RV camping near Avondale, Arizona provides access to desert landscapes with temperatures reaching 110°F during summer months and mild 70°F winters. The western Phoenix metro area campgrounds typically sit at elevations between 1,000-1,300 feet, with several sites offering views of the White Tank Mountains. Most RV parks in this region remain open year-round with peak occupancy occurring during winter months.
What to do
Explore Lake Pleasant: Just 45 minutes north of Avondale, Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers water recreation opportunities with boat rentals and fishing access. "Large clean spots. All spots are fenced descent pool and small store if you need anything. Marina for boat rentals with a shuttle to take you back and forth," notes one visitor. The resort includes 360 full hookups, 100 water/electric sites, and numerous dry camping options.
Visit White Tank Mountain Regional Park: Located 20 minutes from Avondale, this natural area features desert hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Short drive to White Tanks, Superstition Mountain, Mystery Castle, Lake Pleasant, Phoenix Historical District," mentions a visitor at Cotton Lane RV Resort, which provides convenient access to these attractions. The park contains petroglyphs and seasonal waterfalls during rainy periods.
Participate in resort activities: Many RV parks offer organized events and recreational facilities. "Very friendly people and staff. Very clean and well kept. Place is huge. We were at the end of March and there were spots everywhere," reports a camper about Mesa Spirit RV Resort, which features multiple pools, pickleball courts, and scheduled social gatherings. Winter visitors often find extensive activity calendars at most area RV parks.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Unlike many urban RV parks, some Avondale-area campgrounds provide room to spread out. "The sites in our area were also decently spaced for a private CG. There was also room for an OHV if we'd brought one," reports a reviewer at Sonoran Desert RV Park. This park also features a specialized "PETHouse" option with private dog runs connected to certain RV sites.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high among visitor priorities. "The shower house and laundry were newer, had plenty of room, and were very clean," notes one Sonoran Desert RV Park visitor. Another camper adds, "This is an amazing oasis in the desert!! We stayed for 5 nights this time and loved every minute."
Pet amenities: Dog-friendly features receive frequent positive mentions. "Although I was just spending one night on my way home I was so surprised to find the most amazing K-9 Park ever. 3 separate secure areas with large grass areas in two of them," shares a visitor to Sonoran Desert RV Park. Multiple RV resorts in the area provide dedicated pet areas, though breed restrictions may apply at certain locations.
What you should know
Age restrictions apply: Several RV resorts near Avondale operate as age-restricted communities. "55 and older resort. Not sure how to rate it, but it should be listed somewhere that it's not family friendly," notes a visitor to Sunflower RV Resort. Similarly, Paradise RV Resort requires at least one person per site to be 55 or older with documentation.
Seasonal considerations: Winter represents peak season with significantly higher occupancy and potential reservation challenges. Summer brings extreme heat with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 105°F between June-September. RV air conditioning becomes essential during these months, and electricity costs may increase substantially.
Site layout variations: The arrangement and spacing of sites differs dramatically between parks. "Spaces are tight but it's clean and everybody is very nice," reports a visitor about Mesa Spirit RV Resort. Meanwhile, at Cotton Lane, one camper notes "Sights are very tight and very close together. Slides almost touch one another."
Tips for camping with families
Find family-friendly parks: Not all RV parks near Avondale welcome children. "We have TT membership and used this as a base in January '22 for shopping, and doing needed chores between campground's in nature and boondocking," shares a visitor at Mesa Spirit RV Resort. When one family arrived with children at this park, they reported being told "she would have to leave as children were not welcome."
Utilize pool facilities: Swimming pools provide crucial relief from desert heat, especially for families. "Pool was a great bonus for our family after a long day of driving," notes a Leaf Verde RV Resort visitor. Several parks maintain heated pools year-round with some offering dedicated children's swimming areas.
Consider proximity to attractions: Location relative to family activities matters for daily excursions. "The AT&T coverage was quite good, with 2-3 Bars of 5G+ service and speeds up to 23 MB/s," reports a visitor at Desert Shadows RV Resort, which sits closer to Phoenix attractions than other options. This central location provides easier access to museums, sports venues, and other family destinations.
Tips from RVers
Plan for noise factors: Railroad tracks and flight paths affect several area campgrounds. "It is located on the flight path for an airbase and can get noisy but the amenities far outweigh the short bursts of noise," explains a visitor at Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort. Highway noise also impacts sites closer to Interstate 10.
Check hookup placement: The location of utility connections varies between parks. "If you're a Class A or C towing, you'll probably have to drop to to access the hookups, as they are at the back end of the pull-throughs, not toward the middle as they usually are," advises a Desert Shadows visitor. This positioning affects whether towed vehicles need unhooking for overnight stays.
Research site specifics: RV site features differ substantially between standard and premium options. "We stayed in a deluxe pull-through for two days. Our site has a small fenced-in play area for our mutt," shares a Sonoran Desert visitor. Sites with concrete pads or patios typically cost more but provide benefits during rain or extended stays.
