RV camping near Thatcher, Arizona offers diverse options for travelers in the Safford Valley of Graham County. Located at around 3,000 feet elevation, this region experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F and mild winters that rarely dip below freezing. Most RV parks around Thatcher operate year-round due to the favorable climate, though desert conditions mean minimal natural shade at many sites.
What to do
Hot springs access: Roper Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground offers a thermal hot springs area for soaking. A camper noted, "Enjoyed the hot springs hot tub in the campground. Clean, beautiful and friendly staff."
Mountain exploration: Mount Graham is a short drive from Thatcher. A visitor at Roper Lake State Park shared, "Sunday I drove up Mt. Graham till the road turn to dirt and enjoyed the cold and quite."
Evening entertainment: At Cattlerest RV Park and Saloon, campers can enjoy on-site activities. A recent visitor reported, "The saloon is not only a bar but has ton of activities such as pool, corn hole, shuffle bored, line dancing, music and more."
What campers like
Affordable options: Alaskan RV Park offers budget-friendly rates. One reviewer mentioned, "Can't beat $10 for a tent. We slept under 2 pistachio trees with fresh nuts. Showers included, very friendly staff."
Wide pull-through sites: North Clifton RV Park provides spacious full-hookup sites. A camper reported, "We are staying here for 6 days. Mostly quiet (except when they emptied the dumpster at 5am on Monday morning) and peaceful. We have Passport America so the price is right."
Family recreation: Roper Lake State Park offers multiple kid-friendly activities. A visitor wrote, "Kids were able to ride bikes on the numerous paths around the campgrounds and lake," while another mentioned, "Very clean and well kept park, beach swimming area is very large and never felt crowded by people!"
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September. Roper Lake State Park's pavilion structures provide some relief, with one camper noting, "We had a small 'pavilion' type structure at our site over the picnic table which was a nice feature."
Maintenance issues: Check before arrival as facilities may be temporarily unavailable. A recent visitor to Roper Lake mentioned, "Sadly, there is construction going on in the park right now... Unfortunately, the dump station is closed for a while."
Service policies: Some parks have specific restrictions. At Fort Willcox RV Park, a visitor reported, "I was told they accepted children and then told my kids were not welcome," while another noted at a different park, "I tried to stay here, and they had openings, but I was in a Tesla and refused service."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing: Kids can observe local fauna at many parks. At Alaskan RV Park, a camper noted, "Quail crossing in the campground!" making for fun wildlife spotting opportunities.
Swimming options: Mountain View RV is near recreational water areas. Though the park itself doesn't have swimming, its location provides access to regional swimming spots during hot months.
Cabin alternatives: For families wanting a break from RVs, some parks offer fixed accommodations. Apache Gold RV Park includes cabin options alongside standard RV sites, providing flexibility for mixed camping styles.
Tips from RVers
Connectivity information: Lifestyle RV Resort & Fitness Center offers reliable service for remote workers. A visitor mentioned, "Easy to access location off the interstate. There isn't much traffic noise beyond the frequent rumbling of a train."
Laundry availability: Check facility conditions before planning to do laundry. One camper at Fort Willcox RV Park warned, "Laundry most machines broken. No manager on site when arrived."
Ground conditions: Most parks feature gravel surfaces that can affect leveling. A camper at Grande Vista RV Park shared, "Spaces are level and gravel," which is typical for the region but important for RV setup planning.
