Looking to go glamping near Black Canyon City and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Glamping is not only a fun alternative to traditional tent camping, but also allows you to pack more or less gear as you see fit. These scenic and easy to access Arizona glamping locations are perfect for any adventurer.
Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails nearby. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
$20 - $22 / night
Verde Valley RV Camping is a scenic RV campground in Arizona best known for its expansive desert and mountain backdrops. Situated on the Verde River, this 300-acre oasis in the high desert of Arizona is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Red Rocks to the north, Mingus Mountains to the west, the Hackberry Mountains to the south and adjacent to beautiful Alcantara Vineyards! Perhaps one of the best reasons for visiting Verde Valley RV is the moderate year-round climate. In fact, many of our guests stay at this RV campground when traveling in Arizona for the comfort it provides to them. Rich in geological and cultural history, the area surrounding Verde Valley RV Camping offers hours of exploration and sightseeing. From the famous ghost town of Jerome, to kayaking the Verde River to scenic drives through Sedona, and wine tasting right next-door, there is adventure and mystery at every turn. Book your stay today in one of our cabins, pitch a tent or park your RV in one of our many scenic sites! Naturally Beautiful RV Campground in Arizona Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Cave Creek Group Site is located 20 miles north of Cave Creek and Carefree, Arizona. It is a historic campground constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This site is a short drive from the blistering heat of Phoenix offering cooler temps, a clear running creek, and plentiful shade to relax and enjoy nature. With food prep areas, grills and covered picnic tables, you're all set for a weekend with your loved ones you'll never forget!
At this site you'll enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, sightseeing, exploring, bird and wildlife viewing, and there is even a game area for volleyball and horseshoes.
This group campsite is nestled in a narrow valley of juniper and sycamore trees providing abundant shade. Water flowing through seven springs is minimal and only several inches in depth. The area has one large open camping area and a nearby trailhead offering access to over 48 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Bring your camera during springtime to get photos of the desert wildflowers in bloom.
Across the road, Cave Creek trailhead offers over 48 miles of hiking trails - great for overnight backpacking trips. Bronco Trailhead further south, offers parking for 40 vehicles plus trailers and six horse pens. Just seven miles south is Sears-Kay ruin. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this site features the remains of an ancient Native American tribe's hilltop village. For spectacular scenic views take Forest Road 562 to Humboldt Mountain. Or, you can simply stay on site and observe nature and hunt for crawdads in the nearby creek.
$150 / night
Happy Endings Retreat is an amazing place to relax and enjoy nature! Off the beaten path and out of cell phone range, you can truly get “away from it all” here! The property is just 10 miles from beautiful Lake Pleasant and in the thick of prime hiking and miles of UTV roads. Do you prefer quieter activities? Contemplate nature in Hell’s Vinyard – where we have begun the process of renovating the 100-year-old vines or just sit by the pool. We are working hard to create a place for others to retreat and escape the city. Owners Kevin & Scott have been best friends for years and when this property came up, they knew it would be a great fit for two creative movie producers who love camping, hiking, and shooting. They are dedicated to developing Happy Endings Retreats’ 100 acres as an affordable place for people to enjoy the outdoors. You are sure to enjoy yourself and you won’t believe the view!
Mesquite Horseshoe Reservoir and Verde River are nearby. Opportunities abound for water activities such as fishing. This site is located along Verde River and is wooded with large mesquite shade trees. Bald eagles and great blue herons are frequently seen in this vicinity.
Hello Rio Verde RV Park potential guests, there have been a tremendous number of calls due to the recent flood warnings within our area. We do want to reassure you that we have not been impacted and we are not anticipating additional flooding. The RV Park is fine and we are functioning as normal. We look forward to your arrival!
- Rio Verde Staff
$55 - $85 / night
Traveler
We love this campground! We have camped here around 5 times and always had a great stay. They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids! The bathrooms and showers are very nice and clean too!
Ranger
This place is huge! Nestled in the red rock country of Arizona, this Thousand Trails campground offers a scenic and tranquil escape. The sites are well-spaced, and the amenities include a pool, hot tub, 2 dog parks, hiking trails, river access and clubhouse. Its proximity to Sedona, Jerome and local wineries makes it an excellent choice for those seeking relaxation and exploration.
Traveler
We liked it there. Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space
The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable.
Service: 1 bar Verizon
ScoutThe veiws from most sited are awesome. Staff friendly, camp clean. Bring kayak for river!
GuideMiles of desert and washes to explore with tons of dispersed camping sites. Can get busy on holiday or event weekends but worth it otherwise. Some weekends have horse or Dirtbike events. Nearby washes lead to tons of trails near castle hot springs that can lead to various abounded mine sites (including Anderson Mill). Obviously not ideal camping in the summer but GREAT for the fall/winter/spring months.
Scout
I have tried to contact the ranch and got no response. I assume they aren't in business anymore.
GuideThis was our first TT park and we knew we had to not only stay the full 21 days but actually book a week out of the system and come back for another round of 21 days. Very clean campground, good amenities and huge sites if you are willing to pay extra for the 50 amp spots. We loved the location, it was quite with gorgeous views and close to town that has great little spots for wine, restaurants and love music.
TravelerWe really enjoyed our stay. We had an end/corner spot, which felt very spacious. The landscaping was nice with grass between units and trees in some areas. Felt more like a park than packed in parking lot feel of others. We also really enjoyed the pool and jacuzzi.
Guide
We've camped at Houston Mesa Campground several times and consistently have a fantastic experience. Here's why we give it 5 stars:
Amazing Staff: The camp hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
Spacious Sites: We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay. Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees.
Nature's Playground: The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Serene Setting: The abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun.
Clean Facilities: The bathrooms are well-maintained and clean, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Dry Camping Friendly: We appreciate the ability to dry camp at Houston Mesa, making it a budget-friendly option.
Heads Up: While Verizon service isn't optimal, it's manageable. Additionally, campsites near the freeway can experience some road noise. However, the convenience of having Home Depot and Walmart nearby outweighs these minor drawbacks. Overall, Houston Mesa Campground is a fantastic choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a comfortable and scenic camping experience. We highly recommend it and will definitely be back soon!
GuideThis is a hidden gem Thousand Trails campground for us. So many amenities. The off leash dog park, pickleball court, and hot tub/pool are just a few to name that we use! On the weekends they have a wonderful food truck that also serves espresso drinks and fresh pressed juice! Bathrooms are clean and showers are pretty big. Full hookups at most sites as well! We have stayed in both the premium sites and the regular and have enjoyed both. Pool was closed this last visit for renovations but they say it should be open any day now!
Guide
We loved Rio verde Rv park - close to Sedona but a fraction of the cost of the Rv parks there. We were able to stay for a few nights and took our motorcycle into Sedona to explore. We are full time in our motorhome so we enjoyed having access to the clean bathrooms & showers. It’s right by the river and great for cold plunges :) easy access sites with full hookups. There is a bit of road noise but nothing some ear plugs can’t help with.
TravelerIf you're seeking a convenient and comfortable RV park amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Verde Valley in Arizona look no further than the Verde Valley Campground and RV Park. This hidden gem offers a remarkable combination of friendly service, spacious sites, modern facilities, and a refreshing swimming pool. Our during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays turned out to be a delightful surprise!
From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel right at home. The warm and welcoming team greeted us with genuine smiles, providing excellent customer service that went above and beyond our expectations. Their knowledge of the area and willingness to offer helpful advice truly enhanced our stay.
The spacious sites at the park were a pleasant surprise, providing ample room for our RV and additional outdoor living space. The park's layout ensured a sense of privacy and tranquility, shielding us from the noise of nearby AZ 260 and offering a peaceful atmosphere.
One highlight of our stay was the modern and clean restrooms and showers. Maintained to a high standard, these facilities were a welcome sight after a long day of travel. The attention to cleanliness and the availability of hot water left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It's evident that the management takes pride in providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for their guests.
Of course, the cherry on top was the great swimming pool that beckoned us to cool off and relax. The pool area was immaculate, with plenty of seating options to soak up the sun or enjoy a refreshing dip. It was the perfect spot to unwind and escape, providing endless fun for both children and adults alike.
In conclusion, Verde Valley RV Park exceeded our expectations in every way. The combination of friendly service, spacious sites, modern facilities, and a fantastic swimming pool make it a standout choice for RV enthusiasts passing through the Verde Valley. Whether you're planning ahead or seeking a last-minute retreat, this hidden gem offers a convenient oasis.
ScoutIf you are wanting to explore go here its nice and you can make all time of memories. Nice place to explore
Scout
Spent two nights in January. Facilities were clean round the clock, shower water was hot, staff friendly , and hiking trails directly from the campground.
GuideI was really looking forward to Cottonwood camp, outside of the Sedona area. The campground had excellent reviews so we booked three nights. There are many different sections of the park and your experience overall could be impacted by which site. We were in site 141 close to the main activity room. These sites are very packed and there are a lot of long-term guests and it looks like it. The other sites throughout the park are better, especially the ones on the ridge with a view.
The other challenge was almost zero connectivity even using a hot spot. I work remote so this was a challenge and I had to take work calls in the public lodge. The lack of WiFi at all limited our other devices as well. Not an option if you work on the road.
The area however has amazing natural beauty, parks and lots of hikes. Some are dog-friendly, but some are not, so recommend checking. The town of Sedona has changed over the years with many more tourists, traffic and high prices. I would likely not return or stay somewhere more in nature, but with cell service as well.
ScoutThe spots are spacious depending on which section of the campground you are in. Facilities are decent and the people are really friendly. Just be mindful of the speed limit within the park because they are strict on that.
GuideVery well kept full service campground with super helpful staff. I recommend sites with canopies if you don't have solid air conditioning as it can get hot in the sun and there's very little natural shade. All sites have power and water. There's a dual lane dump station on the way out of the park.
Traveler
We recently got our first pop up camper and this was a great place to get our feet wet! Property is kept up very well and staff were very friendly and helpful! Would definitely stay again!!!
Guide
We stored our RV here for several years and they were easy to deal with. No hassles. The RV Park itself is nice and has a swimming pool and a little social area where they have game nights and parties.
TravelerWas disappointed with premium pull thru spot 325. No shade and no where to place your outdoor carpet. It must be placed inside the railroad ties which is impossible with a class A motor coach. To make this worse they placed plastic runners between the railroad ties which did nothing other than a trip hazard especially at night. The patio tables were worn and unsightly to look at let alone eat at. They don’t want you to put your mat outside of the railroad ties since they are trying to grow grass. Good luck. Nice club house and recreation room. Very clean and pleasant.
TravelerPretty basic rv park, right off the road with lots of highway noise.
RangerLook if you want to really camp this is not the place for you. Spots are close together with a fair amount of trees around. Because campsites are close there is some noise but not bad. Some road noise as well and to be expected since you are camping in town. Sites are clean and maintained and full hook ups including sewer, electric and water. I don’t consider this camping because I usually head out into the forest but overall this was good and got me spending time in my camper so all good.
ScoutLove everything about this park. Level gravel sites, super helpful staff, clean bathrooms and showers, great laundry and internet, and wonderful location. And the price is very reasonable for the area. Would definitely come back here when in the area.
ScoutWhat this park lacks in Amenities, it makes up in location and access to nearby adventures. The staff is amazing and they take immaculate care of the facilities. Highly recommended!
ScoutScott and Kevin have a great piece of property they love To share! Located in a valley of the Bradshaw mountains just about and hour and a half from Phoenix, this is an awesome getaway- away from it all. I boondocked for a couple days and enjoyed the quiet solitude of the canyon, enjoyed hiking, and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It’s a rocky dirt road to get here, but my class C rv easily made it- and I’ve taken it in worse roads. Well worth the effort, give this place a try! thanks Kevin and Scott!
LegendAshley here with The Dyrt. I had the pleasure of helping Kevin & Scott get their property listed with us. These two are dedicated to making this experience the best possible one for their guests. Lounge at the lake, hike in the fields, or relax in their renovated vineyard. Give them try and share your experience here!
TravelerThis is a very well-kept campground. It is has restrooms and showers. The sites are nice and mostly flat and nicely groomed. The staff here is very friendly and helpful! I really enjoyed it and I will be back. I have a virtual job and I was able to work from this campground with no real issues with network connectivity for a full week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Black Canyon City, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Black Canyon City, AZ is Cave Creek Regional Park with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Black Canyon City, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 glamping camping locations near Black Canyon City, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
