Brittany R.
Guide
GuideCoconino Rim Road, Fire Road 310 Kaibab Forest
Great spot
Super easy to get to, amazing signal, and beautiful sites!
Best Campgrounds in Arizona
Arizona features a diverse spectrum of camping environments across its desert landscapes, pine forests, and canyon rims. From well-established sites like Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park with drinking water and fire rings to free dispersed options like Forest Service Road 328, the state accommodates various camping styles. Tent, RV, and glamping options exist at locations such as Lost Dutchman State Park and Flagstaff KOA, where amenities range from basic to full-service. Several areas permit free camping on public lands, particularly in national forest areas surrounding Sedona, Flagstaff, and near recreational lakes.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout Arizona camping areas, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. "The drive itself is an adventure, but doable in just about any car if it hasn't rained. I would still recommend some kind of SUV," noted one visitor describing the rough roads to East Pocket in Sedona. Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping experiences, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F in lower desert regions while higher elevations remain moderate. Winter brings snow to northern Arizona and mild conditions to southern regions. Cell service is typically limited at remote sites, especially in canyon areas and wilderness zones. Fire restrictions commonly affect camping during dry periods from April through October, with complete bans often implemented during high fire danger.
Campers consistently rate waterfront sites among Arizona's most desirable camping locations. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground and areas along Lake Mohave receive strong reviews for their water access, though they tend to fill quickly during warmer months. One reviewer described Pot Cove in Lake Mohave as having "crystal clear water. Amazing experience," despite requiring navigation of 18 miles of dirt road. Privacy and scenery vary considerably between developed campgrounds and dispersed options. Most dispersed areas offer greater solitude but minimal amenities, while established campgrounds provide more facilities at the cost of proximity to other campers. Wildlife encounters are common throughout Arizona's camping areas, with visitors reporting sightings of everything from wild turkeys to bears in mountainous regions.
Campground Showdown in Arizona
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
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Round 1 of 5
Best Camping Sites in Arizona (1,858)
1. Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
209 ReviewsGrand Canyon, AZWebsite+1 (877) 444-6777$6 - $50 / night
"If you want to camp relatively close to the rim of the Grand Canyon, this is the spot."
"I consider myself some what ocd when it comes to preparing for camping trips, although on this occasion, of all things to forget, the tent was left behind!"
2. Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
119 ReviewsBig Water, UTWebsite+1 (928) 608-6200"My wife and I took a random trip through Arizona on the way to The North Rim Grand Canyon! We happened upon Page Arizona, and found that we are the only ones whom didn't already know about the area."
"There's boondocking, and then there's National Recreation Area boondocking near Lone Rock along the shores of Lake Powell."
3. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed
91 ReviewsGrand Canyon, AZ"Could only get one night at the Mather CG in Grand Canyon, so we went boondocking just outside of the National Park in Kaibab NF. "
"This was a popular location when I was there, but if you keep driving far enough you’ll find a spot. I had to go 2 miles in I think."
4. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
90 ReviewsSuperstition Mtn, AZWebsite+1 (480) 982-4485$35 - $99 / night
"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."
5. Gilbert Ray Campground
82 ReviewsCortaro, AZWebsite+1 (520) 724-5000$10 - $75 / night
"The scenery here is perfect for Arizona. Great views of Tucson Mountain and surrounded by all kinds of hiking trails in the Tucson Mountain Park. The sites are gravel and mostly flat."
"Fantastic place to stay in the Arizona countryside. Cacti everywhere! So cool!"
6. Flagstaff KOA
72 ReviewsFlagstaff, AZWebsite+1 (928) 526-9926$100 / night
"Nice campground near highway. Nice pleasant staff. Bathrooms were clean. Beautiful setting with mountain right behind the campground. Short walking trails within campground."
"There is access to some great trails right behind the park. Sites are descent size but definitely not level but that is an easy fix."
7. Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
69 ReviewsTemple Bar Marina, AZWebsite+1 (702) 293-8906$20 / night
"Took my kids and my mom camping for a little vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. I chose Boulder Beach campground as it was our first time and didn't want to be too far from home."
"Nice flat RV parking with hook ups and some spots have Wii Fii although with all the beauty around you you should find no need to use it."
8. Catalina State Park Campground
66 ReviewsOro Valley, AZWebsite+1 (520) 628-5798$50 / night
"Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views."
"Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."
9. Homolovi State Park Campground
67 ReviewsWinslow, AZWebsite+1 (928) 289-4106$30 - $40 / night
"This is a great little campground 2 miles outside of Winslow Arizona. It’s in the middle of a state park that has two areas of ruins. One area is located about a mile from the campground."
"The site was plenty long and we had no problem positioning and running our electric and water under the rig. Sites throughout the CG are nicely spaced apart."
10. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground
66 ReviewsPeoria, AZWebsite+1 (602) 506-2930$15 - $300 / night
"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."
Recent Camping Photos in Arizona
2145 Photos of 1858 Arizona Campgrounds
Lyle F.
Arrowhead Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lindy B.
Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping
McGreggor
Camp Valhalla South Zion
Joffrey H.
Mt. Trittle Rd Site #10/11
Joffrey H.
Horseshoe Bend 6 Mile Campsite — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Jacob S.
Pivot Rock Canyon
Matthew H.
Apache Lake Marina & Resort
Paula G.
5430 Snow Bowl
Anna J.
Mogollon RV Park
Bob L.
Buck Mountain Dispersed Camping
Krista Z.
FDR80 Sundance Road Dispersed Camping
Daniel L.
Pearce Ferry Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Recent Reviews in Arizona
9085 Reviews of 1858 Arizona Campgrounds
- SSarah G.
ScoutUpper Juniper Flats Road
Views, Peaceful, Beautiful
We drove for quite awhile without seeing any pullouts. Expect to drive to the top. (Around 2 miles).You will find both exposed sites as well as areas you can tuck into to avoid the wind. Some parts of the road are pretty rough, probably due to seasonal rains. Driving slowly, we were still able to make it to the top without a problem. (We have a ford campervan - 20 foot.) it is worth it!
Kathy B.
Legend34.52862° N, 111.81001° W
Wild Camping
Just south of Camp Verde. Easy access from highway. Dirt road. Not too rough. Lots of dispersed camping spots.
Beautiful area. Not many people around in March.
- Kathy B.Legend
Sunset Crater
Dispersed Camping near Sunset crater
FS Road 546. Just past Cinder Hills Overlook.
Pretty flat. Beautiful area. mature trees and many flat patches.
Easy dirt road. Some juts to navigate around, but doable.
Very peaceful and quiet.
- Kathy B.Legend
KOFA National Wildlife Refuge - King Valley Road
Nice Getaway from Quartzsite
A lot of the BLM near Quartzsite can get crowded during the busy winter months. I love coming down here off Palm Canyon road to get away from the crowds.
I've also come down here for group camping events. It's a nice place to come if you want to have a gathering.
The road in is a bit rough, but not too bad. Just go slow. Any size rig can make it. At the end of the road is a short hike into Palm Canyon.
Beautiful sunsets and desert walks.
- JJill K.
RangerYuma VFW
Yuma
Well its not a bad place to awhile. Big sand box so bewear of sugar sand. Paintball course in the back. Pretty cool. It does get full.
Vidalia S.LegendDiablo canyon
Free camping near Two Guns Ghost Town
The Two Guns Ghost Town on Dyrt is actually on private land. But there is public land available just across the highway near the scenic Diablo Canyon. Exit the highway north, and follow either the paved road north or the good gravel road, running east west. We went west on the gravel road towards diablo , canyon and found several places that were easy to pull off for the night. If you continue down the paved road, you will be farther from the highway, but after a half mile or so , you will be on Hopi owned land. This parcel is Arizona State Trust Land and requires a fifteen to twenty dollar yearly permit per vehical from the State of Arizona to stay here, which can be purchased online.
- Vidalia S.Legend
South of Seligman
Overlooking Seligman
A beautiful site on Arizona State trust land overlooking the town of Seligman, south of I-40. Exit the highway to the South. Take the first left over the cattle gate and up a decent dirt and gravel road into the juniper scrub hills overlooking the town of Seligman. There will be several large turnouts that are reasonably level, some with developed fire rings. Deadfall wood is available, as is spotty T mobile coverage. Arizona state trust land requires a $15 to $20 per vehicle yearly permit for use, which can be purchased online.
- Vidalia S.Legend
Phoenix reservoir
Rare free camping north of Phoenix
In spring of 2025 many of the Arizona State Trust Land campsites north of Phoenix were closed. However, this area is controlled by the US bureau of land reclamation, and appears to remain open to public use.
Guide to Arizona
Camping in Arizona offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From desert vistas to lush forests, there's something for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about camping in this beautiful state.
What to do
- Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds, like Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, have fantastic hiking trails. One camper said, “Lace up your boots and conquer one of the park's diverse hiking trails. From challenging climbs to scenic strolls, there's a path for every level.”
- Off-Roading: If you’re into off-roading, check out the trails near Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, “Dust off your UTVs and get ready for a blast! The washboard washes offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts.”
- Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Houston Mesa Campground are great for spotting deer. One visitor noted, “Deer in campground in trees! The bathrooms are immaculate!”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground said, “Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers.”
- Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. One camper at Cave Springs mentioned, “There are a lot of sites here and yet a lot of them feel secluded.”
- Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive high praise. A visitor at Rancho Sedona RV Park shared, “The camp hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.”
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, lack drinking water and showers. A camper noted, “No hot water in bathrooms. No showers.”
- Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get packed. A reviewer at Cave Springs said, “Packed in like sardines. Spaces are pretty small.”
- Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially in areas like Houston Mesa Campground. One camper warned, “The amount of camping spaces available went to such small of a number that it’s basically become a parking lot.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids, like Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground. A family shared, “The hosts were very nice and the bathrooms were very clean.”
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground said, “There is plenty to see around the area.”
- Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A reviewer at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground mentioned, “Great trails for hiking in the park.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Rancho Sedona RV Park noted, “Good late check-in setup though.”
- Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some areas have spotty cell service. A camper at Houston Mesa Campground mentioned, “While Verizon service isn't optimal, it's manageable.”
- Respect Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A reviewer at Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) said, “People ride ATVs at night, so don’t plan on quiet at all times.”
With these insights, you’re all set for a memorable camping experience in Arizona!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping spots in Arizona for scenic views and natural attractions?
What are the best camping spots in Arizona for scenic views and natural attractions?
Arizona offers stunning camping destinations with spectacular natural scenery. Wahweap Campground & RV Park provides breathtaking views of Lake Powell and convenient access to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The location is ideal for exploring multiple natural wonders within an hour's drive. For desert landscapes, Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument offers a small but spectacular setting among classic Sonoran Desert vegetation. Other scenic options include Mather Campground near the Grand Canyon for rim views, White Horse Lake for peaceful forest and lake vistas, and the Sedona area for stunning red rock formations. Many Arizona campgrounds balance natural beauty with accessibility, allowing campers to enjoy diverse landscapes from alpine forests to desert expanses.
Where can I find free or low-cost camping options throughout Arizona?
Where can I find free or low-cost camping options throughout Arizona?
Arizona offers abundant free dispersed camping on public lands. Forest Service Rd #205/225 Upper Dispersed Camping provides free sites along a well-maintained graded gravel road with scattered camping spots along the main road and down open Forest Service spur roads. Remember that dispersed camping requires setting up at least 1 mile from developed areas. Black Rock Road Dispersed offers no-frills free camping near the Arizona/Utah border with great sunset views—follow signs to the gypsum mine for more secluded spots. Other free options include Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping in San Rafael Canyon, Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed, and West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping. Most dispersed sites lack facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal solutions, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
When is the ideal season for tent camping in Arizona to avoid extreme temperatures?
When is the ideal season for tent camping in Arizona to avoid extreme temperatures?
The ideal tent camping season in Arizona varies dramatically by elevation. In lower desert regions, spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer pleasant temperatures with daytime highs of 65-85°F and cool nights. Summer desert camping can be dangerous with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground typifies low desert camping—beautiful but extremely hot in summer months. For summer camping, head to higher elevations. White Horse Lake Campground near Flagstaff offers a cooler alternative during hot months. The Arizona camping calendar essentially inverts by elevation: northern/high-elevation areas (Flagstaff, White Mountains) are ideal May-September, while southern/low-elevation areas (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma) are best October-April. Always check weather forecasts and bring appropriate gear for sudden temperature changes, particularly in spring and fall.
Are there family-friendly campgrounds in Arizona with amenities like showers and restrooms?
Are there family-friendly campgrounds in Arizona with amenities like showers and restrooms?
Pinegrove Campground offers excellent family amenities with spacious sites featuring level paved parking pads and tent pads. Families will appreciate the clean bathrooms, pay showers, and firewood for sale near the host sites. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, with beautiful settings among the pines bordering a meadow. Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort is another family-friendly option with Oak Creek running through the property—perfect for cooling off during hot months. The mature trees provide welcome shade at most sites. Other family-suitable options include Lost Dutchman State Park with modern facilities, Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground with water recreation opportunities, and Flagstaff KOA offering full amenities including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a playground for children.
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