Best Campgrounds near Rio Verde, AZ

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Rio Verde. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Rio Verde campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Rio Verde, Arizona (270)

    1. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    4 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!"

    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."

    "One of my favorite trails in Arizona."

    3. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

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

    $10 - $80 / night

    "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."

    "This is a nice area if you like to off road. We take our trailer out for the weekend to get out of the city. It’s an hour from Tempe/ Phoenix."

    4. Usery Mountain Regional Park

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

    "Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. "

    "Campsite 6 is the first one on the right, across from the Camp Host site, and as close to the entrance has you’re gonna get."

    5. Bartlett Flat

    15 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 595-3300

    "If you want to be more secluded keep following the shore line NW, however the more you travel the more ground clearance you’ll need so bring a vehicle with a little off road abilities of you want to be"

    "Great place to get a little bit off road but not really get too off road…."

    6. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    6 miles
    Website

    "We got a spot walking distance from the river. Awesome Fishing spots and day camp spots to spend time all day in the water. Then you can just walk back to camp and make dinner relax."

    "In Tonto National Forest Close to Phoenix located near Bartlett Reservoir Fire Rings and Picnic Tables at some sites next to Verde River below Bartlett Dam"

    7. Box Bar

    7 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (480) 595-3301

    $8 - $80 / night

    "The Rio Verde runs right through here and is the main attraction. At Box Bar there is a small dam that holds the water in just enough for a calm small lake to appear."

    "It's very nice up on Box bar rd as well 5 minute walk to the river. I've seen a skunk a couple of wild horses and several shooting stars. It's definitely a must see area. Enjoy Arizona"

    8. Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell

    10 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    10 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."

    9. Box Bar Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    "You can camp next to your car , wich there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that."

    "We don’t have an offroad car, so it is always nice when the gravel road is well managed. No heart aches getting in and finding an open area to camp."

    10. McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    "Lots of hiking to do around if you're looking for something flat (but close access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve if you're looking for something more strenuous)."

    "We stayed in site 27 which was close to the kids playground.  We only stayed for 1 night .  Lots of bikers at this location.  "

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Recent Reviews near Rio Verde, AZ

953 Reviews of 270 Rio Verde Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Hackamore Road Dispersed

    The Beginning

    I went and personally checked out this dispersed camping area that's about half a click or so away from the Goldfield Ghost Town.

    Hackamore Road is a straight up OHV Trail, and last night I learned that on a total whim.

    I'm confident enough to hop on here and say that it was a pretty nice experience overall. There were some dudes shredding it pretty late last night, (pretty sure I overheard them mentioning their tire got flat).

    So expect a little bit of company; although no one bothered me

    The coyotes started howling around 4am, but they started dying down after they had migrated.

    I'm a country guy so the sounds don't really bother me, but if you're particular about your sleep I would recommend bringing a camping trailer + earmuff combo.

    The ground is hard as concrete, but I have no complaints. I got some of the best sleep I've had in a long time.

  • CJ V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Payson Campground & RV Resort

    Nightly RV Sites Very Expensive

    We are new to RVing (1st trip) but this place was $129 for a 28' back in 30 amp site. It does have wifi, water, power, and sewer, but that's the same as a hotel.

    It is nice and well maintained, but it seems very expensive.

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Cave Creek Regional Park

    Cactus place

    Nice campground, serene with a large cactus next to every spot. Power and water at the spot, toilets & bathrooms available.

  • Stacy R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Tonto Creek Trail RV Park

    Quiet Desert Gem with Beautiful Mountain Views

    We loved our stay at Tonto Creek Trail RV& MHC! From the start, the staff was warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The park is peaceful, clean, and well-maintained—exactly what we were looking for in a relaxing getaway. The location couldn’t be better. Nestled in Tonto Basin, the park is just minutes from Roosevelt Lake, which was perfect for fishing, boating, and soaking in the views. We also enjoyed exploring the nearby Tonto National Forest trails—ideal for hiking and ATV adventures. As pet owners, we were thrilled that pets stay free! The community is very pet-friendly, which made traveling with our furry family stress-free. The grounds are safe and quiet, with beautiful mountain views all around, giving us plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring. Between the friendly community vibe, the great amenities, and the unbeatable location, this is a hidden gem in Arizona. We’re already planning our next trip back to Tonto Creek Trail RV—highly recommend it!

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Rio Verde

Camping near Rio Verde, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails for hiking and biking. For example, at Usery Mountain Regional Park, one camper noted, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!" Another reviewer mentioned, "Tons of trails and the views are awesome" at the same park.

  • Exploring History: Visit the nearby Lost Dutchman State Park, where one adventurer shared, "Immerse yourself in the legendary lore of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine." This park is not just about camping; it’s a chance to learn about local history while enjoying the great outdoors.

  • Water Activities: Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a great spot for fishing and boating. A visitor mentioned, "We stayed at Lake Pleasant for 2 weeks... There are lots of great trails for hiking in the park."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. One reviewer at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground said, "Its a little elevated so the valley views are great." Another camper at McDowell Mountain Regional Park added, "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Houston Mesa Campground noted, "The bathrooms are well-maintained and clean, ensuring a comfortable stay."
  • Friendly Staff: Campground hosts often receive high praise. One camper at Aspen Campground mentioned, "The hosts are very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park, lack showers and have limited bathroom facilities. A reviewer pointed out, "No hot water in bathrooms. No showers."
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in certain areas. A camper at Usery Mountain Regional Park mentioned, "While you're busy conquering the trails... keep in mind that cell service can be limited."
  • Crowded Weekends: Popular spots can get busy on weekends. A visitor at Christopher Creek Campground noted, "During the week there was hardly anyone there. However, on the weekend it gets packed."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with spacious sites and activities for kids. At Houston Mesa Campground, one family said, "We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes and hiking gear to keep everyone entertained. A camper at McDowell Mountain Regional Park shared, "Great for bikeriding enthusiasts and there are also lots of great hiking trails!"
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Make sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand. One camper at Lake Pleasant mentioned, "We enjoyed our stay here... but there was only one functioning bathhouse."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Verde Ranch RV Resort said, "Sites tight, extremely close to one another."
  • Use Generators Wisely: Some campgrounds allow generator use at specific times. A camper at Houston Mesa Campground noted, "We dry camped with no hookups but were able to use our generator at certain hours of the day."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: If you're camping in a more rugged area, be ready for dirt and dust. A visitor at Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping mentioned, "The road is in the worst condition... we had to turn back."

Camping near Rio Verde, Arizona, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to thrilling adventures. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rio Verde, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rio Verde, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 270 campgrounds and RV parks near Rio Verde, AZ and 73 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rio Verde, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rio Verde, AZ is McDowell Mountain Regional Park with a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rio Verde, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 73 free dispersed camping spots near Rio Verde, AZ.