Camping options near Anthem, Arizona span across desert terrain at elevations between 1,400 and 2,000 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 105°F while winter nights can drop below 40°F. Most campgrounds in the region maintain strict entry/exit hours, with Lake Pleasant Regional Park locations closing gates at specific times and requiring gate codes for after-hours access.
What to do
Shoreline activities at Lake Pleasant: Pleasant Harbor RV Resort provides direct access to water recreation with boat rentals and a shuttle service to transport kayaks. "There's a shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp" notes Margaret T., making water sports easily accessible. Sites offer views overlooking the lake for scenic sunsets.
Nature center exploration: Cave Creek Regional Park hosts an educational center with desert wildlife displays. "They have a large Nature Center with lots of desert creatures inside including a big fat rattlesnake, gila monster, black widow spider and some scorpions to safely check out up close, plus a big outdoor enclosure for a desert tortoise," explains Chenery K., who also mentions the outdoor theater for events.
Wildlife viewing: Roadrunner Campground offers opportunities to observe native and feral wildlife. "Owls hooting all night" reports Sara P., while other campers mention wild burros that roam the area. These descendants from mining operations are habituated to humans and require vigilance around food storage.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area provides generous spacing between campsites for those seeking more room to spread out. "The ground is very compact and straight dirt," notes Finn L. about the terrain, which accommodates larger rigs and groups. This free BLM land allows for more flexible camping arrangements.
Clean facilities: Cave Creek Regional Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "Nice park, level sites, spotless bathhouses... Only down side is remote location," writes Chuck T., highlighting the pristine conditions despite the somewhat isolated setting. Multiple reviewers note the cleanliness of facilities.
Security features: Roadrunner Campground - Lake Pleasant implements safety measures to protect campers and equipment. "Very secure with locked gates and pass codes needed to enter," explains Sara P., providing peace of mind for overnight stays. The campground hosts regularly patrol the grounds.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land requires an annual permit for legal camping. "I paid the $15 annual state land trust fee," mentions Adria K., noting this is mandatory for legal usage. The permit must be displayed when camping on state trust lands.
Access road conditions: Access to dispersed camping areas often involves rough roads. "The road in is a little rough, but ok," reports William M. about Old Airstrip Camping. Similarly, Pleasant Harbor visitors mention driving carefully on approach roads.
Noise considerations: Some areas experience significant noise from recreational activities. "Multiple RVs had generators running so the night was loud," notes Finn L. about the Old Airstrip area, which serves as a staging area for off-highway vehicles. Weekend activity levels typically exceed weekday usage.
Gate closure timing: Roadrunner Campground enforces strict entry policies. After specific hours, gate codes are required for access, and some parks prohibit re-entry until morning. This restriction affects planning for evening activities off-site.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly trails: Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant offers pet-accessible hiking routes with varying difficulty levels. "Very well taken care of. The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities," writes Ellen W., noting that "some hiking trails are within walking distance of the campground, others you will need to drive to."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children and pets for potential wildlife encounters. "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," warns Justin M., highlighting the need for proper food storage and supervision.
Semi-developed options: For families new to camping, Lake Pleasant offers transitional sites. "Semi developed sites are a good way to break someone in to tent/car camping. Full restrooms and showers nearby. Usually clean," suggests Matt, who recommends these sites for beginners not ready for fully primitive camping.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 provides no services but allows for extended boondocking. "Yes, I paid the $15 fee and I've been here a couple weeks. People are pretty great. I had Christmas Eve dinner with a bunch of other campers," shares Gregg T., highlighting the community aspect despite the lack of facilities.
Cell service information: Most dispersed camping areas maintain surprisingly good connectivity. "Full Verizon cell service and nice warm weather in December," reports Chelsey W., which helps RVers who need to stay connected for work or family contact. Signal strength varies by carrier and specific location.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management before arrival. "There is 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," explains Kate W., noting the flexible options for RV sanitation services near Lake Pleasant.
