Phoenix RV parks range from basic campgrounds to luxury resorts, with distinct seasonal patterns affecting availability. Winter months from November to March draw the most visitors, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F. The Phoenix metro area sits at elevations between 1,000-1,300 feet, creating a desert environment where overnight temperatures can drop dramatically even when daytime highs remain hot.
What to do
Visit nearby lakes: Pleasant Harbor RV Resort provides easy water access with multiple camping options. "There are several different RV/Camping options at Pleasant Harbor Marina / RV Resort... 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," explains Robert G.
Practice outdoor sports: Pueblo El Mirage RV and Golf Resort features an 18-hole golf course with bar and grill. "It offers Good Sam discounts. It is located on the flight path for an airbase and can get noisy but the amenities far outweigh the short bursts of noise. There are many local activities and national wonders within a short drive," notes Peg C.
Enjoy pool time: Leaf Verde RV Resort offers swimming options after hot days exploring. "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," writes Jen H. Another camper adds, "Pool was a great bonus for our family after a long day of driving."
What campers like
Planned activities: Mesa Spirit RV Resort in Mesa organizes regular social events. "This 55+ community is very well organized," notes Melissa S. Another camper shares, "We made fast friends with the neighbors, got tons of recommendations from anyone walking or biking for things to do nearby."
Clean facilities: Desert Shadows RV Resort maintains well-kept grounds. "This is a big resort and comprised mostly of permanent residents with a central pull-through area for transients. The sites are gravel and fairly close together, but the CG is clean and patrolled frequently by folks on golf carts," reports Ray & Terri F.
Overnight flexibility: Some Phoenix RV parks accommodate late arrivals with special arrangements. One Mesa Spirit camper explained, "Having let TT expire, we tried this out—no reservation, 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!"
What you should know
Age restrictions: Many Phoenix RV parks limit guests to those 55 and older. Pioneer RV Resort enforces this strictly, as one disappointed visitor noted: "Wanted to camp at a site but you have to be 55, I am 52 and wasn't allowed there. Unbelievable."
WiFi limitations: Internet access varies significantly between Phoenix RV parks. At Mesa Spirit, one camper reported, "The park WiFi really sucked." Another noted you might "have to spend $100 to get decent service."
Site sizes: Many Phoenix RV parks place units close together. At Leaf Verde, one camper observed it was "nothing exciting - just a big paved RV parking lot crossed by paved streets," while another mentioned, "The sites are VERY close to each other. I barely had room to hook up without walking onto my neighbor's outdoor dining area."
Tips for camping with families
Check age policies before booking: Many Phoenix RV parks don't permit children. One Mesa Spirit visitor reported a difficult experience: "When she showed up, she was told she would have to leave as children were not welcome. They should've caught this in the reservation information weeks in advance."
Look for family activities: Monte Vista RV Resort offers numerous amenities appealing to multiple generations. "All the sites are back-in but all have concrete parking pads and patio. Gravel surrounds each campsite and we have noticed maintenance crews raking the gravel every other day," shares one camper.
Consider lake access: Pleasant Harbor provides family-friendly water recreation. "RV camping on big water in Arizona! We have stayed here a couple of times. Make sure to book a spot up on cliff overlooking the water. Great sunsets. Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp," suggests Margaret T.
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: Not all Phoenix RV parks offer sewer hookups at each site. At Pleasant Harbor, "Sites are rustic, they've water and electricity, no sewer. There's a dump station as you leave the park. No store, be sure you're well stocked with everything before you head out," advises Ted S.
Storage considerations: Most Phoenix RV parks don't offer on-site RV storage options, requiring seasonal visitors to arrange alternate storage solutions. Pioneer RV Resort offers some alternatives, as one camper noted, "We stayed in one of the standard RV spaces. There was plenty of room between rigs to park a vehicle and set up our own tables and chairs."
Level sites: Many parks provide concrete pads for easier setup. At Paradise RV Resort, one visitor noted, "We camped for two nights at this resort which is primarily for mobile homes or seasonal campers. Nice facilities (pool, laundry, etc). No picnic tables at the sites though."
