Beaver Creek Day Use Area Near Sedona
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Wet Beaver Creek near the Beaver Creek Day Use Area
Beaver Creek Day Use Area is a creekside recreation site along Wet Beaver Creek near Rimrock, about 20 miles southeast of Sedona. Formerly known as Beaver Creek Campground, the site is now designated for day use rather than overnight camping. Visitors come for picnicking, swimming and wading, fishing, birdwatching and access to the scenic Wet Beaver Creek area.
- About Beaver Creek
- Things To Do
- Picnic Area & Facilities
- Bell Trail & Wet Beaver Creek
- Directions
- Map
- Nearby Attractions
- Beaver Creek FAQ
About Beaver Creek Day Use Area
Beaver Creek is a lush riparian oasis surrounded by the drier high-desert landscape of the Verde Valley. Cottonwood and Arizona sycamore trees line Wet Beaver Creek, providing shade and habitat for birds and wildlife while the perennial creek creates opportunities for swimming, wading and fishing.
The recreation area is only a few miles from Interstate 17, making it an easy side trip for travelers between Sedona, Camp Verde and the Verde Valley. The contrast between the creekside vegetation and surrounding cactus, yucca and rocky desert terrain is one of the area's most distinctive features.
Things To Do At Wet Beaver Creek
- Picnic beneath cottonwood and sycamore trees
- Swim or wade in Wet Beaver Creek when conditions are safe
- Fish along accessible sections of the creek
- Watch birds and other riparian wildlife
- Photograph the creek and surrounding desert scenery
- Explore nearby hiking trails
- Use the area as a starting point for exploring the Verde Valley
Located just 3 miles off Interstate 17, the initial landscape of rock gardens, cactus and yucca are in huge contrast to the lush riparian zone along the creek. This is a beautiful place to enjoy Wet Beaver Creek and the surrounding riparian landscape. Since it is at a lower elevation than Oak Creek Canyon, the temperatures are about 10 degrees warmer versus those campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon and about 5 degrees warmer than Sedona. See our Sedona AZ Weather Chart that shows average monthly temperatures in Sedona.
Picnic Area & Facilities
Beaver Creek now operates as a day-use recreation area rather than an overnight campground. The main developed picnic section includes multiple individual picnic sites with tables and grills, along with parking, drinking water and restroom facilities. A smaller day-use section is located nearby.
- Day use only; overnight camping is not permitted
- Picnic tables and grills
- Restroom facilities
- Drinking water when the system is operating
- Creek access for seasonal water recreation
- Birdwatching and wildlife viewing
- Parking is limited during busy periods
Wet Beaver Creek photos courtesy of the Coconino National Forest.
Bell Trail & Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness
Bell Trail provides access to the Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness and is one of the best-known hikes in this part of the Verde Valley. The historic route follows Wet Beaver Creek through desert and riparian scenery before continuing deeper into rugged canyon country.
One popular destination along the route is the swimming area commonly known as The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek. The hike involves exposed desert terrain and can become extremely hot, so hikers should carry plenty of water, start early and avoid attempting the trip during dangerous heat, storms or flash-flood conditions.
Directions To Beaver Creek Day Use Area
From Interstate 17, take Exit 298 near the junction with State Route 179. Instead of heading toward Sedona, travel east and southeast along Forest Road 618 toward Wet Beaver Creek and Rimrock. The Beaver Creek recreation area is only a few miles from the interstate.
From Sedona, follow State Route 179 south toward Interstate 17, cross the interstate at Exit 298 and continue onto Forest Road 618. Allow additional travel time on busy weekends and holidays because parking at popular creek and trail areas can fill quickly.
For current recreation-site conditions, fees, fire restrictions and temporary closures, check with the Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District before visiting.
Beaver Creek Day Use Area Map
Use this map to locate the former Beaver Creek Campground area along Wet Beaver Creek near Forest Road 618.
Nearby Attractions
- V-Bar-V Heritage Site
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Montezuma Well
- Tuzigoot National Monument
- Sedona Area Hiking Trails
- Campgrounds Near Sedona
Can You Still Camp At Beaver Creek?
No. The former Beaver Creek Campground was converted to a day-use recreation site and no longer offers overnight campsites. Travelers looking for camping near Sedona should use our Sedona campgrounds guide to find current overnight camping options.
Beaver Creek Day Use Area FAQ
Is Beaver Creek Campground still open for camping?
No. The former Beaver Creek Campground has been converted to a day-use recreation area, and overnight camping is no longer available at this site.
What can you do at Wet Beaver Creek?
Popular activities include picnicking, swimming and wading when creek conditions are safe, fishing, birdwatching, photography and hiking in the surrounding Wet Beaver Creek area.
Where is Beaver Creek Day Use Area?
The recreation area is located along Forest Road 618 near Rimrock, Arizona, a few miles east of Interstate 17 at Exit 298 and roughly 20 miles southeast of Sedona.
Are there picnic tables at Beaver Creek?
Yes. Beaver Creek has developed picnic sites with tables and grills. The main day-use section contains multiple individual picnic areas.
Can you swim in Wet Beaver Creek?
Swimming and wading are popular during warm weather, but visitors should evaluate current water levels, weather and flash-flood conditions before entering the creek.
Is Bell Trail near Beaver Creek?
Yes. Bell Trail provides access to the Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness and is a popular hiking route in the area.
Return To Sedona and Oak Creek Campgrounds.
Sedona Area Campgrounds & Camping
