Best Tent Camping near Cave Creek, AZ

Tent campsites near Cave Creek, Arizona range from established campgrounds to dispersed backcountry areas across varied desert terrain. McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood offers tent-specific sites with flush toilets and water spigots, while Hackamore Road Dispersed camping provides free primitive tent camping on Bureau of Land Management land. Juniper Dispersed Camping Area offers additional options for those seeking more remote tent camping experiences approximately 30 miles north of Cave Creek.

Most tent sites in the region require campers to be self-sufficient with water and supplies. McDowell Regional Park provides basic amenities including picnic tables and access to restrooms, though showers are located at a separate facility within the park. Dispersed camping areas like Hackamore Road have no facilities and require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough access roads. Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, particularly in summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Tent campers should bring ample water, as most dispersed sites have no potable water sources. Sites are typically set on hard-packed desert soil with minimal natural shade.

The tent camping experience varies significantly between established and primitive sites. McDowell Regional Park offers well-spaced tent sites with mountain views and access to hiking and mountain biking trails. According to one visitor, "The sites are spaced out and in general it's very quiet, although the park is popular with mountain bikers." Dispersed areas provide more solitude but require greater preparation. Hackamore Road campsites offer excellent desert views but mixed experiences with road conditions. A camper noted, "Great spot with plenty of room to camp and trails everywhere, but the road is atrocious." Winter and spring (October through April) provide the most comfortable tent camping conditions, with mild temperatures and occasional wildflower displays following winter rains.

Best Tent Sites Near Cave Creek, Arizona (14)

    1. McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    "This campground in McDowell Regional park is for tent camping and small Vans, etc. Mix of both walk in sites and back in sites. It is set back a ways from the rest of the park. No showers here."

    "One restroom, flush toilets, water spigot outside, dumpster. Friendly to camper vans. Showers down the road. Lots of hiking and biking."

    2. Boulders OHV Area

    7 Reviews
    Wittmann, AZ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "If you dont mind occasional off road vehicles driving through during the day, its a good spot with plenty of room."

    "Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space

    The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable.

    Service: 1 bar Verizon"

    4. Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

    7 Reviews
    Crown King, AZ
    33 miles

    "(There’s also a much more difficult trail from lake pleasant that requires very experienced off-roading 4x4). Great food and drinks(alcohol) at the crown king saloon and Mimi’s Cafe."

    "The Hazlitt Hollow campground and Horse Thief Basin Lake are ~7 miles from the main city of Crown King and definitely require a high clearance vehicle (4x4 highly recommended)."

    5. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "It's on BLM land, so you are out of the reach of the Arizona Land Permits.

    The road is a bit tricky."

    "It’s got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby."

    7. Childs Camping Area

    4 Reviews
    Strawberry, AZ
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 203-2900

    "NOT family friendly...unless you don't mind your tiny humans seeing naked people wandering around. Other than that, awesome place to visit!! Dispersed camping right on the Verde River."

    "Trails to a hot spring and next to fossil creek water fall. Vault toilet and camping right next to the river. Watch for bulls roaming the campground!"

    8. The Point Campground

    1 Review
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    "About 2 miles upriver from the Mormon Flat Dam, the Tonto National Forest maintains 4 official campsites, complete with a covered picnic table and fire pit at each, as well as composting toilets and a"

    10. PJ's Hangout

    2 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    42 miles
    +1 (916) 670-8385
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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Cave Creek, AZ

671 Reviews of 14 Cave Creek Campgrounds



Guide to Cave Creek

Cave Creek, Arizona, offers a fantastic range of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

  • Enjoy scenic hikes and mountain biking trails right from your campsite at McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood, where the Granite and Wagner trails provide stunning views.
  • Experience the beauty of the Verde River while camping at Childs Camping Area, which is perfect for fishing, swimming, and soaking in nearby hot springs.
  • Explore the rugged terrain and off-roading opportunities around Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake), where you can find trails leading to breathtaking vistas.

Amenities Tent Campers Appreciate

  • At Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove, you'll find clean restrooms and ample parking, making it a convenient spot for day use and family activities.
  • Needle Rock Campground offers a small, intimate setting with access to hiking and horseback riding trails, perfect for those looking to connect with nature.
  • Campers at Kentuck Springs can enjoy a peaceful environment with basic toilet facilities, ideal for a back-to-basics camping experience.

Unique Features of Local Campgrounds

  • Boulders OHV Area provides a spacious area for dispersed camping with picnic tables and access to miles of desert trails for exploration.
  • The Point Campground features beautiful desert canyon views and is accessible by boat, making it a unique camping experience.
  • Hackamore Road Dispersed offers stunning mountain views and numerous trails, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure while camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cave Creek, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cave Creek, AZ is McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Cave Creek, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Cave Creek, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.