Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Mesa, AZ
Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Mesa? Finding a place to camp in Arizona with your dog is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Mesa campsites are perfect for camping with dogs.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Mesa, AZ (182)
1. Usery Mountain Regional Park
Apache Junction, Arizona33 Reviews•104 Photos•238 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
Fort Mcdowell, Arizona25 Reviews•63 Photos•486 SavesNO CAMPING First 2 miles and 300 feet on either side of the road/trail VEHICLES MUST STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS - but past those designated no camping zones, camping is allowed unless otherwise posted.
This space is very large so it may be best to divide it by the access points. The point I'll be using is Access #3- Forest Road (FR) 10, south entrance: This access point is reached from Apache Junction. From Mesa: Travel 15 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to the Idaho Street exit. Follow Idaho Street north 4½ miles to McKellips. Turn right on McKellips and travel ½ mile to the Wolverine Pass Road and turn left. Follow it for 7/8 mile and turn right on Tonto Road. Travel north on Tonto Road for ¼ mile to Cactus and turn left. Follow Cactus to McDowell Road and follow it to FR 10 gate.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Rio Verde, Arizona20 Reviews•43 Photos•216 SavesSet in the northeast Valley of metro Phoenix, McDowell Mountain Regional Park covers 21,099 acres in the lower Verde River basin. Campers choose from 76 individual sites for tent or RV camping, which can accommodate up to a 45-foot RV. These developed sites have water and electrical hook-ups, plus a dump station, picnic table, and barbecue fire ring, while all restrooms offer flush toilets and showers. Group camping is also available.
McDowell Mountain activities range from biking, hiking, and horseback riding on over 50 miles of multi-use trails to picnicking, stargazing, and plenty of park-organized programs and events.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$32 / night
4. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA
Apache Junction, Arizona12 Reviews•21 Photos•49 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Tortilla Campground
Tortilla Flat, Arizona16 Reviews•90 Photos•13 SavesOverview
Tortilla Campground is a winter campground just outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area. From October through April each year, urban dwellers take advantage of cooler temperatures and enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and scenic driving throughout the surrounding Tonto National Forest. Campers awake to a scenic backdrop of rugged bluffs, saguaro cactus and desert skies. The campground is located directly across from Tortilla Flat Restaruant and general store, which is just a short walk away.
Recreation
The area is rich with human history, scenery and outdoor recreation. The campground lies along the Canyon Lake Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a former Apache Tribal route turned stagecoach road. Visitors may hear stories of lost cowboys and gold mining. The drive to the campground provides ample scenery and a vista point perfect for photography and wildlife viewing. The campground is just down the road from Canyon Lake which provides a number of recreational opportunites such as kayaking, fishing, and boating. The Superstition Wilderness has a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. Use caution as trail conditions can be fair or poor, and several are unsuitable for horses. Also make sure to check out many of the developed recreation sites along Canyon lake for shoreline and fishing dock access, but keep in mind these sites require a day pass not included in the camping fees.
Natural Features
The Superstition Wilderness Area is starkly beautiful and untamed. A series of dams has created numerous lakes along the Salt River. Blossoming plants bring the desert to life each spring with vibrant wildflowers. This area is a photographers dream with plenty of opportunities to capture Bighorn Sheep, Deer, and other desert widlife. The area can be harsh for travelers not equipped to meet nature on her own terms. Soaring temperatures and little water are typical conditions in the summer. In winter, temperatures are typically pleasant during the day but drop significantly at night. Visitors should come prepared for anything, even the occasional rain or snow.
Nearby Attractions
Fish Creek Vista Point is approx. 7 miles east on AZ-88, this area provides great views of the desert and an accessible interpretive trail great for learning about the history of the area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$20 / night
6. Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell
Fort Mcdowell, Arizona10 Reviews•25 Photos•77 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$41 - $84 / night
7. Canyon Lake Marina & Campground
Tortilla Flat, Arizona15 Reviews•33 Photos•162 SavesCommerical Site, Please call for information, Tel: (480)288-9233, Paved Boat Launch
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
8. Hackamore Road Dispersed
Apache Junction, Arizona10 Reviews•8 Photos•77 SavesCamping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Burnt Corral Campground
Roosevelt, Arizona19 Reviews•104 Photos•404 SavesOverview
Burnt Corral Campground and Recreation Area (elevation 1914') is about 5.8 miles south of Roosevelt Dam along the Apache Trail (AZ Hwy 88) along the shoreline of Apache Lake. It is nestled amongst the saguaros, mesquites, and palo verdes, and offers opportunities to boat, swim, fish, relax, hike, and sightsee.
Recreation
Burnt Corral Campground offers something for almost everyone. Motorboating, fishing, water-skiing, and paddlesports are very popular because of the developed and undeveloped lake access from within the campground. Others may enjoy hiking nearby trails, being challenged by local jeep trails, or practicing their landscape photography, or simply relaxing with a good book.
Natural Features
Burnt Corral Campground is situated in what may be the most stunning Sonoran Desert landscape in Arizona. The contrast of sunshine, clear blue water, and saguaro's surrounded by the Four Peaks and Superstition Wilderness' is a magnificant sight to see. While shade is scarce in the desert, campsites are situated amongst mature mesquite and palo verde trees, and desert chaparral. Apache Lake is 17 miles long making it the longest in the chain of reservoirs on the lower Salt River below Roosevelt Dam.
Nearby Attractions
Roosevelt Dam, Apache Lake Marina, Tortilla Flats, Tonto National Monument (Cliff Dwellings), Roosevelt Lake, Apache Trail Scenic Byway (AZ Hwy 88), Spines to Pines Scenic Byway (AZ Hwy 288). The City of Globe and Town of Payson are only an hour away.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
$40 / night
10. Cave Creek Regional Park
Cave Creek, Arizona15 Reviews•34 Photos•251 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Mesa
609 Reviews of 182 Mesa Campgrounds
Chelsey W.
Traveler
Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
Nice, quiet, friendly site with some trash and glass
The campsite is good, quiet, easily accessible and I met some friendly neighbors. I love all the cacti as well. There is quite a bit of trash and glass around. Full Verizon cell service and nice warm weather in December.
- LLinda H.
Scout
Monte Vista RV Resort
Monte Vista
Beautiful park. Expensive but worth every penny. Unbelievable amenities
- LLacey W.Scout
State land trust/Inspiration Point
Closed
Coordinates led to a cattle guard that is fenced closed. No access to the site. You could park next to the road though.
- llisa K.Traveler
West Pinal County Park
I’m the volunteer camp host
I’m Lisa, the volunteer camp host here from October through Easter. I’m often on-site and happy to help! Here’s what you need to know to enjoy your stay: • About the Park: This is a peaceful, primitive, and clean county-run park. We offer shaded picnic tables, six spotless port-a-jons, and a dumpster for trash (access the side doors, as the lid is locked). Please respect the 10 mph speed limit to minimize dust and maintain the park’s tranquility. Campfires are not allowed on the ground; please use your barbecue or an appropriate fire container. • Reservations: Reserve ahead during winter months as we often fill up. Large RVs should plan carefully as sites are limited. Smaller rigs, please select an appropriately sized site to help us accommodate everyone. For reservations, use the website, not the app (it doesn’t always show specific sites). Need help? Reach me on-site or call the office weekdays at (520) 866-6920. • Amenities in the Park: • A large, fenced area for off-leash dog exercise. • Shaded picnic tables and clean port-a-jons. • Nearby Amenities: • Gas Station/Showers: Less than a mile west at the I-8/84 interchange. • Dump & Fill: Wild West RV Park (4 miles east) offers self-serve for $20. • Stay Limits: Maximum 14-day stay. After that, you must leave for seven days before returning. • Nearby Services: • Stanfield (10 miles east): Dollar store, El Rancho market and restaurant (highly recommended), laundromat, post office, and Circle K. • Maricopa (20 minutes north) or Casa Grande (30 minutes east): Larger stores and provisions. • Local Highlights: • Dwarf Car Museum (5 miles north): Ernie’s handcrafted, ¾-scale classic cars are a must-see. Open daily, 9–4. • Rooster Cogburn’s Ostrich Ranch (Picacho Peak): One of my favorite spots for an inexpensive, fun day! Feed a variety of fascinating animals and enjoy the unique experience.
Wherever your journey takes you, may you be blessed and happy. 🙏💕✨
Roman R.Traveler
Burnt Corral Campground
Great convenience with fishing
Stayed a long weekend with the family and had great time. Fishing within walking distance. Bathrooms are clean and a water spiket/faucet available.
- GGregg T.
Guide
Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land
Spacious
Lots of room all rvs except little ol me, but only for a couple weeks.
- SShawnGuide
West Pinal County Park
A hidden gem
Pretty, some freeway noise from the 8, great camp host. Hiking trails. Just porta potties and dumpster, but you can dump and get water 4 miles away. Most any sized rig can fit. Dirt roads are in pretty darn good shape.
- DDebbie H.Traveler
Leaf Verde RV Resort
Nice Park
This is a huge park. 1365 sites. Crammed in pretty tight, but fairly clean and very nice staff. Most of the sites are pull thru so that’s a bonus.
Enzo M.Scout
Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
Bulldog Canyon (all entrances) is an OHV Sport area first, Camp spot second
Thanks to the efforts of the environaz- mentality of the last 40 years there are horribly few true sanctioned OHV areas for folks to legally use and enjoy offroad Motorsports, neither FREE or PAID. So OHV owners have nearly zero options. Bulldog Canyon is one those tiny few chances for those OHVers. Campers need to be cognizant of this and respect the OHV'er, not demand OHV'ers respect THEM! If you are looking for a pure silent CAMPground, and are of the "get off my lawn" and or "man/woman shouts at clouds" type, look elsewhere. There are PLENTY of options for such inflexible campers to demand adherence to THEIR level of enjoyment. Bulldog isn't free, OHVers pay for the unlimited access - when allowed that access - to trails WITHOUT time/day/hour exceptions. So if you're a camper, bring some earplugs if the sounds of all-hours OHVers is disturbing to you. Bulldog Canyon is a fantastic area for those campers who enjoy the OHV. I no longer can use an OHV but I enjoy seeing these younger generations doing what mine and earlier gens once took for granted nearly everywhere unrestricted. Highly recommend Bdog Canyon for the fun-lovers and young-at-hearts. For the HOA-loving types, sincerely consider elsewhere for your benefit and those of others.
Roy G.Traveler
Vekol Valley Road
Very Convenient
This place is right off the highway. Plenty of level places to park. We drive a van but I think most sizes of RV would have no trouble here. Lots of room to turn around. Pretty view of the mountains. There's highway noise but we were all alone.
Lisa M.
Ranger
Roadrunner Campground - Lake Pleasant
Beautiful view overlooking the lake
We’ve stayed here several times and roadrunner campground is my favorite because it’s up above the lake and has a beautiful view. There are several poles through spots as well as back and spots. Electric and water are available. Showers are so so. Spots are fairly level and paved.
LeaScout
Pinnacle Farms South
Fantastic place to relax and listen to the birds.
Friendly host, clean facilities, Nice comfy spot for a tent. I enjoyed my stay very much.
Mary AnnTraveler
Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
My favorite area
Permit required for the gate code. Camping available 2 miles in. Need a 4x4. It's definitely worth the hastle as these spots are beautiful and clean. A lot of OHV so it kicks up dust.
Brian E.Scout
Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
No more camping
The county has closed camping on Peralta road, signs are up, and trenches have been dug so no access is available.
- eedwin H.Scout
Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Dispersed camping not allowed currently
September 21, 2024: We’ve dispersed camped here many times in last three years, took a trip out there today and every dispersed access point is plowed up with very deep trenches not allowing vehicles or rigs to access. Sad affair with squatters taking advantage and leaving trash, there was not a soul in sight. Maybe they’ll reopen it later when it cools down.
Namasteak R.Scout
Wild West Ranch & RV Resort
Love this park! Huge sites, great people
We love this park! It’s in the desert and has huge level sites that are spread out so you aren’t packed in close together. They have emus and chickens that are so neat! The new owner is super sweet and has done a lot to make the park great again. We love it here and don’t want to leave!
Cas M.Traveler
Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt
Coyotes!
Beautiful desert camping, lots of birds and wildlife. I heard coyotes in the middle of the night that woke me up, and was glad for a rooftop tent.
- RRalph S.Traveler
Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
Requires permit
Area is marked and needs permit as well. As a foreigner I can't buy the permit online since only US address can be entered and will be reverted for the credit card payment so no way to stay there legally.
Maybe going in person or call them can get me a permit but yeah not this way.
Anyway the spot is nice and levelled if it would be usable 🙂
- EE B.Scout
Encore Countryside
Avoid
Poorly managed with arbitrary fees charged. Park is not a "resort", it's just an old rundown trailer park with a lot of very old park models.New management is awful.
Tim J.TravelerMaddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land
State trust land
No problems except for the people on drugs. Be careful and lock up before you leave to go anywhere.
- kkarolkoliScout
Desert Sands RV Park
חשפניות בבאר שבע
רקדניותחשפנותבתלאביב:ביןבידורלביקורתחברתיתתלאביב,המוכרתבכינוי"העירשלאנרדמת",מציעהמגווןרחבשלבידורלילי,אשרביניהםנמנותגםמועדוניחשפנות.התעשייההזו,אףעלפישנתפסתלעיתיםקרובותכחלקבלתינפרדמהבידורהמבוגרים,מעוררתגםויכוחיםעזיםוביקורתחברתית.מועדוניהחשפנותבתלאביבמציעיםשללהופעותומופעיםאשרמגווניםבהתאםלדרישותהקהל.המבקריםבמועדוניםאלומחפשיםבידורוהתרגשות,אךמאחוריהקלעיםעומדותסיפוריםשלרקדניותאשרלאתמידמרוצותמהמצבהנוכחי.המרחבהחברתיוהתרבותיבופועלתתעשייתהחשפנותבתלאביבמורכב.מחד,ישנםקולותהטועניםכיהתעשייהמאפשרתביטויעצמיואוטונומיהלנשיםהמופיעותבה.מאידך,קולותביקורתייםמדגישיםאתהצדדיםהפחותמועדפיםשלהעניין,כגוןהתייחסותמזלזלתואובייקטיביזציהשלהאישה.המאבקיםהמשפטייםוהחברתייםסביבנושאזהרביםומגוונים.בשניםהאחרונות,נערכוקרבותבבתיהמשפטעלשאלותשלזכויותוחופשעבודהמולהצורךלהגןעלכבודהאדםולמנועהפליהושימושלרעה.עדיין,קהלהמבקריםוהתומכיםבמועדוניםאלוממשיךלהיותרחבומגוון.עלרקעזה,עולההשאלהעלהתפקידשלהמדינהוהחברהבפיקוחובקביעתמדיניותבתחוםזה.האםישלחזקאתהפיקוחעלמועדוניהחשפנותלשםשמירהעלכבודהרקדניותוהקהלהרחב,אושמאישלאפשרחופשפעולהרחביותרתוךכדישמירהעלהזכויותהפרטיותוהעסקיותשלבעליהמועדונים?הוויכוחסביבתעשייתהחשפנותבתלאביבממחישאתהמתחביןחירותלביןזכויותאדם,ומדגיםאתהאתגריםהעכשווייםשלהחברההישראליתבטיפולבשאלותשלמוסר,תרבותוכלכלה.זהודיוןשמשקףגםאתהצורךלהתמודדעםתופעותחברתיותנוספות,כגוןשוויוןמגדריוהתמודדותעםדימוייגוףומיניות.בסופושלדבר,הדיוןעלרקדניותחשפנותבתלאביבמציעהזדמנותלחשובמחדשעלהדרכיםבהןחברהיכולהלקדםתרבותרחבהיותרשלכבוד,הוגנותושוויון,תוךכדישמירהעלעקרונותשלחופשפרטיוביטויעצמי.
Pierre V.Traveler
Stardust trailer park
Location is great
Stardust Trailer Park in Cave Creek is a serene spot with clean facilities, friendly staff, and beautiful desert views.
John G.ScoutStardust trailer park
Fantastic unique place
Stardust Trailer Park in Cave Creek, Arizona, is a hidden gem worth raving about! This park offers a unique and charming experience for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Arizona while feeling right at home. The park's serene surroundings and friendly atmosphere make it a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure. Whether you're looking to unwind in nature or explore the nearby attractions, Stardust Trailer Park has something for everyone. I highly recommend checking it out for a memorable stay in Cave Creek!
Jim A.TravelerSaguaro Cove
Remote Camping
Takes a little 4 wheeling to get there or you can access it from the water. Basic dispersed camping but gets a little warm during the summer months. Views are nice and its a nice pack it in, pack it out spot.
- SShane W.Ranger
Canyon Lake Marina & Campground
Fun lake, weekends exceptionally busy
Been staying here off and on for over a decade. Great place to hang out with the family. Water hookup and electrical hookup. No sewer. They have a truck that will come pump your tank for a small fee. You can launch your boat and then bring to the campsite and tie off for easy access. Lots of parking available. You have to pay for extra vehicles. Dolly the Steamboat is available to ride around the lake and ticket purchase is at the marina. There is also a restaurant and bar at the marina. The campground has a mix of available sites. Day use also. Large grassy area for kids to play. Drive in can seem daunting if you haven’t experienced it before. Not bad, however. Hauled a 32’ 5th wheel with no problems at all.
- Lynnae P.Scout
Lake Pleasant Dispersed Camp
Sign "No Mortorized vehicles allowed"
Could not Enter. Closed
- SShane W.Ranger
Picket Post
Quick Night
Good place to pull off in a pinch for free. You do hear road noise. Close to Arizona Trail, where it crosses 60 so you can hike both directions if you decide to, or take the trail up to the top of the mountain. Very beautiful area
Guide to Mesa
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Mesa, Arizona, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Tips for camping with dogs near Mesa
- Ensure your pet stays hydrated by taking advantage of the drinking water available at Usery Mountain Regional Park.
- Keep your dog on a leash while exploring the scenic trails at McDowell Mountain Regional Park to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
- Bring along a pet-friendly blanket for your dog to relax on at the spacious sites of Tortilla Campground.
Dog-friendly activities while camping near Mesa
- Enjoy hiking and biking on the extensive trails at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, perfect for active dogs.
- Take your pet for a stroll along the picturesque paths at Usery Mountain Regional Park, where you can both soak in the stunning desert views.
- Explore the nearby OHV trails at Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance for an adventurous day out with your dog.
Pet-friendly campgrounds include
- Canyon Lake Marina & Campground, where you can enjoy lakeside camping with your pet.
- Mesa-Apache Junction KOA, offering a range of amenities and a welcoming atmosphere for pets.
- Encore Countryside, a well-reviewed RV park that provides a friendly environment for both you and your furry companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mesa, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mesa, AZ is Usery Mountain Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mesa, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 182 dog-friendly camping locations near Mesa, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.