Best Campgrounds near Gila Bend, AZ

The small town of Gila Bend sits in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, where several camping options give you a taste of Arizona's wild landscape. Campers can stay at Sonoran Desert RV Park, which has full hookups and basic but clean bathrooms. Family Campground has bigger sites with tables and fire rings, good for groups with kids. At Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground, you can camp near ancient rock carvings in a quiet setting away from town noise. The desert around Gila Bend has its own beauty, and the Colorado River isn't too far for swimming or fishing when you need a break from the heat. Some campers use Gila Bend as a stopping point before heading north to see the Grand Canyon. Winter and spring are the best times to visit since you can hike without overheating. Summer temperatures regularly hit triple digits, so morning and evening are the only reasonable times to be outside. Most camping spots here are pretty basic, so bring what you need from larger towns. Phone service drops in and out depending on where you camp. The night skies above Painted Rock are incredibly dark, letting you see stars that disappear near cities. RVers often choose Sonoran Desert RV Park when they need to recharge batteries and fill water tanks. Gila Bend camping works well for history buffs, desert walkers, and anyone who needs a quiet place to stop.

Best Camping Sites Near Gila Bend, Arizona (58)

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Recent Reviews near Gila Bend, AZ

229 Reviews of 58 Gila Bend Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    Convenient for nigth crashing

    1 star for super easy access, 1 star for flat easy to level and 1 star for beautiful stars sky. Other than that no more stars. You can hear the highway very loudly, it seems we could have drove a little further and probably better but we were tired, I can not see camping in there. It was super hot and no breeze at all. We arrived by 8pm and left 4:30am

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

    BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    Perfect stopover

    Instead of staying under the power lines like many people mentioned (and indicated by the app), we drove a little bit further away from the main road and found a perfect spot for an overnight stay on our way to Phoenix. It was very hot though at day and night in September. Nothing extraordinary but free. Road is OK, gravel with some bumps, but driven slowly our Jeep Grand Cherokee towing an A-frame did fine even when arriving in the dark

  • Steffanie & Joshua The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    Beautiful and spacious

    Got in pretty late at night on a Friday but had no difficulty finding a spot. Road was a little rocky but not horrible. Gorgeous views all around, and you can drive far enough back to really lose the road sounds. It was pretty hot, as would be expected here, but the breeze through the night was enough to keep us cooled off with the tent vents opened.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Vekol Valley Road

    Quiet place

    Tons of nice level spots, just dry and hot in summer, not much shade

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Sonoran Desert RV Park

    Crazy good rv park!

    OK, talk about a hidden gem. This is it really well put together Pool that feels like a therapy pool and huge rv spaces. There’s a pickle ball court, there’s everything you could possibly want and the price was outstanding. We will definitely stay here again!

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Vekol Valley Road

    Quiet, Secluded, and Convenient

    Very easy to get to with my Toyota Corolla. There are quite a few pull-outs on the road with sites and there is enough brush in the area to feel pretty secluded. I saw a jackrabbit or something similar right after dusk, so there is at least some small wildlife in the area. In all, it was quiet and peaceful and I would stay here again. Plus, there is what seems to be a dried-out, rocky riverbed nearby that I walked around with my dog, which was nice!

  • Fernando C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Sonoran Monument Dispersed Camping

    Secluded but noisy

    It’s mostly flat we tucked up behind a tree but it was closer to the road so we did hear the road often. There are also train tracks that pass through but the train rumble wasn’t too bad

  • Tara L.
    May. 3, 2025

    Destiny Phoenix RV Resorts

    SPOTLESS SHOWER AREA

    ! It was so pleasant and Scenic here I really enjoyed our visit and we plan to return next year!


Guide to Gila Bend

Dispersed camping options spread across the desert landscape surrounding Gila Bend, Arizona. Located at just 700 feet elevation, this region can reach daytime temperatures of 115°F during summer months. Several access points exist for boondocking on BLM land within 30 minutes of town, offering different levels of isolation and amenities depending on how far travelers venture from highways.

What to do

Rock art exploration at Painted Rock: Take a short, accessible trail around the concentrated rock pile featuring hundreds of ancient petroglyphs. "The Petroglyphs are awesome but not much else going on here. Stay a night and see it all in 15 minutes," notes Dave B. from Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground.

Desert driving adventures: Multiple BLM roads provide access to remote camping with varying degrees of difficulty. Greg L. recommends caution on some routes: "This is a two track road that leaves Interstate 8 at about MP 124. There are no signs and EXTREME CAUTION is advised trying to access these BLM roads from the freeway without an exit ramp. No TTs or RVs are recommended."

Night sky observation: The dark skies in this region provide excellent stargazing when moon brightness doesn't interfere. One camper at Painted Rock notes, "Great spot for star gazing I imagine when the moon isn't quite so bright." The distance from major light pollution creates optimal viewing conditions during clear nights.

What campers like

Budget-friendly options: Free or low-cost camping appeals to many visitors passing through. James B. shares about Painted Rock Petroglyph Site: "Sites are gravel and all pretty level. We like exposure for solar, which was good because there is no shade. Pit toilets and trash dumpsters. No water or dump. Quiet at night. $8 a night is a good deal."

Dog-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds accommodate pets with special amenities. "We stayed in a deluxe pull-through for two days. Our site has a small fenced-in play area for our mutt," reports Robert & Diane M. about their stay at Sonoran Desert RV Park.

Solitude and space: Most dispersed camping spots offer significant distance between sites. A camper at North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness observed: "This is pretty much like the reviews say, your basic BLM undeveloped dispersed camping area... This is also a popular ATV area which comes with a lot of dust and noise."

What you should know

Summer heat constraints: Triple-digit temperatures limit outdoor activities during summer months. One visitor to Margie's Cove West Campground warns: "Sight is nice and deep in the Cove. The drive is not hard but it has its bumps... The spot is very secluded and in a big wide open valley. Really windy during the day."

Vehicle limitations: Many dispersed camping spots require appropriate vehicles. Greg L. cautions: "Overlander types recommended. This two-track BLM road leaves from the westbound lanes of Interstate 8. EXTREME CAUTION is advised and TTs and RVs are not recommended for these unmarked two tracks along the Interstate."

Bug issues: Flies can be problematic in certain areas depending on season and proximity to livestock operations. "When I left the Margie Cove area, I crossed over 85 on Woods Road to old US 80... I found the source of the flies. There is a huge cattle stockyard about 2 miles from Woods Road," reports one camper.

Highway and train noise: Some camping spots near Gila Bend experience noise from transportation corridors. Fernando C. describes one site: "It's mostly flat we tucked up behind a tree but it was closer to the road so we did hear the road often. There are also train tracks that pass through but the train rumble wasn't too bad."

Tips for camping with families

Off-peak timing: Schedule family visits during winter or early spring for comfortable temperatures. Gary H. notes: "Nice warm, peaceful place in December. Great space and privacy. Friendly Camp host a plus. Big flat easy come easy go sites. First come first serve. Bring your own water and electric."

Kid-friendly activities: Some RV parks offer recreational amenities for children. Lee D. shares about Sonoran Desert RV Park: "OK, talk about a hidden gem. This is it really well put together Pool that feels like a therapy pool and huge rv spaces. There's a pickle ball court, there's everything you could possibly want."

Supply planning: With limited services available, families should stock up before arrival. "Gila Bend has a Family Dollar and a couple of small grocery stores plus eating establishments. You're about 30 minutes from major amenities in Buckeye and an hour from Phoenix," explains one reviewer.

Tips from RVers

RV park amenities: Full-service options exist for those needing hookups. MickandKarla W. details: "Check-in was quick, and we were escorted to back-in site 503 with FHUs. The sites here are long and wide enough for our 40' fifth wheel and F450 truck. The sites in our area were also decently spaced for a private CG. There was also room for an OHV if we'd brought one."

Electrical considerations: Some camping spots near Gila Bend have power infrastructure that requires attention. One camper warns: "One difference are the powerlines overhead that emit a cracking and rattling noise constantly. Not sure of the health implications of those powerlines."

Overnight convenience: Many RVers use camping spots near Gila Bend as quick stopover locations. "We stopped here for an overnight on our way back from San Diego. We did book it online at the last minute while driving on interstate 8, but what we found is a hidden gem and we are already planning on coming back," shares Robo A.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gila Bend FamCamp and what amenities does it offer?

Gila Bend FamCamp is a military campground located near Gila Bend, Arizona, primarily serving active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel and their families. The FamCamp offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water hookups, and toilet facilities. It's designed to accommodate big rigs, making it suitable for larger RVs and motorhomes. The campground provides a convenient stopping point for military travelers in the area, offering more amenities than the surrounding dispersed BLM options while maintaining affordable rates for eligible campers.

What RV parks are available in Gila Bend, AZ?

Gila Bend offers several RV accommodation options. Palms Mobile Home RV Park is located within the town, though some travelers report mixed experiences with comfort and amenities. For those seeking full hookups and more amenities, Sonoran Desert RV Park provides another option in the area. Additionally, just about 26 miles west of town, RVers can find more basic accommodations at the budget-friendly BLM-managed sites, though these typically lack water and RV dump stations.

What camping is available near Gila Bend, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gila Bend, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 58 campgrounds and RV parks near Gila Bend, AZ and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gila Bend, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gila Bend, AZ is Sonoran Desert RV Park with a 4.9-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gila Bend, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Gila Bend, AZ.