Florence, Arizona sits near the Sonoran Desert at 1,493 feet elevation, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F and winter nighttime lows can drop below 40°F. RV campers visiting the area will find a significant difference in campground availability between the busy winter snowbird season and the quieter summer months. Most RV parks in the area offer full hookups with 50-amp service as standard.
What to do
Hiking nearby: Picacho Peak State Park, located 25 miles southeast of Florence, offers moderate to difficult hiking trails with seasonal wildflower blooms. "Wonderful 55+ RV Park. The residents are all friendly and lots of activities. My only complaint is the highway noise on I10. It's extremely loud for the pull through spots as they are the closest to the interstate," notes a visitor to Picacho Peak RV Resort.
Golfing options: Several RV parks near Florence feature on-site golf courses or are located near public courses. "Quiet park, I was surprised because it is so big. Sites are level and large. Lots of planned activities and beautiful golf course. Will definitely stay here again," reports a guest at Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort.
Historical exploration: The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is 30 minutes west of Florence. "For an RV Park this is very nice. The staff and full-time residents were very friendly and helpful. The sites are small, but very well maintained. The pool and hot-tub are lovely. There is a pet area, but it is gravel and backs up to a farm, so if your dog is reactive to large animals I wouldn't suggest taking them there. Visited the Casa Grande Ruins and San Tan Mountain Regional Park for hiking with our dog," states a camper at Encore Foothills West.
What campers like
Age-qualified activities: Many RV parks near Florence are 55+ communities with extensive organized events. "Fiesta Grande RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona is a nice 55+ age qualified RV resort in the sunny Arizona desert. The staff here is very welcoming and friendly. They have almost every activity you can think of for a healthy and fun stay. The resort has a full activity calendar with the days full of classes, activities, and shows," explains a visitor at Encore Fiesta Grande.
Clean facilities: RV parks in the Florence area typically maintain high standards for bathrooms and laundry areas. "The bathrooms and showers were spotless. We loved it so much, we didn't want to leave!" comments a guest about Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort.
Desert landscapes: Many campers appreciate the cactus forest surroundings. "Enjoyed this hidden gem. Located in the Cactus Forrest. Lots of pristine scenery," notes a visitor to Rancho Sonora RV Park.
What you should know
RV site variations: Site quality and spacing can vary significantly even within the same park. "Tight spaces. All activities were closed when we got here but opened up while we stayed. My husband had to carry his own toilet tissue to the men's bathroom because they never filled the dispensers!! You pay dearly for WHAT??????" reports one visitor to Encore Countryside.
Seasonal pricing: Rates typically double or triple during winter months (November-March) compared to summer. Many parks offer monthly rates that provide substantial discounts for longer stays.
Water quality concerns: Hard water is common in the region, though some parks address this issue. "They Reverse Osmosis the water connection ALL the time!!!! Not just for certain hours like a couple Resorts do in Florida, which is awesome! The only thing is you can't wash your motorhome or vehicle, which is completely understandable," notes a guest at Picacho Peak RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Age restrictions: Many RV parks near Florence have age restrictions. "When my daughter booked reservations they asked the age and how many people. She has three children and listed that in advance. When she showed up, she was told she would have to leave as children were not welcome. They should've caught this in the reservation information weeks in advance," warns a visitor to Encore Mesa Spirit.
Pool availability: Most parks have pools, but rules vary on children's access. "One pool allows for only 18 and up, while the other pool allows 18 and under," notes a camper at Encore Fiesta Grande.
Wildlife awareness: Desert wildlife education is important for families with children. "Our first day, there was a large rattlesnake in the road that inside the resort. A couple of brave residents moved him outside a few blocks away," reports a visitor to Picacho Peak RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: For short stays without reservations, some parks offer overflow options. "We stayed here 2 weeks when we were new Thousand Trails members (it came with the RV), but since we showed up the first night at sunset, we were curb-parked that night.. Which is when one of the very lovely security staff there let us know that it's less expensive (for non‐TT members) to get one of those curb spots (with electric, & close access to showers, pool, laundry) than to get a regular spot," advises a visitor to Encore Mesa Spirit.
Extended stay considerations: Many rv campgrounds in Florence, Arizona cater to snowbirds staying multiple months. "My wife and I asked if we could stay there even though we aren't 55, and they allowed us to do so. We've found most age qualified resorts will let you stay if you don't have kids or pets," explains a camper at Monte Vista RV Resort.
Arrival timing: Late arrivals have specific check-in procedures at most parks. "We arrived on a weekend, so the front office wasn't open. Next to the office door, there are two clear boxes -- one with envelopes and the second with maps. The envelopes have site numbers and are available for short term stays," explains a visitor to Picacho Peak RV Resort.
