Coyotes provide the evening soundtrack at this county-managed desert campground, where campers wake to their calls echoing across 23,000 acres of Sonoran landscape. The sites spread across open terrain with views toward the Superstition Mountains, offering both RV hookups with 30 and 50-amp service plus water, and tent camping areas at $22 per night.
Mountain biking trails wind throughout the park in varying difficulty levels, drawing riders to what Mike M. calls "spectacular" routes that provide "a great workout and so pretty." Hiking paths branch through cacti-studded terrain, well-marked and supporting diverse wildlife viewing. A bike course and playground add recreational options, while the visitor center houses pet rattlesnakes for educational displays.
Sites maintain generous spacing between neighbors, with reviewers consistently noting the privacy this creates. The RV campground includes flush toilets and hot showers, while even the overflow camping area provides bathroom and shower facilities. Larry G. observes that "the utilities are easy to find and use" and notes the hourly fountain visible from most campsites.
Reservations fill sites regularly, particularly during cooler months, making advance booking essential. The desert environment means no shade trees and potential wind exposure, with dramatic temperature drops after sunset. Fountain Hills sits nearby for supply runs, while campers exploring the broader region can find campgrounds just outside Rio Verde. The Ironwood Campground - McDowell Mountain Regional Park provides an alternative within the same park system.
This location works well for mountain bikers, hikers, and RV campers comfortable with desert conditions and seeking space between sites.
Description
Set in the northeast Valley of metro Phoenix, McDowell Mountain Regional Park covers 21,099 acres in the lower Verde River basin. Campers choose from 76 individual sites for tent or RV camping, which can accommodate up to a 45-foot RV. These developed sites have water and electrical hook-ups, plus a dump station, picnic table, and barbecue fire ring, while all restrooms offer flush toilets and showers. Group camping is also available.
McDowell Mountain activities range from biking, hiking, and horseback riding on over 50 miles of multi-use trails to picnicking, stargazing, and plenty of park-organized programs and events.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingMcDowell Mountain Regional Park is located in Arizona
Directions
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr., MMRP, AZ 85268
Address
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Coordinates
33.69365582 N
111.7294874 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/19/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 3/19/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 2/16/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/19/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 3/19/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 2/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 50 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 48 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 13 min from Tucson, AZ
- 2 hrs 31 min from Flagstaff, AZ

























