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 (57)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 57 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Gila Bend, AZ

227 Reviews of 57 Gila Bend Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground — Lower Sonoran Field Office

    Dark and quiet, well off the road

    Saw a faded sign on I-8, so followed it. Good paved road 11 miles to the campsite. The day-use area is all new construction, 60 campsites are large and spread out. Pay via the rec.gov app, add $1 service fee. With 1/2 of for senior discount, I paid $5. Good Verizon service, 3 bars

  • MaryAnn H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2025

    Vekol Valley Road

    Quiet, windy, peaceful

    Our very first boondocking spot with our 17 ft HiLo. Easy in and out of 8 West on Vekol Rd. 3 other campers when we arrived. Our closest neighbor stopped by to help us and introduce himself, Jeff. That was nice of him. It's a little too quiet and remote. 45 min. To stores in Maricopa,AZ


Guide to Gila Bend

Camping near Gila Bend, Arizona, offers a unique blend of desert beauty and outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are many trails around the campgrounds. For example, at White Tank Mountain, you can find trails that lead to stunning views and unique desert wildlife. One camper mentioned, "Great views, bring water and watch out for the heat."
  • Rock Hunting: If you're into geology, check out Saddle Mountain BLM. Campers have enjoyed finding interesting rocks, with one saying, "Great rock hunting too!"
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for excellent stargazing opportunities. Campers at Painted Rock Petroglyph Site have noted, "Prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular night sky."

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peacefulness of the area. One visitor at Gunsight Wash BLM said, "Quiet besides the main highway traffic. You can go further back away from the road."
  • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Darby Wells Rd BLM offer plenty of room between sites. A camper remarked, "Nice area with room between campers yet still opportunity to say hi and wave as you walk by."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Sonoran Desert RV Park have praised the cleanliness, with one stating, "The shower/restroom was so pristine."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Painted Rock Petroglyph Site, have very few amenities. A camper noted, "Unfortunately, you need to reserve online as there is no way to pay at the park."
  • Cell Service: Expect mixed cell service in many areas. One camper at Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area mentioned, "Good cell service overall, but some spots were trash dumps."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared to encounter wildlife. Campers at White Tank Mountain have seen various animals, with one saying, "Wildlife: birds, coyotes, reptiles, etc."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Sonoran Desert RV Park, which has amenities for kids. One family shared, "The pool is beautiful and the shower/restroom was so pristine."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. Campers at Saddle Mountain BLM enjoyed hiking and exploring the area.
  • Stay Hydrated: The desert can get hot, so make sure to pack plenty of water. A camper at White Tank Mountain advised, "Bring water and watch out for the heat."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A visitor at Gunsight Wash BLM mentioned, "Getting there is bumpy (unpaved road) but with any passenger car doable."
  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Spots: Campgrounds like Sonoran Desert RV Park cater to larger RVs. One RVer said, "The sites here are long and wide enough for our 40’ fifth wheel."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some areas are near highways or military bases. A camper at Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area noted, "Military planes fly through a few times a day - just little things to note in terms of noise level."

Camping near Gila Bend, Arizona, offers a variety of experiences, from quiet nights under the stars to adventurous days exploring the desert. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

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 57 campgrounds and RV parks near Gila Bend, AZ and 19 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 19 free dispersed camping spots near Gila Bend, AZ.