The western outskirts of Phoenix near Cashion, Arizona feature a mix of developed campgrounds and RV resorts within a 30-minute drive. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, located about 15 miles northwest in Waddell, serves as the primary tent and RV camping destination with approximately 35 family campsites arranged in a loop formation. Several RV-focused properties dot the surrounding area, including Destiny Phoenix RV Resorts in Goodyear and Leaf Verde RV Resort in Buckeye, catering primarily to travelers with recreational vehicles seeking full hookup amenities. Most established campgrounds in this region provide water and electric hookups, with many offering sewer connections for extended stays.
Desert camping conditions require careful planning, particularly regarding seasonal temperatures. Summer highs regularly exceed 110°F from June through September, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. As one visitor to White Tank Mountain noted, "This area is best for its hiking and photo ops. As with most desert campgrounds in Arizona, there is not much privacy between the sites but take advantage of the beauty." Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry periods, and many RV resorts prohibit open fires year-round. Cell service remains strong throughout the area due to proximity to metropolitan Phoenix, though shade is limited at most sites. Advance reservations are essential during the peak winter season when snowbirds significantly increase demand.
Stargazing opportunities receive consistent praise from campers at White Tank Mountain, with one visitor describing it as a "fantastic park for seeing the stars and getting away from Phoenix city lights." The park features well-marked hiking trails, including the popular Waterfall Trail that accommodates families with children. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, located about 30 miles north, offers additional water-based recreation with campsites that provide views of the reservoir. Wildlife viewing opportunities include desert birds, lizards, and occasionally wild donkeys near Lake Pleasant. Campers frequently mention the contrast between the arid landscape and surprising biodiversity, particularly after seasonal rains when desert plants bloom. Proximity to urban conveniences remains a practical advantage, with most camping areas within 20 minutes of grocery stores and services.
"Fantastic park for seeing the stars and getting away from Phoenix city lights."
"Located at about 203rd Avenue, on the westside of Phoenix, in Waddell Arizona is a tiny little Campground with phenomenal views."
$60 / night
"An oasis surrounded by fields. Clean restrooms, pools, grounds, roads, sites. Nice folks working there. Refundable $20 deposit to get bathroom key. Did not use laundry. Stayed 3 nights."
"The roads coming into the site are narrow and people sometimes have their vehicles parked in part of the roadway which makes it hard to drive your RV around to park it or leave."
"We needed a place in or near Buckeye and located this place. Nice bathrooms, hot showers. We were in a Class B close to the entrance so didn’t have any issues with size of sites."
"Although the sites are a bit close to each other than we prefer, the amenities were very well taken care of. The laundry facility was one of the nicest we’ve ever used!"
$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."
$15 - $45 / night
"We stayed two nights at the Willow walk-in sites (W10). Despite our campsite being close to the bathroom it exceeded our expectations. Campground is well organized with friendly staff."
"* Trails throughout the camp into the greater park but the campgrounds separated from the more public trailheads."
$40 / night
"Right next to the commissary and AAFES. Bathhouse is excellent. Laundry is free."
"Concrete slab to park on and rocks around instead of grass."
"Just off of I-10 near raceway. Clean park! Dogs loved the dog run. People managing park were nice."
"It is located on the flight path for an airbase and can get noisy but the amenities far outweigh the short bursts of noise."
"Moved to Buckeye in Oct of 2018, when exiting off Watson road off I-10 always seen the signs of the Skyline Regional Park."
"I was a little surprised that the picnic tables did not have shelters as it gets quite hot in Arizona (the day-use pavilions were covered). Restroom: Two-stall, one-sink restroom."
"There’s plenty of stores nearby. It’s a close enough drive to Phoenix to enjoy the city, but you save quite a bit by staying here as apposed to campgrounds closer."
GuideThere are three spots that fill up quick on the Apache Trail. The entrance is on the left (heading in from Apache Junction) just past Canyon Lake Vista Overlook. Two spots overlooking lake, the third is up the access road to top of hill under power lines.
GuideEasy access via paved roads and paved pads. Raked decomposed granite around picnic table and fire pit. Free showers. Clean restrooms. Scenic views of mountains. Nice sunset. Marked hiking trails.
Legendlarge open gravel TH area and camping for about 4-5 camps. one vault toilet and group shade canopy. NO WATER, NO TRASH. free blm dispersed, 14d limit, first 1/2 mile road is State Trust land, the blm boundary is not marked. cell was not good.
trails are a mix of nonmotorized hike and horse... and motorized on existing blm two track 4x4 roads
ScoutFirst time at the location but invited a couple of ladies for the adventure. Got to location but were not given any instructions. Before the end, the host started beating on the door stating others were there for the same location. Lack of communication ruined the experience and cause embarrassment. They should update website. Most of information is outdated and or incorrect. Temperature of water close to 70 degrees not 100 as quoted on site..I wouldn't spend anymore money there. The guy, Tello was pleasant but couldn't make up for the lady with the bad attitude.
TravelerI've camped a couple of times at this location and have enjoyed the mountain scenery, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and the peaceful surroundings. Not too far from I-10, it's a great way to get off the busy road, but close enough to get into Phoenix.
GuideIt's March 2nd... No flies at this time. Stayed within 500 yards on turn-in. Found nice flat wide open clean spot. Other campers have driven further up toward the mountain... so can't comment on that area. A little road noise but not bad at all. Won't need ear plugs to sleep. Sunset was gorgeous. No noise from other campers. Coming from Joshua Tree headed into Phoenix. Glad I stopped here for the night No amenities but price (free) is nice Might stay again on return trip.
Legendjust outside town. County campground and rodeo grounds complex. CG has 35 sites, most are very large backin types. $10 first come first serve no reservations, 7 day camping limit. great cell signal. Dry camping. NO WATER but there are two small dumpsters at end of CG. no toilets! couple sites at bottom have horse corrals. note, the rules say no tents?
TravelerMade reservations off internet and ended up next to dumpsters and a fence. After getting rig into site the water and electricity was on wrong side and way too far away. Found Campground Attendant and she moved us to a site that was 100% better and 100% nicer. Alot of long termers and they are all nice. Are right is 35ft and turns in park are almost tight, but all roads are paved. Would stay there again.
GuideHer in early March and it’s very private. I literally see 4 other campers and they are way out in the distance from me. The sunset was beautiful! Quartz all over the grounds here. Only went about halfway to the mountain from the street. Perfect overnight spot.
Dispersed camping options near Cashion, Arizona remain limited due to the urban proximity and land management restrictions. The western edge of Phoenix sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in the Sonoran Desert, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations between seasons. Winter camping temperatures typically range from 40-70°F, contrasting sharply with triple-digit summer heat that makes camping hazardous from May through September without proper cooling systems.
Waterfall hiking: 1-mile trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park leads to seasonal falls and petroglyphs. "The waterfall only runs after heavy rain... There was water in the 'pool' and it is scenic so it was worthwhile to go despite no running falls. There are restrooms, a picnic area and a playground near this trailhead," notes Lee D.
Star programs: Monthly events offer telescope access and astronomy education. "I've also joined ranger-led hikes here as well as a county-sponsored astronomy night with access to multiple large telescopes and an astronomy presentation. Check the park website for their activities calendar," explains Chenery K.
Hammock lounging: Built-in hammock hooks at Skyline Regional Park provide relaxation spots. "Site D especially has no visible neighbors on either side. Kudos to the city of Buckeye – they could have easily crammed a half-dozen more campsites in this area," writes Lee D., who appreciated the spacious layout.
Wild burro viewing: Morning opportunities near campsites at Lake Pleasant. "Woke up to a donkey eating out watermelon, making donkey noises and rolling on the ground so cute!! Campsites always clean, clean bathrooms, great prices," shares Jeana R. about her unexpected wildlife encounter.
Desert winter camping: November-March ideal. "Another Maricopa County parks campground which is great for hiking and relaxing. Very well taken care of. The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities and the regional library," writes Ellen W. about White Tank Mountain.
Urban-accessible trails: Multiple difficulty levels within 30 minutes of Phoenix. "Located at about 203rd Avenue, on the westside of Phoenix, in Waddell Arizona is a tiny little Campground with phenomenal views. There is also a large group campground and a very primitive 'camp ground' available," notes Staci R.
Citrus tree camping: Unique setting at Destiny Phoenix RV Resorts where sites are separated by fruit trees. "Near I-10. Close together spots but orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees everywhere. They have 2 fenced dog runs. Pretty pool and hot tub. People are very friendly and helpful," describes Missy C.
Working farm stays: Fresh produce available at Pinnacle Farms South. "There was a self-serve farm stand where we purchased fresh eggs, dates and homemade zucchini bread. The metro Phoenix area has no shortage of things to do and places to eat... and many are in an easy drive from the farm," explains Sheryl V.
Military base proximity: Fighter jet noise affects several campgrounds. "Note there is a nearby air force base and you will hear jets flying by, although this was during daylight hours," mentions Lee D. about White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
Seasonal crowds: Winter reservation requirements especially January-March. "This park would be a 5 star plus if it wasn't for the amount of people and the price for a rv site in a county park," George K. notes about popular winter camping periods.
Cell coverage variations: Provider-dependent service. "If you use Verizon, there is little or no signal most of the time," warns Castaway I. about Skyline Regional Park, while most other areas report good coverage.
Cholla cactus hazards: Pet owners beware on trails. "Didn't do any others as our dog had an encounter with a stray cholla ball. This would be the only concern for those traveling with pets. There are quite a few loose even along trails," cautions Teresa A. at White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
Accessible trails: 0.6 mile paved option for strollers and wheelchairs. "There is a short (.6 mile) ADA-accessible trail. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also activities although we saw neither in our two days at this park," mentions Lee D. about Skyline Regional Park's inclusive options.
Educational centers: Combined library-nature centers offer kids' activities. "The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities and the regional library. There are a couple of playgrounds in the park as well," Ellen W. describes at White Tank Mountain.
Dog-friendly camping: Multiple parks offer pet amenities. "It was a great place to take our dogs (on leash, of course). We had nice strolls around the farm. They got to see chickens, cattle, rabbit and a farm dog (all calmly viewed by our guys and at a respectful distance)," explains Sheryl V. at Pinnacle Farms.
Farm experiences: Agricultural camping provides unique learning. "Camping out in tent with fire going next to Lemmon trees. Stove and sink to cook and clean up showers to wash up and bathroom. Hot water in shower. We just made lemonade. Oases in the desert," shares Melanie S. about her family's experience at Leaf Verde RV Resort.
Site selection: Outside loop preferred at developed campgrounds. "I stayed in site 29, on the top of the far side of the loop on the one way drive in. I was a few hundred yards from the restroom facility on a back in space which outlooked toward the desert entirely," advises Crystal C.
Water conservation: Limited facilities at some parks require planning. "There is no water. Neither potable or non-potable," Castaway I. warns about Skyline Regional Park, emphasizing the need for water supplies.
Military discounts: Significant savings at Luke AFB Famcamp for eligible campers. "Great place to stay if your military active or retired. Clean and well maintained. Right next to the commissary and AAFES. Bathhouse is excellent. Laundry is free," reports Luis G.
Full hookup availability: Variable options across the best places to camp near Cashion. "The campground itself is very clean, including the restrooms and showers. It is quiet and the campsites all have electric and water hookups, picnic table and fire pit. Sites are far enough from each other so it doesn't feel crowded," Ellen W. describes about White Tank Mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cashion, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cashion, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 230 campgrounds and RV parks near Cashion, AZ and 54 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cashion, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cashion, AZ is White Tank Mountain with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cashion, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 54 free dispersed camping spots near Cashion, AZ.
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