Best Campgrounds near Eloy, AZ
The Sonoran Desert landscape surrounding Eloy, Arizona features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within a 30-mile radius. Picacho Peak State Park Campground, located just 10 miles northwest of Eloy, serves as a central camping hub with tent and RV sites available year-round. Several RV resorts cater to winter visitors, including Picacho Peak RV Resort and Picacho-Tucson NW KOA, which offers cabins and glamping accommodations from September through June. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Cactus Forest Dispersed camping area and BLM lands within Ironwood Forest National Monument provide free camping with minimal amenities. Casa Grande, approximately 20 miles northwest, hosts additional options including Pinal County Fairgrounds and several 55+ RV resorts.
Desert camping in this region requires careful planning due to extreme temperature variations and limited shade. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from May through September, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. As one camper noted, "Even in late April early May you need shade or it's almost too hot." Many dispersed sites on BLM and Arizona State Trust lands require permits, with State Trust lands requiring a $20 annual family permit purchased online before arrival. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though some remote BLM sites have spotty coverage. Most established campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, while dispersed areas require self-sufficiency with all supplies.
Wildlife viewing opportunities include coyotes, desert birds, and reptiles, with rattlesnakes being common residents. Campers frequently mention spectacular sunrises and sunsets as highlights of their stays. According to one review, "The weather and the sunrise and the sunsets were absolutely amazing to behold." Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some BLM areas experiencing weekend ATV traffic and target shooting on adjacent lands. Picacho Peak State Park receives consistently high ratings for cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Hiking trails are accessible from many campgrounds, though shade is minimal on most routes. RV campers appreciate the level sites and full hookups available at several locations, with one visitor noting the Picacho Peak RV Resort has "well taken care of" grounds with "50amp service spot on."
