Usery Mountain Regional Park offers desert camping experiences 45 minutes from Phoenix near Salt River, Arizona. Elevations range from 1,700 to 2,100 feet with temperatures dropping into the 40s overnight during winter months. Camping spaces are distributed along a loop with varying site sizes and proximity to amenities, providing differing privacy levels throughout the park.
What to Do
Hike at first light: At Usery Mountain Regional Park, morning temperatures create ideal hiking conditions. "The visitor center is worth a look. Wonderful hiking trails around the park," notes Christine S., who recommends exploring the park's trail system before temperatures rise.
Explore mountain biking trails: Trails vary from beginner to advanced with technical sections. "Close to everything, including some awesome Mountain Biking from green to double black diamond trails," reports Marty P. from Usery Mountain Regional Park, highlighting the diverse riding options available for different skill levels.
Join ranger-led programs: Educational activities run throughout winter months at Cave Creek Regional Park. "The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities," Ellen W. mentions, with programs including night hikes and desert wildlife demonstrations during the cooler months.
Visit abandoned mines: Off-road routes near Boulders OHV Area lead to historical mining sites. "Nearby washes lead to tons of trails near castle hot springs that can lead to various abandoned mine sites (including Anderson Mill)," reports Caitlin S., adding that winter and spring provide the best exploration conditions.
What Campers Like
Spacious campsites: Sites at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground offer room to spread out camping equipment. "Highly recommend this park with spacious sites and great views of the Superstition Mountains and night lights of Phoenix," Terri D. shares, noting the importance of selecting sites that accommodate your specific vehicle size.
Desert wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings bring active wildlife periods. "Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape," writes Rebecca G., who visited Lost Dutchman State Park Campground during winter months.
Accessibility to town: Mesa-Apache Junction KOA provides glamping in Salt River with convenient access to urban amenities. "We stayed a couple of nights while visiting family and friends in the area. Gave us a chance to refill water and propane, take some long hot showers and generally recharge before heading back out on the road," Teresa A. explains.
Night sky visibility: Despite proximity to Phoenix, many sites offer stargazing opportunities. "Great view of the stars. Its easy to reserve a camping site. The sunrise was great too," states Rebeka F. about her experience at Usery Mountain Regional Park, where city light pollution is minimized compared to other nearby camping locations.
What You Should Know
Gate closing times: Access restrictions apply at some parks after hours. "Nothing on website said gate closes and can't get back in after 9 pm," warns Nicole E. about Cave Creek Regional Park, highlighting the importance of checking individual park regulations before making evening plans outside the campground.
Reservation requirements: Winter months fill quickly with seasonal visitors. "Do consider reserving a spot with ample time - they tend to get booked really quick especially during the winter time," advises Jose G. about Usery Mountain Regional Park, particularly important from November through March.
Noise considerations: OHV areas and some campgrounds experience varying noise levels. "If you don't mind occasional off-road vehicles driving through during the day, it's a good spot with plenty of room," Daniel B. notes about Boulders OHV Area, where vehicle noise occurs primarily during daylight hours.
Water taste differences: Bringing additional drinking water is recommended by some campers. "Bring lots of water. Though there are fresh water stations around, the water seemed to have an odd taste to me," notes a visitor to White Tank Mountain, suggesting bottled water for those sensitive to mineral content.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. "The park has tons of trails for hiking and MTN biking. The only downside is the light pollution at night being so close to Phoenix," mentions Julie F. from Usery Mountain Regional Park, where family-friendly amenities include developed recreation areas.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide structured entertainment options. "They offer tons of programs for everyone like night hikes and scorpion hunts," Jose G. shares about Usery Mountain Regional Park's programming designed for various age groups.
Site selection strategy: Corner sites provide additional buffer space for active children. "Campsite #70 was the best!" exclaims Rebeka F., highlighting the importance of reviewing site maps when making glamping reservations near Salt River for family stays.
Bathroom proximity: Consider distance to facilities when booking with young children. "Checked in on a Sunday for a one night stay at Buckhorn CG. Campsite 6 is the first one on the right, across from the Camp Host site," shares Janet H., noting the trade-off between restroom proximity and traffic noise.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to Cave Creek Group Site require careful navigation. "Great place! Hosts were friendly and very helpful!" Randall Y. reports, with staff providing guidance on best routes for larger vehicles.
Site leveling requirements: Prepare leveling blocks for certain campgrounds. "The sites are well maintained and the visitor center is worth a look," notes Christine S. about Usery Mountain Regional Park, where site grading varies throughout the loops.
Pull-through availability: Select appropriate sites based on RV size and maneuverability. "Our site was a pull through...more a side of the road spot. No shade here at all but otherwise pretty decent," explains Chris P., highlighting the practical layout at Usery Mountain Regional Park for larger rigs.
Dump station logistics: Plan for specific dump station hours and locations. "My spot had water and electric. Nice dump station on the way out too," adds Chris P., noting the convenience of exit-route facilities at Usery Mountain Regional Park.
