Manzanita Campground is a Coconino National Forest campground on Arizona Route 89A in the Sedona area, positioned for campers who want a base close to day drives along the canyon corridor. If you’re comparing options, treat this as a “campground logistics” choice: the experience is shaped less by resort-style services and more by site setup, simple on-site conveniences, and how you time your days.
Location facts: why AZ 89A matters for your daily plan
Manzanita Campground is listed at 5900 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States. That Route 89A address is useful because it tells you what kind of travel rhythm to expect—road trips and scenic drives will generally be measured in minutes from your site rather than hours. When you’re planning sunrise hiking or late-day return, use the 89A location as your anchor and confirm which direction you’ll be approaching the entrance from.
What the official listing says (and what to verify)
The most reliable “baseline” information is the Forest Service recreation listing for Manzanita Campground. On the official page, it’s presented as a Coconino National Forest recreation opportunity under the camping/cabins area. For campers, the key takeaway is that you should rely on the official listing for any current operational notes and use it to cross-check what you’re seeing elsewhere online. Start with the official listing: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=55352&actid=29.
Even when you find helpful snippets from other sources, the safest approach is to verify specifics directly with the campground’s responsible contact. The listing shows a phone number of +1 928-203-2900, which is the right place to confirm details that can change by season.
Campground basics that affect comfort: services, water, and showers
Local reviews commonly describe the practical “feel” of the campground—things like whether there are restrooms, whether trash is managed on-site, and whether showers are available. For example, one recurring theme in user feedback is that there are bathrooms and trash cans, but no showers. Another detail noted by campers is that the available water may be described as drinkable but with an unusual taste (some reviewers mention yellow coloring and a metallic taste). Treat these as signals to plan for your own needs rather than as guarantees.
If your routine depends on showers, bring a plan that doesn’t assume them: quick wash-in-a-cooler-bucket methods, wet wipes, or a nearby day-use shower option (only if you can confirm availability). And if your group is sensitive to water taste or you’re picky about drinking water, plan on bringing extra drinking water and save the on-site water for cooking or non-drinking tasks unless you verify otherwise.
Picking a site: what you should ask before arriving
Because campground setups can vary by unit, it helps to treat site selection as a short conversation. When you contact the campground or check your reservation instructions, ask how arrivals work on your specific date and which site numbers are first-come/first-serve versus assigned. Some reviewers mention that certain early site numbers may operate on a first-come basis, which can matter for families traveling with kids, groups trying to camp together, or anyone who needs a particular parking arrangement.
Also ask about practical constraints: where to park relative to your pad, whether it’s better to arrive earlier if you need a quieter area, and what to do if you arrive after office guidance closes. Even if you’ve camped before, these small on-the-ground answers change your evening routine more than most “amenity lists” do.
Best-fit traveler profile: who will enjoy Manzanita most
Manzanita Campground is a strong fit if you want a simple, location-driven stay—camping that supports day drives and outdoor time rather than a full set of resort amenities. The fact that it appears consistently as a Sedona-area option along Route 89A makes it especially relevant for weekend planners, families who want straightforward facilities, and road-trippers building a canyon itinerary.
For the smoothest visit, bring your own shower alternative plan, confirm any water expectations, and use the official Forest Service page as your “source of truth” before you lock in your dates. If you’re traveling with specific needs—accessibility requirements, water preferences, or tight vehicle dimensions—call +1 928-203-2900 before you drive in.
Manzanita Campground can work beautifully when you plan around the essentials: the 89A location for your itinerary, the campground basics for your comfort, and verified rules for your arrival. That approach turns a campground stay into a calm, predictable part of your Sedona trip.
