Many RV campgrounds near Paradise Valley, Arizona are adult-oriented communities, with specific age restrictions and rules. Located in the Phoenix metropolitan area at around 1,400 feet elevation, Paradise Valley experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures routinely exceeding 100°F from May through September. Winter visitors find moderate daytime temperatures in the 60-70°F range, making October through April the peak season when campground rates increase substantially.
What to do
Casino gaming: 10 minutes from Eagle View RV Resort at Fort McDowell offers access to the nearby casino. "Eagle View RV Resort is out of the busy city, yet close to everything. Feels more 'campy' than most RV resorts in the Phoenix area... accross the road from a casino if you like to gamble," notes reviewer Kloee S.
Desert hiking: Explore nearby trails with easy access from several RV parks. At Eagle View RV Resort, "Walking paths and trails are throughout the park... We saw wild horses, woodpeckers, and heard the distant coyotes carrying on," shares Carol E.
Pickleball courts: Popular at multiple resorts for active adults. "They have a great laundryroom, and even a pickleball court. Its close to Scottsdale and Fountain Hills for shopping," according to a review from Kloee S.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Several resorts have impressive amenities that draw positive reviews. At Monte Vista RV Resort, "All the sites are back-in but all have concrete parking pads and patio. Gravel surrounds each campsite and we have noticed maintenance crews raking the gravel every other day," according to Roy S.
Organized activities: Senior-oriented parks often provide scheduled events. At Mesa Spirit RV Resort, "We loved the three pools, multiple hot tubs and modern showers and laundry rooms. This park can be hard to get into because of its popularity," reports Lyf Uninterrupted.
Pool access year-round: Most resorts maintain heated pools for winter visitors. "The amenities at this park are outstanding and the neighbors are super friendly. Sites are decent size!" notes a Mesa Spirit review.
What you should know
Age restrictions apply: Many resorts have 55+ requirements. At Encore Paradise RV, "At least one person travelling and staying in any unit must be able to show proof of age 55 or older," states Staci R., adding that "Minimum requirements for RV size and class are strictly adhered to."
Site types vary significantly: Some parks have more permanent residents than transient spaces. At Countryside RV Resort, one reviewer observed it's "a park with lots of sites dedicated for seasonal travelers. Spaces are close together. This park is more than a RV Park with amenities than a rv resort. I believe of 500 sites with over half the park being cabins and pad trailers."
Last-minute options exist: Some parks offer unique solutions for travelers without reservations. "So this time, having let TT expire, we tried this out- no reservation, just show up at dusk or later, and this very nice, truly chill but soo ginormous resort let us park right in the front/middle for the night," notes Sara H. about Mesa Spirit RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Check family policies first: Many Paradise Valley area RV parks prohibit or discourage children. At one resort, a reviewer reported: "When she showed up, she was told she would have to leave as children were not welcome. They should've caught this in the reservation information weeks in advance."
Consider locations with playgrounds: Mesa Gardens RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "RV park backs up to a park with a coded gate so easy access to playground/big grass area for dogs," writes Jules S.
Book well in advance during winter months: Family-friendly spaces are limited. "Was only planning to stay 2 nights but ended up extending my stay. Full hookups and laundry/showers in house. Also have a cute patio area to hangout as well as a clubhouse with WIFI," notes a Mesa Gardens reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Back-in sites often have better amenities: Concrete pads provide stability advantages. At Leaf Verde RV Resort, "Back in and deluxe sites are decent sized. Roadways are asphalt and large enough to maneuver bigger rigs through. All sites are full hook up w 30 & 50 amp electrical," explains Dawn F.
Wi-Fi quality varies significantly: Some parks require paid options for reliable service. "Internet is crap, you have to spend $100 to get decent service. I guess if you are a longer term resident that makes sense," reports one reviewer about Mesa Spirit.
Site assignment challenges: Many resorts place large rigs in inappropriate spaces. "Showed us the power supply and left. These areas were so small yet there was an entirely different area with nothing but RVs and well over 50 open spaces that could handled a rig that's 45 feet like ours," reported a reviewer at one park.
