Gila Bend, AZ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Gila Bend. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Arizona camping adventure.
WELCOME TO SONORAN DESERT RV PARK After a day of rolling through the dramatic and diverse Sonoran Desert, you can roll your rig right into this oasis in the desert. It's so convenient with the easy-on/easy-off access from both I-8 and AZ 85. The campground was built for RVers by RVers and it shows: You'll find roomy, 100 foot full-hookup pull-thru sites throughout the park - all big rig friendly! Relax by the heated pool or just soak up the desert views and dark evening skies from your site. Fido will love the 4,000-square-foot Canine Corral with three separate corrals (two with grassy areas). Although you're just an hour from Phoenix, you'll feel worlds away as you savor a brilliant sunset at day's end. The Sonoran Desert RV Park prides itself in offering a quiet atmosphere in the evenings for all to get a good night sleep by asking everyone to retire into their RV's by 10pm.
$38 - $70 / night
The Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground are located approximately 90 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. The petroglyph site provides visitors the opportunity to view an ancient archaeological site containing hundreds of symbolic and artistic rock etchings, or "petroglyphs," produced centuries ago by prehistoric peoples. There are also inscriptions made by people who passed through during historic times. There is a $2 per vehicle fee for the site. Cash or check payment is accepted. Overnight camping is allowed at the adjacent Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground. This is a separate facility from the petroglyph site. Camping reservations must be made through the recreation.gov website. We no longer accept cash or check payments for campsites. The campground has picnic tables, grills, steel fire rings, and a vault toilet. No potable water is available at the facility. Several historic trails lie within the campground. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, The Butterfield Overland Stage Route and the Mormon Battalion Trail are three trails that played prominent roles in the history of Arizona and the American West. Visitors can learn about the site and historic trails through professional interpretive panels located on the site.
Approximate location. Many sites for primitive camping off W. Courthouse Rd. and W. Salome Rd.
This 63,200-acre wilderness lies in southwestern Maricopa County, 12 miles east of Gila Bend and 20 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. It contains a 10-mile section of the Maricopa Mountains, a low-elevation (1,000 to 2,813 feet) Sonoran Desert range, and extensive surrounding desert plains. The North Maricopa Mountains are a jumble of long ridges and isolated peaks, separated by bajadas and washes. Vegetation includes saguaro, cholla, ocotillo and other Sonoran Desert plant species. Desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, coyotes, bobcat, fox, deer, Gambel's quail and raptors inhabit the wilderness.
The wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation, including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife observation and photography. The Margie's Cove and Brittlebush Trails take you through the heart of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.
THIS PARK IS CLOSED INDEFINITELY AS OF 1/21/2018 As of 1-21-2018, camping is not offered at Buckeye Hills Regional Park. The park will be undergoing a 'master plan' in the future review with camping options being included as an option.
Margies Cove West Campround includes day-use parking for ten vehicles, three campsites with picnic tables and steel fire rings, a vault toilet, and informational signage. The campground is adjacent to Margies Cove West Trailhead.
WELCOME TO SONORAN DESERT RV PARK After a day of rolling through the dramatic and diverse Sonoran Desert, you can roll your rig right into this oasis in the desert. It's so convenient with the easy-on/easy-off access from both I-8 and AZ 85. The campground was built for RVers by RVers and it shows: You'll find roomy, 100 foot full-hookup pull-thru sites throughout the park - all big rig friendly! Relax by the heated pool or just soak up the desert views and dark evening skies from your site. Fido will love the 4,000-square-foot Canine Corral with three separate corrals (two with grassy areas). Although you're just an hour from Phoenix, you'll feel worlds away as you savor a brilliant sunset at day's end. The Sonoran Desert RV Park prides itself in offering a quiet atmosphere in the evenings for all to get a good night sleep by asking everyone to retire into their RV's by 10pm.
$38 - $70 / night
This 63,200-acre wilderness lies in southwestern Maricopa County, 12 miles east of Gila Bend and 20 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. It contains a 10-mile section of the Maricopa Mountains, a low-elevation (1,000 to 2,813 feet) Sonoran Desert range, and extensive surrounding desert plains. The North Maricopa Mountains are a jumble of long ridges and isolated peaks, separated by bajadas and washes. Vegetation includes saguaro, cholla, ocotillo and other Sonoran Desert plant species. Desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, coyotes, bobcat, fox, deer, Gambel's quail and raptors inhabit the wilderness.
The wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation, including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife observation and photography. The Margie's Cove and Brittlebush Trails take you through the heart of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.
THIS PARK IS CLOSED INDEFINITELY AS OF 1/21/2018 As of 1-21-2018, camping is not offered at Buckeye Hills Regional Park. The park will be undergoing a 'master plan' in the future review with camping options being included as an option.
Guide
Pretty, some freeway noise from the 8, great camp host. Hiking trails. Just porta potties and dumpster, but you can dump and get water 4 miles away. Most any sized rig can fit. Dirt roads are in pretty darn good shape.
Traveler
This is a huge park. 1365 sites. Crammed in pretty tight, but fairly clean and very nice staff. Most of the sites are pull thru so that’s a bonus.
Traveler
This place is right off the highway. Plenty of level places to park. We drive a van but I think most sizes of RV would have no trouble here. Lots of room to turn around. Pretty view of the mountains. There's highway noise but we were all alone.
Scout
Friendly host, clean facilities, Nice comfy spot for a tent. I enjoyed my stay very much.
Scout
We love this park! It’s in the desert and has huge level sites that are spread out so you aren’t packed in close together. They have emus and chickens that are so neat! The new owner is super sweet and has done a lot to make the park great again. We love it here and don’t want to leave!
Traveler
Camped for one night on my way from NM to LA. Arrived at night and it was easy to find. Awoke to a beautiful sunrise at the foot of the mountains. Great rock hunting too! This will be my regular camping spot form now on when traveling the same route.
GuideThis RV Park has it all..Run by professionals. They even escort you to your space.Facilities are great, they have all of them, lit paved walkways.large spaces, wifi works
Traveler
State land trust, good spot for a few nights. Gunshots in the distance, but no incidents/casualties lol. Pulled my 31ft TT back into a spot for a week. Close 10 min drive to stores like WinCo and Safeway and gas stations. Quite weekdays, loud weekends due to motor vehicles breaking the rules. (Not a ohv area but treated as such)
Guide
When we arrived at 7pm, there was no one else. Later couple of another campers arrived. Someone played guitar and it was really nice to listen with full moon lighting. Cons: No service for T-mobile and no lights in restrooms.
ScoutGreat place to Boondock up to 2 weeks.
Legend
Our RV GPS and Waze took us right to this very nice campground(CG). 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. The guest WiFi works pretty well with a download of 6.73 and an upload of.92. Water pressure was good at 50 psi, and we got 4 bars on Verizon. There are a few trees in the CG, but we had a clear shot of the northern sky for Starlink. They also have cable, but we didn’t use it. They had a very nice 4000 sq ft, sectioned-off dog park with two of the areas/corrals having grass. Behind the show/laundry/pool facility is where you drop off your propane tank for fills. They do not have a propane service that comes to the site. We were also impressed with their PETHouse sites where you have a private dog run. Their laundry facility was larger than most CGs of this size and it was very clean. There’s also a wash pad where you can wash your OHV or truck. Gilla 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. We stayed here with friends for 4 nights and enjoyed ourselves.
Legend
Pros:
Cons:
Traveler
Beautiful view, a little close to the interstate but quiet enough to sleep. I will stop here again
Guide
Lots of spaces, easy to find off the interstate.
GuideEasy to find an spot and lots of space for privacy. Got a rainbow
Scout
Sight is nice and deep in the Cove. The drive is not hard but it has it's bumps and it's fun and pretty drivable for most large-suvs or 4wd Cars/Suvs/trucks. The spot is very secluded and in a big wide open valley. The mountain's block out a lot of light pollution from the City so it get's very very dark. Really windy during the day but all in all was an enjoyable spot that makes the journey fun as well as on the way there there is a 5-10 mile dirt road perfect for rally racing.
Traveler
Fairly easy approach with my overcab camper setup, and family of 4. beautiful saguaro and ocotillo country, yotes yipping at night, owls, wrens and a ton of wildlife. Maybe be careful of pckrats and leave your hood propped up with a light. Otherwise one of our favorite dispersed camp sites ever!! LOTS of space to explore. 
TravelerThis was just an overnight stop. You can get right up next to the mountain if you want. Very rocky though. I made it with a 35' skoolie. Just go slow. It was fairly busy.
GuideIf you're seeking a secluded escape under a vast, star-studded sky, then look no further than Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground!
This hidden gem deserves a glowing 5-star review for its unique charm and abundance of off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Pros Galore:
Off-the-Grid Oasis: Nestled amidst the desert landscape, this campground offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle.
Spacious Freedom: Spread out and enjoy the vastness with massive campsites, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the serenity.
Tranquil Escape: The lack of crowds creates a peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude.
Dry Camper's Delight: Embrace the simplicity of dry camping and experience the true essence of self-reliance under the desert sun.
Stargazer's Paradise: With minimal light pollution, prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular night sky. Witness a dazzling display of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way on a clear night.
Off-Roading Playground: Dust off your UTV(side-by-side) and explore the surrounding desert terrain. The area offers plenty of exciting trails for off-road enthusiasts. Treasure
Hunters Unite: Test your skills and embark on a geocaching adventure. Search for hidden treasures scattered throughout the campground and surrounding area.
Friendly Faces: The welcoming camp hosts are a bonus, adding to the overall positive experience.
A Note: Be prepared for the lack of amenities like showers and laundry facilities. Pack accordingly and embrace the rustic charm of this remote desert escape. Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground is a hidden gem for those seeking a unique and unforgettable camping experience. If you crave adventure, tranquility, and starry nights, this is the place for you! I highly recommend it and can't wait to return for another adventure under the vast desert sky.
ScoutGood experience with the kids. Close to come good atv trails. Didn’t like the random guy saying he knows to owner walking up and verifying your stay with no credentials. Turkeys coming up to the camper in the morning were great and the kids enjoyed the emus.
TravelerI was not expecting such a beautiful place in the desert. A great place to overnight. Easy paved access until the park and then gravel in the park. Unfortunately, you need to reserve online as there is no way to pay at the park. I recommend stopping at a rest stop on I8 before you drive here as the cellphone reception is very poor. Finally, I do NOT recommend site 32 as it is not a pull through, but a small pull off next to the loop road where you park very close parallel to the road.
ScoutSaddle Mountain is fun to hike but strenuous. The area is quiet and easy to get to. RV and pet friendly.
GuideWe 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 jem and we are already planning on coming back.
It is boondock camping so don’t expect to find water or electric hookups, but it is quiet , the sites are big, and there is lots of room without worrying about obstacles even if pulling in in the dark.
GuideJanuary Rv 23 fr Cell. Att. 3 bars
This is a great spot that is easy to get to. You can see lots of lights from a refinery or factory of some sort but it didn’t really distract. The 10 fwy is only a few miles away and you can see it but if you are facing the mountains it feels more remote. Take the road further in. Most rv’s or big rigs can get pretty close to the mountain before the road becomes too tough. There are several roads that cut into the camping area from the main highway so you do t have to take the one that the directions here send you to. We were able to stream tv with good cell reception on att. I went on my dirt bike for the r into the mountains Very cool spot.
TravelerWe stayed just one night in our 17 foot R-Pod hauled by our Ford Tundra. Our site wasn't 3 black water tanks roughly 3 miles out.
Gorgeous views. Nice land to hike around. We bushwhacked 2 mile loop Southeast to a big wash.
Definitely will come here again when we have more time.
GuideJanuary visit
Rv 23ft
Easy to find.
Good cell service
Overall it’s a decent spot with a few issues. Several of the spots were trash dumps. We were able to find other spots that were clean though. Spots are just off the road so you’re not real far away from the other campers but we really didn’t hear a thing from anyone. That said , there is a military base close by and jets fly over a few times a day and are real loud. We didn’t mind this but some people may. We also had a couple of helicopters dj a low pass one evening.
The mountains around the area are very pretty.
This spot is not real remote so you are close to the freeway and will hear some trucks occasionally.
There are signs warning of illegal immigrants and that but we didn’t see or hear of any issues.
Update to this review. We didn’t go as far down the road due to some standing water etc. however , go further down the road to find the better spots that are more remote. Most rvs and big rigs can make it really far down this road There is a few private property signs. Go past those TK the next set of camp sites.
ScoutNew to the rv lifestyle was trying to find a lot during busy snowbird season. And finally found one.
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.
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 camping is available near Gila Bend, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gila Bend, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 55 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 15 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.
What parks are near Gila Bend, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Gila Bend, AZ that allow camping, notably Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Tonto National Forest.
