Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant

Wild donkeys roam between campsites at this county-operated campground on Lake Pleasant's shoreline, remnants from Arizona's mining era that have grown accustomed to human visitors. The property features multiple camping areas including Roadrunner near the Discovery Center and Desert Tortoise, with options ranging from primitive shoreline sites to developed areas with hookups.

Sites include covered ramadas with picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions apply on holidays due to air quality regulations. Justin M. notes the "bathrooms were clean and the area was well kept" across the facility. Campers can fish directly from the shoreline just steps from their sites, with clear lake water providing good visibility. A boat ramp accommodates watercraft, and restaurants operate near the lake for dining options.

The campground draws regular visitors who appreciate direct water access, though it can get crowded during peak periods. Paved sites offer level parking for RVs, with utilities conveniently positioned and good satellite reception due to minimal tree cover. A centralized dump station serves all lake campgrounds. Security gates with passcodes control access to the property.

For those exploring the broader region, places to camp near Peoria provide additional options. Book ahead during busy seasons, and secure food from the persistent wild donkeys that frequent campsites.

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Map & DirectionsMaricopa County Park Lake Pleasant is located in Arizona near Peoria

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

33.88410941 N
112.27859067 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time


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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant

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5 Stars

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25%
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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious sites with covered tables and clean facilities at this lakefront park. Numerous guests pointed out the peaceful setting and helpful rangers, though some noted occasional crowding during peak times.

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2025

Beautiful desert views

So calming and beautiful

Cactus are amazing and so are the sweet wild donkeys roaming around.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Shirlee A., November 2, 2025
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  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2023

Enjoyable time

Camped 5 nights at the desert tortoise campground in my NoBo travel trailer. Semi developed so no hook ups. Bathrooms were clean and the area was well kept. The spot includes a ramada with picnic table. There is also a fire ring pit w/ grill which you’ll need to bring firewood for. I fished off the shoreline which was only a few hundred feet from my spot. The spots are relatively close to each other and tent camping is also allowed. Water is clear and very nice. Wild donkeys from old miners back in the day still roam around. They are very accustomed to humans so won’t hesitate to steal food. Definitely something to watch pets around as well.

Site115
Month of VisitApril
  • Donkey Cam
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Justin M., April 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Justin M., April 23, 2023
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Feb. 12, 2022

Owls hooting all night

This is a great campground… Can be windy in February. But the wind settled down in the afternoon. Very secure with locked gates and pass codes needed to enter.

Site147
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Sara P., February 12, 2022
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2021

Great for beginners

Very short drive from civilization. Semi developed sites are a good way to break someone in to tent/car camping. Full restrooms and showers nearby. Usually clean.

You can even hit one of the restaurants at the lake.

Primitive camping on the shoreline is cool and still not too far from facilities.

Site115
Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed May. 19, 2021

Nice lake site near Phoenix

This is a great site to camp if you are like me and need to look at water every now and then. It’s popular and can be crowded. Noise used to be a real issue, but it seems to be better lately. Facilities are usually pretty clean. Though it’s not my favorite campsite, it’s a regular one for me for.

Siteunsure
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Don M., May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Don M., May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Don M., May 19, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 21, 2021

So Peaceful!

The campsites are clean and private. The views are awesome, especially at sunset and sunrise. We enjoyed every minute of our weekend.

  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Linda T., March 21, 2021
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2021

Roadrunner Campground

There are many campgrounds on Lake Pleasant- we stayed at Roadrunner which is near the Discovery Center. We went there for an afternoon hike on the Roadrunner Trail and ended up going back the next day to stay a night during our RV Xmas trip. We lucked out and they had one site left. Then we REALLY lucked out because the site was water-facing and absolutely wonderful! We tried to have a fire but a few minutes in the(very kind) ranger came by and said that we couldn't have a fire because it was a holiday. Odd. Apparently that is a land law and the state is trying to cut down on air pollution and it's a blanket rule of no fires on holidays. Again… odd. But we still went on a great little walk and wandered around and found a hike across the road through the desert- just watch out for jumping chola!!!! We even saw a jackrabbit! There's a dump station outside the campground area that is used by all the lake campgrounds, but there's two and it gets the job done. You can also pay a small fee and just go there to hike or just go there to dump. The rangers are all super nice!

Site13
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Kate W., January 4, 2021
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  • Review photo of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant by Kate W., January 4, 2021
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Reviewed Nov. 23, 2020

Maricopa County (Lake Pleasant Campground)

Stay here often cause it is close to home. Very peaceful place and the lake offers boating, kayaking, swimming, water sports and a 10 space boat ramp. site are huge and everyone has a covered picnic table and a fire pit. Utilities are convenient and easy to use. Nice and very clean rest rooms conveniently located throughout the park. All sites are paved and fairly level. Satellite system are easy to set up, pretty open with NO trees to get in your way.

Site110
Month of VisitNovember

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant?

Camping at Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant can starts at $32.00.

Does Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant has water hookups.

What is the elevation of Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant?

Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant is located at 1568 feet.

Are fires allowed at Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.