Leighton O.
Guide
GuideNorth Rim
Boondocked it on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Spectacular views. No amenities.
Best Campgrounds in Arizona
Arizona features a diverse spectrum of camping environments across its desert landscapes, pine forests, and canyon rims. From well-established sites like Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park with drinking water and fire rings to free dispersed options like Forest Service Road 328, the state accommodates various camping styles. Tent, RV, and glamping options exist at locations such as Lost Dutchman State Park and Flagstaff KOA, where amenities range from basic to full-service. Several areas permit free camping on public lands, particularly in national forest areas surrounding Sedona, Flagstaff, and near recreational lakes.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout Arizona camping areas, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. "The drive itself is an adventure, but doable in just about any car if it hasn't rained. I would still recommend some kind of SUV," noted one visitor describing the rough roads to East Pocket in Sedona. Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping experiences, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F in lower desert regions while higher elevations remain moderate. Winter brings snow to northern Arizona and mild conditions to southern regions. Cell service is typically limited at remote sites, especially in canyon areas and wilderness zones. Fire restrictions commonly affect camping during dry periods from April through October, with complete bans often implemented during high fire danger.
Campers consistently rate waterfront sites among Arizona's most desirable camping locations. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground and areas along Lake Mohave receive strong reviews for their water access, though they tend to fill quickly during warmer months. One reviewer described Pot Cove in Lake Mohave as having "crystal clear water. Amazing experience," despite requiring navigation of 18 miles of dirt road. Privacy and scenery vary considerably between developed campgrounds and dispersed options. Most dispersed areas offer greater solitude but minimal amenities, while established campgrounds provide more facilities at the cost of proximity to other campers. Wildlife encounters are common throughout Arizona's camping areas, with visitors reporting sightings of everything from wild turkeys to bears in mountainous regions.
Campground Showdown in Arizona
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
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Round 1 of 5
Best Campgrounds in Arizona (1,941)
1. Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
217 ReviewsGrand Canyon, AZWebsite+1 (877) 444-6777$6 - $50 / night
"If you want to camp relatively close to the rim of the Grand Canyon, this is the spot."
"I consider myself some what ocd when it comes to preparing for camping trips, although on this occasion, of all things to forget, the tent was left behind!"
2. Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
124 ReviewsBig Water, UTWebsite+1 (928) 608-6200"Plenty of toilets and trash cans are by the entrance/exit. A little windy because it’s exposed but very calm and quiet otherwise."
"My wife and I took a random trip through Arizona on the way to The North Rim Grand Canyon! We happened upon Page Arizona, and found that we are the only ones whom didn't already know about the area."
3. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed
96 ReviewsGrand Canyon, AZ"Could only get one night at the Mather CG in Grand Canyon, so we went boondocking just outside of the National Park in Kaibab NF. "
"The sites are pretty big and private, I recommend tucking yourself as far back as possible to stay away from the dust kicked up by passing cars."
4. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
96 ReviewsSuperstition Mtn, AZWebsite+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."
5. Gilbert Ray Campground
86 ReviewsCortaro, AZWebsite+1 (520) 724-5000$10 - $75 / night
"The scenery here is perfect for Arizona. Great views of Tucson Mountain and surrounded by all kinds of hiking trails in the Tucson Mountain Park. The sites are gravel and mostly flat."
"Fantastic place to stay in the Arizona countryside. Cacti everywhere! So cool!"
6. Flagstaff KOA
78 ReviewsFlagstaff, AZWebsite+1 (928) 526-9926$100 / night
"Nice campground near highway. Nice pleasant staff. Bathrooms were clean. Beautiful setting with mountain right behind the campground. Short walking trails within campground."
"There is access to some great trails right behind the park. Sites are descent size but definitely not level but that is an easy fix."
7. Catalina State Park Campground
72 ReviewsOro Valley, AZWebsite+1 (520) 628-5798$50 / night
"Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views."
"Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."
8. Homolovi State Park Campground
71 ReviewsWinslow, AZWebsite+1 (928) 289-4106$30 - $40 / night
"This is a great little campground 2 miles outside of Winslow Arizona. It’s in the middle of a state park that has two areas of ruins. One area is located about a mile from the campground."
"Very surprised at how quiet it is because it is pretty close to I40. Only 5 miles outside of Winslow. Dump station and water fill at the entrance. Most sites have electric and water."
9. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground
69 ReviewsCottonwood, AZWebsite+1 (928) 634-5283$25 - $70 / night
"Dead Horse Ranch is a beautiful Arizona state park."
"The forest was closed in Northern Arizona so I decided to camp out at Dead Horse Ranch SP. I was pretty pleased overall with my trip. "
10. Trailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park
72 ReviewsGrand Canyon, AZWebsite+1 (928) 638-1006"The spots are quite large and we were lucky enough to get one with a large treed area next to it. Full hookups and all."
"Walking distance to some amazing lookouts and to the dining hall. Drove to Keys Point lookout tower and left the park by that exit as we headed toward Lake Powell."
Recent Camping Photos in Arizona
2165 Photos of 1941 Arizona Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews in Arizona
9679 Reviews of 1941 Arizona Campgrounds
- Leighton O.Guide
Sedona
Boondocked it in Sedona. Great views. Very quiet. No amenities.
TW S.GuideCedar Pockets Pass Road - Dispersed Camping
If you go up the canyon there are some private sites. Our 25 foot trailer did ok and we camped at a dead end shortly past the trailhead to the narrows. In retrospect, it probably wasn’t a good idea to go that far up as the road gets rough past the trailhead. Vans and cars made it to higher camps. Overall it was quiet, private and had beautiful views
- HHarvey L.
TravelerForest Road 418
Great open spot very quiet no cell but great view of sky for my star link !!! Well into the mountain
James C.TravelerHi Jolly dispersed campground
Quartzite is a well known town for Campers & Nomads. The pictures posted is this one of several large places on the Playa’s around the Town. U Tube Search Quartzite Az.
- MMatt H.
ScoutPistol Hill near Colossal Cave
It’s been constantly breezy/windy, there’s a few spots available, pack in pack out, the road after the first 4spots gets pretty rough
Varazdat Y.GuideNolan Tank Large Dispersed Area
Site is relatively level and there are trees/brush around to offer some privacy. There's a porta potty here which seems regularly maintained. The entrance to this lot might be a little tricky if coming in at night and you don't have a high clearance vehicle/rig.
There's some noise from ATVs and side by sides passing by during the day, but nothing horrible.
A lot of these dispersed camping lots fill up pretty quickly during the weekend during the season, so I would try and get here early or during the week
The dirt road in from the highway is pretty long ago and a bit rough, but doable. There's an alternative route where you come in through Sedona, head towards Bear Mountain Trail - Oski Approach/Doe Mountain Parking but instead of turning into that lot, you keep going straight. Most of this drive will be on a paved road, but will eventually turn into a dirt road. The perks of this is that the drive on the rough dirt road will be much shorter
Shawn S.
LegendNorth Sandman Road Camp
So, yes, stunning landscape, brilliant views both day and night. The lights of the distant cities at the foothills of the distant mountains are stunning. The light pollution does affect the night sky but not too bad. Most of the time, this is quite a serene location. However ... it is a VERY popular location for gun enthusiasts. Weekends and lunch hours are especially war zone-esque. If you are good with that, great spot.
- MMorhia M.Guide
Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area — Petrified Forest National Park
I only had time to drive through and the lady in the store said to just take the road all the way because the gate automatically opens. I learned that you must acquire the free permit ahead of time. Drove into Concho and staid at the lake the rest of the evening. The cashier inside I wasn’t late at all. Some of the best views are in the setting sky.
Guide to Arizona
Camping in Arizona offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From desert vistas to lush forests, there's something for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about camping in this beautiful state.
What to do
- Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds, like Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, have fantastic hiking trails. One camper said, “Lace up your boots and conquer one of the park's diverse hiking trails. From challenging climbs to scenic strolls, there's a path for every level.”
- Off-Roading: If you’re into off-roading, check out the trails near Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, “Dust off your UTVs and get ready for a blast! The washboard washes offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts.”
- Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Houston Mesa Campground are great for spotting deer. One visitor noted, “Deer in campground in trees! The bathrooms are immaculate!”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground said, “Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers.”
- Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. One camper at Cave Springs mentioned, “There are a lot of sites here and yet a lot of them feel secluded.”
- Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive high praise. A visitor at Rancho Sedona RV Park shared, “The camp hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.”
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, lack drinking water and showers. A camper noted, “No hot water in bathrooms. No showers.”
- Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get packed. A reviewer at Cave Springs said, “Packed in like sardines. Spaces are pretty small.”
- Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially in areas like Houston Mesa Campground. One camper warned, “The amount of camping spaces available went to such small of a number that it’s basically become a parking lot.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids, like Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground. A family shared, “The hosts were very nice and the bathrooms were very clean.”
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground said, “There is plenty to see around the area.”
- Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A reviewer at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground mentioned, “Great trails for hiking in the park.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Rancho Sedona RV Park noted, “Good late check-in setup though.”
- Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some areas have spotty cell service. A camper at Houston Mesa Campground mentioned, “While Verizon service isn't optimal, it's manageable.”
- Respect Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A reviewer at Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) said, “People ride ATVs at night, so don’t plan on quiet at all times.”
With these insights, you’re all set for a memorable camping experience in Arizona!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping spots in Arizona for scenic views and natural attractions?
What are the best camping spots in Arizona for scenic views and natural attractions?
Arizona offers stunning camping destinations with spectacular natural scenery. Wahweap Campground & RV Park provides breathtaking views of Lake Powell and convenient access to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The location is ideal for exploring multiple natural wonders within an hour's drive. For desert landscapes, Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument offers a small but spectacular setting among classic Sonoran Desert vegetation. Other scenic options include Mather Campground near the Grand Canyon for rim views, White Horse Lake for peaceful forest and lake vistas, and the Sedona area for stunning red rock formations. Many Arizona campgrounds balance natural beauty with accessibility, allowing campers to enjoy diverse landscapes from alpine forests to desert expanses.
Where can I find free or low-cost camping options throughout Arizona?
Where can I find free or low-cost camping options throughout Arizona?
Arizona offers abundant free dispersed camping on public lands. Forest Service Rd #205/225 Upper Dispersed Camping provides free sites along a well-maintained graded gravel road with scattered camping spots along the main road and down open Forest Service spur roads. Remember that dispersed camping requires setting up at least 1 mile from developed areas. Black Rock Road Dispersed offers no-frills free camping near the Arizona/Utah border with great sunset views—follow signs to the gypsum mine for more secluded spots. Other free options include Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping in San Rafael Canyon, Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed, and West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping. Most dispersed sites lack facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal solutions, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
When is the ideal season for tent camping in Arizona to avoid extreme temperatures?
When is the ideal season for tent camping in Arizona to avoid extreme temperatures?
The ideal tent camping season in Arizona varies dramatically by elevation. In lower desert regions, spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer pleasant temperatures with daytime highs of 65-85°F and cool nights. Summer desert camping can be dangerous with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground typifies low desert camping—beautiful but extremely hot in summer months. For summer camping, head to higher elevations. White Horse Lake Campground near Flagstaff offers a cooler alternative during hot months. The Arizona camping calendar essentially inverts by elevation: northern/high-elevation areas (Flagstaff, White Mountains) are ideal May-September, while southern/low-elevation areas (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma) are best October-April. Always check weather forecasts and bring appropriate gear for sudden temperature changes, particularly in spring and fall.
Are there family-friendly campgrounds in Arizona with amenities like showers and restrooms?
Are there family-friendly campgrounds in Arizona with amenities like showers and restrooms?
Pinegrove Campground offers excellent family amenities with spacious sites featuring level paved parking pads and tent pads. Families will appreciate the clean bathrooms, pay showers, and firewood for sale near the host sites. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, with beautiful settings among the pines bordering a meadow. Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort is another family-friendly option with Oak Creek running through the property—perfect for cooling off during hot months. The mature trees provide welcome shade at most sites. Other family-suitable options include Lost Dutchman State Park with modern facilities, Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground with water recreation opportunities, and Flagstaff KOA offering full amenities including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a playground for children.
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