If you’re looking for a break from the city, and want to sleep under the stars, then you’ll want to check out these 12 best places to camp near Phoenix, AZ. Each of these campsites offers something unique and special, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs. However, no matter where you’re camping near Phoenix, make sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, as it can get very hot during the day!
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37019 N. Lava Lane, Cave Creek
Cave Creek Regional Park is a beautiful 3,000 acre park located in the northern part of Greater Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert. This park offers campers a great option if they want to base themselves in this area north of Phoenix. The campground at Cave Creek Regional Park is quite small, with only 44 developed sites. However, the sites are well apart from each other and offer plenty of privacy and the surrounding area is full of beautiful desert scenery and hiking trails, making it a great option for camping in the Phoenix area. The sites are also flat with paved parking pads, as well as water and electric hookups. Some campsites even have areas for horses. Comfort stations have flush toilets and showers. The Cave Creek Regional Park campground charges $32 per night for a campsite. The campground is located 40 minutes north of downtown Phoenix. Mentioning a few of the trails at Cave Creek Regional Park that hikers can choose from, including the Jasper Trail (0.2 miles), the Go John Trail (5.8 miles), and more, this park is a great option for those who love spending time outdoors hiking and enjoying the desert!
USERY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK Campground
If you’re looking for a great place to camp near Phoenix, AZ, look no further than Usery Mountain Regional Park. With 73 individual campsites and beautiful mountain scenery, this park is perfect for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The sites can accommodate up to a 45-foot RV, and restrooms offer flush toilets and showers. Usery Mountain Regional Park offers water and electrical hookups and dump stations, making it a great option for those looking for a more comfortable camping experience. The fees for camping at Usery Mountain Regional Park are $32 per night. The park is located 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix, making it a great option for those looking to get away from the city.
MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Fort McDowell
McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a great place to camp if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous than your average campsite. The park spans over 20,000 acres and is home to the Four Peaks Wilderness as well as the iconic Tom’s Thumb Trail – one of Phoenix’s best hikes. In addition to the single-track trails, the park also has a competitive track. For a camper who is interested in hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, we would find the McDowell Mountain Regional Park Campground the perfect place to explore. The campground has 50 miles of multi-use trails and 76 campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet. Each site has water and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table, a barbecue fire ring, and public restrooms. Fees are $32 per night.
LAKE PLEASANT REGIONAL PARK
41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown
Lake Pleasent Regional Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. With its beautiful views and convenient location, it is perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, and swimming. The park also offers a variety of programs, such as Sunset and Full Moon Hikes, history walks, and more. The park has 148 sites available for RV and tent camping and all include water and electricity, a dump station, picnic table, grill, and more. This makes it the perfect destination for an overnight stay. Public bathrooms and showers are also nearby. Fees range from $22-$32 per night. The distance from downtown Phoenix is about 50 minutes. Whether you are looking for a place to camp or just to spend a day, Lake Pleasent Regional Park is the perfect spot.
ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear
If you’re looking for a great place to camp near Phoenix, AZ, look no further than the Estrella Mountain Regional Park. This large park is home to some of the best hiking, biking, and equestrian trails in the area, as well as a 65-acre grassy picnic area. The RV camping options are limited to seven sites, but they offer all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including water and electricity hookups, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. The flush toilets are also nearby. Fees for camping start at just $32 per night. The Estrella Mountain Regional Park is located in the Southwest Valley, about 35 minutes from downtown Phoenix.
LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK
6109 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction
https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/
Lost Dutchman’s State Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in Arizona. The park got its name from the famous Old West tale of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. The 320-acre park is home to the Superstition Mountains, one of the most popular spots for photos and hikes in Greater Phoenix. There are a total of 138 campsites at the Lost Dutchman State Park, all of which come equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. If you’re looking to cool off while camping at the Lost Dutchman State Park, you can head over to one of the nearby lakes. When planning to hike the Flat Iron Summit via Siphon Draw, it’s best to camp at Lost Dutchman State Park. Fees for camping at the park are $35 per night, with a $5 reservation fee. Second vehicles are charged an additional $15 per night.
SB COVE SHORELINE AT BARTLETT LAKE
Looking for a more beach-like camping experience? SB Cove Shoreline is the spot for you! This campsite, located near Carefree and Scottsdale, sits on the shores of Bartlett Lake and is perfect for those who are looking for a party-friendly atmosphere. There are no designated sites or quiet hours at this campground, so be prepared to have a good time. The best part? All you need is a Tonto National Forest Day Pass to snag one of the prime spots. Fees are just $8 per car, per day and the drive from Phoenix only 75 minutes.
WHITE TANK MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell
White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. The White Tank Mountains are a great place to go hiking, biking, or horseback riding. There are also some great petroglyph sites to check out. If you’re looking for a place to camp, the park has 40 individual sites with water and electrical hook-ups, plus a dump station. The mountains offer petroglyph sites, as well as some amazing hiking and biking trails, including the Waterfall Trail. White Tank Mountain Regional Park is not a long way from the city, just less than 40 miles. If you’re looking for a great place to camp, hike, and bike, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is definitely worth a visit!
COON BLUFF CAMPGROUND
If you’re looking for a great place to camp near Phoenix, look no further than Coon Bluff Campground. This campground is located 17 miles from Mesa and provides easy access to the Salt River. The site offers five campsites with grills, fire pits, and picnic tables. Coon Bluff Campground is located 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix. It’s open from October 1 to May 1 and fees are only $8 per car, per day. So pack up your gear and head to Coon Bluff Campground for a weekend of camping fun!
BURNT CORRAL CAMPGROUND IN APACHE LAKE
Burnt Corral Campground is a great spot for scenic views and water recreation. The Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway provides stunning views of the lake below, and there are plenty of opportunities for fishing and boating. The campsites are well-equipped with picnic tables, toilets, and a water hydrant, and there is also a courtesy dock for boats. The fees are very reasonable at only $20 per night. This campground is only about 2 hours from downtown Phoenix, making it a great option for a quick getaway.
MOGOLLON CAMPGROUND ON THE MOGOLLON RIM
Mogollon Campground is a great place to camp if you’re looking for some beautiful views. The campground is set against the Mogollon Rim, which offers stunning views of the valley and world’s largest Ponderosa pines forest. You can also kayak or fish at Woods Canyon Lake, which is a few miles away from the campground. Fees for camping at Mogollon Campground are $18 per night. The campground is open from May to October, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly! The distance from downtown Phoenix is 2 hours.
MANZANITA CAMPGROUND IN SEDONA’S OAK CREEK CANYON
5900 N. State Route 89A, Sedona
If you’re looking for a laid-back, peaceful camping experience, look no further than the Manzanaita Campground in Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon. This campground offers stunning views of the red rocks against the green backdrop of the forest, and it’s perfect for swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching. The 18 campsites here fill up fast, but 11 of them are available for reservations, so be sure to book early if you want to snag a spot. Tents only. Fees are only $22 per night, and it’s only a two-hour drive from Phoenix.
Now that you know about the 12 best places to camp near Phoenix, it’s time to get planning! Decide which of these camping spots is right for your next outdoor adventure and make sure to pack accordingly. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent and lots of water!
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