Secure Family camping in the Sedona Flagstaff area?

Hi, we are planning a trip to this area next week (May 7-11), hoping to climb and do some hiking/biking. Probably climb at the Pit, Oak Creek and Priest Draw. Have a few questions for the locals...

1. Good to great camping that is secure and feels safe for family? Tried to get in to Oak Creek and Manzanita but all reserved (few first come sites). Any other good options?
2. Highlights of the area be it food, hiking, biking, swimming or fishing?
3. Best climbing shop for beta and hopefully pad rental?
4. Family friendly sport climbing respecting bird closures?

Thanks very much, it's appreciated!

Jay

Free primitive camping at priest draw, also further south off lake Mary road.

beta bouldering gym has crash pad rentals.

griffith springs would be an option for some easier bolted routes with an easy approach

I heard good things about camping on pumphouse wash but I haven't camped there yet. I like camping at jack's canyon but not quite close to flag.

Plenty of free dispersed camping out the forest roads along 89A or out woody mountain road, the campground at pumphouse wash (FR237) does look pretty nice too. Water's probably pretty cold but wet beaver creek (bell trail) has nice swimming holes. Jack's is great sport climbing also but far from town.

Safe secure family camp right at the pit at canyon vista CG - wasn’t open 10 days ago may be open now. People giving you free options but safe secure family sounds like maybe a CG fits the bill?

Opens tomorrow!

It’s been years but camping at the Pit was great and ought to suit your needs well

The BLM land near priest draw is my go-to secluded camping spot for any of the surrounding areas.

j mo wrote:

People giving you free options but safe secure family sounds like maybe a CG fits the bill?

This. If you do go the BLM route, are you ready to break and reestablish camp every day? I would never leave a campsite (tents, cooking gear, etc) on BLM land if I wasn't there.

Looks like you can still get weekday sites at the CGs in Oak Creek Canyon. Maybe go to one of those for 2-3 nights and then go to Priest Draw (plenty of free dispersed camping) for another 2 over the weekend?

Thanks everyone for the replies, it's appreciated.  Yes, hoping to find an official CG rather than bandit camp at the cliff. However the forest rec sites mostly seemed to be booked up. We will do our best.

Thanks again for all the beta!