Best Tent Camping near Glendale, AZ
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Glendale? Finding a place to camp in Arizona with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Glendale, Arizona (10)
1. Boulders OHV Area
5 Reviews•9 Photos•42 SavesWittmann, Arizona- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)
7 Reviews•63 Photos•95 SavesCrown King, ArizonaHorsethief Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and OHV riding. Castle Creek Wilderness is located nearby, and Horsethief Cabin and Turney Gulch Group Campground are available by reservation. Day use sites and trails are open year-round; overnight accomodations are not available during the winter. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about these recreational opportunities. Note: Until further notice, use of a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those who plan to visit recreation sites in Horsethief Basin.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Cabins
3. McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
4 Reviews•8 Photos•28 SavesRio Verde, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
4. Margies Cove West Campground
4 Reviews•2 Photos•35 SavesGila Bend, ArizonaMargies 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.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Alcohol
5. Hackamore Road Dispersed
10 Reviews•8 Photos•81 SavesApache Junction, ArizonaCamping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove
1 Review•9 SavesRio Verde, ArizonaRattlesnake Cove provides direct access to Bartlett Reservoir. Rattlesnake Cove has a sloping beach suitable for use in many water recreation activities. This area boasts of beautiful vistas of the desert with mountains in the background. The beach at Rattlesnake Cove is generally gently sloping with gradual change in water depths. Enjoy this primitive area with your friends and family by bringing your own grill and gear.
- Tents
7. Buckeye Hills Regional Park
Be the first to review!•1 SaveArlington, ArizonaTHIS 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.
- Tents
8. Juniper Dispersed Camping Area
Be the first to review!•31 SavesCarefree, Arizona- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Pine Mountain Wilderness
Be the first to review!•3 SavesBlack Canyon City, ArizonaThe southern-most wilderness area on the Prescott National Forest shares a boundary with the Tonto National Forest. Recreational opportunities include: hiking, backpacking, and horse riding. Mechanized equipment of any kind is not allowed in wilderness areas. Trails in the Pine Mountain Wilderness include: Nelson Trail #159 Buck Basin Trail #158 Pine Flat Trail #165 Tule Rim Trail #162 Verde Rim Trail #161 Willow Springs Trail #12 The USFS Wilderness Stewardship brochure explains more about designated Wilderness and how you can become involved in helping care for this precious resource.
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews near Glendale, Arizona
519 Reviews of 10 Glendale Campgrounds
Chenery K.
Guide
Constellation Park
Plan Ahead - Check the Events Calendar for Wickenburg!
I've been trail riding in the Wickenburg area since I was a kid, and the rodeo grounds across the street from Constellation Park is a gathering site for just about everyone who heads out into the desert on their 4-legged transportation. On my most recent visit to Constellation Park, the park and rodeo grounds were empty, but this place fills up fast whenever there are events scheduled, and the sites are first come, first served with NO reservations system, so plan ahead!
There are 35 dry camp sites along a dirt road north of the rodeo grounds on Constellation Road in Wickenburg - they are primitive dry sites with no tents allowed - all camping must be self contained. Site fees are $8 per night, or $12 per night to have a horse corral included. Yes, I'm confused too - horses are ok, but tents are not? I'm not sure what the logic for self contained camping is for these sites, as they would make excellent car camping/tenting sites, but I'm not the one who makes the rules.
The park opens onto state and BLM land, which you can ride or backpack into with a permit -
https://land.az.gov/recreational-permit-portal
Wickenburg is already a relatively quiet town with not much traffic outside the US 60 / US 93 interchange for people traveling from Phoenix to Las Vegas, so it's nice and quiet up here. The road undulates up over small rises, so unless there's a late night at the rodeo arena, there are no lights to compete with the star gazing show either. Again, tent camping would make so much sense here. . .
I'd give the park 5 stars for the pretty desert views, quiet location and big skies if you were allowed to enjoy them outside of an RV. Oh well, we don't get everything we want, right?
Don L.Guide
Box Bar
Box Bar on the Verde river
Great campground. RV & tent camping. 30 foot rigs ok. Porta potties available. Camping about 100 feet from river allowed. Fishing ok. Supposedly smallmouth bass in river.
Christine S.Guide
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
Favorite place in the area to camp
This is an amazing place yo camp and hike. The views of thd mountains at sunset is surreal. Immaculately maintained. Water and electrical hookups as well as tent camping dry spots. Very hot in the summer but heavenly in the winter.
Staci R.
Legend
Leaf Verde RV Resort
RV parking lot
No tent camping. RV camping only. That being said, this is a giant parkinglot for RV "camping" that is popular with Snowbirds being it is close to groceries, store fronts and I10. There is a swimming pool, "The Barn", a salon, and a horseshoe pit.
- JJanet M.Guide
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Great trails. Clean park.
Nice park just outside of Scottsdale. Fun mountain bike trails. Clean bathrooms. Quiet in late December. Only 5 or 6 tent campers here. $22 night for tent site. We parked in our van. Can use showers at RV camp area. Great spot.
- Staci R.Legend
Constellation Park
Rodeo drive of primitive campgrounds
No tent camping. Self contained RVs only. Constellation park campground hosts horse events and rodeos that draw crowds from everywhere and of all ages. Campground is directly across the street from all horse and rodeo activities so this is very convenient if you are in the area for horsemanship.
Kathy W.
TravelerLost Dutchman State Park Campground
Lost Dutchman
A beautiful desert park at the foot of the Superstition Mountains. One of the cleanest campgrounds I have ever been to. I have only tent camped alongside a camper on an RV pad, but the space was more than ample for both. Lost one star because you can hear noise from the nearby "ghost town" attraction.
- JJanet M.Guide
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Beauty in a prickly world!
The map shows McDowell twice but there is only one. It us about 23K acres of beautiful desert surrounded by the Superstition Mountains. Clean campground and pretty quiet. Flush toilets, showers available in the RV campground. Fun MTB, hiking trails. We camped here twice in December 2020 because we liked it so much.. tent camping is $22/night. Highly recommend.
- MMarlie B.
ScoutMcDowell Mountain Regional Park
Beautiful scenic views
Large campground with beautiful views from every campsite. Desert camping so there are no tall trees for shade and it can get windy. Sites with good privacy, full restrooms with free showers. Tent sites are not as nice as RV sites with full hookup. Lots of trails for mountain biking or hiking.
jeff B.Guide
McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
Excellent Regional Campground
This campground in McDowell Regional park is for tent camping and small Vans, etc. Mix of both walk in sites and back in sites. It is set back a ways from the rest of the park. No showers here. Need to go to the trail head or RV campground for showers which was a bit of a hassle. Excellent mountain biking and hiking trails right out of the campground.
Tony C.Guide
White Tank Mountain
Chollas everywhere, plenty of options
This park is quite large and has many camping options: day passes, tent camping, semi-developed sites, and fully-developed sites with awnings for big rigs.
There are many hiking trails too, for every level of difficulty.
The nature is splendid, with hummingbirds, chipmunks, and plenty of chollas and prickly pear cactai.
The ambience is quite festive, much more than what I am used to (although the noise may be due to the fact I went on NASCAR weekend).
- PPatti S.Guide
White Tank Mountain
Beautiful and close to town
This park is so close to town, but far enough that you feel like you are way out. There are standard campsites (water and electric) as well as tent camping area. The sites can fit good sized rigs. There is a ton of trails for hiking, biking, and horses. Brand new showers, restrooms, and a dishwashing area. Dogs are allowed, but please keep them on a leash and pick up after them so we don't lose the privilege!
Here is a link to the Maricopa parks with maps: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/maps/
- MMattTraveler
C C C (AZ) Tonto National Forest — Tonto National Forest
Oasis in the desert
A dozen or so free tent sites. Tables, fire rings, grills. Vault toilets. Campers under 20’ should be okay. Larger RVs should consider a spot back off seven springs road. Going too much further up the road isn’t a good idea for RVs.
Road in is pretty good. Some washboard. Most vehicles will make it. I’ve done it several times in a compact car.
Late fall to early spring is best.
Zero cell service.
Jordan S.Traveler
Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)
Rock Solid Camping
Love this Saddle Mtn Campsite! The pin location is accurate but it looks there are multiple different access routes. We really enjoyed it here because you can pull up within 50-100 yards from Saddle mountain and camp right below it. So cool.
We tent camped for about 5 days here, the crowd was minimal, felt very safe. Plenty of trails to walk, can explore the mountain and there are petroglyphs here. We only found a couple, but didn’t look too hard.
Overall loved this place, easy access, safe, fun and some cool views!
Robert G.
Ranger
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Great Desert Park - Super Archery Range and Many other activites
Almost an urban park just due to it's proximity to the city of Mesa, Usery park offers great tent camping, group campsites, as well as RV Sites with Electric and Water hookups. Dump station on site.
Usery is a great jumping off point for hiking in the National Forest. There is an extensive trail network both in the park and connected to the Tonto National Forest. One of the most popular is Wind Cave Trail.
There is also a world class Archery Range here. There is a usage fee of about $2 (at time of this writing) on top of your park entry fee, but kids are free.
Justin M.Guide
Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant
Enjoyable time
Camped 5 nights at the desert tortoise campground in my NoBo travel trailer. Semi developed so no hook ups. Bathrooms were clean and the area was well kept. The spot includes a ramada with picnic table. There is also a fire ring pit w/ grill which you’ll need to bring firewood for. I fished off the shoreline which was only a few hundred feet from my spot. The spots are relatively close to each other and tent camping is also allowed. Water is clear and very nice. Wild donkeys from old miners back in the day still roam around. They are very accustomed to humans so won’t hesitate to steal food. Definitely something to watch pets around as well.
- AAlexandra T.Ranger
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
Beautiful State Park Campground
One of the most striking campsites I’ve ever been to. We were at site 135 which isn’t on a loop but rather off the main road but that wasn’t a drawback. It was a short walk on a path to the flush toilets and showers from our spot too which was a plus. Water there too. We were tent camping with two young kids (2 and 4) and this was a great spot for that. The pull in wasn’t very long FYI. Rangers were nice, sold ice and other items at the camp store. Only drawback was the signs to find your loop/site were a bit confusing but it could be because we’d never been there before. 😜
- Mike M.Traveler
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
Great winter camping
Campsite 36
Spent the night close to home as my dog had never been camping and I wanted to see if he liked it (he does!).
Booked online about two weeks prior for a Monday night stay and most of the campground was available. When I arrived about 75-80% was full, so good idea to book ahead.
Some of the sites are super close together, especially on the newer loops (sites 75-104 and 106-134). They'd be ok with a trailer, but I'd feel cramped in with my tent. The main part of the campground where I was is a bit more spread out, with vegetation between most of the sites.
My site had a big pad for the tent that was raked, a picnic table, a fire ring/grill, easy access to the hiking trails, and a great view of the mountains.
Beware during the winter as the wind can come up during the night and morning hours, so stake your tent down well. It got up to maybe 15 mph, so not super strong, but typical for the edges of the valley.
Staff was friendly, and the bathroom was clean. I didn't use the shower.
One specific note about my site 36: don't book it if you'll be taking a 5th wheel or really any trailer. The access road is narrow and the parking spot is at a 90° angle so it'd be very difficult to back into. Better to pick one of the pull thru spots. If you have a campervan or are tent camping then it's a great spot.
I'm glad I came here. Can't wait to come back! This would be an epic place during a full moon, or really anytime it's clear to see the stars. Too bad it was cloudy my entire stay.
- Jeni G.Scout
Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground
Cool spot, too much trash
The river was beautiful! The camp spots were close to the river with nice big fire rings. Just like a lot of low desert camping in Arizona it’s dusty and dry with lots of prickly plans. But the trail and the trees near the river were lush. My biggest complaint about the spot was all the garbage everywhere. Come on people, burn your trash or take it home! There’s no need to trip over piles of water bottles & beer cans, cigarette butts, McDonald’s wrappers and plastic bags.
- Annette R.Scout
Mesa-Apache Junction KOA
Nice place to stat
We stayed there years ago in our RV as a young family of 4 w our dog and cat! We were told to take our dog to a boarding facility bc he’s a pit bull! And this was back in the day when most sites were 55+ and this was the only one we could get into and we were visiting people in Glendale! It was quite the drive!
Scott C.Traveler
Buckeye Hills Regional Park
Great (late winter) desert camping
This was one of my favorite free longterm camping spots of all time. Desert flowers were blooming while I was there in January/Feb. Nice enough scenery.
Lots of RVs around. I was able to find a spot by toilets for my tent and then move into a more private spot after an RV left.
Fairly busy. Serviced (BLM?), very clean. Feels safe. Next to air force base which is loud and pretty cool, and sheriffs training facility /shooting range which actually is better than a lot of other free Arizona spots because gunshots aren't going off all night and bullets whizzing by from responsible gun owners...
Was not hassled at all.
Dry toilets and garbages. But pack out. Garbage piles up. Many options for RV and tents and car campers. Seems they don't ask anyone to move or anything unless they have to.
- Robert G.Ranger
Pleasant Harbor RV Resort
Great Campground with easy water access...lots of options
There are several different RV/Camping options at Pleasant Harbor Marina / RV Resort.
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In the resort with Full Hookups
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Out on the "flat" with just water and power (dump station on site)
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Out on the "flat" with no hookups. (can also tent / car camp)
As compared to the Maricopa County Parks side, this has a little bit more party atmosphere, is less secluded, but you can almost always get at least a boondocking spot without a reservation. They also have large events here as well so check their calendar for the weekend you are wanting to go!
We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time.
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- Nolan C.Traveler
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
Loved this one ❤️
They have both cabins and rv and tent the views are amazing 👏 stafed great . Just make sure you read the rules for cabins vs tent ⛺️
- Paul E.Traveler
Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground
Lake pleasant
Awesome in spring or fall in a tent! Moonless night.
Sarah K.TravelerConstellation Park
Easy!
We have camped many times with my family. Many people have RVs in our group and some have tents and truck tents! All are welcome and easy to navigate. Great for individuals and groups. Cheap, just 8$! It is clean, quiet and beautiful views. Close to town and close to fun attractions such as the rodeo or box canyon wash!
Derek A.GuideLost Dutchman State Park Campground
Great campground
Wife’s first camping trip in a tent. She loved it.
christian N.ScoutLost Dutchman State Park Campground
Great
Lost Dutchman is one of the best campsites to wake up in. One of my favorite trails in Arizona.
Guide to Glendale
Tent camping near Glendale, Arizona offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor experiences for nature enthusiasts. From well-reviewed campgrounds to unique activities, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into the great outdoors.
Explore Local Trails and Natural Wonders
- The Boulders OHV Area provides miles of desert and washes to explore, perfect for hiking and off-roading adventures.
- At Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin Lake), visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and access to trails that lead to Prescott, making it ideal for both hiking and mountain biking.
- McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood features numerous hiking and biking trails right outside the campground, offering a great way to experience the local flora and fauna.
Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities
- Margies Cove West Campground offers a secluded environment with ample space for tent camping, though it lacks some amenities like toilets and picnic tables.
- At Hackamore Road Dispersed, campers can enjoy a free camping experience with scenic views and access to numerous trails, although the road can be rough.
- Needle Rock Campground is a small spot perfect for day use, allowing for hiking or horseback riding to the river, making it a great choice for those looking for a more rustic experience.
Unique Attractions and Activities Nearby
- The Buckeye Hills Regional Park is open year-round and offers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area, although it lacks some basic amenities.
- Kentuck Springs provides a primitive camping experience with access to toilets, making it a good option for those who want to be close to nature without too many distractions.
- Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove features a beautiful day-use area with swimming access and stunning desert mountain views, perfect for a family outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Glendale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Glendale, AZ is Boulders OHV Area with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Glendale, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Glendale, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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