Best Tent Camping near Mormon Lake, AZ

What a great find! This spot seemed quite unique in comparison to the surrounding camping areas. The town of Mormon Lake was bustling with 4 wheelers and camper trailers, but this "first-come, first-served" camp ground had an entirely different vibe. Of course, it is 4th of July weekend, but campers here were quiet and respectful, observed quite hours. I arrived early, having taken a Thursday off and snagged campsite #11, what I felt was one of the best spots. Sites 10, 11 and 12 are large, with parking for 2 cars and very spread apart. Not near the dumpster (one site is … why they would do that, I don't know). There is a fresh water spigot right across from the site and the restroom is just a short jaunt away. At the moment there is a strict fire ban, so no late night campfires this time around.

The back of the campsite is walled by trees, ready for exploring. The tiny nearby creek can almost be heard from the site, and to the right there is a small field that the Arizona Trail crosses through. I made use of my time her by hiking both directions of the trail straight from the campground. This time of year I also found an ample butterfly population! The hummingbirds were sociable, and the bugs weren't bad, I made it without bug spray but I came across a mosquito or two. 

Just across the street from Mormon Lake - notorious for never actually having any water - this time it also didn't.So … don't expect much as far attractions at this spot. However, just down the road you can visit Upper Lake Mary and play in the slighter quieter area away from the bustle of the main part of the lake. 

The camp hosts are very friendly, the sites are $20 a night per group for 1 vehicle (up to 8 people) and any additional cars are $8 each. There is no recycling - I packed mine up to take home and recycle.  They are dog friendly and I found it really a great spot to camp with a dog. The toilets are decent-ish, cleaned (really as clean as those standard campground toilet pots can be)  and at the moment there is a sanitizer jug with a squirt top outside, which is helpful. I didn't see the nearby Dairy Springs campground but I would DEFINITELY come back to this one. On Thursday night they didn't fill up but about 2pm on Friday all the sites were full.

Do note: Campsite does not have cell service (and I have Verizon). You can walk out to the camp entrance just at the main road and pick up some service there if needed.

We stayed at this campground for 3 nights in mid-October and recommend this state park for camping in the Sedona area.

Pros:

-all sites in the Blackhawk Loop where we stayed had a level pad for tents (either small gravel or a wood platform), picnic table, and fire pit (though they could not be used due to a fire ban

-can easily fit 2 smaller tents on the tent pad or 1 jumbo family tent

-good amount of shrubbery in between sites so it didn't feel like you were right on top of your neighbors

-driveways have space for 2 cars if needed

-shower house was fairly clean and had hot showers

-dishwashing sink behind the shower house was a nice perk

-usable cell phone service (T-mobile)

-no tent sites with power if you need that.  We filled up an air mattress using the outlet in the bathroom which worked fine.

Cons:

-sites really vary in terms of how far back from the road they are.  Our site (122 in the Blackhawk loop) was a bit back from the road and had plenty of shrubbery, but some don't have as much privacy

-not a ton of water fill up stations, but our loop was pretty small, so it was fine

-you have to pay $15 per night for a 2nd car, which was a little steep, but given the campground is reasonably priced, this was fine

In one word views, views for miles some of the best I’ve seen in Arizona. The campground itself is nice so spots not as amazing as others and be prepared to always watch your step because some spots literally are on the side of a cliff. Still plenty of room to set up camp and not worry but 100ft from the cliff side is pretty amazing. Clean restrooms hosts seem to keep campsites and fire pits clean and leave you to yourselves. Close by is a hang glide launch pad and amazing views. Only negative is the road up is unpaved and rough 5-10mph for about 7-10 miles but definitely worth the trip. Electric was struck by lightning a few years back so no hookup but water and toilet and only $10 a night. Stop reading and go👍

In the off season, this sweet little national forest campground is a quiet oasis in one of the beautiful “islands of the sky” which are scattered throughout Arizona.  Up at 5000 feet, this place becomes a busy retreat for Tucsonians seeking to escape some of the summertime heat, according to the park ranger we spoke too. It's also a haven for birds!

The campground has designated section for RV’s and tents, though they are same price at just $10 per night.  Many pull-through sites are available for larger RV’s, as well as some back in spots. Each site has a HUGE cement picnic table and fire ring and are a nice size with plenty of space between sites. There are trash cans (though no recycling) throughout the campground, and a water spigot near the very clean pit toilets, thanks to the dedicated and very friendly camp hosts.  The tent sites overlook the Parker Canyon Lake and are quite spacious. There are few tent sites for groups too.

There is a nice boat dock, as well as small store near the water that sells snacks/drinks, bait, and a few camping necessities.  You can rent kayaks, paddle boats, SUPs, sailboats and small motorized fishing boats…or bring your own. There is also a nice and easy trail that follows the lake shore for about 6 miles, accessible to both hikers and mountain bikers.  From the lake trail, you can also access the Arizona Scenic Trail (the southern terminus is about 15 miles south of the lake). We also saw quite a few fisherman out enjoying the lake during mid-week.

The closest grocery stores and gas stations are in Sonoita, about 30 miles away.  Cell coverage is limited here as you are very close to the Mexican border – none in RV campground, just a bit of coverage in the tent campground.