Best Campgrounds near Sun City West, AZ

Camping opportunities surround Sun City West, Arizona with options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground and White Tank Mountain Regional Park provide developed sites for both tent and RV camping with amenities like electric hookups, water, and sanitary facilities. Primitive camping can be found at several dispersed locations including Maddock Road on Arizona State Trust Land and areas off Highway 74. The region includes a mix of county-managed parks and undeveloped BLM sites where visitors can experience desert landscapes with varying levels of services.

Permits are required for camping on Arizona State Trust Land, while free dispersed camping exists on BLM property near the area. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, making fall through spring the most comfortable camping seasons. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round but require advance reservations during winter months when snowbirds arrive. Facilities range from full-hookup RV sites with 50-amp service to primitive areas with no water or toilets. A review noted, "White Tank Mountain Regional Park has well separated level sites in a desert setting with good views of the mountains and the Valley of the Sun."

The White Tank Mountains provide popular hiking trails accessible from camping areas, with several visitors highlighting the petroglyphs and desert scenery. Campers report varying experiences with privacy and noise levels, particularly at dispersed sites where weekend OHV activity can increase. "This is a nice place to visit in the cooler months of the year due to no shade and low elevation," according to one review of White Tank Mountain. Sites at Lake Pleasant offer water recreation opportunities, while desert camping provides solitude and stargazing experiences. Proximity to Phoenix means many campgrounds experience higher weekend usage, but maintain reasonable separation between campsites. Several RV resorts in the area cater to older adults, with some enforcing age restrictions that limit family camping options.

Best Camping Sites Near Sun City West, Arizona (194)

    1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    14 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."

    2. White Tank Mountain

    16 Reviews
    Waddell, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    "Fantastic park for seeing the stars and getting away from Phoenix city lights."

    "Located at about 203rd Avenue, on the westside of Phoenix, in Waddell Arizona is a tiny little Campground with phenomenal views."

    3. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

    13 Reviews
    Waddell, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 935-2505

    $15 - $45 / night

    "We stayed two nights at the Willow walk-in sites (W10). Despite our campsite being close to the bathroom it exceeded our expectations. Campground is well organized with friendly staff."

    "* Trails throughout the camp into the greater park but the campgrounds separated from the more public trailheads."

    4. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 235-6140

    "RV camping on big water in Arizona! We have stayed here a couple of times. Make sure to book a spot up on cliff overlooking the water. Great sunsets. Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp."

    "We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time."

    5. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "Numerous campsites available in an area along State Road 74 and New River/Lake Pleasant Roads, at least 2 or 3000 acres with hundreds of establish campsites."

    "Recommend black canyon city for laundry and hiked on the black canyon trail."

    6. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    12 miles

    "This was a major travel destination for RV’rs and campers passing through, or staying for a while in close proximity to Phoenix. Major disappointment."

    "The further you get away from the main road the less people. Will stay here again."

    7. Roadrunner Campground - Lake Pleasant

    9 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    "A two lane dump station near the Desert Tortoise camping area. Security and cleaning crews passing through keeping an eye on the rigs. Very close to Lake Pleasant."

    "It was super hot in the afternoons and you really have no privacy from the campers around you. It was nice having shower facilities but they weren’t the cleanest. The lake was nice to cool off in."

    8. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    20 miles

    "This is a staging area for off road vehicles, so there are a lot of quads, ATV, and OHV there. But no one seemed to be running around at all hours of the night like at other areas."

    "Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"

    9. Pueblo El Mirage 55+ RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Glendale, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 933-3662

    "It is located on the flight path for an airbase and can get noisy but the amenities far outweigh the short bursts of noise."

    10. State land trust/Inspiration Point

    6 Reviews
    Surprise, AZ
    8 miles
    Website

    "Gunshots in the distance, but no incidents/casualties lol. Pulled my 31ft TT back into a spot for a week. Close 10 min drive to stores like WinCo and Safeway and gas stations."

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Recent Reviews near Sun City West, AZ

640 Reviews of 194 Sun City West Campgrounds


  • Jack H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    White Tank Mountain Regional Park

    White Tank County campground

    It is easy to make reservation on the Maricopa County Recreation website. Well taken care of. Locked entry at night for security but you are given a code for it. There is a double lane for the dump at egress point. 50/30 amp service and water at each site. Fire rings and table at each relatively level sites and very spacious and quiet. Mountainous terrain with gorgeous views of the valley

  • H
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    Relaxing Getaway With A Wild Side!

    Peaceful drive in, friendly staff, and everything you need for a great stay! Whether you're camping, fishing, or just enjoying family time, this spot has it all—including wild burros that aren’t shy about trying to steal your snacks! Rangers patrol daily and are super helpful. Firewood and ice are available at the gate, or head to Scorpion Bay for any extras. Can’t wait to come back!

  • Jaimy M.
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Box bar rec area

    Three pretty small parking lots to choose from. Mostly just open space that you camp in. There are dumpsters for trash and a vault toilet. There was so much trash around the entire recreation area even next to the river! I’ll never understand the thought process of people littering especially in nature! There’re wild horses and a few people fishing but still very peaceful!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Easy off/on I-17 dispersed camping

    Easy on and off. Road is well packed and in good condition with a few smaller ruts, but not bad. Nice views. There is some road noise from the interstate on the closer areas. Nice night sky.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    Convenient for nigth crashing

    1 star for super easy access, 1 star for flat easy to level and 1 star for beautiful stars sky. Other than that no more stars. You can hear the highway very loudly, it seems we could have drove a little further and probably better but we were tired, I can not see camping in there. It was super hot and no breeze at all. We arrived by 8pm and left 4:30am

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

    BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    Perfect stopover

    Instead of staying under the power lines like many people mentioned (and indicated by the app), we drove a little bit further away from the main road and found a perfect spot for an overnight stay on our way to Phoenix. It was very hot though at day and night in September. Nothing extraordinary but free. Road is OK, gravel with some bumps, but driven slowly our Jeep Grand Cherokee towing an A-frame did fine even when arriving in the dark

  • 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.

  • Jared M.
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Mayer dispersed camping

    Little to no service but peaceful

    No service for boobdocking but nice veiw and quit


Guide to Sun City West

Camping near Sun City West, AZ, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, biking, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails around Usery Mountain Regional Park. One camper shared, “There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!” Another noted, “This is our third time here. There are tons of trails and the views are awesome.”
  • Off-Roading: If you have a UTV, head to Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. A visitor raved, “Dust off your UTVs and get ready for a blast! The washboard washes offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts.”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One reviewer mentioned, “Relaxed and fished off the shoreline,” highlighting the park's appeal for water lovers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking scenery at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. A happy camper said, “Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Lynx Lake Campground noted, “One of the cleanest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Very quiet and sites aren’t crammed together here.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. At Usery Mountain Regional Park, one reviewer mentioned, “If you’re young, a few night stay is okay. But any longer and you will start to see the looks from fellow older campers,” hinting at the diverse crowd and wildlife.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground, lack basic amenities. A camper pointed out, “No service for T-mobile and no lights in restrooms,” so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground can get busy. One visitor said, “Busy on weekends and empty during the week,” so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Reservations Required: Many campgrounds now require reservations. A camper at Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground mentioned, “New rules. No walk-ins allowed,” so make sure to book ahead.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Spacious Campsites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. A family camper said, “Spots are close but not too close to each other,” making it easier for kids to play.
  • Activities for Kids: Choose locations with diverse activities. At Usery Mountain Regional Park, one parent noted, “There are tons of trails and the views are awesome,” perfect for family hikes.
  • Safety First: Ensure the campground has security features. A solo female camper at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort felt safe, stating, “Security makes its rounds and you can't get into the park after leaving without your pass.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground mentioned, “Water and electric. This is a large county park,” which is great for RVers.
  • Road Conditions: Be aware of road conditions, especially for larger rigs. One RV owner at Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping said, “The road is in the worst condition,” so plan your route carefully.
  • Stay Connected: If you need internet access, check cell service reviews. A camper at Usery Mountain Regional Park noted, “Good cell service (Verizon and T-mobile),” which can be helpful for work or staying in touch.

Camping near Sun City West, AZ, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sun City West, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sun City West, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 194 campgrounds and RV parks near Sun City West, AZ and 46 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sun City West, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sun City West, AZ is Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 66 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sun City West, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 46 free dispersed camping spots near Sun City West, AZ.