Are you planning a camping trip to Mesa with your dog? We've got you covered. Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. These scenic and easy-to-reach Mesa campsites are perfect for camping with dogs.
FREE permit required from the Mesa Ranger District office at 5140 E. Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205; 480-610-3300. Permits can be requested online or by email. The permit will be emailed to you within 48 hours (except weekends and holidays).
This space is very large so it may be best to divide it by the access points. The point I'll be using is Access #3- Forest Road (FR) 10, south entrance: This access point is reached from Apache Junction. From Mesa: Travel 15 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to the Idaho Street exit. Follow Idaho Street north 4½ miles to McKellips. Turn right on McKellips and travel ½ mile to the Wolverine Pass Road and turn left. Follow it for 7/8 mile and turn right on Tonto Road. Travel north on Tonto Road for ¼ mile to Cactus and turn left. Follow Cactus to McDowell Road and follow it to FR 10 gate.
Set in the northeast Valley of metro Phoenix, McDowell Mountain Regional Park covers 21,099 acres in the lower Verde River basin. Campers choose from 76 individual sites for tent or RV camping, which can accommodate up to a 45-foot RV. These developed sites have water and electrical hook-ups, plus a dump station, picnic table, and barbecue fire ring, while all restrooms offer flush toilets and showers. Group camping is also available.
McDowell Mountain activities range from biking, hiking, and horseback riding on over 50 miles of multi-use trails to picnicking, stargazing, and plenty of park-organized programs and events.
$32 / night
Welcome to Mesa-Apache Junction KOA, a cozy spot nestled near Apache Junction, AZ. This campground is a great place to set up camp whether you're in a tent, RV, cabin, or looking for a glamping experience. It's open all year, so you can enjoy the Arizona sunshine whenever you please.
One of the standout features here is the friendly and helpful staff. Visitors often mention how the team goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The campground is impeccably maintained, with clean facilities and well-kept grounds. You’ll find all the basics you need, including electric and water hookups, showers, toilets, and a sanitary dump station.
For those traveling with pets, there's a small dog park that gets the job done. If you're into grilling, some sites come with a grill and sink, perfect for a cookout. And if you’re looking to cool off, the year-round heated pool and jacuzzi are a hit among guests.
The campground is conveniently located about 45 minutes from Phoenix, making it a good base for exploring the area. Old Town Scottsdale is also within reach for a day trip. While the campground itself is peaceful, you might hear some traffic noise at night, but that's pretty common for most campgrounds.
Overall, Mesa-Apache Junction KOA offers a comfortable and friendly environment with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay. Whether you're passing through or planning a longer visit, this place has got you covered.
Peralta Canyon, located near Gold Canyon, AZ, offers a prime spot for dispersed camping with stunning views of the Superstition Mountains. This area is perfect for those who enjoy a more rugged, off-the-grid experience. You won't find amenities like water, toilets, or electric hookups here, so come prepared. However, the natural beauty and tranquility more than make up for the lack of facilities.
Visitors have praised the well-maintained spots and the peaceful atmosphere. The views are spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset, making it a great place for photography or simply soaking in the scenery. The area is big rig friendly, but be mindful of the road conditions; a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended.
Pets are welcome, and fires are allowed, so you can enjoy a cozy campfire under the stars. Just remember to bring your own firewood and ensure your fire is completely out before you leave. The proximity to Peralta Regional Park offers additional perks like hiking trails and picnic areas, though you'll need to pay a small day-use fee.
Cell service is spotty, with some visitors getting occasional T-Mobile or Verizon signals. For supplies, there's a Water & Ice shop in Apache Junction, and while the local Basha's can be pricey, it's convenient for last-minute needs.
Overall, Peralta Canyon is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature. Just be considerate of other campers and the local wildlife, and you'll have a memorable stay.
Welcome to Eagle View RV Resort at Fort McDowell, a gem nestled near Fort McDowell, AZ. This campground offers a peaceful retreat with a touch of convenience, making it a favorite among campers who appreciate a blend of nature and amenities.
The campground is open year-round, so you can enjoy its offerings no matter the season. One of the standout features here is the spaciousness of the sites. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find plenty of room to spread out and relax. The sites are paved and level, ensuring a hassle-free setup.
Amenities are top-notch. There's a large laundry facility, a pool, and a hot tub to unwind after a day of exploring. The central courtyard is a great spot to gather, complete with gas grills for a cookout. For those who like a bit of entertainment, the office offers DVDs, jigsaw puzzles, and books to borrow. Plus, there's a dog park for your furry friends to stretch their legs.
Nature lovers will appreciate the walking paths and trails throughout the park. You might even spot some wild horses or hear coyotes in the distance. The views of the desert and mountains are simply stunning, providing a perfect backdrop for your stay.
The campground is conveniently located near Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, so you're never too far from shopping and dining options. And if you're feeling lucky, there's a casino just across the road.
Visitors have praised the cleanliness and maintenance of the park, as well as the friendly and helpful staff. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Arizona.
So pack your bags and head to Eagle View RV Resort at Fort McDowell for a memorable camping experience. Whether you're here for a short stay or planning to stick around for a while, this campground has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
$41 - $84 / night
Tortilla Campground is a winter campground just outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area. From October through April each year, urban dwellers take advantage of cooler temperatures and enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and scenic driving throughout the surrounding Tonto National Forest. Campers awake to a scenic backdrop of rugged bluffs, saguaro cactus and desert skies. The campground is located directly across the historic Apache Trail from Tortilla Flat, Arizona, which has a general store and restaurant. Natural Features: The Superstition Wilderness Area is starkly beautiful and untamed. A series of dams has created numerous lakes along the Salt River. Blossoming plants bring the desert to life each spring with colorful flowers. The area can be harsh for travelers not equipped to meet nature on her own terms. Soaring temperatures and little water are typical conditions in the summer. In winter, temperatures are typically pleasant during the day but drop significantly at night. Visitors should come prepared for anything, even the occasional rain or snow. Recreation: The area is rich with human history, scenery and outdoor recreation. The campground lies along the Canyon Lake Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a former Apache Tribal route turned stagecoach road. Visitors may hear stories of lost cowboys and gold mining. The drive to the campground provides ample scenery, though taking a day trip to Lake Roosevelt allows for even more breathtaking views. The 21,500-acre Roosevelt Lake is 25 miles away, and the 990-acre Canyon Lake is just down the road. Both provide fishing and boating options. The Superstition Wilderness has a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. Trail conditions can be fair or poor, and several are unsuitable for horses. Facilities: The campground is large yet compact, with campsites in close proximity of one another. Every campsite has a view of the surrounding desert, some with views of mountain peaks and cliffs. The facility accommodates RVs and has sewage hookups. Each campsite comes with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a cooking grate. Services at the end of Tortilla Flat include a post office, restaurant, gift shop and public cellular credit card phone (emergency 911). Canyon Lake and Marina is located two miles west and includes public boat launches and picnic/fishing sites, a restaurant, excursion boats and boat rentals. Nearby Attractions: The 327-ft. Theodore Roosevelt Dam and lake are 25 miles beyond Tortilla Flat along the scenic byway. Tonto National Monument, which has well-preserved Puebloan cliff dwellings from the 13th to 15th centuries, is about 8 miles south of the dam. Theodore Roosevelt Dam Tonto National Monument
$20 / night
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources.
Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).
Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Burnt Corral Campground and Recreation Area (elevation 1914') is about 5.8 miles south of Roosevelt Dam along the Apache Trail (AZ Hwy 88) along the shoreline of Apache Lake. It is nestled amongst the saguaros, mesquites, and palo verdes, and offers opportunities to boat, swim, fish, relax, hike, and sightsee.____
Burnt Corral Campground offers something for almost everyone. Motorboating, fishing, water-skiing, and paddlesports are very popular because of the developed and undeveloped lake access from within the campground. Others may enjoy hiking nearby trails, being challenged by local jeep trails, or practicing their landscape photography, or simply relaxing with a good book.
Burnt Corral Campground offers something for almost everyone. Motorboating, fishing, water-skiing, and paddlesports are very popular because of the developed and undeveloped lake access from within the campground. Others may enjoy hiking nearby trails, being challenged by local jeep trails, or practicing their landscape photography, or simply relaxing with a good book.
Burnt Corral Campground is situated in what may be the most stunning Sonoran Desert landscape in Arizona. The contrast of sunshine, clear blue water, and saguaro's surrounded by the Four Peaks and Superstition Wilderness' is a magnificant sight to see. While shade is scarce in the desert, campsites are situated amongst mature mesquite and palo verde trees, and desert chaparral. Apache Lake is 17 miles long making it the longest in the chain of reservoirs on the lower Salt River below Roosevelt Dam.__
Roosevelt Dam, Apache Lake Marina, Tortilla Flats, Tonto National Monument (Cliff Dwellings), Roosevelt Lake, Apache Trail Scenic Byway (AZ Hwy 88), Spines to Pines Scenic Byway (AZ Hwy 288). The City of Globe and Town of Payson are only an hour away.
$40 / night
Commerical Site, Please call for information, Tel: (480)288-9233, Paved Boat Launch
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular pet-friendly campsite near Mesa, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular pet-friendly campground near Mesa, AZ is Usery Mountain Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find pet-friendly camping near Mesa, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 194 pet-friendly camping locations near Mesa, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
