Camping spots near Higley, Arizona offer access to the rugged terrain of the Sonoran Desert with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet in the surrounding areas. Winter daytime temperatures typically stay between 65-75°F, while spring and fall temperatures range from 75-90°F. Campers can find both developed campgrounds with amenities and primitive dispersed options requiring high-clearance vehicles on public lands east of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
What to do
Mountain biking on desert trails: Usery Mountain Regional Park offers extensive biking opportunities with trails ranging from beginner-friendly to technical challenges. "Wonderful hiking trails around the park. Will stay again!" notes one visitor to Usery Mountain Regional Park.
Ghost town exploration: Camp near historic mining settlements close to Hackamore Road dispersed camping area. "Town is close, close enough you can hear it. Altogether it's a nice place to make camp for a bit," reports a camper at Hackamore Road Dispersed, referencing the proximity to Goldfield Ghost Town.
Desert hiking with cactus viewing: The Superstition Mountains provide scenic trails with abundant saguaro and cholla cacti. "We have a 40ft school bus and we'll if not for the potholes Everywhere it's the horrid uneven land. Mind you if you are not RV camping then you'll be 100% okay and good to go," advises a visitor about accessing the trails near Hackamore Road.
Coyote viewing at dawn: Early risers can often spot desert wildlife. "The coyotes started howling around 4am, but they started dying down after they had migrated," shares a tent camper at Hackamore Road, highlighting the natural desert experience available just outside the city limits.
What campers like
Spacious desert sites: Usery Mountain Regional Park offers well-spaced camping areas. "Our site #48 Buckhorn was really spacious and private. Great views all around. Table and fire pit. The park has tons of trails for hiking and MTN biking," notes a satisfied visitor to Usery Mountain Regional Park.
Winter camping conditions: The mild winter climate makes Higley-area camping popular from November through March. "I have a love/hate relationship with this place. It's got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby," shares a winter visitor to Hackamore Road who stayed for a week.
Desert wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer opportunities to see desert creatures. "Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape," writes a visitor to Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, located about 20 miles from Higley.
Evening skies: The desert landscape provides unique sunset viewing opportunities. "Beautiful sunset, amazing view of moon rising over mountains," reports a camper at Lost Dutchman State Park, though light pollution can affect stargazing closer to the Phoenix metro area.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some dispersed camping areas require permits. "Easy to get a permit from the ranger station. Just email your name, address, phone number and driver's license number to sm.fs.mesa_ohs@usda.gov and you'll get your permit within 2 days for free," explains a camper at Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping.
Road conditions for dispersed sites: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many free camping areas. "Roads are a little rough, just take it slow. There are a lot of sites, lots of utvs and folks riding horses out here," notes a visitor to Hackamore Road dispersed camping.
Noise considerations: OHV and ATV traffic affects some dispersed camping areas. "It's a good spot, but the road is atrocious. I nearly ripped off my equalizer system," warns a camper about Hackamore Road.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Sites are clean and most level with mix of electric and non electric. Suggest you make reservations well ahead for busy winter months!" advises a visitor to Lost Dutchman State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed campgrounds: Families often prefer established sites with amenities. "The campground was great! Clean and nice bathrooms with showers, nice places to park. Gorgeous views of the mountains," reports a visitor to Lost Dutchman State Park.
Scorpion awareness: Bring flashlights with UV settings to check for scorpions after dark. "They offer tons of programs for everyone like night hikes and scorpion hunts," mentions a camper at Mesa-Apache Junction KOA regarding available ranger-led activities.
Morning activities: Plan desert exploration early before temperatures rise. "I stayed at this property from 12/28/2020 - 01/11/2020. The RV site we were assigned has a rock pad, was moderately spacious, level, in full sun," notes a camper, highlighting the lack of shade at many sites.
Evening noise levels: Some campgrounds have issues with quiet hours enforcement. "Camped here with my family. The scenery was beautiful, but didn't love the fact that people were blaring their music here until 2AM in the morning," cautions a visitor to Lost Dutchman State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Review specific site dimensions before booking. "Highly recommend this park with spacious sites and great views of the Superstition Mountains and night lights of Phoenix. Carefully review the site you select to be sure it will accommodate your rig. Roads are narrow and there are unforgiving drop offs on the sides," advises an RVer at Lost Dutchman State Park.
Winter season planning: Book well in advance for winter stays. "Perfect for just getting away for the weekend. Only a 45 minute drive from the house, yet far enough that you still feel like you got away," shares a winter visitor to Lost Dutchman State Park Campground.
Power needs: Ensure your site has appropriate electrical hookups. "Close to everything, including some awesome Mountain Biking from green to double black diamond trails. Large spaces with water, power and super clean," explains a visitor to Usery Mountain Regional Park.
Short-term vs. long-term stays: Many RV parks near Higley cater to different stay durations. "This is a nice spot close to home and easy to get to. My site was a pull through...more a side of the road spot. No shade here at all but otherwise pretty decent. My spot had water and electric. Nice dump station on the way out too," notes a short-term visitor to Usery Mountain Regional Park.
