The Lake Pleasant area forms the centerpiece of camping sites near Morristown, Arizona, with elevations ranging from 1,700 to 2,100 feet throughout the region. Desert terrain dominates the landscape with typical Sonoran vegetation including saguaro cacti, creosote bush, and paloverde trees. Temperatures range from winter lows in the 40s to summer highs exceeding 110°F, with minimal rainfall concentrated primarily in winter months and monsoon season.
What to do
Trail exploration at White Tank Mountain: Located about 25 miles southeast of Morristown, White Tank Mountain offers multiple hiking options ranging from easy to challenging. "Great little place to camp near Phoenix. The lake is beautiful and I recommend taking the Roadrunner hike -- even easy for kids!" shares a visitor at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground.
Wildlife observation: Wild burros are common throughout the camping areas near Morristown. "Burros would hang out in our camp grazing grass completely unfazed by the barking dogs and screaming kids," according to one camper at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground. Bring binoculars for better viewing while maintaining distance from wildlife.
Off-roading adventures: The region contains extensive trail networks for ATV and UTV enthusiasts. "Miles of desert and washes to explore with tons of dispersed camping sites. Nearby washes lead to tons of trails near castle hot springs that can lead to various abounded mine sites (including Anderson Mill)," notes a camper at Boulders OHV Area.
What campers like
Desert night skies: Without significant light pollution, the area offers excellent stargazing opportunities. "Views are super gorgeous and stars were insane. I bet during the week it's very calm and even better," mentions a visitor to Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area.
Accessibility for weekend trips: The proximity to Phoenix makes these camping areas convenient for short getaways. "Close to town still but far enough out makes it great," notes a camper at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground.
Well-spaced campsites: Many campgrounds offer ample distance between sites. "Sites are large, widely spaces with plenty of desert shade trees," according to a visitor at Constellation Park. This spacing provides privacy even during busy periods.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some areas require specific permits. "Yes, there are signs here that you need to have an Arizona Trust Land Permit, but you get it online for $16," explains a camper at North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "Road in is a little rough, but ok. Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties," notes a visitor to Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area.
Seasonal considerations: Camping patterns change dramatically with the seasons. "Obviously not ideal camping in the summer but GREAT for the fall/winter/spring months," shares a camper at Boulders OHV Area, reflecting the regional preference for cool-weather camping.
Facility variations: Amenities differ widely between established campgrounds and dispersed areas. "There are several different RV/Camping options at Pleasant Harbor Marina / RV Resort: In the resort with Full Hookups; Out on the 'flat' with just water and power; Out on the 'flat' with no hookups," explains a visitor to Pleasant Harbor RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Water-based activities: Lake Pleasant provides swimming options during hot months. "Beautiful lake! Lots of shoreline access for swimming. Roadrunner campground is very nice. Quiet and beautiful views," shares a camper at Roadrunner Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential wildlife sightings. "Woke up to a donkey eating out watermelon, making donkey noises and rolling on the ground so cute!!" reports an enthusiastic visitor to Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground.
Terrain awareness: The desert environment presents specific hazards. "The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable," mentions a camper at Boulders OHV Area regarding access, while others note the presence of cacti near trails that require attention with children and pets.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. "Sites are rustic, they've water and electricity, no sewer. There's a dump station as you leave the park," explains an RVer at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort.
Leveling considerations: Site topography varies throughout the region. "Nice sites, small campground. Most sites are not level. There are a few that can accommodate a class A," shares an RV camper at Constellation Park.
Water management: Access to water resources requires planning. "You can fill jugs, but there is not room to fill a trailer," notes a visitor to Constellation Park regarding water availability at certain facilities.
Service access: RVers should note available utilities. "Water and Electric on developed campsites. A two lane dump station near the Desert Tortoise camping area," explains a camper at Roadrunner Campground.
