Best Tent Camping near Parks, AZ

I took away one star because there is no showers.  This was our favorite campground on our trip through Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon and Sedona.  We were tent camping.  The campground was very quite and the tent sites level with table and fire pit.  There are pit toilets which can really smell bad in the summer.  It was really cold when we were there and we were across from the toilets and it was not a problem.  In the summer I would make sure to pick a site far away from the toilets.  This place was much nicer than the Park campgrounds we stayed in.  Also there is a small town near by for food and restaurants.  Only a short drive to the South Rim.

In the off season, this sweet little national forest campground is a quiet oasis in one of the beautiful “islands of the sky” which are scattered throughout Arizona.  Up at 5000 feet, this place becomes a busy retreat for Tucsonians seeking to escape some of the summertime heat, according to the park ranger we spoke too. It's also a haven for birds!

The campground has designated section for RV’s and tents, though they are same price at just $10 per night.  Many pull-through sites are available for larger RV’s, as well as some back in spots. Each site has a HUGE cement picnic table and fire ring and are a nice size with plenty of space between sites. There are trash cans (though no recycling) throughout the campground, and a water spigot near the very clean pit toilets, thanks to the dedicated and very friendly camp hosts.  The tent sites overlook the Parker Canyon Lake and are quite spacious. There are few tent sites for groups too.

There is a nice boat dock, as well as small store near the water that sells snacks/drinks, bait, and a few camping necessities.  You can rent kayaks, paddle boats, SUPs, sailboats and small motorized fishing boats…or bring your own. There is also a nice and easy trail that follows the lake shore for about 6 miles, accessible to both hikers and mountain bikers.  From the lake trail, you can also access the Arizona Scenic Trail (the southern terminus is about 15 miles south of the lake). We also saw quite a few fisherman out enjoying the lake during mid-week.

The closest grocery stores and gas stations are in Sonoita, about 30 miles away.  Cell coverage is limited here as you are very close to the Mexican border – none in RV campground, just a bit of coverage in the tent campground.

We needed a quick place to tent camp close to flagstaff, AZ and we found this campsite on the Dyrt. We tent camped for one night at a cost of 23.00$. Our site was fine, cell service was good, they only have port-a-potty’s, it they were clean, and had auto lights for night time. The campground sold out while we were there, it seems they have a lot of groups attending this camp. There is an extreme course in the same park, lots of activities. No showers, water is extra, location was great, and the host was nice and accommodating.

This place has it all. River access, 2 lagoon areas, horseback riding (not affiliated with park), hiking, a playground with a zip line, fishing and Cottonwood is 1 mile away! There are full hook up sites and tent camping plus cabins. I love this state park- camp hosts are helpful.

We were pleased to get our family's RV & tent sites adjacent under the pines. Got to set up our new Napier Sportz SUV tent & our Subaru Forester. Wonderful clean bathrooms and warm showers. Pet friendly & warm welcome at check-in.

Seasonal campground that has something for everyone. It has tent sites, camper sites and group sites. There is day use parking and an ampatheter for Ranger shows. You can take boats out on the lake for fishing. It’s a great place to ride bikes, beautiful area with some hills. Geocaching and even Pokémon hunting.

This is one of those parks that mostly have RV camping & a few tent sites. There wasn't any availability at other spots since we are floating around in our little RV... the spots aren't too close together, there is shade from pine trees, bathrooms with showers & flushing toilets. Road noise & train noise (we don't mind trains). It's convenient to exploring Flagstaff. Easy hiking trail within park & small dog park.

Dogtown lake, named for the prairie dogs who inhibit the area, is a great little spot tucked away in the forest not far from Williams, AZ on Route 66. This is also a great jumping off point for the Grand Canyon and Bearizona. Perfect little spot for tent camping. Some do get trailers in, but I wouldn’t attempt it. Fun fishing spot and spacious sites.

Went climbing out at the Pit in Flagstaff for the day, then we came and camped out not too far away! The site had plenty of trees for hammocks, as well as tent sites. It was easy to access for not just 4x4 vehicles and was a nice and quick drive from the main road.

If the sites had a little more privacy, I'd give five stars. Whenever I take my family, I remind myself I'm not there for the actual tent camping, I'm there for everything else the state park offers. There are about eight small cabins as well. This park offers a much needed break from the Arizona heat in the spring and summer months. The "lakes" are really more like ponds but plenty large enough to fish in as is the Verde River, running through the park. Make sure to go down and take a dip during the warm seasons. They've recently improved the playground for young ones and offer horseback riding as well. Facilities are always clean. If you're tired of camping food, drive down the road to Cottonwood and be sure to visit Larry's Antiques (if you're into that of course).

I've camped here twice, once solo in a tent and once in a cabin with my family and dog.

This facility is clean, quiet (depending on your site neighbors, of course), close to town, and has great amenities.

The tent sites had decent separation from each other with adequate shrubbery in between.

The cabin loop is wonderfully private from the rest of the park and a great getaway for anyone looking for some peace and quiet.

Bathrooms are well maintained, lots of trails, good fishing opportunities in the lagoons.

Absolutely will camp here again.

This is the perfect Rv/tent campground! Mixed uses and late night after hours first come first serve full hook up spots available! Conveniently located within walking distance to general store, restaurants and the shuttle service into the Grand Canyon! Highly recommend

The campground is exactly what a person would expect from the KOA brand. If you are traveling with a family and it’s your first time tent camping, this will make your experience enjoyable. There is a KOA store but it has business hours. Luckily there is a gas station that is walking distance. Pool and spa were nice. Bathrooms were clean.

The only downside is the noise from the highway. Oh, cell service is not good. You’ll have to rely on their Wi-Fi.