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Best Campgrounds near Peoria, AZ

681 Reviews

Camping options near Peoria, Arizona range from developed campgrounds with full amenities to primitive dispersed sites on public lands. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground and Pleasant Harbor RV Resort provide established facilities for tent and RV camping with electric hookups, running water, and shower facilities. Several dispersed camping areas on Arizona State Trust Land and Bureau of Land Management property offer free or low-cost alternatives for self-sufficient campers seeking more solitude and open space.

A $15 annual permit is required for camping on Arizona State Trust Land with a maximum stay of 14 days per year, though enforcement varies. Many dispersed sites have minimal to no facilities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste. The terrain is primarily desert with rocky, uneven ground that can limit access for some vehicles. According to one visitor, "Lower clearance rigs and vehicles need to stay closer to the main road. We have a 4x4 class C towing a Jeep so we went through some steep banked washes." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter the most popular camping season in the region. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures but may experience strong winds and dust.

Campers consistently mention the beautiful desert landscape with saguaro cacti and mountain views as highlights of the area. Sites near Lake Pleasant provide water recreation opportunities including boating and swimming. The desert camping areas offer excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution, with several reviewers noting the peaceful atmosphere and solitude available, particularly in more remote sections. A camper reported, "We love it! Awoke to hot air balloons on the horizon! Great walks! Lovely and remote!" Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, making it popular with remote workers and full-time RVers. Proximity to Phoenix metropolitan amenities while maintaining a wilderness feel creates a convenient balance for many visitors.

Map showing campgrounds near Peoria, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Peoria, Arizona (206)

    1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $15 - $300 / night

    "We stayed in late September and had no neighbors next to us so we felt like we were in the desert. There was no direction that had a bad view."

    "It was an great way to be exposed to trails I may not have chosen on my own."

    2. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 235-6140

    "RV camping on big water in Arizona! We have stayed here a couple of times. Make sure to book a spot up on cliff overlooking the water. Great sunsets. Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp."

    "We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time."

    3. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "Numerous campsites available in an area along State Road 74 and New River/Lake Pleasant Roads, at least 2 or 3000 acres with hundreds of establish campsites."

    "Recommend black canyon city for laundry and hiked on the black canyon trail."

    4. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    14 miles

    "This is a staging area for off road vehicles, so there are a lot of quads, ATV, and OHV there. But no one seemed to be running around at all hours of the night like at other areas."

    "Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"

    5. Roadrunner Campground - Lake Pleasant

    9 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    "A two lane dump station near the Desert Tortoise camping area. Security and cleaning crews passing through keeping an eye on the rigs. Very close to Lake Pleasant."

    "It was super hot in the afternoons and you really have no privacy from the campers around you. It was nice having shower facilities but they weren’t the cleanest. The lake was nice to cool off in."

    6. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    6 miles

    "This was a major travel destination for RV’rs and campers passing through, or staying for a while in close proximity to Phoenix. Major disappointment."

    "The further you get away from the main road the less people. Will stay here again."

    7. White Tank Mountain

    16 Reviews
    Waddell, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    "Fantastic park for seeing the stars and getting away from Phoenix city lights."

    "Located at about 203rd Avenue, on the westside of Phoenix, in Waddell Arizona is a tiny little Campground with phenomenal views."

    8. Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant

    7 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    9 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "There are many campgrounds on Lake Pleasant- we stayed at Roadrunner which is near the Discovery Center."

    "Stay here often cause it is close to home."

    9. Boulders OHV Area

    7 Reviews
    Wittmann, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "If you dont mind occasional off road vehicles driving through during the day, its a good spot with plenty of room."

    "Nearby washes lead to tons of trails near castle hot springs that can lead to various abounded mine sites (including Anderson Mill)."

    10. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Waddell, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 935-2505

    $15 - $45 / night

    "We stayed two nights at the Willow walk-in sites (W10). Despite our campsite being close to the bathroom it exceeded our expectations. Campground is well organized with friendly staff."

    "* Trails throughout the camp into the greater park but the campgrounds separated from the more public trailheads."

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Recent Camping Photos near Peoria, AZ

119 Photos of 206 Peoria Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Peoria, AZ

681 Reviews of 206 Peoria Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Easy off/on I-17 dispersed camping

    Easy on and off. Road is well packed and in good condition with a few smaller ruts, but not bad. Nice views. There is some road noise from the interstate on the closer areas. Nice night sky.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    Convenient for nigth crashing

    1 star for super easy access, 1 star for flat easy to level and 1 star for beautiful stars sky. Other than that no more stars. You can hear the highway very loudly, it seems we could have drove a little further and probably better but we were tired, I can not see camping in there. It was super hot and no breeze at all. We arrived by 8pm and left 4:30am

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    Perfect stopover

    Instead of staying under the power lines like many people mentioned (and indicated by the app), we drove a little bit further away from the main road and found a perfect spot for an overnight stay on our way to Phoenix. It was very hot though at day and night in September. Nothing extraordinary but free. Road is OK, gravel with some bumps, but driven slowly our Jeep Grand Cherokee towing an A-frame did fine even when arriving in the dark

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Cave Creek Regional Park

    Cactus place

    Nice campground, serene with a large cactus next to every spot. Power and water at the spot, toilets & bathrooms available.

  • Jared M.
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Mayer dispersed camping

    Little to no service but peaceful

    No service for boobdocking but nice veiw and quit

  • Steffanie & Joshua The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    Beautiful and spacious

    Got in pretty late at night on a Friday but had no difficulty finding a spot. Road was a little rocky but not horrible. Gorgeous views all around, and you can drive far enough back to really lose the road sounds. It was pretty hot, as would be expected here, but the breeze through the night was enough to keep us cooled off with the tent vents opened.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Mesa Gardens RV Park

    Hidden fees and rules

    The park was fine. Not my preference but wanted to be as close to my son visiting as possible so it worked.

    However the site I was on wasnt easy at all to get into with my 29ft trailer. After multiple attempts of trying to be on the gravel behind the concrete pad like others I stay partially on the concrete pad since there were no rules specified about this. I arrived on a Friday evening (labor day weekend). Tuesday the manager came by and said something. She was super nice. I explained the events of getting into the spot with the traffic in the park and that I triple checked the rules on it. Since I was leaving the next morning she let me stay as is.

    Today though I got an email about a balance. So if you book less than a 30day stay you pay a fee of $4. And the electric charge that is listed for Monthly stays is charged for a few nights as well.

    I would stay again though. I mean the location was convenient for my visit. It was a well kept park. Just a few unknowns that I wish I knew before booking

Guide to Peoria

Camping near Peoria, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are great trails for both hiking and biking. For example, at Usery Mountain Regional Park, one camper mentioned, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!" Another reviewer at McDowell Mountain Regional Park said, "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails."

  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground is a good choice. A visitor shared, "Relaxed and fished off the shoreline," highlighting the lake's fishing opportunities.

  • Exploring Nature: Many campgrounds, like Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, offer stunning desert landscapes. One reviewer noted, "Prepare to be awestruck by the breathtaking scenery."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Point of Rocks RV Campground. A happy camper said, "The spots are private with lots of green in between."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at McDowell Mountain Regional Park mentioned, "The bathrooms are immaculate, and the staff is friendly and helpful."
  • Wildlife: Many campers enjoy the wildlife sightings. At Lynx Lake Campground, one reviewer said, "You’re kind of have privacy at your campsite which is nice," hinting at the natural surroundings.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, have limited amenities. A reviewer pointed out, "No hot water in bathrooms. No showers."
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in certain areas. A camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground noted, "While you're busy conquering the trails and soaking up the scenery, keep in mind that cell service can be limited."
  • Busy on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. A visitor at Usery Mountain Regional Park mentioned, "It was nice to use the electric outlets to charge our devices," indicating the popularity of the site.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort has a variety of camping experiences, and one reviewer said, "The views were beautiful. I stayed 10 days and as a single woman I felt very safe."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring bikes or hiking gear to keep everyone entertained. A camper at McDowell Mountain Regional Park said, "Great for bikeriding enthusiasts and there are also lots of great hiking trails!"
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A visitor at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground mentioned, "The convenience store was a cool feature saving me from having to drive 20min to get some drinks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Make sure the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Point of Rocks RV Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms and showers. Definitely need to bring your toys and have transportation for things to do outside the campground."
  • Be Mindful of Road Conditions: Some campgrounds may have rough access roads. A camper at Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping warned, "The road is in the worst condition, we have a 25ft RV and was impossible to get through."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect the quiet hours to ensure a good experience for everyone. A visitor at Lynx Lake Campground mentioned, "Most everyone respects the rules of noise down after 10 and pick up your trash."

Camping around Peoria, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find RV parks with hookups near Peoria?

For RV parks with hookups near Peoria, Arizona, Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers full hookup sites with convenient access to Lake Pleasant, hiking trails, and off-roading opportunities. The resort features a store on-site for supplies and necessities. Another excellent option is Stardust trailer park in nearby Cave Creek, which provides a charming atmosphere with full hookups in a serene setting. Both locations are within easy driving distance of Peoria, offering comfort and convenience for RV travelers.

What are the best campgrounds in Peoria, Illinois?

While Peoria, Illinois doesn't have many campgrounds directly in the city, the surrounding area offers several quality options. For the best camping experience near Peoria, Illinois, look to nearby state parks and recreation areas along the Illinois River. These campgrounds typically feature wooded sites, basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, and varying levels of hookups. Many are open seasonally from spring through fall, with summer being the peak season. Always check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for current availability and reservation requirements before planning your trip.

Are there any parks in Peoria, Arizona that allow camping?

Yes, there are several camping options near Peoria, Arizona. White Tank Mountain offers developed campsites with beautiful desert views and access to hiking trails, including the popular waterfall trail that's great for families. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 provides free camping minutes from Peoria, with cooler temperatures due to its proximity to Lake Pleasant. Additionally, Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land has hundreds of established campsites along State Road 74, though a $15 annual permit is required.

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