RV camping near Carefree, Arizona offers multiple accommodation options at varying price points throughout the Sonoran Desert. At elevations between 2,500-2,700 feet, the area maintains milder summer temperatures than central Phoenix, typically 5-7 degrees cooler. Winter daytime temperatures typically range from 60-70°F, making the region particularly popular during snowbird season from November through April.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Pleasant: Pleasant Harbor RV Resort provides direct lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming. "There are several different RV/Camping options at Pleasant Harbor Marina / RV Resort... We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time," notes Robert G. The resort offers a shuttle service for kayakers as one reviewer mentioned: "Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp."
Desert hiking opportunities: Eagle View RV Resort at Fort McDowell connects directly to desert hiking trails. "You can walk or bikeride directly from the RV Park," according to Kloee S. The location offers wildlife viewing as Carol E. reported: "We saw wild horses, woodpeckers, and heard the distant coyotes carrying on."
Swimming pools year-round: Most RV parks maintain heated pools during winter months. Leaf Verde RV Resort receives consistent praise for its well-maintained pool area. "The pool is refreshing and if you aren't into swimming there is a pool table, dog park and shuffle board to keep you busy," reports Jen H.
What campers like
Desert views with privacy: Eagle View RV Resort offers mountain and valley vistas from many sites. "The views of the desert and mountain are awesome, and wild horses are sometimes around," notes Mike R. The resort's location provides a buffer from urban areas while maintaining accessibility.
Social activities for extended stays: Mesa Spirit RV Resort organizes regular community events for longer-term visitors. "We didn't really stay long enough (1 week) to get into activities but we joined the many bike riders in the park. You can get a few miles in just going up and down the streets inside the gates," shares Mary H.
Clean facilities with consistent maintenance: Leaf Verde RV Resort receives high marks for upkeep. "Easy to get to from the 10 freeway, good sized RV park w decent sized sites, park is kept clean," reports Dawn F. Another camper noted the "Clean bathrooms, great lounge with a library, pool."
What you should know
Age restrictions apply: Several parks enforce 55+ age policies. Regarding Paradise RV Resort, Staci R. states: "At least one person travelling and staying in any unit must be able to show proof of age 55 or older." Pioneer RV Resort maintains similar restrictions, with Danielle R. reporting being turned away at 52 years old.
Varying site configurations: Desert Shadows RV Resort features both pull-through and back-in sites. "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," notes Ray & Terri F.
Non-guest services available: Some parks offer services to non-guests. Pioneer RV Resort provides dump services for $15 according to Rachelle G.: "The reception was very nice, with clean bathrooms, laundry and exercise room. $15 to dump."
Tips for camping with families
Lake Pleasant activities: Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers family-friendly water recreation. "Large spacious sites. Several camping options available. There is dry camping, T-sites or Resort camping... Lake swimming not your thing? Pool available with showers and store. Well managed and great family summer fun," says Marc S.
Check for amenities: Many parks have community spaces that appeal to children. Bryan S. reports about Pleasant Harbor: "Large clean spots. All spots are fenced descent pool and small store if you need anything... Strong WiFi. Kids were able to zoom without any issues."
Note age policies: Verify family policies before booking as several resorts restrict children. One visitor to Mesa Spirit recounted: "When my daughter booked reservations they asked the age and how many people. She has three children and listed that in advance. When she showed up, she was told she would have to leave as children were not welcome."
Tips from RVers
Budget-friendly overnight options: Mesa Spirit RV Resort offers economical overnight parking. "This time, having let TT expire, we tried this out- no reservation, just show up at dusk or later, and this very nice, truly chill but soo ginormous resort let us park right in the front/middle for the night," shares Sara H., adding they paid just $27 for curb parking with electric hookup access.
Site selection considerations: Select sites based on specific needs. At Pleasant Harbor RV Resort, Margaret T. advises: "Make sure to book a spot up on cliff overlooking the water. Great sunsets." Other reviewers note that quieter sites are typically furthest from entrance areas.
Seasonal variations: Winter is peak season with substantially higher rates. For Countryside RV Resort, Maurice H. explains: "Countryside is a park with lots of sites dedicated for seasonal travelers. Spaces are close together. This park is more than a RV Park with amenities than a rv resort. I believe of 500 sites with over half the park being cabins and pad trailers."
