Dozens of campers left stranded as floodwaters rage through Arizona mountains
Floodwaters from heavy overnight rain cut off about 65 people at Cave Springs Campground in Arizona, after Oak Creek rose over its banks and submerged the only access bridge. The campers could not leave by road, while the flooded crossing also prevented emergency vehicles reaching them; officials arranged food supplies as they waited for water levels to fall.
The campground is about 30 minutes north of Sedona. Trees and other debris piled against the bridge, worsening the blockage, and a seasonal worker said he had not seen the water run like that in 25 years. Kayakers also stopped for the day as the fast current and moving wood made conditions dangerous.
- About 65 campers were cut off by rising floodwaters.
- Oak Creek submerged their campground’s only access bridge.
- Officials arranged food while waiting for water levels to fall.
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Heavy overnight rain has caused Oak Creek to flood near Cave Springs Campground in the Arizona mountains, cutting off about 65 campers who were staying there. The campground is located about 30 minutes north of Sedona, and its only access bridge is now submerged under floodwaters.
The situation is serious because the campers cannot leave by road, and emergency vehicles cannot reach them. Debris such as fallen trees has accumulated against the bridge, worsening the blockage and making it harder for water levels to recede.
Local staff report this is the most severe flooding they have witnessed in 25 years. The dangerous conditions have also forced kayakers and other river users to stop their activities until water levels return to normal.