Best Campgrounds near Fountain Hills, AZ

Camping options around Fountain Hills, Arizona include established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within the Sonoran Desert landscape. McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers RV and tent sites with mountain views, while Lost Dutchman State Park provides tent, RV, and cabin camping approximately 15 miles southeast. Usery Mountain Regional Park and Eagle View RV Resort offer additional developed camping options, with Bulldog Canyon and Box Bar Road providing primitive dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more remote experience.

Access to most established campgrounds requires reservations, particularly during winter months when the mild climate attracts seasonal visitors. "Great location just outside of Scottsdale with fun mountain bike trails and clean bathrooms," noted one McDowell Mountain visitor, highlighting the park's popularity and amenities. Most campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, though sewer connections are limited. Dispersed camping areas like Bulldog Canyon require permits and have no facilities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. Road conditions vary significantly, with established campgrounds offering paved access while dispersed areas may require high-clearance vehicles.

Campers consistently rate the mountain views and desert landscape as highlights of the Fountain Hills camping experience. The proximity to mountain biking and hiking trails makes McDowell Mountain Regional Park particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts. A visitor described the park as having "nice large private sites with a wonderful view of the mountains and desert." Facilities at established campgrounds are generally well-maintained, with reviewers frequently mentioning clean bathrooms and showers. Wildlife sightings include coyotes, which several reviewers mentioned could be heard at night. While most campgrounds are within 30 minutes of Fountain Hills, they offer a sense of desert seclusion while maintaining reasonable access to urban amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Fountain Hills, Arizona (267)

    1. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4485

    $35 - $99 / night

    "It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade."

    "One of my favorite trails in Arizona."

    2. Usery Mountain Regional Park

    35 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 984-0032

    "Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. "

    "Campsite 6 is the first one on the right, across from the Camp Host site, and as close to the entrance has you’re gonna get."

    3. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $32 / night

    "Lots of hiking and bike riding trails with a bike course! Playground. Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town."

    "Plenty of trials for mountain biking, and rentals and restaurants in Fountain Hills, about 15 minutes from the campground."

    4. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $10 - $80 / night

    "I use the north entrance off Bush highway. I've camped here 5 or 6 times. No water or bathrooms. Leave no trace. You need a permit and gate code. Most ATVers but not loud during the week."

    "This is a nice area if you like to off road. We take our trailer out for the weekend to get out of the city. It’s an hour from Tempe/ Phoenix."

    5. Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell

    10 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 789-5310

    $41 - $84 / night

    "We have met great people here and enjoy that you can walk or bikeride directly from the RV Park. The park is always clean and well cared for, and we like that its not in the city center."

    "Walking paths and trails are throughout the park. A dog park is available. Town is about 10 minutes away on a winding back road."

    6. Box Bar

    7 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 595-3301

    $8 - $80 / night

    "It's very nice up on Box bar rd as well 5 minute walk to the river. I've seen a skunk a couple of wild horses and several shooting stars. It's definitely a must see area. Enjoy Arizona"

    "At Box Bar there is a small dam that holds the water in just enough for a calm small lake to appear. There is also quicker waters that can be kayaked or floated on."

    7. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    18 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4015

    "This KOA sits on the outskirts of Apache Junction, which itself isn't Phoenix proper but an eastern suburb. The RV park has all of the basics: power, water, sewer plus a pool and a level, clean site."

    "We had plenty of space between us and adjacent sites. The whole KOA has some nice touches as far as landscaping, sites with grills, etc. Very clean and well kept."

    8. Box Bar Road Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    "You can camp next to your car , wich there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that."

    "We don’t have an offroad car, so it is always nice when the gravel road is well managed. No heart aches getting in and finding an open area to camp."

    9. McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood

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

    "Lots of hiking to do around if you're looking for something flat (but close access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve if you're looking for something more strenuous)."

    "We stayed in site 27 which was close to the kids playground.  We only stayed for 1 night .  Lots of bikers at this location.  "

    10. Encore Mesa Spirit

    8 Reviews
    Mesa, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We loved this park in the Arizona Desert.  Close to everything, yet set up to feel like you're in your own little village. "

    "Made fast friends with the neighbors, got tons of recommendations from anyone walking or biking for things to do nearby."

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Recent Reviews near Fountain Hills, AZ

905 Reviews of 267 Fountain Hills Campgrounds


  • Jack H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    White Tank Mountain Regional Park

    White Tank County campground

    It is easy to make reservation on the Maricopa County Recreation website. Well taken care of. Locked entry at night for security but you are given a code for it. There is a double lane for the dump at egress point. 50/30 amp service and water at each site. Fire rings and table at each relatively level sites and very spacious and quiet. Mountainous terrain with gorgeous views of the valley

  • H
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    Relaxing Getaway With A Wild Side!

    Peaceful drive in, friendly staff, and everything you need for a great stay! Whether you're camping, fishing, or just enjoying family time, this spot has it all—including wild burros that aren’t shy about trying to steal your snacks! Rangers patrol daily and are super helpful. Firewood and ice are available at the gate, or head to Scorpion Bay for any extras. Can’t wait to come back!

  • Jaimy M.
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Box bar rec area

    Three pretty small parking lots to choose from. Mostly just open space that you camp in. There are dumpsters for trash and a vault toilet. There was so much trash around the entire recreation area even next to the river! I’ll never understand the thought process of people littering especially in nature! There’re wild horses and a few people fishing but still very peaceful!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

    Fun Ghost town and Camping

    We happened upon this cool campground on our way to the state park that doesn’t have check in until 2 even though when I called at 9 they had tons of sites open. The Goldmine sites are clean and level. All have fire pits and most have a picnic table. It was fun to walk right up to the town and walk around. Cowboy Dan who owns and runs the steakhouse is hilarious and his wait staff was helpful and accommodating. They have train rides and you can visit a mine. The coffee shop opens at 9 and they have a great menu for breakfast, lunch and snack time. The restrooms are clean and the camp host was very helpful. We were able to unload our side by side and we traveled up to Tortilla Flats where you can have lunch and then onto Apache Lake and campground. That road does require 4 WD but we did see a Tesla on it so I guess if you like a challenge and don’t have 4WD then anything is possible!!
    Great spot and cheaper than the state park for dry camping $30 here and the same price for hook ups here $50.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Apache Lake Marina & Resort

    Middle of no where but amazing

    This is out in the middle of nowhere but simply amazing location. The lake has amazing views and park is nice and level. Has a grocery store and restaurant as well. Worth the trip to stay at this lake.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Canyon Lake Marina & Campground

    Nice location on the water

    This campground is right on the water. Close to Tortilla Flat which is a cool spot for the whole family. Lots of boats in the marina but we never say one on the lake. We did see kayakers and paddle boards those were venturing up the river. Road is very twisty on the way here but paved the whole way. Great spot!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Easy off/on I-17 dispersed camping

    Easy on and off. Road is well packed and in good condition with a few smaller ruts, but not bad. Nice views. There is some road noise from the interstate on the closer areas. Nice night sky.


Guide to Fountain Hills

Dispersed camping spots near Fountain Hills, Arizona offer access to the Sonoran Desert ecosystem at elevations ranging from 1,500-3,000 feet. The region contains over 2,000 saguaro cacti per square mile in certain areas, creating distinctive desert camping environments. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F while summer nights rarely drop below 75°F, making seasonal timing crucial for comfortable camping experiences.

What to do

Mountain biking on established trails: McDowell Mountain Regional Park features miles of dedicated mountain biking paths suitable for various skill levels. "Nice park just outside of Scottsdale. Fun mountain bike trails. Clean bathrooms. Quiet in late December," notes a McDowell Mountain visitor, highlighting the winter riding opportunities.

Explore the Verde River: Box Bar Recreation Area provides direct river access for cooling off during warmer months. "Where else in phoenix can you pitch a tent 50 feet from a river?" remarks one camper about the Box Bar area. Many visitors enjoy wading and floating activities, with one visitor noting how "many kids were putting in and going around the bend, getting back out, and doing it over and over again!"

Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Early mornings and evenings offer opportunities to spot desert wildlife. "Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape," reports a visitor to Lost Dutchman State Park, describing the natural soundscape experience.

What campers like

Large private campsites: Usery Mountain Regional Park offers spacious sites with desert vegetation buffers. "Our site #48 Buckhorn was really spacious and private. Great views all around. Table and fire pit," shares a Usery Mountain visitor, highlighting the site layout. Another camper mentioned, "Site was raked and free of any trash, and a good distance from neighboring site."

Night sky viewing opportunities: Despite some light pollution from nearby Phoenix, many campers appreciate the stargazing potential. "You won't get a 'dark sky' night here, but the light noise from Phoenix makes for beautifully silhouetted saguaro cacti," reports a visitor to Usery Mountain Regional Park. Box Bar dispersed camping typically offers darker skies farther from urban centers.

Modern facilities at developed campgrounds: Most established campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and showers. "Very nice clean campground and extremely private! No sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located," describes a McDowell Mountain Regional Park-Ironwood visitor, noting the balance of amenities and natural setting.

What you should know

Permits required for certain areas: Bulldog Canyon dispersed camping requires advance permission. "Easy to get a permit from the ranger station. Just email your name, address, phone number and driver's license number to sm.fs.mesa_ohs@usda.gov and you'll get your permit within 2 days for free," advises a Bulldog Canyon visitor, though recent reports indicate permit costs may have increased.

Vehicle requirements for dispersed sites: Some dispersed camping areas have challenging access roads. "It was a fun dirt road. You might be able to get back there without 4x4 but certainly it is strongly recommended. Very rough road and about a 2 mile drive," notes a Box Bar Road visitor regarding approach conditions.

Reservations essential for winter months: Peak season demand makes advance planning necessary. "Sites fill up because it's so great so you have to book ahead. We had to camp in overflow area one night which was still fine then was able to grab a canceled spot," explains a McDowell Mountain camper, highlighting the need for flexibility.

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "This KOA features a small fenced playground with a tetherball, swing set, merry go round, and a table with an umbrella," reports a visitor to Mesa-Apache Junction KOA, detailing the family-friendly amenities.

Educational programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "They offer tons of programs for everyone like night hikes and scorpion hunts," shares a Usery Mountain visitor, highlighting opportunities for kids to learn about desert ecology.

Water play considerations: Limited water access points make river camping spots particularly valuable. "This is a great spot and easy to get to. Lots of shaded areas. Close to the river with several walk in spots to play in," notes a Box Bar Road Dispersed camper, emphasizing the water recreation potential in an otherwise arid environment.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have size limitations or challenging access. "Highly recommend this park with spacious sites and great views of the Superstition Mountains and night lights of Phoenix. 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," cautions a Lost Dutchman State Park visitor.

Hookup variations between campgrounds: Water and electric availability differs across locations. "Very nice peaceful park. At night the coyotes sing you to sleep and also wake you up in the morning. The utilities are easy to find and use, but only have water and electric. Both 30 and 520 amp available!" explains a McDowell Mountain camper.

Dump station access: Plan for proper waste management between full-hookup locations. "Nice dump station on the way out too," mentions an Usery Mountain visitor, highlighting an important RV-specific amenity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fountain Hills, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fountain Hills, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 267 campgrounds and RV parks near Fountain Hills, AZ and 67 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fountain Hills, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fountain Hills, AZ is Lost Dutchman State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 83 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fountain Hills, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 67 free dispersed camping spots near Fountain Hills, AZ.