Manzanita Campground is located just south of Slide Rock State Park in scenic Oak Creek Canyon. The campground is located right next to Oak Creek. 19 campsites are small and 11 are now available for reservations. Come early and during the weekdays to have a chance at one of these prime campsites. The camp area is so small that there no room for RV’s. Only one vehicle is allowed per site. This is a perfect campground for those camping with kids. There is ample room for the kids to explore the surrounding area and still be within yelling distance when dinner is ready.
Nearby Swimming Holes
Manzanita Campground is the closest campground to Slide Rock State Park, just 1/2 mile to the north. Because it is so easy to get to and it’s proximity to Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is quite possibly one of the best swimming holes in America. It is definitely the most popular in Arizona and crowds can get quite large during the hot summer months. Make sure you bring plenty of water and shade if needed (see picture below). Check out Slide Rock State Park on Arizona’s Best Swimming Holes.
Just a few miles to the south is Grasshopper Point a great alternative to Slide Rock State Park. The crowds are much smaller and are limited by the number of parking spaces provided, so get there early to grab your spot. There is plenty of shade at Grasshopper Point. Check out Grasshopper Point on Arizona’s Best Swimming Holes
Hiking near Manzanita Campground
Sterling Pass Trail #46
There are a few trails near Manzanita campground that will get that heart pumping including the Sterling Pass Trail #46 The trail head and a small parking apron which can fit about 5 cars starts about 150 yards north of the campground on the far side of the road. To access the trail head from the campground, walk past Campsite #4 (see map)north about 100 yards and the path will turn to the left and up towards the road. Once you reach the road, the trail head will be across the road. Be careful here when you cross the road as cars will not be able to see you very well. Description and hiking map.
North Wilson Trail #123
Heading south from the campground, park at the Encinoso Day Use Area for the North Wilson Trail Head. At the top you’ll be rewarded with views that stretch over hundreds of square miles of scenic canyon country and include Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Coffee Pot Rock, Capitol Butte, Sterling Canyon and the Verde Valley.
Arizona Game and Fish Department regularly stocks pan size rainbow trout in the creek here. Follow the river downstream a hundred yards or so and you will find a nice little swimming hole. Head north past campsite 4 for a nice hike through the pines and along the creek upriver from the campground
Rainbow trout are stocked throughout the summer months and holdover trout bring anglers in year round. This is an excellent spot for pan sized hatchery trout. Manzanita is also located just a couple of miles north of a trout farm just in case the fish aren’t biting or you want the little ones to catch some fish.
Directions
From Phoenix, take I-17 to Hwy 179, north to Sedona. Go north on Hwy 89A in Oak Creek Canyon 6 miles. If coming from Flagstaff on I-17, take Hwy 89A south into Oak Creek Canyon 23 miles. Coming from Flagstaff, the campground is just 1/2 mile south of Slide Rock State Park.
General Notes
- Red Rock Ranger District 928-203-2900
- Elevation – 4800′
- Season – All Year
- Stay Limit – 7 Days
- Campsites – 19
- No trailers allowed
- GPS Location – 34.935771°, -111.744732°
- Access – Paved
- Potable Water – Yes
- RV Waste Disposal – No
- Utility Hookups – No
- Restrooms – Vault
- Showers – At Cave Springs Campground
- Campsite grills, tables and firepits
- Firewood available at camp host
- Fishing Supplies at Campground Store
- No radios or amplified devices allowed
- Quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am. Generators are not permitted during quiet hours.
- Pets must always be restrained or on a leash.
- No horses allowed in the campground.
- Motorbikes may only be used for entering or leaving campsite
