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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
