259 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Paradise Valley, Arizona has numerous camping options within a short drive in the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape. Established sites at Lost Dutchman State Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, and Cave Creek Regional Park provide developed campgrounds with amenities like electric hookups, water access, and restrooms. The region also features dispersed camping opportunities on Arizona State Trust Land, particularly in areas like Bulldog Canyon and Peralta Road. Most developed campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several parks offering full hookups for larger rigs, while primitive sites cater to those seeking a more rustic experience.
Permits and regulations vary significantly across the camping areas surrounding Paradise Valley. Arizona State Trust Land requires annual permits that cost approximately $20 for family access, while many dispersed sites in Tonto National Forest require a Tonto Pass. Most developed campgrounds in the regional parks system require reservations, especially during the popular winter and spring months when temperatures are mild. Summer brings extreme heat, often exceeding 100°F, making camping challenging without proper preparation and abundant water supplies. Road conditions to dispersed sites frequently require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall. According to one visitor, "This is Arizona State Trust Land so a permit is required. This can be purchased online for $15/individual or $20/family of 4."
Campers report high satisfaction with sites that balance natural scenery with reasonable access to amenities. The Superstition Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for several camping areas east of Paradise Valley, with hiking trails accessible directly from many campgrounds. Reviewers frequently mention appreciating the desert landscape while noting the importance of shade structures during warmer months. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some dispersed areas experiencing weekend activity from off-road vehicles. Several visitors mentioned the value of finding more remote pullouts for quieter experiences. Developed campgrounds generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance, with Lost Dutchman State Park frequently praised for its mountain views and trail access. A recent review noted, "The place is gorgeous. Close to town and funky roadside attractions. No WiFi but decent cell. Very clean, well maintained and quiet."
"Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. "
"Campsite 6 is the first one on the right, across from the Camp Host site, and as close to the entrance has you’re gonna get."
"It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade."
"One of my favorite trails in Arizona."
from $35 - $99 / night
Check Availability"Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."
"Lots of hiking and bike riding trails with a bike course! Playground. Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"We stayed in late September and had no neighbors next to us so we felt like we were in the desert. There was no direction that had a bad view."
"It was an great way to be exposed to trails I may not have chosen on my own."
from $15 - $300 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We have always looked forward to our quiet nights away from usual civilization and would stay awake to hear the coyotes howl, along with the rest of the wildlife."
"I use the north entrance off Bush highway. I've camped here 5 or 6 times. No water or bathrooms. Leave no trace. You need a permit and gate code. Most ATVers but not loud during the week."
"This is a nice area if you like to off road. We take our trailer out for the weekend to get out of the city. It’s an hour from Tempe/ Phoenix."
from $10 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Great location! Nice views of the compound which normally hosts car and horse shows. Electric and water available as hookup. Common dump site available upon entry as well as during your stay."
"This is a great place to camp if you are attending a WestWorld event since you will be right next to all of the facilities."
from $57 / night
Check Availability"We arrived after the office was closed, but they had our bathroom keys and paperwork ready for us in the box outside the office."
"We loved this park in the Arizona Desert. Close to everything, yet set up to feel like you're in your own little village. "
"Made fast friends with the neighbors, got tons of recommendations from anyone walking or biking for things to do nearby."
"Walking paths and trails are throughout the park. A dog park is available. Town is about 10 minutes away on a winding back road."
"We have met great people here and enjoy that you can walk or bikeride directly from the RV Park. The park is always clean and well cared for, and we like that its not in the city center."
from $41 - $84 / night
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GuideGot there early on a Thursday and it was great until Friday afternoon, then the weekend warriors arrived. Not too crowded, but some dumbass brought his own town with him and took up a sizeable stretch of beach. Excellent sunrises and sunsets.
GuideWaaaaay too much trash and I only stopped because I was worn out. The one highlight was a dawn parade of motorcycles that was impressive in length, albeit noisy given the proximity to the highway.
Guide1st stop on my counter clockwise cross country trek. Great view of lake Roosevelt and decent sunset spot towards the back of the somewhat rugged but manageable road with my explorer and Shasta. Also a short drive to the Tonto national monument. Be prepared to share the road with cows.
ScoutStayed here a dozen times seeking some nature. Half the times some crack heads blast horrible drum and bass music all night, and look all strung out the next days. Displayed my pass but never checked, hoping they’d come Welfare check the chaos heard for miles at night. Sad but avoid for families. Havelinas roam at night for trash.
ScoutKinda cramped camping spots. Someone is camping right next to you, and they charge 72 for a tent camp sight for 1 night. It’s okay if you like fishing and don’t mind being right next to someone.
GuideSpent 2 weeks at Bermuda Flat during Easter weekend. Very busy during Easter but thinned out nicely during the week.. weather was warm during the day mid to high 80's. Water was a bit chilly but refreshing. Would stay again but would avoid Easter weekend.
Guidefor some reason you have to make reservations at least 2 days in advance.
TravelerOur two wheel drive f150 made it here easily. Lots of room for many rigs. Many flat areas. Very hard ground.
ScoutThis is the best place we have stay in the 6 years of full time RVing. We have travel to over 200 places during that time, still the best.
Camping options around Paradise Valley range from developed county parks to dispersed areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Temperatures vary drastically between seasons, with winter highs in the 60s-70s°F making it peak camping season. Many sites feature native Sonoran Desert plants including saguaro, prickly pear, and cholla cacti, requiring careful site selection to avoid damage to vegetation or equipment.
Mountain biking trails: McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers extensive trail options for cyclists of all skill levels. "Mikes of mountain biking trails which were spectacular. We've ridden lots of places and this is definitely one of my favorite. Trails are not technically difficult but a great workout and so pretty," notes one visitor. The park's trails connect to the larger McDowell Mountain Preserve network.
Night sky viewing: Camp in areas with minimal light pollution for stargazing. At Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, one camper reported, "Beautiful sunset, amazing view of moon rising over mountains. Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape." The Superstition Mountain silhouette creates distinctive night sky viewing opportunities.
Wildlife observation: Keep binoculars handy for spotting desert wildlife. At Eagle View RV Resort, a camper mentioned, "We saw wild horses, woodpeckers, and heard the distant coyotes carrying on." Many sites around Paradise Valley report frequent coyote sightings, along with roadrunners, quail, and desert cottontails.
Privacy between sites: Larger sites at some parks provide more seclusion. At Cave Creek Regional Park, reviewers appreciate the layout: "The newer area, sites 43 through 55 are closer to each other, but still doesn't feel crowded" and another notes "Lots of room between sites, which each have a picnic table in a beautiful desert landscape."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and amenities rank high in visitor satisfaction. "Campsite is clean and very easy to reserve ahead of time on the supported website which is very easy to use and see all the items open," reported one visitor at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground.
Multiple camping loops: Parks with different camping areas offer varying experiences. At Usery Mountain Regional Park, one camper noted, "Our site #48 Buckhorn was really spacious and private. Great views all around. Table and fire pit. The park has tons of trails for hiking and MTN biking."
Permit requirements: Several areas require advance permits. For Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, "Easy to get a permit from the ranger station. Just email your name, address, phone number and driver's license number to sm.fs.mesa_ohs@usda.gov and you'll get your permit within 2 days for free."
Gate closures: Some parks lock entrance gates at night. One Cave Creek visitor warned: "Nothing on website said gate closes and can't get back in after 9 pm." Check individual park regulations about access hours before booking.
Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites varies by location and weather. At Bulldog Canyon, "It was a fun dirt road. You might be able to get back there without 4x4 but certainly it is strongly recommended. Very rough road and about a 2 mile drive."
Reservation timing: The best places to camp near Paradise Valley, Arizona fill quickly during peak season. For McDowell Mountain Regional Park, one visitor advises: "Sites fill up because it's so great so you have to book ahead. We had to camp in overflow area one night which was still fine then was able to grab a canceled spot."
Ranger programs: Take advantage of educational activities. At Usery Mountain Regional Park, "They offer tons of programs for everyone like night hikes and scorpion hunts. Do consider reserving a spot with ample time - they tend to get booked really quick especially during the winter time."
Nature centers: Visit interpretive facilities with kids. "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," shares one visitor about Cave Creek Regional Park.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential animal sightings. "Burros would hang out in our camp grazing grass completely unfazed by the barking dogs and screaming kids," noted a camper at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground.
Site selection considerations: Check specifications when booking. At Eagle View RV Resort, "Highly recommend this park with spacious sites and great views of the Superstition Mountains and night lights of Phoenix. Carefully review the site you select to be sure it will accommodate your rig. Roads are narrow and there are unforgiving drop offs on the sides."
Electric/water connections: Verify hookup locations at your site. "The utilities are easy to find and use, but only have water and electric. Both 30 and 50 amp available!" notes one camper at McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Dump station access: Many campgrounds near Paradise Valley offer dump facilities even without full hookups. At Usery Mountain, a reviewer mentioned, "My site was a pull through...more a side of the road spot. No shade here at all but otherwise pretty decent. My spot had water and electric. Nice dump station on the way out too."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Paradise Valley, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Paradise Valley, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 259 campgrounds and RV parks near Paradise Valley, AZ and 64 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Paradise Valley, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paradise Valley, AZ is Usery Mountain Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paradise Valley, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 64 free dispersed camping spots near Paradise Valley, AZ.
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