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Best Campgrounds near Salt River, AZ

868 Reviews

The Salt River area in Arizona has camping that ranges from developed parks to more remote spots in the desert. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground works well for people who like to fish, with both electric and non-electric sites along the shoreline. Usery Mountain Regional Park has good hiking trails and views, plus clean bathrooms and hot showers that many campers appreciate. If you want something more basic, Bulldog Canyon has dispersed camping without facilities, but you'll need to carry out your trash and follow Leave No Trace practices. You can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon from the area if you have time. Always check current fire rules before your trip since they change with the seasons. It's smart to book ahead at the main campgrounds, especially when it's busy. Many people come to watch wildlife around the Salt River. The campgrounds here work for short trips or longer stays depending on what you're looking for. Make sure you bring enough water since it gets very dry. Many sites don't have much shade, so a portable canopy helps. The mix of desert landscapes and things to do makes the Salt River worth the trip for most campers.

Map showing campgrounds near Salt River, ArizonaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Pinnacle Farms South

Pinnacle Farms South

23 min away

Box Bar Road Dispersed

Box Bar Road Dispersed

30 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Salt River, Arizona (246)

    1. Usery Mountain Regional Park

    35 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 984-0032

    "Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. "

    "Stumbled upon this great little spot while looking for some stealth camping near the salt river. Great sites, nice park, water & electricity at each site."

    2. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +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."

    "Close to town and funky roadside attractions. No WiFi but decent cell. Very clean, well maintained and quiet. Lovely hiking in the park."

    3. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $10 - $80 / night

    "FYI the entrance that this references is actually further west than shown on the map. Less than a mile west of the bridge over Salt River at Pebble Beach."

    "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."

    4. Encore Mesa Spirit

    8 Reviews
    Mesa, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    5. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $32 / night

    "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."

    "No sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located. NO shade however and in the summer it is HOT! Desert surround's and lots you singing coyotes at night and early morning!"

    6. Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell

    10 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 789-5310

    $41 - $84 / night

    "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."

    7. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    18 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4015

    "This KOA sits on the outskirts of Apache Junction, which itself isn't Phoenix proper but an eastern suburb. The RV park has all of the basics: power, water, sewer plus a pool and a level, clean site."

    "We had plenty of space between us and adjacent sites. The whole KOA has some nice touches as far as landscaping, sites with grills, etc. Very clean and well kept."

    8. Mesa Gardens RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Salt River, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 964-1102

    $48 - $55 / night

    "Great campground centerally located to Phoenix and Scottsdale. Was only planning to stay 2 nights but ended up extending my stay. Full hookups and laundry/showers in house."

    9. Holiday Village

    2 Reviews
    Tempe, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 962-1694

    $37 / night

    10. Towerpoint Resort (55+)

    2 Reviews
    Mesa, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 832-4996
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Recent Camping Photos near Salt River, AZ

173 Photos of 246 Salt River Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Salt River, AZ

868 Reviews of 246 Salt River Campgrounds

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    Close to PHX, great hikes

    We love the Superstition mountains. Lost Dutchman campground is great. Has everything and is close to hwy and Phoenix. Lots to do in the area, lots of hikes straight from the campground. Homes were close to our campsite, but the view of the mountains was great!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Mesa Gardens RV Park

    Hidden fees and rules

    The park was fine. Not my preference but wanted to be as close to my son visiting as possible so it worked.

    However the site I was on wasnt easy at all to get into with my 29ft trailer. After multiple attempts of trying to be on the gravel behind the concrete pad like others I stay partially on the concrete pad since there were no rules specified about this. I arrived on a Friday evening (labor day weekend). Tuesday the manager came by and said something. She was super nice. I explained the events of getting into the spot with the traffic in the park and that I triple checked the rules on it. Since I was leaving the next morning she let me stay as is.

    Today though I got an email about a balance. So if you book less than a 30day stay you pay a fee of $4. And the electric charge that is listed for Monthly stays is charged for a few nights as well.

    I would stay again though. I mean the location was convenient for my visit. It was a well kept park. Just a few unknowns that I wish I knew before booking

  • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    Camping not available

    Was a great site before, but now all the camp sites are blocked and no longer allowed. This area will be missed it was very convenient.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Vekol Valley Road

    Quiet place

    Tons of nice level spots, just dry and hot in summer, not much shade

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    Clean friendly easy

    We stayed 4 nights in July. Staff friendly and helpful. Clean quiet nice level sites FHU everything worked great. Wi-Fi is poor. Will stay here again.

  • Jeana R.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    Love it

    Woke up to a donkey eating out watermelon, making donkey noises and rolling on the ground so cute!! Campsites always clean, clean bathrooms, great prices..staff always very helpful and friendly!! Visit every summer

  • M
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Towerpoint Resort (55+)

    Paradise for all senior adults

    Towerpoint is not the biggest resort but not the smallest either. It was perfect for us. Everyone was very friendly, often waving to strangers. The price includes so many amenities such as pickleball, a wood shop, pottery, stained glass, shuffleboard, tennis, fitness classes and line dancing, classes for a variety of things including Spanish and sign language. The list just goes on and on.  Additional amenities such as massages, laundry services and a grill right at the resort and concert series among so many others are offered at a reasonable price. There is something for everyone. We will be going back this Winter and have recommended it to many others.

  • M
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Boulders OHV Area

    Great views and area

    There are several fenced in and cleared dirt areas to park and pull through trucks, a camper, tent and car, etc. any vehicle can make it to the staging area, road is easy to travel. Sound of ATV and dirt bikes is pretty constant, otherwise it is quiet, great star views, with a outhouse bathroom.

Guide to Salt River

Camping near Salt River, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the area. Campers rave about the hiking options, with one saying, "There are tons of trails and the views are awesome" at Usery Mountain Regional Park. Another camper noted, "Great hiking trails directly from the campground" at Cave Creek Regional Park.
  • Fishing: The lakes around Salt River are perfect for fishing. One visitor at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground mentioned, "Relaxed and fished off the shoreline," highlighting the great fishing opportunities.
  • Off-Roading: If you have a UTV, you’re in for a treat. A camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground described it as "Off-Roading Nirvana," with thrilling rides through stunning desert landscapes.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Cave Creek Regional Park said, "Facilities were clean round the clock, shower water was hot."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites. A visitor at McDowell Mountain Regional Park mentioned, "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites," making it a comfortable spot for families.
  • Beautiful Scenery: The views are a big hit. A camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground noted, "Its a little elevated so the valley views are great."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, lack showers, which can be a downside for some. A reviewer pointed out, "No hot water in bathrooms. No showers."
  • Busy on Weekends: Expect crowds during weekends. A camper at Canyon Lake Marina & Campground mentioned, "Been staying here off and on for over a decade. Great place to hang out with the family," but noted it gets exceptionally busy.
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground mentioned, "There are wild burros in the park," adding to the charm of the area.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities. One camper at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort felt safe as a single woman, saying, "Security makes its rounds and you can't get into the park after leaving without your pass."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Usery Mountain Regional Park enjoyed the "mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!"
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. A camper at Canyon Lake Marina & Campground appreciated the convenience store, saying, "The convenience store was a cool feature saving me from having to drive 20min to get some drinks."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at McDowell Mountain Regional Park mentioned, "The sites are very nicely kept/clean," which is a plus for RVers.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some areas have spotty reception. A camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground advised, "Keep in mind that cell service can be limited in certain areas."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds, like Bartlett Flat, do not have drinking water available. A camper noted, "Ground is mostly level on desert sand," but be sure to bring your own supplies.

Camping near Salt River, Arizona, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and adventurers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping near Salt River in Arizona?

The Salt River area offers several camping options. Usery Mountain Regional Park provides well-maintained sites with water and electricity, located close to the Salt River and offering spectacular desert views with hiking trails for all levels. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground offers camping spots right along the river with fire rings. Additional options include Peralta Road dispersed camping, Bulldog Canyon dispersed areas, and campgrounds around Lake Roosevelt and Apache Lake, all within reasonable driving distance of the Salt River.

Are camping reservations required at Salt River?

Reservation requirements vary by campground in the Salt River area. Tortilla Campground in the Superstition Mountains operates on a first-come, first-served basis for its sites, which include water hookups and sewer dumps for $12 per night. In contrast, Lost Dutchman State Park Campground requires reservations, especially during peak seasons. For dispersed camping areas in Tonto National Forest, no reservations are needed, but you will need a Tonto Pass for vehicle access to most areas. During busy seasons (winter and spring), reserving at developed campgrounds is highly recommended.

Is glamping available at Salt River?

Traditional glamping options are limited directly on the Salt River, but comfortable alternatives exist. McDowell Mountain Regional Park near Scottsdale offers developed sites with amenities that provide a more comfortable camping experience while still being close to the Salt River area. For true glamping, Eagle View RV Resort at Fort McDowell provides upscale accommodations with full hookups, resort amenities, and is situated near the Salt River. While not wilderness glamping with canvas tents, these options offer the comfort and convenience glampers typically seek while exploring the Salt River region.

Can you camp near Salt River tubing areas?

Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point offers camping very close to the Verde River (connected to the Salt River system), with camping spots just a two-minute walk from the water, making it ideal for tubing access. The area is free and doesn't require a Tonto Pass. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping also provides options near the Salt River tubing areas, though some spots can get busy with ATV activity. Look for camping areas less than a mile west of the bridge over Salt River at Pebble Beach for good tubing access.

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