Best Campgrounds near Morristown, AZ
Camping near Morristown, Arizona centers around Lake Pleasant, a desert oasis that provides both developed facilities and primitive sites. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground offers year-round camping with water and electric hookups, while Pleasant Harbor RV Resort provides additional amenities on the southeastern shore of the lake. Several dispersed camping areas exist in the surrounding desert, including Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area and North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp. The region sits approximately 35 miles northwest of Phoenix, making it accessible for weekend trips while still offering scenic desert landscapes. According to campers, Lake Pleasant's sites provide excellent views of both the water and surrounding desert, with one visitor noting, "There was no direction that had a bad view."
Access to most established campgrounds is straightforward via paved roads, though dispersed sites often require dirt road travel. The Old Airstrip area involves approximately 7 miles of dirt road driving, manageable for most vehicles but potentially challenging after rain. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly from May through September. Arizona State Trust Land camping requires a $15 annual permit with a 14-day stay limit. Cell service is generally reliable near Lake Pleasant but becomes spotty in more remote areas.
The region is particularly popular with off-road enthusiasts, with many dispersed sites serving as staging areas for ATVs and OHVs. Roadrunner Campground at Lake Pleasant accommodates both tents and RVs with water and electric hookups, while boaters can access the lake from multiple boat ramps. Wildlife viewing opportunities include wild donkeys that roam the area. Campers report that "the lake was amazing" with "plenty to do on the lake, fishing, boating, hiking and biking trails." Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping, especially during cooler months when the Phoenix area sees an influx of winter visitors.
