RV sites near New River, Arizona range from basic to full-service resorts catering to different camping preferences. Located in the northern Phoenix metropolitan area at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, New River experiences milder temperatures than central Phoenix but still reaches summer highs over 100°F regularly. Most campgrounds maintain year-round operations with varying levels of seasonal occupancy rates.
What to do
Lake activities at Pleasant Harbor: The Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers direct lake access with multiple water recreation options. "There are several different RV/Camping options at Pleasant Harbor Marina / RV Resort... We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time," notes Robert G. For those without boats, the park provides convenient services: "Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp," according to Margaret T.
Pickleball and recreation: Leaf Verde RV Resort in nearby Buckeye features courts and community games. "Pool, Pickleball courts, cornhole area, dog park, huge laundry room, and the people are nice," notes Dawn F. The active community aspect extends to other amenities too, as Jen H. states, "The pool is refreshing and if you aren't into swimming there is a pool table, dog park and shuffle board to keep you busy."
Golf access: The nearby El Mirage area provides golf course access right at some RV resorts. "18 hole golf course on site and a bar and grill," mentions Randall Z. about Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort. These golf-oriented RV parks often feature additional amenities that complement their primary attraction.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Black Canyon Ranch RV Resort receives consistent praise for its generous site sizes. One camper noted, "Easy level gravel sites. Some shade trees, cactus and birds. Nice cool lodge with laundry pool and spa." These sites accommodate larger rigs comfortably according to campers who appreciate the extra room.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards are frequently highlighted in reviews for RV parks near New River. "The park is kept clean and 'patrolled' frequently by folks on golf carts," notes a visitor to Desert Shadows RV Resort. Another camper simply states, "Well kept, clean and friendly people," reflecting the emphasis on cleanliness.
Multiple camping options: Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers flexibility with different site types. "Out on the 'flat' with just water and power (dump station on site)" or "Out on the 'flat' with no hookups (can also tent/car camp)," explains one reviewer. This variety allows campers to choose setups based on their needs and preferences at varying price points.
What you should know
Age restrictions: Several RV parks near New River enforce age limits. "Wanted to camp at a site but you have to be 55, I am 52 and wasn't allowed there," reports one visitor about Pioneer RV Resort 55+. Similarly, Sunflower RV Resort notes: "55 and older resort. Not sure how to rate it, but it should be listed somewhere that it's not family friendly."
Site types and location: RV parks vary significantly in site arrangement and placement. "We were given Spot #2, right by the exit and really, even outside of the main gate. A LONG way from the amenities," mentions one camper. Some parks have dedicated sections for short-term visitors versus long-term residents.
Environmental factors: Background noise appears in reviews of several area campgrounds. "There is a shooting range near by. People and pets with issues hearing gun/rifle shots during the day should be aware, you can hear the shots being fired," notes one camper. Aircraft noise affects others: "It is located on the flight path for an airbase and can get noisy."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate destinations: Many RV resorts near New River cater specifically to older adults. "This 55+ community is very well organized," notes one camper about Mesa Spirit RV Resort. Families with children should confirm age policies before booking as several reviewers report being turned away due to having children.
Swimming options: Encore Mesa Spirit offers family-friendly water recreation. "There was a pool, hot tub, lodge, pickleball, mini golf, shuffleboard, dog park, laundry and a fitness center on the grounds," reports one visitor. Multiple pools are common at larger resorts: "We loved the three pools, multiple hot tubs and modern showers and laundry rooms."
Budget alternatives: Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers economical camping options for families. "As compared to the Maricopa County Parks side, this has a little bit more party atmosphere, is less secluded, but you can almost always get at least a boondocking spot without a reservation," notes Robert G., highlighting the flexibility for impromptu trips.
Tips from RVers
Overnight options: Some RV parks offer special arrangements for single-night stays. "Just show up at dusk or later, and this very nice, truly chill but soo ginormous resort let us park right in the front/middle for the night. And swim. And do laundry. They put cones around us, and said we could put out our slide-out! Checkout's at 11," advises an RVer about Encore Mesa Spirit.
Hookup placement: Pay attention to where connections are located at each site. "If you're a Class A or C towing, you'll probably have to drop to to access the hookups, as they are at the back end of the pull-throughs, not toward the middle as they usually are," notes one RVer about Desert Shadows RV Resort.
Laundry considerations: Clean laundry facilities receive consistent mention in reviews. "The laundry facility was one of the nicest we've ever used!" notes one visitor to Leaf Verde RV Resort. Laundry access becomes particularly important for extended stays or during warm weather when more frequent clothing changes are needed.
