Best Campgrounds near Scottsdale, AZ

Several good camping areas sit within driving distance of Scottsdale, Arizona. Tortilla Campground draws campers with its wide views of the desert surroundings. Houston Mesa Campground works well for both tents and RVs with a mix of shady and open sites. You'll find flush toilets and drinking water at Houston Mesa, which makes longer stays more comfortable. Burnt Corral Campground sits near Apache Lake and makes another solid choice for campers. Many people use these campgrounds as a base to visit both the Grand Canyon and the Sonoran Desert. Hikers can find many trails that wind through the area's desert plants and wildlife. The nearby lakes give campers places to fish and boat when they want a break from the heat. Summer gets extremely hot in this area, so most people camp during spring or fall instead. Winter camping works too, but nights get cold, so bring warm gear. Most campgrounds can be reached with a regular car, though some spots need vehicles with higher clearance. It's smart to make reservations ahead of time, particularly during busy seasons. Scottsdale's nearby camping spots work for both quiet getaways and family trips.

Best Camping Sites Near Scottsdale, Arizona (249)

    1. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

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

    $32 / night

    "Nice park just outside of Scottsdale. Fun mountain bike trails. Clean bathrooms. Quiet in late December. Only 5 or 6 tent campers here. $22 night for tent site. We parked in our van."

    "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."

    2. Usery Mountain Regional Park

    35 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    19 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."

    3. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    26 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."

    4. Cave Creek Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Cave Creek, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 465-0431

    "Surrounded by homes but for its proximity to town its sunset views are fab. Close to a Frys and Home Depot. My onlllly reason for 4/5 stars is the surrounding homes have very noisy dogs."

    "We have always looked forward to our quiet nights away from usual civilization and would stay awake to hear the coyotes howl, along with the rest of the wildlife."

    5. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    18 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."

    6. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    27 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell

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

    $41 - $84 / night

    "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."

    "Walking paths and trails are throughout the park. A dog park is available. Town is about 10 minutes away on a winding back road."

    8. Box Bar

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

    $8 - $80 / night

    "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"

    "At Box Bar there is a small dam that holds the water in just enough for a calm small lake to appear. There is also quicker waters that can be kayaked or floated on."

    9. WestWorld RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Scottsdale, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 312-6802

    $57 / night

    "Great location! Nice views of the compound which normally hosts car and horse shows. Electric and water available as hookup. Common dump site available upon entry as well as during your stay."

    "This is a great place to camp if you are attending a WestWorld event since you will be right next to all of the facilities."

    10. McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    9 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 Scottsdale, AZ

881 Reviews of 249 Scottsdale 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.

  • 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 Scottsdale

Camping near Scottsdale, AZ, offers a mix of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails around the area. Campers at Usery Mountain Regional Park rave about the mountain bike trails, with one reviewer saying, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!"
  • Off-Roading: For those who love a thrill, Lost Dutchman State Park Campground is a great spot. One visitor described it as "Off-Roading Nirvana," highlighting the exciting rides through stunning desert landscapes.
  • Fishing and Water Sports: If you're into water activities, Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground is perfect. A reviewer mentioned, "The views from my spot were pretty epic," while enjoying fishing off the shoreline.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking scenery. One visitor at Houston Mesa Campground said, "The abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like McDowell Mountain Regional Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A camper noted, "The bathrooms are immaculate, and the staff is friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Burnt Corral Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Plenty of spots near the water," making it a great choice for those who enjoy a little space.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park, lack showers and have basic facilities. A visitor pointed out, "No hot water in bathrooms. No showers."
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, such as Tortilla Campground, are only open from October to March. A camper noted, "Beautiful surroundings and a great value," but be mindful of the seasonal restrictions.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, especially at places like Houston Mesa Campground. One camper shared, "Deer in campground in trees! The bathrooms are immaculate!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby hiking trails and swimming holes. At Houston Mesa Campground, one family enjoyed the "endless opportunities for exploration and adventure."
  • Safety First: Ensure your campsite is safe for kids. A reviewer at Usery Mountain Regional Park mentioned, "It was nice to use the electric outlets to charge our devices," which can be handy for keeping devices charged.
  • Plan for Comfort: Choose campgrounds with clean facilities. Campers at McDowell Mountain Regional Park appreciated the "clean restrooms, and fire pits."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. Campers at Lake Pleasant Regional Park noted, "Water and electric," which is essential for a comfortable stay.
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be close together. A visitor at Burnt Corral Campground mentioned, "Some sites were very overgrown," so choose wisely for privacy.
  • Explore Off-Roading Options: If you have an ATV, campgrounds like Lost Dutchman State Park are ideal. One camper said, "Those are buzzing around all over the place going to and coming from off-roading trails."

Camping in Scottsdale, AZ, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options to suit every camper's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there camping options near Scottsdale with lake access?

While Scottsdale itself is in the desert, there are camping options with water access nearby. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground offers beautiful riverside camping with spots close to the water and nice fire rings. Though dusty like most desert camping, the riverbank area features lush trees and trails. For a larger water experience, Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground is within driving distance of Scottsdale, offering tent and RV sites with access to the lake for swimming, fishing, and boating activities.

Where are the campgrounds in Scottsdale, Arizona?

Scottsdale offers several camping options in and around the city. WestWorld RV Park is located in North Scottsdale with electric and water hookups, convenient access to shopping and restaurants, and proximity to the highway system. Just outside Scottsdale, McDowell Mountain Regional Park provides tent camping for $22/night with clean bathrooms, shower access, and mountain bike trails. For those seeking dispersed camping options, Verde River Dispersed Camping is just outside the Scottsdale area with hiking trails nearby.

Is there a KOA campground in Scottsdale, AZ?

There is no KOA campground directly in Scottsdale, but the Mesa-Apache Junction KOA is located nearby in the greater Phoenix area. This highly-rated KOA offers a pleasant experience with helpful staff and is accessible to travelers with rental RVs or their own equipment. For those preferring to stay closer to Scottsdale, Eagle View RV Resort at Fort McDowell is a non-KOA option that's clean, well-maintained, and offers amenities like a laundry room and pool, all within easy reach of Scottsdale.