Camping options near Cashion, Arizona range from developed county parks to dispersed desert sites within 30-45 minutes of town. The region sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in the Sonoran Desert, characterized by extreme summer heat often exceeding 110°F between June and September. Winter overnight temperatures typically drop to the 40s, making October through April the primary camping season.
What to do
**Night hiking: Available at Usery Mountain Regional Park, where rangers lead special evening programs. "They offer tons of programs for everyone like night hikes and scorpion hunts," notes Jose G., who recommends reserving well ahead as "they tend to get booked really quick especially during the winter time."
**Visit nature centers: Regional parks feature educational facilities with desert wildlife exhibits. "The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities and the regional library," shares Ellen W. about Cave Creek Regional Park, adding that the center "offers activities" for visitors.
**Rock scrambling: For more adventurous visitors, some trails provide challenging terrain. At White Tank Mountain, "If you like rock scrambling there is plenty of that at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park," mentions Crystal C., who recommends checking out "the Ford Canyon or Goat Camp trails if you are really into a challenge. These have a lot of rock scrambling and some of the highest heights in the park."
What campers like
**Desert wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer the best chances to spot native animals. "Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape," writes Rebecca G. about her stay at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground.
**Spacious campsites: Many county parks provide well-separated sites. At Mesa-Apache Junction KOA, "the campground is large and the spots have plenty of space," according to Sarina, who visits annually and notes "we love it here!"
**Contrast between urban proximity and natural setting: Many sites balance convenience with natural experiences. "Another Maricopa County parks campground which is great for hiking and relaxing. Very well taken care of," says Ellen W., who appreciates that Cave Creek Regional Park is "quiet and the campsites all have electric and water hookups, picnic table and fire pit."
What you should know
**Gate closing times: Some parks restrict nighttime access. "Nothing on website said gate closes and can't get back in after 9 pm," warns Nicole E. about Cave Creek Regional Park, highlighting the importance of checking operational details before booking.
**Reservation requirements: Winter is peak season requiring advance planning. At White Tank Mountain, Lee D. notes: "There was a gate attendant when we checked in around 6 pm on a Monday and we were given an information packet with information on the campground, nearby facilities in the town of Surprise, and trails, which was very helpful."
**Temperature extremes: Seasonal planning is essential for comfort. "This was considered to be a developed site which was $32 a night but I managed to somehow get it for a semi-developed price of $22," reports Crystal C., who adds that her site "had no shade which was ok when I visited in early spring but would have been way too hot to have stayed here during late spring or summer."
Tips for camping with families
**Look for educational programs: Ranger-led activities enhance children's experiences. At Usery Mountain Regional Park, Chenery K. joined "two ranger-led hikes here (Black Rock Loop for sunrise hikes) 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."
**Playground access: Some parks offer dedicated play areas. Ellen W. mentions that White Tank Mountain has "a couple of playgrounds in the park as well" in addition to hiking trails, making it suitable for families with younger children.
**Consider luxury camping options: For families new to outdoor experiences, Boulders OHV Area offers glamping with basic amenities. "Huge area to disperse camp with an actual bathroom. If you dont mind occasional off road vehicles driving through during the day, its a good spot with plenty of room," reports Daniel B.
Tips from RVers
**Electric hookup availability: Most developed sites offer power, but amp ratings vary. "Each site has a picnic table and grill. This was a shakedown for our new travel trailer, so we wanted to be near town in case something went wrong," shares Rusty T. about White Tank Mountain, noting the park is "just west of Phoenix metroplex" making it convenient for testing equipment.
**Site selection considerations: Choose locations based on access needs. At Lost Dutchman, Terri D. advises: "Carefully review the site you select to be sure it will accommodate your rig. Roads are narrow and there are unforgiving drop offs on the sides. We had site 118 which was closer to mountain so view was very good."
**Dump station access: Many parks have facilities for waste disposal. "Nice dump station on the way out too," notes Chris P. about Usery Mountain Regional Park, which he describes as "a nice spot close to home and easy to get to."
