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Best Campgrounds near Mesa, AZ

860 Reviews

Mesa's surrounding landscape includes various camping options from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, located about 20 miles east in Apache Junction, offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations near the Superstition Mountains. Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa provides developed tent and RV sites with hook-ups. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Bulldog Canyon and Hackamore Road areas offer free dispersed camping on public lands with fewer amenities.

The region experiences extremely hot summer temperatures that regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Many developed campgrounds remain open year-round but require advance reservations during winter months when snowbirds arrive. "This park is fully fenced with gate. Very clean and well kept," noted one camper about Mesa Gardens RV Park. Permits are required for dispersed camping in certain areas such as Bulldog Canyon, while established campgrounds like McDowell Mountain Regional Park have specific fire regulations and pet policies. Water conservation is essential when camping in this desert environment, with drinking water available at most developed sites but not at dispersed locations.

Campers frequently mention the accessibility of Mesa-area campgrounds to urban amenities while still providing natural surroundings. Several RV resorts cater specifically to the 55+ community, offering extensive amenities and organized activities. McDowell Mountain Regional Park receives particularly high ratings for its desert scenery and trail access. One visitor described Monte Vista RV Resort as having "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." While most campgrounds provide full hookups and modern facilities, dispersed camping options like Hackamore Road offer a more rustic experience with minimal amenities but greater solitude and typically lower costs.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mesa, Arizona (254)

    1. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4485

    $35 - $99 / night

    "It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade."

    "Can see canyon one direction and sunset over Mesa in the other."

    2. Usery Mountain Regional Park

    35 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 984-0032

    "Usery Mountain is also just a few minutes away from east Mesa, which has a good selection of restaurants."

    "This is a great campground close to Mesa. Incredibly clean sites, great layouts, flat, quiet, quality hookups."

    3. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $10 - $80 / night

    "Don't park near the gate, the sound from the road can get really loud. 6 am every morning a helicopter comes overhead it's extremely loud, just so you know."

    "I use the north entrance off Bush highway. I've camped here 5 or 6 times. No water or bathrooms. Leave no trace. You need a permit and gate code. Most ATVers but not loud during the week."

    4. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    18 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4015

    "This KOA sits on the outskirts of Apache Junction, which itself isn't Phoenix proper but an eastern suburb. The RV park has all of the basics: power, water, sewer plus a pool and a level, clean site."

    "We had plenty of space between us and adjacent sites. The whole KOA has some nice touches as far as landscaping, sites with grills, etc. Very clean and well kept."

    5. Encore Mesa Spirit

    8 Reviews
    Mesa, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We loved this park in the Arizona Desert.  Close to everything, yet set up to feel like you're in your own little village. "

    "Made fast friends with the neighbors, got tons of recommendations from anyone walking or biking for things to do nearby."

    6. Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell

    10 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 789-5310

    $41 - $84 / night

    "Walking paths and trails are throughout the park. A dog park is available. Town is about 10 minutes away on a winding back road."

    "We have met great people here and enjoy that you can walk or bikeride directly from the RV Park. The park is always clean and well cared for, and we like that its not in the city center."

    7. Monte Vista RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Mesa, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Gravel surrounds each campsite and we have noticed maintenance crews raking the gravel every other day. Close to all the fun stuff on the Superstition Mountains."

    8. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "It's on BLM land, so you are out of the reach of the Arizona Land Permits.

    The road is a bit tricky."

    "It’s got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby."

    9. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $32 / night

    "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."

    "No sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located. NO shade however and in the summer it is HOT! Desert surround's and lots you singing coyotes at night and early morning!"

    10. Valle Del Oro RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 984-1146
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Recent Camping Photos near Mesa, AZ

171 Photos of 254 Mesa Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mesa, AZ

860 Reviews of 254 Mesa Campgrounds

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Cave Creek Regional Park

    Cactus place

    Nice campground, serene with a large cactus next to every spot. Power and water at the spot, toilets & bathrooms available.

  • Stacy R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    High Chaparral RV Park

    100 Out of 10 – The Ultimate Adult RV Community in Arizona!

    We stayed 4-months last winter as snowbirds at High Chaparral RV Resort, and all I can say is this place is a 100 out of 10! This isn’t just an RV resort—it’s a full-on adult community bursting with FUN and SUN. The management here goes above and beyond to keep everyone entertained. From casino nights with real tables, dealers, and prizes, to bingo nights, live concerts, unbelievable cookouts, pickleball tournaments, frisbee golf, ladies’ luncheons, and the guys’ morning coffee gatherings—there is ALWAYS something happening. It’s impossible to be bored here. The 24-hour pool and spa was perfect for relaxing any time of day, and the whole community vibe makes you feel like you’re part of one big family. The staff is beyond amazing—friendly, helpful, and genuinely fun to be around. High Chaparral is hands-down the best adult RV community in Arizona. If you’re looking for sunshine, friendship, endless activities, and memories that will last a lifetime, this is the place to be. We can’t wait to come back!

  • Stacy R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Tonto Creek Trail RV Park

    Quiet Desert Gem with Beautiful Mountain Views

    We loved our stay at Tonto Creek Trail RV& MHC! From the start, the staff was warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The park is peaceful, clean, and well-maintained—exactly what we were looking for in a relaxing getaway. The location couldn’t be better. Nestled in Tonto Basin, the park is just minutes from Roosevelt Lake, which was perfect for fishing, boating, and soaking in the views. We also enjoyed exploring the nearby Tonto National Forest trails—ideal for hiking and ATV adventures. As pet owners, we were thrilled that pets stay free! The community is very pet-friendly, which made traveling with our furry family stress-free. The grounds are safe and quiet, with beautiful mountain views all around, giving us plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring. Between the friendly community vibe, the great amenities, and the unbeatable location, this is a hidden gem in Arizona. We’re already planning our next trip back to Tonto Creek Trail RV—highly recommend it!

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    Close to PHX, great hikes

    We love the Superstition mountains. Lost Dutchman campground is great. Has everything and is close to hwy and Phoenix. Lots to do in the area, lots of hikes straight from the campground. Homes were close to our campsite, but the view of the mountains was great!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Mesa Gardens RV Park

    Hidden fees and rules

    The park was fine. Not my preference but wanted to be as close to my son visiting as possible so it worked.

    However the site I was on wasnt easy at all to get into with my 29ft trailer. After multiple attempts of trying to be on the gravel behind the concrete pad like others I stay partially on the concrete pad since there were no rules specified about this. I arrived on a Friday evening (labor day weekend). Tuesday the manager came by and said something. She was super nice. I explained the events of getting into the spot with the traffic in the park and that I triple checked the rules on it. Since I was leaving the next morning she let me stay as is.

    Today though I got an email about a balance. So if you book less than a 30day stay you pay a fee of $4. And the electric charge that is listed for Monthly stays is charged for a few nights as well.

    I would stay again though. I mean the location was convenient for my visit. It was a well kept park. Just a few unknowns that I wish I knew before booking

  • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    Camping not available

    Was a great site before, but now all the camp sites are blocked and no longer allowed. This area will be missed it was very convenient.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Vekol Valley Road

    Quiet place

    Tons of nice level spots, just dry and hot in summer, not much shade

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    Clean friendly easy

    We stayed 4 nights in July. Staff friendly and helpful. Clean quiet nice level sites FHU everything worked great. Wi-Fi is poor. Will stay here again.

Guide to Mesa

Camping near Mesa, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. One camper mentioned, “Lace up your boots and conquer one of the park's diverse hiking trails. From challenging climbs to scenic strolls, there's a path for every level and every desire” at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground.
  • Off-Roading: If you have a UTV or enjoy off-roading, you’re in luck! A visitor shared, “Dust off your UTVs and get ready for a blast! The washboard washes offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts” at the same campground.
  • Fishing and Water Sports: For those who love water activities, Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground is a great choice. One reviewer said, “The views from my spot were pretty epic. Relaxed and fished off the shoreline.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A visitor at Picacho Peak State Park Campground noted, “Great views and epic sunsets. We stayed on the western edge... the sunsets were unobstructed and magnificent.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. A camper at Usery Mountain Regional Park mentioned, “The sites are very nicely kept/clean. The bathrooms are immaculate, and the staff is friendly and helpful.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like McDowell Mountain Regional Park are popular for families. One reviewer said, “Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, have limited facilities. A camper pointed out, “No hot water in bathrooms. No showers... but there was only one functioning bathhouse.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife! A visitor at Cactus Forest Dispersed shared, “I came across 6 rattlesnakes... packs of coyotes rolling through at night.”
  • Road Conditions: If you're heading to places like Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, be aware of rough roads. One camper warned, “The road is in the worst condition... it was impossible to get through.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, which offers plenty of space and activities. A family shared, “There is plenty to see around the area. Park is well maintained.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for hiking and exploring. One camper noted, “Great hikes right from the campground” at Picacho Peak State Park Campground.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: It’s always good to have snacks on hand, especially when exploring. A visitor at Usery Mountain Regional Park mentioned, “The facilities were clean and well kept.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, offer electric hookups, while others do not. A camper noted, “Water and electric... but no beach for swimming.”
  • Be Mindful of Space: RVers at McDowell Mountain Regional Park appreciated the spacious sites. One said, “Nice large private sites with a wonderful view of the mountains and desert.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where dump stations are located. A visitor at Burnt Corral Campground mentioned, “There is a boat launch adjacent to the campground so most campers also had boats.”

Camping around Mesa, AZ, has something for everyone, from stunning views to exciting activities. Just be prepared for the desert environment and enjoy your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mesa, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mesa, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 254 campgrounds and RV parks near Mesa, AZ and 56 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mesa, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mesa, AZ is Lost Dutchman State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 83 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mesa, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 56 free dispersed camping spots near Mesa, AZ.

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