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Best Campgrounds near Anthem, AZ

959 Reviews

The Anthem, Arizona area encompasses a range of camping environments from established RV parks to primitive dispersed sites. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground offers developed sites with electric hookups and picnic tables, while several dispersed camping areas exist on BLM land and Arizona State Trust Land within 15 miles of the city. Maddock Road Dispersed camping on State Trust Land and the Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area provide alternatives for those seeking more remote experiences. Accommodation types vary widely, with Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offering cabin rentals alongside traditional RV and tent sites, and Cave Creek Regional Park supporting tent camping, RVs, and glamping options.

Access to camping areas varies significantly by location and season. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly during monsoon season when dirt roads become rutted or washed out. Arizona State Trust Land camping requires a $15 annual permit with a 14-day maximum stay limit per year. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from May through September, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. Lake Pleasant and nearby water-based camping areas provide relief from heat but fill quickly during peak periods. Cell service is generally reliable near Anthem but becomes spotty in more remote areas. A camper noted, "It's not bad most days. The wind gets pretty strong out here and there are a lot of side by sides that run very late into the night on weekends. The temps are a little cooler because of the proximity to Lake Pleasant."

Waterfront camping at Lake Pleasant receives consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds offering shoreline access. The lake area provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, making it popular year-round. Dispersed camping areas offer greater solitude but fewer amenities, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies including water. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the proximity to urban conveniences while still enjoying desert landscapes. "So thankful for this desert and the solitude it brought. The further off Carefree you get, the more solitude you'll find," wrote one visitor about the Maddock Road area. Dust and wind are commonly mentioned challenges, particularly in open desert areas, while proximity to off-road vehicle trails can create noise issues on weekends at certain locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Anthem, Arizona (255)

    1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $15 - $300 / night

    "We stayed in late September and had no neighbors next to us so we felt like we were in the desert. There was no direction that had a bad view."

    "It was an great way to be exposed to trails I may not have chosen on my own."

    2. Cave Creek Regional Park

    18 Reviews
    Cave Creek, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 465-0431

    "Surrounded by homes but for its proximity to town its sunset views are fab. Close to a Frys and Home Depot. My onlllly reason for 4/5 stars is the surrounding homes have very noisy dogs."

    "We have always looked forward to our quiet nights away from usual civilization and would stay awake to hear the coyotes howl, along with the rest of the wildlife."

    3. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 235-6140

    "RV camping on big water in Arizona! We have stayed here a couple of times. Make sure to book a spot up on cliff overlooking the water. Great sunsets. Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp."

    "We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time."

    4. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    13 miles

    "This is a staging area for off road vehicles, so there are a lot of quads, ATV, and OHV there. But no one seemed to be running around at all hours of the night like at other areas."

    "Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"

    5. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "Recommend black canyon city for laundry and hiked on the black canyon trail."

    "Numerous campsites available in an area along State Road 74 and New River/Lake Pleasant Roads, at least 2 or 3000 acres with hundreds of establish campsites."

    6. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    8 miles

    "This was a major travel destination for RV’rs and campers passing through, or staying for a while in close proximity to Phoenix. Major disappointment."

    "The further you get away from the main road the less people. Will stay here again."

    7. Roadrunner Campground - Lake Pleasant

    9 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    "A two lane dump station near the Desert Tortoise camping area. Security and cleaning crews passing through keeping an eye on the rigs. Very close to Lake Pleasant."

    "It was super hot in the afternoons and you really have no privacy from the campers around you. It was nice having shower facilities but they weren’t the cleanest. The lake was nice to cool off in."

    8. Pioneer RV Resort 55+

    7 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 465-7465

    $39 - $543 / night

    "While out-running a winter storm in Northern Arizona we headed South."

    "I’m not real keen on high occupancy parks but I wanted to stay near Phoenix - just not in Phoenix. Here to attend my grandsons graduation. Close to major shopping and restaurants. Extremely quiet."

    9. Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant

    7 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    10 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "There are many campgrounds on Lake Pleasant- we stayed at Roadrunner which is near the Discovery Center."

    "Stay here often cause it is close to home."

    10. Desert's Edge RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Phoenix, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 587-0940

    "We arrived after the office was closed, but they had our bathroom keys and paperwork ready for us in the box outside the office."

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Recent Camping Photos near Anthem, AZ

203 Photos of 255 Anthem Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Anthem, AZ

959 Reviews of 255 Anthem Campgrounds

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Cave Creek Regional Park

    Cactus place

    Nice campground, serene with a large cactus next to every spot. Power and water at the spot, toilets & bathrooms available.

  • Stacy R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Tonto Creek Trail RV Park

    Quiet Desert Gem with Beautiful Mountain Views

    We loved our stay at Tonto Creek Trail RV& MHC! From the start, the staff was warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The park is peaceful, clean, and well-maintained—exactly what we were looking for in a relaxing getaway. The location couldn’t be better. Nestled in Tonto Basin, the park is just minutes from Roosevelt Lake, which was perfect for fishing, boating, and soaking in the views. We also enjoyed exploring the nearby Tonto National Forest trails—ideal for hiking and ATV adventures. As pet owners, we were thrilled that pets stay free! The community is very pet-friendly, which made traveling with our furry family stress-free. The grounds are safe and quiet, with beautiful mountain views all around, giving us plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring. Between the friendly community vibe, the great amenities, and the unbeatable location, this is a hidden gem in Arizona. We’re already planning our next trip back to Tonto Creek Trail RV—highly recommend it!

  • Jared M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Mayer dispersed camping

    Little to no service but peaceful

    No service for boobdocking but nice veiw and quit

  • Corinne J.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites

    Enchanted forest trail campsites

    I would not bring a travel trailer or larger rv in but tent or van camping spots. Nice trees and trails. Verizon is doable even with the tall pines. Quiet considering the closeness of the campsites

  • 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

    Lynx Lake Campground

    Solid!

    Campsites were well separated, surrounded by pines with a beautiful night sky above the trees. They had the cleanest bathrooms I had ever seen in a campground. Keep In mind there are known bears in the area, and the camp host did warn us about a mountain lion as well. The host really loves his job and we had a lot of fun talking to him.

  • 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.

Guide to Anthem

Camping near Anthem, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are great trails for hiking and biking in the area. At McDowell Mountain Regional Park, one reviewer said, "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails."
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy water activities, Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground is a good choice. One camper mentioned, "Relaxed and fished off the shoreline," highlighting the lake's fishing opportunities.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cave Creek Regional Park noted, "Wild horses are sometimes around," making it a unique experience.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for White Tank Mountain stated, "Clean hot showers and bathrooms," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One happy camper at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort said, "The views were beautiful," while enjoying the spaciousness of their site.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. A visitor at Eagle View RV Resort shared, "We have met great people here," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, have few amenities. A reviewer warned, "No drinking water, no toilets," so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Busy on Weekends: Popular spots can get crowded. A camper at Lake Pleasant noted, "Busy on weekends and empty during the week," so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Road Conditions: Some areas may have rough roads. A visitor at Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Road coming in was not bad at all," but be cautious if you're driving a larger vehicle.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. Cave Creek Regional Park has "hiking trails directly from the campground," making it easy for families to explore together.
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A camper at McDowell Mountain suggested, "Great for bikeriding enthusiasts," so consider biking as a family activity.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One reviewer at Lake Pleasant mentioned, "Boat noise on the lake is sometimes a disturbance," so be aware of your surroundings.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Eagle View RV Resort noted, "Individual sites are paved and level," which is great for RVs.
  • Explore Nearby Towns: If you need supplies, towns like Peoria are close by. A camper at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort mentioned, "The convenience store was a cool feature," saving them a trip.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A reviewer at White Tank Mountain said, "The road behind the park is not used much," which can help with peace and quiet.

Camping around Anthem, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find RV parks near Anthem, Arizona?

Several RV parks are located within easy driving distance from Anthem. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort at Lake Pleasant offers easy access to the marina, hiking trails, and off-roading opportunities. The resort includes a convenient onsite store for supplies. Closer to Cave Creek, Stardust trailer park provides a charming atmosphere with serene surroundings, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while having access to amenities.

Are roads and camping areas in Anthem, Arizona public or private property?

The camping areas around Anthem include both public and private lands. Mesquite Wash Dispersed is on public land located northeast of Fountain Hills along SR 87. The main area is primarily used by off-road vehicles. Similarly, Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground is on public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. For dispersed camping on AZ State Trust Land, such as Maddock Road, you'll need to purchase a recreation permit from the Arizona State Land Department. Always check land status and obtain necessary permits before camping, as some areas have specific regulations and access restrictions.

What camping options are available in Anthem, AZ?

The area around Anthem offers diverse camping experiences. For dispersed camping, Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land provides solitude in the desert, especially the further you travel off Carefree Highway. It's warm even in January with beautiful desert landscapes. Another option is Dispersed Camping off hwy 74, which offers cooler temperatures due to its proximity to Lake Pleasant and is just minutes from Peoria for supplies. For those seeking established campgrounds, Cave Creek Regional Park and White Tank Mountain Regional Park are within reasonable driving distance.

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