Mesa, Arizona features numerous RV parks located within 30 miles of the city center, catering to winter travelers seeking desert landscapes during the cooler months when temperatures range from 65-75°F. The area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation and connects to nearby attractions like the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest. Cell service is consistently strong throughout most rv campgrounds in Mesa, with AT&T and Verizon providing the best coverage.
What to do
Hiking nearby: Eagle View RV Resort at Fort McDowell provides access to desert trails within walking distance. "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 it's not in the city center," shares one camper at Eagle View RV Resort.
Casino entertainment: Travelers staying at Mesa-area RV parks can access nearby gambling opportunities. Eagle View RV Resort is "accross the road from a casino if you like to gamble," according to a reviewer who appreciated the convenience while still maintaining a desert camping atmosphere.
Pickleball and recreation: Many RV parks offer dedicated courts and organized activities. "They have a great laundryroom, and even a pickleball court. It's close to Scottsdale and Fountain Hills for shopping," notes a visitor to Eagle View. Similarly, Mesa Gardens RV Park offers "a cute patio area to hangout as well as a clubhouse with WIFI. RV park backs up to a park with a coded gate so easy access to playground/big grass area for dogs."
What campers like
Friendly community atmosphere: Mesa RV parks foster social connections, particularly for longer-term visitors. At Encore Foothills West, a visitor noted, "The staff and full-time residents were very friendly and helpful. The sites are small, but very well maintained."
Organized activities: Many parks feature scheduled events and social gatherings. A camper at Valle Del Oro RV Resort shared, "This community has so many organized activities for residents. They have almost everything you would need on site. Everything for activities, concerts, games and shows."
Well-maintained facilities: Mesa-area RV parks typically feature clean, accessible amenities. A visitor to Eagle View mentioned, "The amenities are very nice. Large laundry $3/load. Central courtyard with gas grills, a pool and hot tub. DVDs to borrow are available in the office as well as jigsaw puzzles, and books."
What you should know
Age restrictions: Several Mesa-area RV parks cater specifically to older travelers. A camper at Encore Countryside described it as "a park with lots of sites dedicated for seasonal travelers" and noted it was "more than a RV Park with amenities than a rv resort," suggesting visitors understand what to expect.
Reservation timing: Winter demand requires advance planning. At Monte Vista RV Resort, the concrete parking pads and maintained gravel areas contribute to its popularity. "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," one camper observed.
Variable WiFi quality: While cell service remains strong, park WiFi can be inconsistent. A camper at Mesa Spirit RV Resort mentioned, "Internet is crap, you have to spend $100 to get decent service. I guess if you are a longer term resident that makes sense."
Tips for camping with families
Check age policies: Some Mesa-area RV parks have strict age restrictions. A reviewer at Mesa Spirit RV Resort reported being told upon arrival that "children were not welcome" despite listing them in the reservation, suggesting families confirm policies before booking.
Look for parks with adjacent recreation areas: Parks connected to public spaces offer more activities. At Mesa Gardens RV Park, the property "backs up to a park with a coded gate so easy access to playground/big grass area for dogs," providing convenient recreation options.
Consider off-peak visits: Families may find more availability outside winter months. A reviewer noted about Mesa Gardens: "I booked online at like 4:30ish (their office closes at 5). The gate codes for entry and club house were in the confirmation email as well as the manager called me at like 5 til to confirm I had codes and everything I needed to get it."
Tips from RVers
Site positioning challenges: Some parks have challenging site layouts. A Mesa Gardens visitor shared: "The site I was on wasn't 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."
Overflow options: Some Mesa rv campgrounds offer temporary parking alternatives. One camper at Encore Mesa Spirit discovered, "It's less expensive (for non‐TT members) to get one of those curb spots (with electric, & close access to showers, pool, laundry) than to get a regular spot."
Desert climate precautions: The combination of heat and terrain requires preparation. An Eagle View visitor warned about "goat head stickers! They track in and are painful for the pets as well," highlighting the need for protective pet footwear during desert walks.
