Camping sites near Goodyear, Arizona include both established and dispersed options within the Sonoran Desert where elevations range from 900-2,600 feet. Summers bring extreme temperatures often exceeding 110°F, while winter nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s. Road conditions vary significantly between sites, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles on unmarked desert paths.
What to do
Hike waterfall trails: At White Tank Mountain Regional Park, visitors can explore the popular Waterfall Trail. "The waterfall only runs after heavy rain. There was water in the 'pool' and it is scenic so it was worthwhile to go despite no running falls," notes one camper who appreciated the natural feature even without flowing water.
Stargaze in dark skies: Light pollution from Phoenix is blocked by the mountains at many campsites. One visitor at Margies Cove West Campground reported that "The mountains block out a lot of light pollution from the City so it gets very very dark."
Explore desert wildlife: The region's parks provide opportunities to observe desert ecology. "Lush desert campground. Quiet and well run. Very clean," reports one camper about the natural environment at White Tank Mountain, where native plants and animals thrive despite the arid conditions.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many camping areas offer generous spacing between sites. At Leaf Verde RV Resort, one camper noted the "large laundry room" and that "all sites are full hook up with 30 & 50 amp electrical," making longer stays comfortable.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds receive high marks for maintenance. "Clean bathrooms, great lounge with a library, pool," wrote one visitor about Leaf Verde RV Resort, while another appreciated that "roadways are asphalt and large enough to maneuver bigger rigs through."
Fruit trees: Some RV parks incorporate unique natural features. At Destiny Phoenix RV Resorts, campers enjoy "orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees everywhere." Another visitor mentioned, "Staff very helpful when we came to help us park," highlighting both natural amenities and service quality.
What you should know
Desert flies: Several sites experience insect activity from nearby agriculture. "A lot more flies than I remember ever having been here before," reported a camper at Margies Cove West, who later discovered "a huge cattle stockyard about 2 miles from Woods Road" was the likely source.
Powerline noise: At BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, campers should expect "powerlines overhead that emit a cracking and rattling noise constantly," according to one reviewer who questioned potential health implications.
Limited shade: Desert camping means exposure to sun. "Not much vegetation on the campground itself, so sunshine in abundance," noted a visitor to White Tank Mountain Regional Park, highlighting the need for sun protection during daylight hours.
Road conditions: Access varies significantly between sites. For Margies Cove, a visitor reported, "The drive is not hard but it has its bumps and it's fun and pretty drivable for most large-suvs or 4wd Cars/Suvs/trucks," indicating high-clearance vehicles may be necessary.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Family-friendly wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several parks. At Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, one camper shared, "Woke up to a donkey eating our watermelon, making donkey noises and rolling on the ground so cute!"
Educational resources: Some parks offer learning opportunities. "The park has a nice map of the available trails, covered ramadas with recycle containers along with trash receptacles, and even a shaded horse hitching post area with an automatic horse waterer," observed a visitor to Skyline Regional Park.
Playground access: Facilities for children exist at several locations. "There are a couple of playgrounds in the park as well," reported a White Tank Mountain Regional Park camper, providing entertainment options beyond hiking trails.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Finding the right spot makes a difference. At White Tank Mountain Regional Park, "IMO, the best sites are B, C, and D. Site D especially has no visible neighbors on either side," shared one RVer appreciating the thoughtful layout.
Parking challenges: Some parks have tight spaces. At Cotton Lane RV Resort, a visitor cautioned, "Sights are very tight and very close together. Slides almost touch one another," indicating the need for careful maneuvering.
Dog accommodations: Pet owners should research policies. At Destiny Phoenix RV Resorts, one camper noted, "They have 2 fenced dog runs," providing options for traveling with pets at campgrounds that welcome them.
