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Places to Camp in Arizona

6,842 Reviews

Arizona boasts itself as the gateway to the Grand Canyon. And, it’s true: There’s no better place to set off into the red- and orange-painted cliffs, winding canyons, and rippling rivers of this wild and grand desert landscape. But, camping in Arizona doesn’t stop at The Big Ditch. From Flagstaff to Sedona, and beyond, you’ll find some of the best desert camping in the U.S. right in this state.

The Colorado River carved through 277 miles of ancient sandstone and limestone to form the Grand Canyon. Stop along the edges of this natural wonder for some of the most famous and scenic camping in Arizona. Go straight to Grand Canyon Village and camp at the Mather campground on the South Rim to experience the best pit stops and catch jaw-dropping canyon views on the Bright Angel Trail. Or, opt for areas less saturated with people and head to Desert View Campground on the South Rim. Hike to Coconino Overlook to sample views of the massive canyon or put your boots on the Arizona Trail, one of the country’s National Scenic Trails.

For those interested in venturing into other parts of Arizona, head to Sedona for more red rock desert camping. There’s a variety of things to do in Sedona, and camping, of course, is one of the best. From red rock canyons to rock formations fabled as energy vortexes, you’ll find views and adventures in Sedona unlike any other. Camp at Pine Flat Campground, where tall ponderosas brush up against red rock walls. Get up to hike for sunrise or start out at sunset to see the best colors amidst the desert. Or, bring your bike along for the ride to experience world-class mountain biking trails right in Sedona.

Whether it’s hiking, biking, or just sleeping beneath the desert sky when camping in Arizona, the state is truly an outdoor-lover’s desert mecca. So grab your tent and head to the edges of the Grand Canyon or into the quiet nooks of Sedona and discover a land of red-rock beauty.

Best Camping Sites in Arizona (1,629)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    1.

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    183 Reviews
    631 Photos
    1188 Saves
    Grand Canyon, Arizona

    Overview

    Mather Campground is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona. Grand Canyon is one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth and draws over five million visitors per year to its spectacular scenery. The campground is large and can accommodate a variety of needs and comfort levels. It is the only campground within Grand Canyon Village. Scenic overlooks, the park's free shuttle bus system, the Visitor Center, the general store and hiking and biking trails are all within a few miles from the facility. The campground is at an elevation of approximately 7,000 ft. Summers are sunny with high temperatures generally in the 80s. Thunderstorms frequently occur in July, August, and early September. Fall and spring are mostly sunny and cool with the occasional snow. Weather is variable; visitors should come prepared.

    Recreation

    From the campground, campers can access the Greenway, a paved walking and biking trail that leads to scenic overlooks and the Visitor Center. The Rim Trail, a paved walking trail, is one mile away and runs for 14 miles along the edge of the canyon. Leashed pets are allowed on both trails, but are not permitted below the rim. Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails descend into the canyon. Their trailheads are a short shuttle bus ride from the campground. The park's concessionaire also offers day and overnight mule riding trips into the canyon and along the rim.

    Facilities

    Mather Campground is a large facility with 327 campsites. Each site includes a campfire ring with a cooking grate, picnic table, parking space and room for up to three tents. There are flush toilets and drinking water spigots throughout the campground. There are no hookups available but there is a free dump station near by at Camper Services. Trailer Village, located next to Mather Campground, has hookups and can accommodate larger RVs. Almost all of the RV spaces are pull-through. Generators are NOT permitted in Pine Loop (sites 265-319).

    Natural Features

    Mather Campground lies beneath a mixture of a tall canopy of Ponderosa pine, Pinyon, and Juniper trees, providing most campsites with ample shade. The campground is one mile from the rim of the canyon. A visit to the canyon during sunrise and sunset yields spectacular views of yellow, orange, red and violet hues in the canyon walls. Layers of rock display billions of years of geologic history. Campers can take a short shuttle bus ride from the campground to the Visitors Center. Visitors can also visit Yavapai Geology Museum, where they learn about the forces that formed the canyon. Below, visitors can see the mighty Colorado River, which flows 277 miles through the bottom of the canyon. Wildlife abounds on the South Rim, including elk, mule deer, coyotes, lizards, songbirds and the endangered California condor. Although condors nest below the rim, they can be seen soaring several thousand feet above the canyon in search for carrion.

    Nearby Attractions

    Numerous visitor centers, restaurants, museums and shops are within a shuttle bus ride from the campground. Beyond the village, Desert View provides one of the widest views of Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. The Desert View Watchtower displays the talent of architect Mary Jane Colter. Tusayan Ruin and Museum provide glimpses into the life of a small Ancestral Puebloan village 800 years ago. Both are within 25 miles from the campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $25 / night

  2. Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed
  3. Camper-submitted photo from Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    3.

    Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    284 Photos
    510 Saves
    Apache Junction, Arizona

    The campground has 138 sites: 68 sites with electric (50/30/20 amp service) and water and the remainder non-hookup sites on paved roads for tents or RVs. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit with an adjustable grill gate. There are no size restrictions on RVs. Well-mannered pets on leashes are welcome, but please pick after your pets.

    The office at Lost Dutchman is open until 7 p.m. for campsite check-in, but after hours (with campsite reservations) you can grab a map by the ranger station and head straight to your campsite! If you are staying multiple nights, check-in with the camp host, or a ranger to get a vehicle tag.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $35 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Ray Campground

    4.

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    66 Reviews
    233 Photos
    420 Saves
    Cortaro, Arizona

    Next time you need a break in your busy life consider cool weather camping at Tucson Mountain Park's beautiful Gilbert Ray Campground, located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, a convenient 13 miles from Tucson. RV campers should access the park by way of Ajo Highway to Kinney Road and follow the signs to the campground.

    The campground has 130 RV sites with individual 30-amp electrical hook-ups. The campground has 5 sites that are designated tent only, however tenters are welcome to camp in an RV site but are asked not to use the electrical hook-ups. It has centrally located water, picnic tables, modern restrooms, and an RV dumping station. Shower facilities are not available. There are handicap bathrooms.

    There is a seven-day length of stay limit. The park's peak season is January 1st through March 31st. Camping fees are $10.00 per night for tents and $20.00 per night for trailers and RVs. Senior Pass/Golden Age Pass NOT valid. Due to limited tent sites you can tent in a RV site, however, during peak season the RV campsite fee applies. Wood fires are prohibited.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $10 - $75 / night

  5. Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    5.

    Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    66 Reviews
    193 Photos
    428 Saves
    Temple Bar Marina, Arizona

    Overview

    Boulder Beach Campground is located just minutes from Las Vegas along the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead. It___s open year-round and features large paved sites that can accommodate tents or large RVs, along with tables, fire pits and/or grills. Restrooms and water spigots are located throughout the campsites. Temperatures usually surpass 100F (37C) degrees June-August. In May and September, daytime highs are around 90F (32C). October-April, temperatures are much cooler. Lows can dip to freezing temps December-February. The area averages 4 inches of rain each year. There is lush vegetation that provides shade, and many sites have pristine views of the lake. Boulder Beach is about a 20-minute walk from the campground.

    Recreation

    When you stay at Boulder Beach Campground, you___ll have access to many recreation opportunities. Boulder Beach, Special Events Beach, Canoe/Kayak Beach and PWC Beach are 1-2 miles away. At these locations you can swim, kayak and jetski. If you prefer to explore the park on land, the River Mountains Loop Trail passes right by the campground. This paved trail is more than 30 miles long and leads to the Historic Railroad Tunnell Trail near the Alan Bible Visitor Center. Other nearby amenities include the Hemenway Harbor Fishing Pier and boat launch ramp. At the Las Vegas Boat Harbor or Lake Mead Marina you can rent a boat for a few hours or dine at the docks. Lake Mead Cruises is also nearby and offers cruises seasonally on the lake to the Hoover Dam and back.__ ~Air tour noise may be present at times throughout the day. Please check the park website at www.nps.gov/lake for updates on amenity closures.

    Facilities

    Each campsite provides space for up to eight people with one camping unit, i.e., motor home or camp trailer. A maximum of two motorized vehicles, four motorcycles or combination thereof if towed or carried on or by a camper may occupy a site. Paved roads lead to each site, and the sites are asphalt or concrete. There are multiple water spigots and restrooms spread throughout the campground. The restrooms have sinks and flush toilets. There are no showers. Accessible sites are available. An RV dump station and water refill station are located near the entrance of the campground.

    Natural Features

    Boulder Beach Campground is like an oasis, because of the lush vegetation that shades nearly every campsite. There is a mix of palm trees, oleanders, mature cottonwood trees and native vegetation that also helps provide privacy between sites. Most campsites offer views of Lake Mead, Fortification Hill and the River Mountains. Wildlife in the area includes many species of birds and lizards along with antelope squirrels and the coyotes.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Hoover Dam is just minutes to the south along U.S. Highway 93. Nearby Boulder City has multiple dining, shopping and adventure options.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Please have cancellations processed in the system in advance of your visit when you can so that others may enjoy that site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $20 / night

  6. Camper-submitted photo from Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    6.

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    203 Photos
    416 Saves
    Peoria, Arizona

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers 148 sites for RV and tent camping within the campgrounds (does not including primitive camping sites)

    Each "Developed Site" has water, electricity, dump station, a covered ramada, a picnic table, a barbecue grill and fire ring.

    Each "Semi-Developed Site" and tent site has a covered ramada, a picnic table, a barbecue grill and fire ring, unless otherwise acknowledged in the description or camping map.

    Restroom and/or shower facilities are available at both types of campsites. All sites in the campground may be reserved online at www.maricopacountyparks.org/. Campgrounds

    Desert Tortoise Campground has 74 campsites: 25 Developed Sites, 39 Semi-Developed Sites, and 10 Tent Sites.
    
    Roadrunner Campground offers 71 sites for RV and tent camping. All sites are Developed.
    
    Large groups can reserve the Desert Tortoise Group Campground. The Group Campground includes a parking area for RVs, picnic tables, and ramadas. The use of this area is by reservation only and requires a minimum commitment of 10 camping units.

    Shoreline Camping

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park also has shoreline/primitive camping during most of the year, depending on water levels. Shoreline camping is only permitted within designated areas for such use, when available. Day-of availability will be on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be reserved during business hours at the park. For information on camping fees, click on this link to be redirected to the "Fees" page.​

    The first phase or re-introducing primitive/shoreline camping will be rolled out in late January 2021, with the area of the Dirt Spillway. Future areas will be included in phases at later dates.

    Campers must park in designated parking areas. Tent camping will be permitted along the shoreline within the designated area. No vehicles will be permitted to park along the shoreline within the area.

    Check-in time the day of arrival shall occur no earlier than 2 p.m. Campers must check out the day of departure by 12 p.m. (noon). Boat-In Camping

    Boat-in camping is now available at the 10 Lane Parking Lot. Roughly 30 assigned parking spaces have been designated for such use. Each camping/parking space is approximately 45 feet long by 12 ft. wide to accommodate most boat trailers and towing vehicles. Reservations are required. Day-of availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, and can only be reserved during business hours at the park.

    Boaters must camp on the waters of Lake Pleasant – no shoreline camping available at this time. Camping is not permitted within the parking lot/camp space. Boat-in camping is a great option for fisherman looking to fish in the late evening/early morning hours. Boat-in campers must arrive and check-in before the park closes at night (8 pm).

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $15 - $300 / night

  7. Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground

    7.

    Catalina State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    244 Photos
    449 Saves
    Oro Valley, Arizona

    Catalina State Park camping is available in 120 electric and water sites. Each campsite has a picnic table and BBQ grill. Roads and parking slips are paved. Campgrounds have modern flush restrooms with hot showers, and RV dump stations are available in the park. There is no limit on the length of RVs at this park, but reservations are limited to 14 consecutive nights. Campgrounds are open all year.

    Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $35 / night

  8. Camper-submitted photo from Flagstaff KOA

    8.

    Flagstaff KOA

    64 Reviews
    87 Photos
    244 Saves
    Flagstaff, Arizona

    The Flagstaff KOA is a beautiful mountain campground set at 7000 feet among tall ponderosa pine trees at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. Looking for the perfect campsite or cabin? We offer free Wi-Fi, 50 amp, RV patio sites, new big-rig friendly RV sites, authentic teepee's, deluxe cabins with bathrooms & linens, rustic camping cabins, tent sites, cable TV, laundry facilities, clean restrooms and showers, on-site groceries and souvenirs, banana bike rentals and so much more!

    From Memorial Day to Labor Day we have free barrel train rides for the kids (weather permitting), family movie nights, jumping pillow, natural playground, and an onsite cafe making breakfast every morning. We are only 2 miles from the Flagstaff Aquaplex Indoor Water park.

    Located off Route 66, The Flagstaff KOA is just an hour from the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, an hour and a half from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, 99 miles from the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert, two hours from Lake Powell and 30 minutes from Meteor Crater, Walnut Canyon and Native American Ruins. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to make sure your vacation is the trip of a lifetime!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $100 / night

  9. Camper-submitted photo from West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    9.

    West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    60 Reviews
    123 Photos
    1316 Saves
    Coconino National Forest Recreation, Arizona

    No fires or grills allowed at any time. Charcoal and wood campfires are prohibited. However, stoves and grills operating solely on liquified petroleum gas that can be turned on and off ARE allowed.

    These designated sites are the only areas you may camp in within the west Sedona area. Dispersed camping is prohibited outside of these sites.

    This camping area is open 24/7 on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a 14-day maximum stay limit.

    Along FR525, there are 5 designated camping areas:

    Surprise (3.72 acres)
    Windmill (1.41 acres)
    Cockscomb (3.23 acres)
    Greasy Spoon (2.47 acres)
    Nolan (11.85 acres)

    Across from FR525 is FR89B, which has 2 designated camping areas:

    Javelina (1.24 acres)
    Angel Valley (1.14 acres)

    A short distance down Highway 89A from FR 525 is FR9570A, which includes 1 designated camping area:

    Rockview (10.82 acres)
    • Pets
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
  10. Camper-submitted photo from Homolovi State Park — Homolovi Ruins State Park

Pet-friendly camping in Arizona

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6842 Reviews of 1629 Arizona Campgrounds