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Best Campgrounds near Fountain Hills, AZ

895 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fountain Hills, Arizona (265)

    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. 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.  "

    9. 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."

    10. Box Bar Road Dispersed

    4 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fountain Hills, AZ

175 Photos of 265 Fountain Hills Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fountain Hills, AZ

895 Reviews of 265 Fountain Hills Campgrounds

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Cave Creek Regional Park

    Cactus place

    Nice campground, serene with a large cactus next to every spot. Power and water at the spot, toilets & bathrooms available.

  • Stacy R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Tonto Creek Trail RV Park

    Quiet Desert Gem with Beautiful Mountain Views

    We loved our stay at Tonto Creek Trail RV& MHC! From the start, the staff was warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The park is peaceful, clean, and well-maintained—exactly what we were looking for in a relaxing getaway. The location couldn’t be better. Nestled in Tonto Basin, the park is just minutes from Roosevelt Lake, which was perfect for fishing, boating, and soaking in the views. We also enjoyed exploring the nearby Tonto National Forest trails—ideal for hiking and ATV adventures. As pet owners, we were thrilled that pets stay free! The community is very pet-friendly, which made traveling with our furry family stress-free. The grounds are safe and quiet, with beautiful mountain views all around, giving us plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring. Between the friendly community vibe, the great amenities, and the unbeatable location, this is a hidden gem in Arizona. We’re already planning our next trip back to Tonto Creek Trail RV—highly recommend it!

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    Close to PHX, great hikes

    We love the Superstition mountains. Lost Dutchman campground is great. Has everything and is close to hwy and Phoenix. Lots to do in the area, lots of hikes straight from the campground. Homes were close to our campsite, but the view of the mountains was great!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Mesa Gardens RV Park

    Hidden fees and rules

    The park was fine. Not my preference but wanted to be as close to my son visiting as possible so it worked.

    However the site I was on wasnt easy at all to get into with my 29ft trailer. After multiple attempts of trying to be on the gravel behind the concrete pad like others I stay partially on the concrete pad since there were no rules specified about this. I arrived on a Friday evening (labor day weekend). Tuesday the manager came by and said something. She was super nice. I explained the events of getting into the spot with the traffic in the park and that I triple checked the rules on it. Since I was leaving the next morning she let me stay as is.

    Today though I got an email about a balance. So if you book less than a 30day stay you pay a fee of $4. And the electric charge that is listed for Monthly stays is charged for a few nights as well.

    I would stay again though. I mean the location was convenient for my visit. It was a well kept park. Just a few unknowns that I wish I knew before booking

  • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    Camping not available

    Was a great site before, but now all the camp sites are blocked and no longer allowed. This area will be missed it was very convenient.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    Clean friendly easy

    We stayed 4 nights in July. Staff friendly and helpful. Clean quiet nice level sites FHU everything worked great. Wi-Fi is poor. Will stay here again.

  • Jeana R.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    Love it

    Woke up to a donkey eating out watermelon, making donkey noises and rolling on the ground so cute!! Campsites always clean, clean bathrooms, great prices..staff always very helpful and friendly!! Visit every summer

  • M
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Towerpoint Resort (55+)

    Paradise for all senior adults

    Towerpoint is not the biggest resort but not the smallest either. It was perfect for us. Everyone was very friendly, often waving to strangers. The price includes so many amenities such as pickleball, a wood shop, pottery, stained glass, shuffleboard, tennis, fitness classes and line dancing, classes for a variety of things including Spanish and sign language. The list just goes on and on.  Additional amenities such as massages, laundry services and a grill right at the resort and concert series among so many others are offered at a reasonable price. There is something for everyone. We will be going back this Winter and have recommended it to many others.

Guide to Fountain Hills

Camping near Fountain Hills, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. At Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Lace up your boots and conquer one of the park's diverse hiking trails. From challenging climbs to scenic strolls, there's a path for every level."
  • Off-Roading: If you enjoy off-roading, Usery Mountain Regional Park is a great spot. A camper shared, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!"
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing and boating. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful views of the lake, plenty to do."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A visitor at Houston Mesa Campground said, "The abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at McDowell Mountain Regional Park mentioned, "The bathrooms are immaculate, and the staff is friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate having room to spread out. One review for Burnt Corral Campground stated, "Plenty of spots near the water."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant, do not have showers. A visitor commented, "Showers were lukewarm at best and if it is windy a cool wind blows through the building."
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in certain areas. A camper at Usery Mountain Regional Park noted, "While Verizon service isn't optimal, it's manageable."
  • Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. One camper at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort mentioned, "Busy on weekends and empty during the week."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby hiking and biking trails. A family at Houston Mesa Campground enjoyed, "The kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees."
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good security. A solo female camper at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort felt safe, saying, "Security makes its rounds and you can't get into the park after leaving without your pass."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds lack markets. A visitor at Burnt Corral Campground noted, "There are bathrooms, but they’re vault toilets and no sinks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to verify if the campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground mentioned, "The park offers spacious campsites with convenient power and water hookups."
  • Generator Use: Some campgrounds allow generator use at specific times. A visitor at Houston Mesa Campground shared, "We dry camped with no hookups but were able to use our generator at certain hours of the day."
  • Road Conditions: Be aware of road conditions leading to campgrounds. A reviewer at Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping warned, "The road is in the worst condition, we have a 25ft RV and was impossible to get through."

Camping near Fountain Hills, Arizona, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

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 265 campgrounds and RV parks near Fountain Hills, AZ and 66 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 66 free dispersed camping spots near Fountain Hills, AZ.

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