Celebrate two of Phoenix's top spring attractions—Cactus League and Wildflower Super Bloom season—with our exclusive, custom-designed merchandise.   Start Shopping

The Best Places to Camp Near Phoenix

If you need a night of sleeping under the stars, we've rounded up the best spots near Phoenix to camp. Check out spots near the Superstition Mountains, red rocks of Sedona, Mogollon Rim and more.

No matter where you're looking to go, there is definitely going to be a campground nearby. Maricopa County is home to six regional park campgrounds. Additionally, Arizona offers six national forests, 31 state parks and more than 12 million acres of public land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for your next overnight in nature.

So whip out the tents, get the chocolates, marshmallows and graham crackers for s'mores. Here's where to find the best campgrounds in Phoenix, AZ, and the best campgrounds near Phoenix, AZ.


In Greater Phoenix

Back to Top of List

In Greater Phoenix

 

Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Though this Southwest Valley park offers breathtaking desert sights similar to other regional parks in Greater Phoenix, it's also home to seasonal wetland and riparian areas, thanks to seasonal rains. Estrella Mountain is also the site where the Gila and Agua Fria rivers meet, and a 65-acre grassy picnic area. Choose from seven RV-developed sites for your stay. 

Fees: $32 per night

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 35 minutes
14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear

 

Usery Mountain Regional Park

In the East Valley municipality of Mesa, Usery Mountain Regional Park is famous for its large, rock Phoenix sign that was originally put together by a Boy Scout troop in the 1950s. The 3,648-acre park is host to the popular Wind Cave Trail and the Blevins Trail, one of the best hikes in Greater Phoenix. If you're visiting Phoenix in springtime, the park is a great place to see various wildflowers. Usery Mountain Regional Park has 73 individual campsites with water, electrical hook-ups, dump station, picnic table and barbecue fire ring. The sites can accommodate up to a 45-foot RV, and restrooms offer flush toilets and showers.

Fees: $32 per night

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 40 minutes
3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa

 

Cave Creek Regional Park

In the northern part of Greater Phoenix's Sonoran Desert, you'll find almost 3,000 acres of cactus, wildflowers, trails and more at Cave Creek Regional Park. For hikers, there are more than 11 miles of trails, ranging from the short Jasper Trail (0.2 miles) to the Go John Trail (5.8 miles). You can choose from 44 developed campsites for tents and RVs, with water, electrical hook-ups, dump station, picnic table, barbecue fire ring, as well as public restrooms with hot water showers and flush toilets. 

Fees: $32 per night

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 40 minutes
37019 N. Lava Lane, Cave Creek

 

Coon Bluff Campground

If you're looking to spend some time near the Salt River for paddling or tubing, Coon Bluff Campground would be a good spot to stay overnight. The site provides easy access to the river, as well as Saguaro Lake. Its abundance of mesquite trees also provides a great space for bird watching and glimpses of the local fauna. The campground offers five sites, most of which have a grill, fire pit and picnic table. The campground is open from October 1 to May 1. 

Fees: $8 per car, per day

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 40 minutes
Coon Bluff Road, Mesa

 

Lost Dutchman State Park

The 320-acre park gets its name from the famous Old West tale of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, where rumor has it that there's "gold in them thar hills!" You've likely seen photos of the park's Superstition Mountains, one of the most popular spots for photos in Greater Phoenix as well as a great place for hikes. The park has 138 campsites, all with a picnic table and fire pit with adjustable grill gate. About half of the sites have power and water available, too, so you won't have to worry about having too rugged of an experience. While you're camping, you might as well head over to one of the nearby lakes to cool off or take a scenic drive along the Apache Trail. 

Fees: $35 nightly fee; $5 reservation fee; $15 per night for second vehicles

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 45 minutes
6109 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction

 

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

One of the closest lakes to central Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is the perfect spot to pair your outdoor desert activities including hiking and picnicking with some boating, fishing or swimming. Located in the Northwest Valley, this regional park offers 148 sites for RV and tent camping, all of which include water and electricity, a dump station, covered ramada, picnic table, grill and fire ring. Public bathrooms and showers are nearby as well. 

Fees: $22-$32 per night

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 50 minutes
41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown

 

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

This West Valley park is the largest of Maricopa County's regional parks, encompasses almost 30,000 acres, most of which is occupied by the sprawling White Tank Mountains. The mountains offer petroglyph sites, as well as some amazing hiking and biking trails, including the Waterfall Trail. The park features 40 individual sites for tent or RV camping, with water and electrical hook-ups, plus a dump station, picnic table and barbecue fire ring, with nearby showers and bathrooms.

Fees: $32 per night

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 50 minutes
20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell

 

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Set near Fountain Hills and north Scottsdale, McDowell Mountain Regional Park spans more than 20,000 acres. The area is best known for the Four Peaks Wilderness and the iconic Tom's Thumb Trail, a strenuous hike, but one of Phoenix's best. There are 76 campsites here, and like Phoenix's other regional parks, you'll find water, electrical hook-ups, dump station, picnic table, barbecue fire ring, as well as public restrooms. Sites can also accommodate RVs up to 45 feet. 

Fees: $32 per night

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 60 minutes
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Fort McDowell

 

Near Greater Phoenix

Back to Top of List

 

Near Phoenix

 

SB Cove Shoreline at Bartlett Lake

If you're looking to have more of a beachfront, spring break kind of vibe for your camping experience, SB Cover Shoreline is your spot. The site, near Carefree and Scottsdale, sits along the shores of Bartlett Lake, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. There's no quiet hours or designated sites for this campground, so party on. All you'll need to ensure you land the perfect spot is a Tonto National Forest Day Pass and good timing. 

Fees: $8 per car, per day

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 75 minutes
Bartlett Dam N., Rio Verde

 

Mogollon Campground on the Mogollon Rim

If your goal is a campground set against spectacular views, you'll want to set up camp on the Mogollon Rim. The area is known for its jaw-dropping vistas of a wide valley that is home to the largest Ponderosa pines forest in the world. This campground has easy access to these views, and is only a few miles away from Woods Canyon Lake, where you can go kayaking or fishing. There are 26 campsites with a campfire ring, grill and picnic table, and the campground is open from May to October. 

Fees: $18 per night

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 2 hours
Mogollon Campground, Payson

 

Manzanita Campground in Sedona's Oak Creek Canyon

This Sedona campground offers some amazingly peaceful scenery nestled against the red rocks of Oak Creek Canyon, with relaxing waters for swimming holes and fishing, as well as wildlife watching. Be warned: this campground's 18 sites fill up fast, and are for tent camping only. Luckily, 11 of these sites are available for advance reservations. If you do happen to land a spot — congratulations! You'll have a picnic table, campfire ring and grill, as well as coin-operated showers just up the road. 

Fees: $22 per night

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 2 hours
5900 N. State Route 89A, Sedona

 

Burnt Corral Campground in Apache Lake

Set against the canyon walls of Apache Lake, Burnt Corral Campground is a great spot for scenic views and water recreation. Take the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway to enjoy the bluffs above the lake. And, when you get there, take part in some fishing or boating, or go see the Roosevelt Dam nearby. There are 82 campsites with picnic tables, toilets, water hydrant, and a courtesy dock for boats. 

Fees: $20 per night

Distance from downtown Phoenix: 2 hours
3547 AZ-88, Roosevelt

 

Sponsored

Sponsored

Sponsored

Sponsored

Sponsored

Sponsored

Sponsored

Sponsored