Bootlegger Picnic Area In Oak Creek Canyon
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Bootlegger Picnic Area is a wooded day-use recreation site along Oak Creek in scenic Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona, Arizona. Formerly operated as Bootlegger Campground, the site is now best known for its creekside setting and access to the challenging A.B. Young Trail, which begins at the southern end of the recreation area.
Current status — September 10, 2026: Bootlegger Picnic Site remains temporarily closed because of post-Pocket Fire safety hazards in Oak Creek Canyon. Check current Coconino National Forest alerts before planning a visit, as reopening conditions can change.
- Bootlegger Overview
- Picnic & Day Use
- A.B. Young Trail
- Parking & Passes
- Directions
- Current Conditions
- FAQ
Bootlegger Picnic Area Overview
Bootlegger sits beside State Route 89A in the forested corridor of Oak Creek Canyon. Mature trees, canyon walls and nearby Oak Creek give the recreation area a very different character from Sedona's open red rock landscape. The location was historically operated as a small campground but has since been converted to day use.
The site is also closely associated with A.B. Young Trail, one of the steeper hikes in Oak Creek Canyon. Visitors should treat Bootlegger as a day-use recreation area rather than an overnight camping destination.
A.B. Young Trail From Bootlegger
The A.B. Young Trail begins at the southern end of Bootlegger Picnic Area. Hikers cross Oak Creek before beginning a steep climb out of the canyon, making the trail substantially more demanding than a casual creekside walk.
Creek depth, current, weather and trail conditions can vary, particularly after storms or wildfire-related runoff. Check current conditions before attempting the crossing or hike.
Picnic And Day Use At Bootlegger
When open, Bootlegger is intended for short-duration day use rather than overnight camping. The setting provides access to Oak Creek Canyon scenery and nearby outdoor recreation, but facilities, creek access and operating conditions can change because of weather, wildfire impacts and seasonal management.
Before visiting, confirm current hours, available facilities, creek restrictions and any fire or recreation rules with the Coconino National Forest.
Bootlegger Parking And Recreation Passes
Parking at Bootlegger is limited, and a Red Rock Pass or another accepted recreation pass may be required when the site is open. A recreation-pass fee machine has historically been available at Bootlegger Picnic Area. Check current Coconino National Forest requirements before arriving because passes, fees and parking rules can change.
Directions To Bootlegger Picnic Area
From Sedona, travel north on State Route 89A into Oak Creek Canyon. Bootlegger Picnic Area is approximately six miles north of Sedona along the west side of the highway. State Route 89A is narrow and winding through the canyon, so watch carefully for recreation-area signs and changing traffic conditions.
Current Conditions And Closures
Conditions in Oak Creek Canyon can change because of wildfire impacts, flooding, winter weather, road conditions and seasonal recreation management. Before visiting Bootlegger, check the Coconino National Forest for current recreation-site status, closures, fire restrictions and safety information.
Following the 2026 Pocket Fire, Bootlegger Picnic Site has remained temporarily closed because of post-fire hazards. Do not enter a closed recreation site even if State Route 89A itself is open.
More Information
Always call for the latest information, fees and conditions. Since the elevation in Oak Creek Canyon is about 500 feet higher in the canyon. the temperatures at Bootlegger will be slighter cooler versus the temperatures in Sedona.
- Red Rock Ranger District
- P.O. Box 300
- Sedona, Arizona 86339
- 928 282-4119
Historic Bootlegger Campground Map
This map shows the former Bootlegger Campground layout and is provided for historical reference only. Bootlegger is now managed as a day-use picnic area, so this map should not be used for current camping or recreation planning.
Historic map of the former Bootlegger CampgroundBootlegger Picnic Area FAQ
Is Bootlegger still a campground?
No. The former Bootlegger Campground has been converted to a day-use picnic and recreation area. Overnight camping information associated with the old campground should no longer be relied upon.
Where is Bootlegger Picnic Area?
Bootlegger Picnic Area is located along State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon, approximately six miles north of Sedona, Arizona.
Is Bootlegger Picnic Area currently open?
As of September 10, 2026, Bootlegger Picnic Site remains temporarily closed because of post-Pocket Fire hazards. Check current Coconino National Forest alerts before visiting.
Can you camp overnight at Bootlegger?
No. Bootlegger is now a day-use recreation area rather than an overnight campground. Other campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon offer designated overnight camping.
Does A.B. Young Trail start at Bootlegger?
Yes. A.B. Young Trail begins at the southern end of Bootlegger Picnic Area. The route requires crossing Oak Creek before beginning a steep climb out of the canyon.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass at Bootlegger?
A Red Rock Pass or another accepted recreation pass may be required when the area is open. Check current Coconino National Forest pass and fee requirements before visiting.
Can I swim or fish at Bootlegger?
Oak Creek is adjacent to the recreation area, but creek access, fishing, swimming and other uses can be affected by closures, water conditions and seasonal restrictions. Confirm current conditions before planning creek activities.
Sedona Area Campgrounds & Camping
