The RV parks near Maricopa, Arizona typically operate in temperatures averaging 70-85°F from October through April, making winter the prime season for visitors. The surrounding Sonoran Desert receives just 8 inches of annual rainfall, creating dry camping conditions throughout most of the year. Most parks are situated between 1,100-1,400 feet elevation with minimal shade.
What to do
Desert hiking: 10 miles south of Sonoran Desert RV Park, visitors find accessible trail options. "We loved this park in the Arizona Desert. Close to everything, yet set up to feel like you're in your own little village," notes one camper about their experience at Encore Mesa Spirit.
Golf courses: 3-5 miles from most parks offer year-round play with winter green fees typically $40-90 depending on time of day. A visitor at Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort shares, "Quiet park, I was surprised because it is so big. Sites are level and large. Lots of planned activities and beautiful golf course."
Casa Grande Ruins: 15 miles northeast of Maricopa provides archaeological exploration opportunities. "Visited the Casa Grande Ruins and San Tan Mountain Regional Park for hiking with our dog," mentions a camper who stayed at Encore Foothills West.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many parks maintain high standards for their communal areas. At Sonoran Desert RV Park, "The shower house and laundry were newer, had plenty of room, and were very clean," according to one reviewer. Another notes, "Their laundry facility was larger than most CGs of this size and it was very clean."
Active community atmosphere: Winter visitors appreciate scheduled activities. "This is a busy little 55+ RV community. There's lots of activities like shuffleboard, pickleball, billiards, card tables, bocce ball, karaoke, bingo, concerts, seminars and exercise classes," reports a camper at Encore Fiesta Grande.
Spacious sites: Compared to more urban parks, some locations offer generous spacing. At Monte Vista RV Resort, a reviewer notes, "All the sites are back-in but all have concrete parking pads and patio. Gravel surrounds each campsite and we have noticed maintenance crews raking the gravel every other day."
What you should know
Age restrictions: Many parks are designated as 55+ communities. "This 55+ community is very well organized," states one visitor about Encore Mesa Spirit, while another adds, "My husband and I asked if we could stay there even though we aren't 55, and they allowed us to do so."
Reservation timing: Winter spots fill 3-6 months in advance, particularly January through March. "We stayed April 22-25th. It had cleared out a lot with snowbirds leaving. It's a 55+ park. Apparently much busier before April," explains a visitor at Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort.
Variable WiFi quality: Internet access differs significantly between parks. At Encore Mesa Spirit, one camper reported, "Internet is crap, you have to spend $100 to get decent service," while others noted strong cell service throughout the area.
Tips for camping with families
Check age policies: Many RV parks near Maricopa restrict children. "When my daughter booked reservations they asked the age and how many people. She has three children and listed that in advance. When she showed up, she was told she would have to leave as children were not welcome," cautions a visitor to Encore Mesa Spirit.
Dog-friendly amenities: Several parks offer dedicated pet areas. At Sonoran Desert RV Park, "We were also impressed with their PETHouse sites where you have a private dog run," reports one camper. Another visitor raves, "Although I was just spending one night on my way home I was so surprised to find the most amazing K-9 Park ever. 3 separate secure areas with large grass areas in two of them."
Pool facilities: Many parks maintain heated swimming pools year-round. "There's a pool, hot tub, lodge, pickleball, mini golf, shuffleboard, dog park, laundry and a fitness center on the grounds," notes a visitor about Encore Mesa Spirit.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Most parks accommodate large rigs but site configurations vary. "My wife and two mini-Daschunds stayed in a 40 ft Fifth Wheel. All the sites are back-in but all have concrete parking pads and patio," explains a camper at Monte Vista RV Resort.
Water quality: Consider bringing filtration systems. "Water dispenser on site for drinking water, but you have to pay .30/gallon. Found a health food store that sells it for .10/gallon," advises a visitor at Encore Countryside.
Overnight options without reservations: Some parks offer flexibility for short stays. "We tried this out - no reservation (I did call ahead, but indeed, curb spots are unreserved), just show up at dusk or later, and this very nice, truly chill but soo ginormous resort let us park right in the front/middle for the night," shares a guest at Encore Mesa Spirit about their $27 overnight parking experience.
