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Camper submitted image from Ironwood Campground - McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Ironwood Campground - McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Reservations are available for this county-managed campground within McDowell Mountain Regional Park, where both drive-in and walk-in sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs. Electric hookups provide power for those who need it, while amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and firewood sales. Cell service reaches the campground area.

Sites spread out across the property with varying levels of privacy. Mark L. notes that "sites are pretty well spaced out and well kept bathrooms and showers," particularly highlighting sites 64, 65, 66, 68, and 70 on the Pemberton loop for their unobstructed views. One central restroom building serves the campground, with additional shower facilities located at other areas within the park.

Mountain biking and hiking trails connect directly from the campground, providing immediate access to the trail system. The Granite and Wagner trails offer shorter options, while connections to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve provide more challenging terrain. The campground sits away from the main park areas, creating a quieter base for outdoor activities.

Check-in begins at 1 PM sharp, and campers should plan accordingly. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds near Rio Verde provide additional options. Pets are welcome throughout the facility.

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Map & DirectionsIronwood Campground is located in Arizona near Rio Verde

Public Campground

Coordinates

33.71100631 N
111.70054267 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 6/2/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 12/11/25

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 6/2/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 12/11/25

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

43 min from Phoenix, AZ
1 hr 35 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
2 hrs 6 min from Tucson, AZ
2 hrs 18 min from Flagstaff, AZ

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Ironwood Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the well-spaced, quiet sites and beautiful mountain setting with excellent trail access. Some visitors expressed disappointment with having to travel off-site for showers, though basic facilities are available.

Mark L.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 12, 2024

McDowell Regional Park EI Rowland RV campground

We stayed in site 27 which was close to the kids playground. We only stayed for 1 night . Lots of bikers at this location. We did do a short 3 mile hike and it was very nice on the Granite and then Wagner trail. Other than the camp host who was a complete jerk ( we arrived 5 minutes before 1 pm and the guy at the front gate said nothing about not driving in before 1 pm - there was a sign but seriously 5 minutes early is an issue, you would have thought I kicked his dog the way he acted )? A beautiful night and wished we had stayed a few more days. I think some of the best sites here are on the Pemberton loop 64,65,66, 68, 70. Unobstructive views but all sites pretty well spaced out and well kept bathrooms and showers.

SiteSite 27

Month of VisitFebruary

(4) View All

Bill O.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 30, 2023

Nice campground amongst the cactus

Sites are fairly well spread out. One restroom, flush toilets, water spigot outside, dumpster. Friendly to camper vans. Showers down the road. Lots of hiking and biking.

Site8

Month of VisitMarch

Albert V.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 30, 2022

Gorgeous area

This campground is really beautiful. The sites are spaced out and in general it's very quite (although the park is popular with mountain bikers). Lots of hiking to do around if you're looking for something flat (but close access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve if you're looking for something more strenuous).

SiteT15

Month of VisitMarch

jeff B.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 20, 2021

Excellent Regional Campground

This campground in McDowell Regional park is for tent camping and small Vans, etc. Mix of both walk in sites and back in sites. It is set back a ways from the rest of the park. No showers here. Need to go to the trail head or RV campground for showers which was a bit of a hassle. Excellent mountain biking and hiking trails right out of the campground.

Month of VisitDecember

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at the Ironwood Campground in McDowell Mountain Regional Park?

Ironwood Campground at McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers a mix of walk-in and back-in sites suitable for tent camping and small vans. Facilities include flush toilets, water spigots outside the restroom building, and a dumpster for waste disposal. There's a children's playground near site 27. The campground does not have showers on-site; campers need to go to the trailhead or RV campground for shower facilities. The sites are well-spaced, providing privacy for campers.

What do reviews say about camping at McDowell Mountain Regional Park?

McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers a beautiful camping experience with well-spaced, quiet sites. The natural desert setting provides excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly mountain biking, as the park is popular with cyclists. Numerous hiking trails are available, ranging from flat, easy paths to more challenging routes. The park maintains clean facilities, though campers should note that showers are located away from some camping areas. The campground atmosphere is generally peaceful, and the surrounding landscape showcases stunning desert scenery.

Where is the Rowland Campground located within McDowell Mountain Park?

There is no specific information about a Rowland Campground within McDowell Mountain Regional Park in the available data. McDowell Mountain Park primarily features the Ironwood Campground for tent camping and small vans, plus a separate RV campground area. For accurate information about any additional campgrounds within the park, including one called Rowland, it's best to contact the park office directly or check the official Maricopa County Parks website.

Are there photos available of McDowell Mountain Regional Park's campgrounds?

Yes, photos of McDowell Mountain Regional Park's campgrounds are available. Visitors can view images of the campsites, facilities, and surrounding desert landscape through the park's official website, managed by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation. Additionally, camping platforms like The Dyrt feature user-submitted photos of the campgrounds, including the Ironwood Campground area. These photos can help potential visitors visualize the layout of sites, natural surroundings, and available amenities before planning their trip.

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