How much does camping cost at Cave Spring?

Camping fees at Cave Spring range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cave Spring first-come first-served or reservation?

Cave Spring accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cave Spring before I book?

Yes! Cave Spring has 14 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cave Spring?

Cave Spring is open April 11, 2025 - October 26, 2025; June 5, 2026 - September 27, 2026. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cave Spring?

Yes, Cave Spring has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Cave Spring have?

Cave Spring has 84 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cave Spring?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cave Spring. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cave Spring?

Cave Spring offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cave Spring?

Popular activities at Cave Spring include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cave Spring

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cave Spring?

Fire policies at Cave Spring: Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Fire bans may be enforced during high fire risk periods.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.32

953 reviews

11345 N. HIGHWAY 89A, SEDONA, AZ 86336, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Sedona

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

84 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Coconino National Forest Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

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Cave Spring is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

84 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Coconino National Forest Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Cave Spring

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for standard non-electric and tent-only sites is $30. Discounts, taxes, or incremental charges are not included in the displayed...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

928-203-0624

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 953 reviews

748 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowerswell-maintainedsites

"Cave Spring Campground receives mixed reviews. Many campers praise the natural beauty and convenient location near Oak Creek, with highlights including shaded sites, clean facilities, and friendly staff. However, some users report issues with overcrowding, skunk activity, and noise violations during busy periods."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11345 N. HIGHWAY 89A, SEDONA, AZ 86336, USA

Cave Spring

11345 N. HIGHWAY 89A, SEDONA, AZ 86336, USA

Nearby places

Sedona (approximately 11 miles, 20 minutes), Flagstaff (approximately 18 miles, 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are available in nearby Sedona, about 11 miles away. The campground itself has a small store offering sundries, drinks, ice, firewood, and shower tokens.

Driving directionsFrom Phoenix, take I-17 to Highway 179 north toward Sedona. Turn north on Highway 89A and continue for 11 miles into Oak Creek Canyon. From Flagstaff, take I-17 to Highway 89A south. Follow 89A for 18 miles to Oak Creek Canyon.

Access to the campground is via Highway 89A, which is a paved road. The road is well-maintained but can be narrow and winding in sections, especially as it travels through Oak Creek Canyon. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but weather conditions may affect accessibility during certain times of the year. Motorbikes may only be used for entering or leaving campsites.

Best Time to Camp at Cave Spring

Fall brings the best balance of conditions. Daytime temperatures sit in the 60s and 70s, nights drop to the 40s and 50s. The cottonwoods turn color by mid-to-late October. Trails dry out, the creek calms for fishing, and crowds thin after Labor Day. Weekday reservations become easier. Summer reaches the 70s and 80s during the day but cools to the 50s at night. Spring sees higher creek flows and lingering frost some mornings.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Mild weather, active creek and trail access make spring a popular, high-quality season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 11, 2025 - October 26, 2025; June 5, 2026 - September 27, 2026. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from April 11 to October 26 during the peak season. It is closed for the rest of the year.
Current Alerts: Flash floods in the region can occasionally affect the area. Campers should check weather updates during their visit.

About Cave Spring

Cave Spring Campground sits in Oak Creek Canyon at 5,600 feet, where ponderosa pines meet the red rock cliffs that define this corner of Coconino National Forest. The 84 sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with nightly fees at $30. Oak Creek runs alongside the campground, providing swimming holes and fishing access. Sites book quickly in summer, though fall weekdays see lighter crowds.

Cave Spring Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering options for tent camping, RVs, and trailers. There is one designated tent-only site, while the rest accommodate multiple setups.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best balance of conditions. Daytime temperatures sit in the 60s and 70s, nights drop to the 40s and 50s. The cottonwoods turn color by mid-to-late October. Trails dry out, the creek calms for fishing, and crowds thin after Labor Day. Weekday reservations become easier. Summer reaches the 70s and 80s during the day but cools to the 50s at night. Spring sees higher creek flows and lingering frost some mornings.

ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet above sea level, Cave Springs offers a refreshing mountain escape from Arizona's famous desert heat. This sweet spot elevation creates a unique microclimate where ponderosa pines thrive and summer temperatures remain delightfully moderate. The thin mountain air adds a crispness to every breath and makes stars appear closer at night, while the significant elevation gain from the valley floor below means you're literally rising above the ordinary into a cooler, greener world where the pace slows and nature takes center stage.

Natural Features and SceneryRed sandstone cliffs frame the canyon while Oak Creek flows over polished stones below. The water is cold and clear, pooling in spots deep enough for swimming. Ponderosa pines provide shade across most of the campground, their vanilla-scented bark mixing with the smell of creek water and sun-warmed rock. Riparian vegetation follows the creek, turning gold by late October. The striations in the cliff faces show millions of years of sediment layers. Canyon wrens and painted redstarts move through the trees. Some wild blackberries grow along the creek in summer.

Geological RegionOak Creek Canyon stands as a geological masterpiece where water has carved through layers of time itself. This spectacular riparian corridor showcases nature's artistry—red rock cliffs rise like ancient sentinels above a green ribbon of life sustained by Oak Creek's perpetual flow. The campground rests within this dramatic geological theater, where Coconino National Forest's signature ponderosa pine forests merge with the iconic red rock country that makes this region world-famous. Crystal-clear creek waters have polished countless stones smooth over millennia, while the surrounding cliffs reveal millions of years of Earth's history in their colorful striations—a natural museum where camping means sleeping within the pages of a geological storybook.

Scenic ViewsMany campsites offer scenic views of the surrounding red rock cliffs and lush forest canopy. The creek enhances the visual appeal with its clear waters and gentle flow.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available; this is a campground focused on tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

No specific group camping details are included.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix loops (A through F) spread through the pines. Site spacing varies. Some have trees between them for separation, others sit close together with minimal screening. Vault toilets and water stations distribute throughout. Some site pads run small for larger RVs or trailers.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the mobile app. Contact center support is also available.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited. User reviews indicate that due to high demand, it is best to arrive early during weekdays to secure a site. A 'Campground Full' sign is frequently posted within hours of the weekend beginning.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee is applied if you cancel your reservation before the check-in day. Late cancellations (after midnight one day before arrival) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations within the cut-off window incur a $10 fee. No refunds for cancellations on the day of arrival.

AccessibilityAccessible features include parking, drinking water stations, and vault toilets. Some trails may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues due to uneven terrain.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size. Some users noted spacious sites with room for multiple tents, while others found certain pads small and challenging for RVs or trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary significantly, with some sites offering seclusion due to trees, while others are closely spaced with minimal separation.

Total Campsites84 campsites

Recommended SitesLoops C and E are farthest from road noise. For creek access and shade, consider sites in Loop F, such as F10. Loops A and F are recommended for larger or more private sites.

Best CampsitesLoop A gets recommended most often for creek proximity and privacy. Sites F08, F10, and A15 appear frequently in positive reviews. The A loop generally offers better spacing and shade than other areas.

Need help booking Cave Spring?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Cave Spring Campground in Oak Creek Canyon offers a range of amenities designed for both comfort and convenience. The campground has 84 campsites, including a tent-only option. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and cooking grills, making it easy for campers to prepare meals and enjoy outdoor dining. Drinking water is accessible throughout the campground via water spigots, and vault toilets are provided for restroom needs. Shower facilities are available, operating on a token system ($6 for 8 minutes). Firewood and ice can be purchased on-site, and a small store sells camping necessities and snacks. RVs, trailers, and motor homes up to 36 feet in length can be accommodated. However, some campers noted challenging layouts for larger RVs, and the campground has no utility hookups.

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cave Spring offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, birding, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Located near Oak Creek, campers can enjoy serene water activities and scenic trails. The campground's proximity to Slide Rock State Park and West Fork Trail enhances its recreational appeal.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include an abundance of skunks, poison ivy, and occasional flash floods in the region. Wildlife such as squirrels and skunks are known to approach campsites. Proper food storage is advised.

Active AlertsFlash floods in the region can occasionally affect the area. Campers should check weather updates during their visit.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Fire bans may be enforced during high fire risk periods.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are in Sedona, which is approximately 11 miles away and offers medical facilities and police services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are conveniently located near restrooms and are emptied regularly, though some campers noted occasional overflows during busy weekends.

Water FeaturesCampsites are near Oak Creek, which offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and birdwatching. A swimming hole is accessible via a trail near site F10.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, with some hosts receiving specific praise for their service. However, there have been isolated complaints about unprofessional behavior from certain staff members.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate mixed cell coverage, with some campers reporting strong LTE signal while others noted minimal service.

Weather at Cave Spring

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

953 reviews

Recommended

Cave Spring is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Cave Spring Campground receives mixed reviews. Many campers praise the natural beauty and convenient location near Oak Creek, with highlights including shaded sites, clean facilities, and friendly staff. However, some users report issues with overcrowding, skunk activity, and noise violations during busy periods.

Review Summaries

Based on 953 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, well-maintained campsites, the availability of showers, and a small on-site store. Many campers appreciated the scenic beauty and access to Oak Creek for...

Based on 953 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include overcrowding, small or uneven campsites, noise violations during quiet hours, and unpleasant odors from vault toilets. Some RV users noted difficulties with site layouts for...

Based on 953 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving sites in the A loop for more privacy and proximity to the creek. Arriving early on weekdays can help avoid crowds. Bringing extra shower tokens and being prepared for...

Based on 953 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons due to mild weather and scenic foliage. Summer sees heavy crowds, which can lead to noise and reduced privacy. Winter camping is not applicable as the...

Based on 953 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The staff is amazing—they keep the campground clean and welcoming." "Shower tokens are a great perk—just make sure to buy enough as they sell out fast." "The setting is beautiful, but the...

Based on 953 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in the F loop, such as F10 and F14, are noted for their proximity to Oak Creek and scenic beauty. Several A loop sites, especially A15, are highlighted for privacy and creek access. Complaints...

Based on 953 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is generally good, with accessible vault toilets and parking. However, some trails may be challenging for users with mobility issues.

Based on 953 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and campers advise keeping them leashed due to wildlife like skunks and squirrels. Some users expressed concerns about unleashed pets in the campground.

Based on 953 reviews

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