in the campground. $8 shower, $10 firewood.
TrailRunningMan
I really don’t understand how people can leave this campground a 5 star review. It’s awful! The sites are small, unlevel and jammed together. There’s only a narrow single lane road around the loop. They have placed large rocks very close to the road making it exceptionally hard to maneuver a camper of any length. The biggest turn off is the large dumpster trash cans that are all over the road. The entire place reeks of the smell of trash and nasty vault toilets! To add to the misery you are right beside the very busy Hwy 89A going to Sedona so you get to listen to traffic, beating stereos and motorcycles! At least during our stay the campground wasn’t busy. When this place is full I can imagine it would be even more miserable!
Brian Green
Nice sites. I stayed in b3 because it has plenty of sun for my solar panel. It is right next to the vault toilets which are smelly, but I only noticed it sometimes. Went to get a shower token at the office and the showers are now $8. Just fyi as what I had seen elsewhere online indicated they were $4. This campground is 30 minutes from Sedona.
Lani Axman
Cave Springs is one of my absolute most favorite places in the whole world. Really. This part of Oak Creek is like a magical fairy land. It's my happy place. We come camping here every year, usually twice a year. Gorgeous.
Heath Pulver
Solid campground in Arizona. Like many campgrounds there are some great sites and some very close to each other. But awesome spot north of Sedona and south of Flagstaff. There is easy creek access that is accessible for children. They have showers for $8 for 8 minutes, firewood for $10, and a small store for ice and stuff. I noticed the staff did a great job of cleaning each site and the restrooms were also kept very clean.
Jonathan Slackta
I spent two nights at this very green oasis in Sedona. The abundance of shade provided by the pines and the nearby creek was particularly enjoyable. However, I found the $8 showers and the pit toilets to be quite inconvenient. I had no negative experiences with the camp hosts, who promptly checked me in upon my arrival. Lots of families are here, and for the most part, quiet times were adhered to. Also, be aware that there are no grocery stores nor anywhere to dine out nearby. I would probably stay here again but away from the loop near the road as the trees do not do a good job at insulating the vehicle noise.
Amanda Jones
I’ve been going to Cave Spring campground since I was a kid and you’ll never find a more beautiful location. Easy access to secret swimming holes, a difficult but rewarding hike up the mountain from both sides of the campground, friendly and helpful staff, and large campsites. The two reasons is not a 5-star for me anymore (I went just after Labor Day): 1) there is a bit of a skunk problem now and 2) there SO many staff and/or permanent residents that in the middle area you feel like you’re in an RV park and not a campground.
Katelyn Fasci
Great campground. So many fun to things to do. Swim in the creek, look for crawdads, play in the green belt. Nice camp hosts. Decent bathrooms. Great location. Reserve at recreation.gov or get a first come spot! Took some wedding photos here and loved them.