RV camping near Glendale, Arizona provides direct access to Lake Pleasant, a 10,000-acre reservoir located 17 miles northwest of Phoenix. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round with temperatures averaging 105°F in summer months and mild 65-75°F winters. Overnight rates typically range from $45-75 for full-hookup sites, with several parks offering monthly rates during non-peak seasons.
What to do
Water recreation at Lake Pleasant: Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers easy lake access with a shuttle service for kayakers. "Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp. Great sunsets," notes Margaret T., who recommends booking "a spot up on cliff overlooking the water."
Desert golfing options: Pueblo El Mirage 55+ RV Resort features an 18-hole golf course with on-site bar and grill. "This is a self described 5 star RV long stay park. It has Almost every amenity you can think of," according to Randall Z., who mentions the course as a primary attraction.
Urban conveniences: Located just 30 minutes from Phoenix, Leaf Verde RV Resort offers a convenient base for city exploration. "Leaf Verde is in Buckeye, AZ which is only 30 minutes from Phoenix. The pool is refreshing and if you aren't into swimming there is a pool table, dog park and shuffle board to keep you busy," shares Jen H.
What campers like
Resort-style amenities: Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers multiple camping options from full hookups to dry camping. "There are several different RV/Camping options at Pleasant Harbor Marina / RV Resort. 1) In the resort with Full Hookups 2) Out on the 'flat' with just water and power (dump station on site) 3) Out on the 'flat' with no hookups," explains Robert G.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and laundry facilities. "The laundry facility was one of the nicest we've ever used! Pool was a great bonus for our family after a long day of driving," reports Mikki S. about Leaf Verde RV Resort.
Strong connectivity: Cell service is reliable at most parks. "AT&T coverage was quite good, with 2-3 Bars of 5G+ service and speeds up to 23 MB/s. The CG WiFi was pretty decent as well, with speeds up to 4 MB/s, but varied depending on congestion," notes Ray & Terri F. about Desert Shadows RV Resort.
What you should know
Age restrictions: Several parks near Glendale limit stays to older adults. "55 and older resort. Not sure how to rate it, but it should be listed somewhere that it's not family friendly," reports Vinay M. about Sunflower RV Resort. Similarly, Pioneer RV Resort enforces a minimum age of 55.
Site spacing concerns: Many parks position RVs close together. "Sites are gravel and close together but nice," mentions Jen H. about Leaf Verde. Similarly, at Desert Shadows, "The sites are gravel and fairly close together, but the CG is clean and 'patrolled' frequently by folks on golf carts," according to Ray & Terri F.
Hookup positioning challenges: Some parks have inconveniently placed connections. "If you're a Class A or C towing, you'll probably have to drop to to access the hookups, as they are at the back end of the pull-throughs, not toward the middle as they usually are," warns Ray & Terri F. about Desert Shadows RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Check age policies first: Many parks around Glendale restrict residents to 55+. "I am 52 but you have to be 55 years old to camp here, unbelievable," reports Danielle R. about Pioneer RV Resort, adding "This is crazy! Horrible."
Consider Pleasant Harbor for kids: Pioneer RV Resort 55+ prohibits younger campers, but Pleasant Harbor welcomes families. "This was a wonderful place to camp with family and water toys!" shares Heather H.
Look for pool access during hot months: When temperatures climb above 100°F, pools become essential. "The pool is refreshing and if you aren't into swimming there is a pool table, dog park and shuffle board to keep you busy," notes Jen H. about Leaf Verde.
Tips from RVers
Plan for overnight stays without reservations: Some parks offer convenient roadside parking. "Since we showed up the first night at sunset, we were curb-parked that night... less expensive (for non‐TT members) to get one of those curb spots (with electric, & close access to showers, pool, laundry) than to get a regular spot," shares Sara H. about Encore Mesa Spirit.
Big rig accessibility varies: Confirm your RV size before booking. "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," notes Debbie H. about Leaf Verde.
Consider noise levels: Some parks experience transportation noise. "There's a train that goes by at least five times a day and night and a freeway just a few blocks away. So it's not super quiet, however, the noise hasn't really bothered me either," reports Cheri H. about Sundial Mobile & RV Park.
