Tent Camping near Cave Creek, AZ

Tent camping options surrounding Cave Creek, Arizona feature rocky desert landscapes at elevations between 1,500 and 6,000 feet. Campsites vary from BLM-managed dispersed areas that require high-clearance vehicles to more accessible established campgrounds with basic facilities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, making winter and spring the optimal seasons for desert camping in this region.

What to do

Hiking trails: At McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood, campers can access multiple hiking routes directly from their sites. "We did do a short 3 mile hike and it was very nice on the Granite and then Wagner trail," notes one visitor who stayed at site 27.

Mountain biking: Several tent camping areas near Cave Creek feature mountain biking trails. The Ironwood campground at McDowell Regional Park provides "excellent mountain biking and hiking trails right out of the campground," according to a camper who visited in December 2021.

Hot springs exploration: For those willing to venture farther from Cave Creek, Childs Camping Area offers access to nearby thermal springs. "The 1.5 mile hike from the campground to the hot springs is absolutely worth the effort. You will have to cross the river, so don't take anything that can't get wet," advises a reviewer.

Off-road vehicle trails: Boulders OHV Area provides direct access to extensive trail systems for dirt bikes and ATVs. "Miles of desert and washes to explore with tons of dispersed camping sites," reports a camper who visited in May 2024.

What campers like

Desert solitude: Even campgrounds close to populated areas can provide peaceful experiences. At Hackamore Road Dispersed camping, a visitor noted: "Quiet, great view! Little too close to town for what I was after but great spot for a few days getting supplies what not."

Elevation options: Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) offers tent camping at higher elevations when desert heat becomes uncomfortable. "Crown King has been an amazing destination for my family for years," writes one camper, while another notes "Perfect elevation, 7-8k. About a 3 hr drive from Phoenix."

Wildlife viewing: The varied terrain around Cave Creek supports diverse wildlife. "Keep on the lookout for lots of birds and Big Horned Sheep as you paddle/boat up river to the Horse Mesa Dam area," recommends a visitor to The Point Campground.

Desert winter camping: Fall through spring provide ideal tent camping conditions. A visitor to Boulders OHV Area in August 2024 commented: "We liked it there. Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space. The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable."

What you should know

High-clearance vehicles essential: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Hackamore Road, a camper warned: "It's a good spot, but the road is atrocious. I nearly ripped off my equalizer system." Another noted: "Nice view but the access road is terrible."

Bring sufficient water: Most tent sites lack water sources. A camper at Childs Camping Area advises: "No potable water; no firewood; no tables and closest store is in Camp Verde."

Travel time to remote sites: Factor in additional travel time to reach more remote camping areas. "The road in is 20 miles or so, and it's all unprepared, so for a smaller vehicle like mine, I had to be very careful. That 20 miles takes about an hour and a half," reports a camper at Childs Camping Area.

Seasonal considerations: PJ's Hangout and other tent sites in the region experience extreme seasonal variations. One visitor to Boulders OHV Area noted: "Obviously not ideal camping in the summer but GREAT for the fall/winter/spring months."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some established campgrounds include facilities for children. At McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood, one camper mentioned: "We stayed in site 27 which was close to the kids playground. We only stayed for 1 night."

Site selection for views: Families often appreciate campsite locations with scenic vistas. A visitor to McDowell Regional Park recommended: "I think some of the best sites here are on the Pemberton loop 64, 65, 66, 68, 70. Unobstructive views but all sites pretty well spaced out."

School vacation crowds: Holiday weekends see increased visitors at popular tent camping areas. "Can get busy on holiday or event weekends but worth it otherwise," notes a camper at Boulders OHV Area.

Activity planning: Some camping areas host special events. "Some weekends have horse or Dirtbike events," mentions a reviewer about Boulders OHV Area, information useful for family trip planning.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Larger vehicles face challenges at many Cave Creek area tent camping sites. One RVer at Hackamore Road observed: "We have a 40ft school bus and we'll if not for the potholes Everywhere it's the horrid uneven land. Mind you if you are not RV camping then you'll be 100% okay and good to go."

Camping surface conditions: Hard-packed desert terrain dominates many sites. A visitor to McDowell Regional Park noted: "This campground is for tent camping and small Vans, etc. Mix of both walk in sites and back in sites."

Cell service: Connectivity varies by location. A camper at Hackamore Road mentioned: "This is a nice quiet spot with excellent cell service," while at Boulders OHV Area, another noted: "Service: 1 bar Verizon."

Distance to facilities: At established campgrounds, amenities may be scattered. A camper at McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood reported: "No showers here. Need to go to the trail head or RV campground for showers which was a bit of a hassle."