Local
Rising Oak Creek blocks campground exit after nearly 3 inches of rain
Campers at Cave Springs Campground in Oak Creek Canyon could not drive out Monday after floodwater and debris covered the bridge crossing. Campers said they were safe and sharing supplies while they waited for water levels to fall and the crossing to be cleared.
CAMP VERDE, Ariz. — Campers at Cave Springs Campground in Oak Creek Canyon were unable to leave Monday after heavy rain sent Oak Creek over the bridge crossing that provides the campground’s vehicle exit.
The campground, along State Route 89A north of Sedona, received nearly 3 inches of rain over the previous 48 hours. Floodwater and debris made the crossing impassable, leaving campers to wait for the water to recede and debris to be cleared.
Tanja Hooper said she and her husband, Matthew, were preparing to pack up Monday morning when a campground worker told them they could not leave. She said the creek had begun to drop Sunday, but overnight rain caused it to rise again.
“The only option we have is to ride it out until the water goes down and they can clear the bridge,” Hooper said, noting that debris had collected in the middle of the crossing.
Hooper said the campers were safe, though her group had eaten its last dinner the night before. Campground hosts were helping people coordinate and share supplies, she said. Campers had not received an estimate for when the crossing would reopen.
The number of people unable to leave was not immediately known. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office had been contacted for information about the crossing’s status and reopening timeline.