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Best Campgrounds near Tempe, AZ

863 Reviews

Camping options near Tempe, Arizona range from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites across diverse landscapes. Established options include Lost Dutchman State Park, located in Apache Junction about 30 miles east of Tempe, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins with picturesque views of the Superstition Mountains. Closer to the city, Mesa Spirit RV Resort and Mesa Gardens RV Park provide accommodations including cabins and full-service RV sites. For those seeking more remote experiences, dispersed camping is available at Bulldog Canyon, which requires permits, and areas within Tonto National Forest, where primitive camping is permitted with appropriate passes.

Access to camping areas varies significantly based on location and season. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when dirt roads become rutted or washed out. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from May through September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round but fill quickly during winter months when seasonal visitors flock to the region. Arizona State Trust Land camping requires specific permits ($15-20 annually), while Tonto National Forest sites may require Tonto Passes. A camper noted, "Bulldog Canyon is a nice area if you like to off road. We take our trailer out for the weekend to get away from the city. It's an hour from Tempe/Phoenix. Nice and quiet except for an occasional rider passing by."

The desert landscape surrounding Tempe offers distinctive camping experiences characterized by dramatic mountain backdrops and classic Sonoran Desert vegetation. Campgrounds near the Superstition Mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities, with trails accessible directly from many campsites. Several visitors mention the spectacular sunrises and sunsets as highlights of their stays. According to one review, "The Peralta Road area offers quiet, gorgeous camping with tons of hiking options where you quickly leave behind the sprawl of suburban Phoenix and embrace the sprawling landscape of the Sonoran Desert." Sites along waterways like Sycamore Creek and near Lake Pleasant are particularly popular for their recreational opportunities. Noise levels vary significantly, with some dispersed areas experiencing weekend traffic from off-road vehicles while developed campgrounds typically enforce quiet hours to ensure a more peaceful experience.

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Best Camping Sites Near Tempe, Arizona (248)

    1. Usery Mountain Regional Park

    35 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 984-0032

    "Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. "

    "Was 90 the day we left (~March 23rd), night temp was cool and windows left open.

    Food: Chorizo & bacon mac & cheese with garlic and tortillas!"

    2. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4485

    $35 - $99 / night

    "It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade."

    "One of my favorite trails in Arizona."

    3. Encore Mesa Spirit

    8 Reviews
    Mesa, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We loved this park in the Arizona Desert.  Close to everything, yet set up to feel like you're in your own little village. "

    "Made fast friends with the neighbors, got tons of recommendations from anyone walking or biking for things to do nearby."

    4. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $10 - $80 / night

    "This is a nice area if you like to off road. We take our trailer out for the weekend to get out of the city. It’s an hour from Tempe/ Phoenix."

    "I use the north entrance off Bush highway. I've camped here 5 or 6 times. No water or bathrooms. Leave no trace. You need a permit and gate code. Most ATVers but not loud during the week."

    5. Pinnacle Farms South

    4 Reviews
    Guadalupe, AZ
    11 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "Our 19’ trailer was in a quiet, private spot next to a large grassy area sometimes used for canine agility."

    "The RV spot was between date palms and next to the dog agility course. The tent sites were in the back and seemed nice and private."

    6. Mesa Gardens RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Salt River, AZ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 964-1102

    $48 - $55 / night

    "Great campground centerally located to Phoenix and Scottsdale. Was only planning to stay 2 nights but ended up extending my stay. Full hookups and laundry/showers in house."

    7. Holiday Village

    2 Reviews
    Tempe, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 962-1694

    $37 / night

    8. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    18 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4015

    "This KOA sits on the outskirts of Apache Junction, which itself isn't Phoenix proper but an eastern suburb. The RV park has all of the basics: power, water, sewer plus a pool and a level, clean site."

    "We had plenty of space between us and adjacent sites. The whole KOA has some nice touches as far as landscaping, sites with grills, etc. Very clean and well kept."

    9. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $32 / night

    "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."

    "No sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located. NO shade however and in the summer it is HOT! Desert surround's and lots you singing coyotes at night and early morning!"

    10. Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell

    10 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 789-5310

    $41 - $84 / night

    "Walking paths and trails are throughout the park. A dog park is available. Town is about 10 minutes away on a winding back road."

    "We have met great people here and enjoy that you can walk or bikeride directly from the RV Park. The park is always clean and well cared for, and we like that its not in the city center."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tempe, AZ

168 Photos of 248 Tempe Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tempe, AZ

863 Reviews of 248 Tempe Campgrounds

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    Close to PHX, great hikes

    We love the Superstition mountains. Lost Dutchman campground is great. Has everything and is close to hwy and Phoenix. Lots to do in the area, lots of hikes straight from the campground. Homes were close to our campsite, but the view of the mountains was great!

  • 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

  • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    Camping not available

    Was a great site before, but now all the camp sites are blocked and no longer allowed. This area will be missed it was very convenient.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Vekol Valley Road

    Quiet place

    Tons of nice level spots, just dry and hot in summer, not much shade

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    Clean friendly easy

    We stayed 4 nights in July. Staff friendly and helpful. Clean quiet nice level sites FHU everything worked great. Wi-Fi is poor. Will stay here again.

  • Jeana R.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    Love it

    Woke up to a donkey eating out watermelon, making donkey noises and rolling on the ground so cute!! Campsites always clean, clean bathrooms, great prices..staff always very helpful and friendly!! Visit every summer

  • M
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Towerpoint Resort (55+)

    Paradise for all senior adults

    Towerpoint is not the biggest resort but not the smallest either. It was perfect for us. Everyone was very friendly, often waving to strangers. The price includes so many amenities such as pickleball, a wood shop, pottery, stained glass, shuffleboard, tennis, fitness classes and line dancing, classes for a variety of things including Spanish and sign language. The list just goes on and on.  Additional amenities such as massages, laundry services and a grill right at the resort and concert series among so many others are offered at a reasonable price. There is something for everyone. We will be going back this Winter and have recommended it to many others.

  • M
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Boulders OHV Area

    Great views and area

    There are several fenced in and cleared dirt areas to park and pull through trucks, a camper, tent and car, etc. any vehicle can make it to the staging area, road is easy to travel. Sound of ATV and dirt bikes is pretty constant, otherwise it is quiet, great star views, with a outhouse bathroom.

Guide to Tempe

Camping near Tempe, AZ, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails for hiking and biking. Campers rave about the trails at Usery Mountain Regional Park, with one camper saying, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!"
  • Exploring History: Visit the nearby Lost Dutchman State Park, where you can learn about the legendary Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. One visitor shared, "Immerse yourself in the legendary lore of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine."
  • Water Activities: At Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming. A reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful views of the lake, plenty to do."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking scenery at Picacho Peak State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Great views and epic sunsets."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like McDowell Mountain Regional Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor said, "The bathrooms are immaculate, and the staff is friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the spaciousness at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. One review stated, "Spots are close but not too close to each other."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, lack showers and hot water. A camper mentioned, "Showers were lukewarm at best."
  • Seasonal Access: Tortilla Campground is only open from October to March. A visitor noted, "The campground is only open September thru May."
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell service in areas like Usery Mountain Regional Park. One camper advised, "Keep in mind that cell service can be limited in certain areas."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby hiking trails and picnic areas. At Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, one family enjoyed, "Great hikes right from the campground."
  • Safety First: Ensure your kids stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during summer. A reviewer mentioned, "Gets a little warm during the summer - after all, it is AZ."
  • Plan for Fun: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Picacho Peak State Park Campground said, "Great hot showers and clean facilities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to choose campgrounds with the right hookups for your RV. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground offers electric hookups, but no showers.
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that are big rig friendly, like Usery Mountain Regional Park. One RVer noted, "Spacious with great trails nearby."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a sanitary dump station. A camper at Burnt Corral Campground appreciated, "Access to the bathroom, which were clean and trash, which didn’t smell."

Camping near Tempe, AZ, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best RV parks in Tempe, AZ?

While the previously popular Apache Palms RV Park in downtown Tempe has permanently closed, several excellent options remain nearby. Mesa Gardens RV Park offers full hookups and is convenient to Tempe amenities. For a resort experience with premium amenities, Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell provides beautiful desert views just a short drive from Tempe. Both parks are big-rig friendly with water and toilet facilities. For budget-conscious RVers, several well-maintained parks in neighboring Mesa and Scottsdale provide convenient bases for exploring Tempe, with most offering essential amenities including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and community spaces.

Can you find tent camping sites near Tempe, Arizona?

Yes, several tent camping options exist within a short drive from Tempe. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground offers tent sites along a beautiful river with large fire rings about an hour from Tempe. The riverside areas feature lush trees and vegetation, though the surrounding terrain is typical desert landscape. For those seeking free camping, Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping provides a quiet desert experience about an hour from Tempe. A permit is required, but you'll enjoy spectacular sunsets and stargazing opportunities. Stores are approximately 15 minutes away for supplies. Both locations offer authentic desert camping experiences while remaining reasonably accessible from Tempe.

What camping options are available near Tempe for overnight stays?

Tempe offers diverse overnight camping options within a short drive. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground provides developed sites with stunning Superstition Mountain views, perfect for both tents and RVs. Sites include fire rings and are a reasonable distance from restrooms. For those seeking a more natural experience, Peralta Road Dispersed Camping offers free camping in the Sonoran Desert just beyond Gold Canyon. This area features multiple pull-offs where you can find secluded spots surrounded by desert landscape. Both locations are approximately 30-45 minutes from Tempe, making them accessible for overnight adventures while being far enough to escape city lights.

Are there any long-term RV parks available in Tempe?

While Tempe itself has limited long-term RV options since Apache Palms closed, several nearby parks welcome extended stays. Stardust trailer park in Cave Creek offers a charming, community-oriented setting for long-term residents. The park features serene surroundings and a friendly atmosphere that makes it feel like home. Holiday Village near Mesa also accommodates long-term stays with full hookups and amenities designed for extended living. Most long-term parks in the area offer monthly rates, laundry facilities, and community spaces. Reservations are recommended, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors (snowbirds) significantly increase demand for long-term spots in the Phoenix metro area.

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