j
joel 
Traveler
TravelerLittle Pan Staging Area
Easy parking.
Long wash board road to a huge parking area. Very flat, pit toilets. Biggest downside was garbage absolutely everywhere!
Best Campgrounds near Glendale, AZ
Camping opportunities near Glendale, Arizona span from urban RV parks to more remote desert camping experiences. Located in the Sonoran Desert, the area includes White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, and several dispersed camping areas northwest of the city. Visitors can choose from developed campgrounds with full hookups, primitive tent sites, cabin rentals at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort, or free dispersed camping on public lands. Most established campgrounds are situated within regional parks where saguaro cacti and mountain views create a distinctive desert camping landscape.
Seasonal considerations greatly impact camping experiences in the Glendale area, with extreme summer heat making fall through spring the most comfortable camping seasons. "This is a nice place to visit in the cooler months of the year due to no shade and low elevation," noted one visitor about White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Many campgrounds remain open year-round but require advance planning during winter months when snowbirds flock to the area. Water conservation measures affect availability at some sites, with several campgrounds offering drinking water and showers while dispersed areas require self-sufficiency. Permits are required for State Trust Land camping, while BLM and regional park campgrounds have different reservation systems and fee structures.
Campers consistently highlight the contrast between urban proximity and desert wilderness experiences available in the area. The developed campgrounds in White Tank Mountain Regional Park receive positive reviews for their cleanliness and spacing, with one visitor describing "well separated level sites in a desert setting" with "good views of the mountains and the Valley of the Sun." Many campgrounds provide electric and water hookups suitable for RVs, while offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Night sky visibility varies, with sites farther from the city providing better stargazing conditions. RV resorts closer to Glendale tend to cater to long-term visitors and retirees, with some having age restrictions that limit family camping options. Several campers note the proximity to urban amenities while still providing access to desert landscapes and hiking trails.
Best Camping Sites Near Glendale, Arizona (223)
1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground
66 ReviewsPeoria, AZ17 milesWebsite+1 (602) 506-2930$15 - $300 / night
"We stayed in late September and had no neighbors next to us so we felt like we were in the desert. There was no direction that had a bad view."
"It was an great way to be exposed to trails I may not have chosen on my own."
2. White Tank Mountain
18 ReviewsWaddell, AZ11 milesWebsite+1 (602) 506-2930"Fantastic park for seeing the stars and getting away from Phoenix city lights."
"Located at about 203rd Avenue, on the westside of Phoenix, in Waddell Arizona is a tiny little Campground with phenomenal views."
3. White Tank Mountain Regional Park
14 ReviewsWaddell, AZ11 milesWebsite+1 (623) 935-2505$15 - $45 / night
"We stayed two nights at the Willow walk-in sites (W10). Despite our campsite being close to the bathroom it exceeded our expectations. Campground is well organized with friendly staff."
"* Trails throughout the camp into the greater park but the campgrounds separated from the more public trailheads."
4. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort
20 ReviewsPeoria, AZ17 milesWebsite+1 (623) 235-6140"RV camping on big water in Arizona! We have stayed here a couple of times. Make sure to book a spot up on cliff overlooking the water. Great sunsets. Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp."
"We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time."
5. Saguaro Skies - Luke AFB Famcamp
4 ReviewsLitchfield Park, AZ5 milesWebsite+1 (623) 856-4991$40 / night
"Right next to the commissary and AAFES. Bathhouse is excellent. Laundry is free."
"Concrete slab to park on and rocks around instead of grass."
6. Pueblo El Mirage 55+ RV Resort
3 ReviewsGlendale, AZ1 mileWebsite+1 (623) 933-3662"It is located on the flight path for an airbase and can get noisy but the amenities far outweigh the short bursts of noise."
7. Destiny Phoenix RV Resorts
7 ReviewsLitchfield Park, AZ13 milesWebsite+1 (623) 853-0537$60 / night
"An oasis surrounded by fields. Clean restrooms, pools, grounds, roads, sites. Nice folks working there. Refundable $20 deposit to get bathroom key. Did not use laundry. Stayed 3 nights."
"The roads coming into the site are narrow and people sometimes have their vehicles parked in part of the roadway which makes it hard to drive your RV around to park it or leave."
8. Encore Paradise RV
3 ReviewsSun City, AZ4 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-14779. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
10 ReviewsPeoria, AZ15 miles"This was a major travel destination for RV’rs and campers passing through, or staying for a while in close proximity to Phoenix. Major disappointment."
"The further you get away from the main road the less people. Will stay here again."
10. Desert's Edge RV Park
7 ReviewsPhoenix, AZ13 milesWebsite+1 (623) 587-0940"We arrived after the office was closed, but they had our bathroom keys and paperwork ready for us in the box outside the office."
Recent Camping Photos near Glendale, AZ
137 Photos of 223 Glendale Campgrounds
Becbecandbunny O.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Gregg T.
State land trust/Inspiration Point
Chenery K.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground
Chenery K.
Skyline Regional Park
Don M.
Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant
Castaway I.
Cave Creek Regional Park
Chantal S.
Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
Scott C.
Buckeye Hills Regional Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED IN 2018
Robin
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Lloyd H.
Constellation Park
Eric W.
Desert Cypress Mobile Home & RV Park
Rachel P.
Ironwood Campground - McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Glendale, AZ
861 Reviews of 223 Glendale Campgrounds
Al G.TravelerPacific Manor 55+ Community
RV Park in Apache Junction
The RV sites are along the road and can be noisey day and night. Full hookups and level sites. Nice pool, showers and fitness room. Lots of RV repair, parts and sales businesses nearby. Just a couple of miles from the freeway and restaurants of all types not too far away.
Aaryn G.
ScoutNorth Ranch
New ownership and management
We stayed here for 2 months before becoming managers and the property is totally renovated! We have 40 brand new 50 amp sites that can power rigs that are 45ft! The property is privately owned and everyone is welcome! We offer daily, mo thly and yearly reservations. We are a 40 and over park. We now have a gym, pool table and shuffleboard. Our clubhouse has ac so you can beat the heat this summer. We also have indoor pickleball along with horseshoes. We have full hook ups and a picnic table at every site for your use!
Jimmy V.ScoutEncore Golden Sun
Clean and friendly with many activities
Between the amenities, the activities and the local surroundings, there's always something to do. The roads and sites can be tight and challenging, but was doable in our 38ft MH with a toad. One oddity on the sites is that the sewer drain is under your rig. Suggest that you hook up your hose to the drain prior to completing backing in
- BBrad B.
GuideBLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness
Easy access
Easy access with turn lanes from both directions to enter. Spots are spaced out nicely. Typical desert landscape with nice scenery.
Peggy M.GuideOld Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
Rough Spot
While beautiful, the amount of donkey poop drawing flies and insects, the rough entrance, what appears to be full campers lowers the rating. Ok for 4 wheel drive.
Marisa M.ScoutHorspitality RV Resort
Tightly packed in and quiet
There was no problems finding the park or driving in. Our spot was an up front pull through space. It was long and narrow. Instead of being outside of our door when we wanted to sit outside, we had to go to the back of our trailer. Well that space just happened to be the front door of our neighbors. We made friends as the people were kind and we shared the camp fire. Overall we enjoyed our stay but wished for more outside space, privacy, and shade.
Akio O.ScoutBox Bar Road Dispersed
Private and quiet
Great spot if you’re wanting to stay just a night or up to two weeks. No place for trash or bathrooms but other than that all good and not too far from town
Rich M.ScoutEncore Countryside
quaint place QUIET!
Nice place to hang out and rest great history near by to explore
Guide to Glendale
The Phoenix metro area surrounding Glendale, Arizona features several established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within a short drive from the city. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground to the north and White Tank Mountain Regional Park to the west offer developed sites with amenities for both tent and RV camping. Dispersed camping options can be found on state trust land near Maddock Road and off Highway 74, requiring permits for some locations. Several RV resorts cater to long-term stays and retirees, with Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort and Desert's Edge RV Park providing full hookups and resort-style amenities.
Camping conditions vary dramatically by season, with extreme heat limiting comfortable tent camping during summer months. "This is a nice place to visit in the cooler months of the year due to no shade and low elevation. We visited in January which was perfect," noted one visitor at White Tank Mountain. The region experiences monsoon storms in late summer that can affect road conditions and campsite accessibility. Most established campgrounds provide water hookups, but dispersed sites require campers to bring all supplies. State trust land camping requires permits purchased in advance, while some areas like Dispersed Camping off Highway 74 offer free camping with few amenities.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park receives consistently high ratings for its spacious sites and clean facilities. According to a camper, "The campsites are spaced out nicely, and it has never felt crowded to me even during the busy season." Family-friendly amenities include hiking trails with petroglyphs, modern bathrooms, and shower facilities. Lake Pleasant offers water recreation opportunities with boat-in camping options. Military personnel and veterans can access Luke AFB Famcamp, which reviewers praise for its cleanliness and proximity to base amenities. Most RV resorts in the region cater to older adults, with several designated as 55+ communities. Campers seeking privacy and natural settings generally prefer the regional parks over the more densely packed RV resorts closer to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Glendale, AZ?
What camping is available near Glendale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Glendale, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 223 campgrounds and RV parks near Glendale, AZ and 59 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Glendale, AZ?
Which is the most popular campground near Glendale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glendale, AZ is Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 66 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Glendale, AZ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Glendale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 59 free dispersed camping spots near Glendale, AZ.
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