Camping at Pine Flat Campground in Sedona

Pine Flat Campground, located within the scenic Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking rugged beauty and a serene environment. With its towering ponderosa pines, red-rock backdrops, and proximity to crystal-clear Oak Creek, this campground offers a quintessential Arizona outdoor experience. Known for its cooler temperatures compared to Sedona's desert landscape, Pine Flat is an unparalleled choice for camping and reconnecting with nature.

Adventure Guide To Camping at Pine Flat Campground

Location and Natural Beauty:
Pine Flat Campground is situated along Highway 89A, approximately 14 miles north of Sedona. What sets it apart is its proximity to Oak Creek, a pristine waterway ideal for wading, fishing, and relaxing along its shaded banks. The towering pine trees provide visitors with ample shade, creating a peaceful haven for campers. Additionally, the canyon walls feature vivid red rock formations that juxtapose dramatically against the greenery.
Campground Features:
The campground has 59 campsites, many of which are riverside, making it perfect for those who enjoy being close to the water. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire pit, and a barbecue grill. Vault toilets are available, but there are no RV hookups, so it’s best suited for tents or small campers. Drinking water is available on-site. Nearby, Slide Rock State Park offers opportunities for swimming and photography only a short drive away.
Recreational Opportunities:
Outdoor activities are abundant. Campers can fish for rainbow trout in Oak Creek (with a valid Arizona fishing license) or take advantage of nearby hiking trails like West Fork Trail or the Cookstove Trail. Stargazing is exceptional here because of the low light pollution within the canyon.

Local Insights

The iconic West Fork Trail, located just a short drive from the campground, is especially beautiful during the fall when vibrant autumn foliage adds dramatic color. Keep in mind that cell service is limited in the area, so download maps in advance.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather, while summer provides a cooler retreat from Sedona's heat.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, layered clothing for temperature fluctuations, and a fishing license, if needed.
Directions: From Sedona, take Highway 89A north for about 25 minutes to reach the campground. Parking is limited, so arrive early.

Reviews

V C3 months ago

Great rangers, location and atmosphere. Not great for hiking but we made it work. If you just want to dip your feet in some cool water on a hot day it's perfect, the water isn't deep here but it's cold. No showers and try to avoid sites too close to the restrooms because of the smell on windy days. Otherwise it's great.

Eugene B3 months ago

We have spent two nights in the space 19, which is a really good spot overall, has access to the creek and further away from others. However, overall the bathrooms were quite bad, and I mean really bad with pee on the floor for 2 days. Then there were people getting the natural spring water day and night, to the point of parking on our camp sight 1 time. Yes the road is close and you hear every car driving by so this is not the spot to get peace and quiet or see the stars. The mountains around are beautiful. Yes we would still come but definitely a different spot and hopefully cleaner next time.

Jennifer Z2 months ago

I recently stayed at Campsite 21, which is located right across from the entrance. The campsite is nestled in a scenic canyon next to Oak Creek, offering a peaceful setting with beautiful views. Plus, Sedona is only a 30-minute drive away, making it a good base for exploring the area. However, there were some major drawbacks. The site is right next to the toilets, and the smell was overwhelming at times. While I was car camping, I really felt for anyone in a tent, as the odor was hard to escape. On top of that, the noise from the nearby highway was constant—loud and noticeable 24/7. It really detracted from the tranquility you’d expect in such a natural setting. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this might not be the best choice.

Cindy Fite2 months ago

Nice campground, each site has a table and a fire ring tent pad clear of rocks. Bathrooms have vault toilets but the bathrooms are very clean. The camp hosts do a very good job in keeping the grounds clean and bathrooms clean. I got in a little later than expected so I have not been able to explore the area yet. But I saw the West Fork Trailhead on the way in and it's very close to that.

Coreena Bernasconi3 months ago

The sites smell awful. You smell poop all night from the bathrooms! The host (both couple and man) are so strict with everything. They won’t leave you alone. Constantly drive up and checking on what you are doing. No fires were permitted and it wasn’t even windy. Beautiful nice calm nights and no fires were allowed. I will be canceling my next trip in a few weeks. No freedom here!!

Camping

Camping at Pine Flat Campground in Sedona