Camping areas near Morristown, Arizona offer diverse overnight options within the high desert terrain at elevations ranging from 1,400-2,000 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The region sits at the western edge of the Bradshaw Mountains with numerous washes and rocky outcroppings that provide distinctive desert camping experiences during the moderate spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Desert hiking trails: Cave Creek Regional Park features numerous trails for all skill levels through classic Sonoran Desert landscape. "The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities," notes Ellen W., who also mentions some trails are walkable from the campground while others require driving.
Off-road exploring: Boulders OHV Area attracts those looking for desert adventure with extensive trail networks. "Miles of desert and washes to explore with tons of dispersed camping sites. Can get busy on holiday or event weekends but worth it otherwise," writes Caitlin S., adding that nearby washes lead to trails near Castle Hot Springs and abandoned mine sites.
Stargazing: The dark skies at Cave Creek Group Site provide exceptional night viewing. "Fell asleep to howling coyotes and woke up to a beautiful sunrise surrounded by siguaro cacti," says Megan D., who appreciated being "far enough to see the beautiful stars" while still relatively close to Phoenix.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: White Tank Mountain offers well-separated sites with modern amenities. "The campground itself is very clean. It is quiet and the campsites all have electric and water hookups, picnic table and fire pit. Sites are far enough from each other so it doesn't feel crowded," according to Ellen W.
Quiet desert atmosphere: Campers consistently mention the peaceful environment at Cave Creek Regional Park. "The sites are far enough apart that you have enough room to spread out. You don't feel like you are on top of your neighbors," Christopher W. explains, adding that "site hosts are really nice as well."
Yurt camping: Yurt camping near Morristown, Arizona provides a glamping alternative for those seeking comfort without full RV setups. Don M. describes his experience: "I love these sites, they seem to really embody the AZ southwest camping experience for me. Our site had a view of a trail where we watched equestrians ride by sporadically throughout the evening."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most camping areas are best visited outside summer months. Regarding Boulders OHV Area, Caitlin S. advises it's "Obviously not ideal camping in the summer but GREAT for the fall/winter/spring months."
Vehicle access: Desert roads can be challenging but typically manageable. "The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable," reports Ralph S. about Boulders OHV Area, where his Friday visit found "nobody else... plenty of space."
Facility limitations: Campground gates may close early. Nicole E. warns about Cave Creek Regional Park: "Nothing on website said gate closes and can't get back in after 9 pm."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. Ralph S. notes at Boulders OHV Area: "Service: 1 bar Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Nature center visits: Educational opportunities abound for children at several parks. Chenery K. describes White Tank Mountain's features: "They have a large Nature Center with lots of desert creatures inside including a big fat rattlesnake, gila monster, black widow spider and some scorpions to safely check out up close, plus a big outdoor enclosure for a desert tortoise."
Playground access: Cave Creek Regional Park offers recreational facilities beyond camping. William F. describes it as an "amazing facility" with "lots of room between sites, which each have a picnic table in a beautiful desert landscape."
Wildlife viewing: Keep children engaged by spotting local fauna. "We saw some snakes, coyotes, and other wildlife," reports Don M., who found the Cave Creek area "a very nice site, and a quick drive from Phoenix."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Phoenix Metro RV Park offers full amenities for longer stays. Nick S. shares: "The RV Park itself is nice and has a swimming pool and a little social area where they have game nights and parties."
RV site selection: Choose camping spots based on your specific needs. Lee D. explains that at White Tank Mountain: "The sites are gravel, a good size, well-maintained, and spaced a decent amount of distance apart. Some are pull-through and some back-in."
Noise considerations: Be prepared for some natural and human-made sounds. Kiley S. describes Cave Creek Regional Park: "Surrounded by homes but for its proximity to town its sunset views are fab. Close to a Frys and Home Depot. My onlllly reason for 4/5 stars is the surrounding homes have very noisy dogs."
