Best Campgrounds near Superstition Mtn, AZ

Dispersed and established campgrounds dot the landscape surrounding the Superstition Mountains in Arizona, offering diverse overnight options for outdoor enthusiasts. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground serves as a popular basecamp with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations at the foot of the iconic mountain range. The Tonto National Forest boundary provides additional camping opportunities, with several dispersed sites along Peralta Road and Hackamore Road offering more primitive experiences. Camping options range from fully-developed facilities with utilities to free dispersed sites on public lands.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles due to washboard surfaces and deep potholes. "The road in was very rough and had huge holes," noted one visitor about dispersed sites near Tonto National Forest. Seasonal considerations affect camping in the Superstition Mountain area, with many established campgrounds like Tortilla Campground operating only from October through March to avoid extreme summer temperatures that regularly exceed 100°F. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, especially in canyon areas and more remote dispersed sites. Permits are required for some areas including Bulldog Canyon, while established campgrounds like Mesa-Apache Junction KOA and Lost Dutchman State Park typically require reservations.

The dramatic backdrop of the Superstition Mountains provides a scenic camping experience, with several visitors highlighting the exceptional views as a primary draw. Campgrounds with water and electric hookups tend to receive higher ratings from reviewers, particularly Lost Dutchman State Park which earns praise for its spacious sites and proximity to hiking trails. Recent management changes have affected some dispersed camping areas, with several reviewers noting that certain previously popular sites near Tonto National Forest have been closed due to overuse and unauthorized long-term occupation. Wildlife sightings commonly reported include quail, roadrunners, rabbits, and coyotes, especially during early morning and evening hours when desert animals are most active. Developed campgrounds generally offer cleaner facilities and better security than dispersed sites, which some reviewers have noted sometimes contain scattered trash.

Best Camping Sites Near Superstition Mtn, Arizona (251)

    1. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    1 mile
    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."

    2. Usery Mountain Regional Park

    35 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    9 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. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    10 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. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    18 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4015

    "This KOA sits on the outskirts of Apache Junction, which itself isn't Phoenix proper but an eastern suburb. The RV park has all of the basics: power, water, sewer plus a pool and a level, clean site."

    "We had plenty of space between us and adjacent sites. The whole KOA has some nice touches as far as landscaping, sites with grills, etc. Very clean and well kept."

    5. Tortilla Campground

    16 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $20 / night

    "Rode the scenic Apache Trail Arizona route 88 looking for some BLM land. Couldn’t find a flat place to pull over. Grateful to find a campground near the end of 88."

    "The road is close by, but you don’t hear much of anything after dark.  "

    6. Canyon Lake Marina & Campground

    18 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    "Enjoyed our December visit to Lake Marina campsite 201. Will say campsites are close together. Awesome families close to us made it fun."

    "So if you had sleepless because of noise and did not call for assistants shame.on you not canyon lake. The gentleman i checked in with would corrected the situation."

    7. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "It's on BLM land, so you are out of the reach of the Arizona Land Permits. The road is a bit tricky."

    "It’s got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby."

    8. Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Gold Canyon, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "Drive through the town of Gold Canyon AZ, and you quickly leave behind the sprawl of suburban Phoenix, but embrace the sprawling landscape of the Sonoran Desert which is brimming with life in the spring"

    "* It's Arizona...but there's GREEN stuff everywhere.

    • Great view of the mountains here.
    • Saguaro cacti everywhere.
    • I fed some carrots to a horse this morning.
    • The main road is pretty"

    9. Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

    4 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 983-0333

    $30 - $40 / night

    "It was fun to walk right up to the town and walk around. Cowboy Dan who owns and runs the steakhouse is hilarious and his wait staff was helpful and accommodating."

    "Great trails out from camp. Water at corrals. Nice showers and restroom a short walk away. Plan to go back!!"

    10. Encore Countryside

    6 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great Campground, close to everything."

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Recent Reviews near Superstition Mtn, AZ

681 Reviews of 251 Superstition Mtn Campgrounds


  • Jaimy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

    Fun Ghost town and Camping

    We happened upon this cool campground on our way to the state park that doesn’t have check in until 2 even though when I called at 9 they had tons of sites open. The Goldmine sites are clean and level. All have fire pits and most have a picnic table. It was fun to walk right up to the town and walk around. Cowboy Dan who owns and runs the steakhouse is hilarious and his wait staff was helpful and accommodating. They have train rides and you can visit a mine. The coffee shop opens at 9 and they have a great menu for breakfast, lunch and snack time. The restrooms are clean and the camp host was very helpful. We were able to unload our side by side and we traveled up to Tortilla Flats where you can have lunch and then onto Apache Lake and campground. That road does require 4 WD but we did see a Tesla on it so I guess if you like a challenge and don’t have 4WD then anything is possible!!
    Great spot and cheaper than the state park for dry camping $30 here and the same price for hook ups here $50.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Apache Lake Marina & Resort

    Middle of no where but amazing

    This is out in the middle of nowhere but simply amazing location. The lake has amazing views and park is nice and level. Has a grocery store and restaurant as well. Worth the trip to stay at this lake.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Canyon Lake Marina & Campground

    Nice location on the water

    This campground is right on the water. Close to Tortilla Flat which is a cool spot for the whole family. Lots of boats in the marina but we never say one on the lake. We did see kayakers and paddle boards those were venturing up the river. Road is very twisty on the way here but paved the whole way. Great spot!

  • 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.

  • 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

    High Chaparral RV Park

    100 Out of 10 – The Ultimate Adult RV Community in Arizona!

    We stayed 4-months last winter as snowbirds at High Chaparral RV Resort, and all I can say is this place is a 100 out of 10! This isn’t just an RV resort—it’s a full-on adult community bursting with FUN and SUN. The management here goes above and beyond to keep everyone entertained. From casino nights with real tables, dealers, and prizes, to bingo nights, live concerts, unbelievable cookouts, pickleball tournaments, frisbee golf, ladies’ luncheons, and the guys’ morning coffee gatherings—there is ALWAYS something happening. It’s impossible to be bored here. The 24-hour pool and spa was perfect for relaxing any time of day, and the whole community vibe makes you feel like you’re part of one big family. The staff is beyond amazing—friendly, helpful, and genuinely fun to be around. High Chaparral is hands-down the best adult RV community in Arizona. If you’re looking for sunshine, friendship, endless activities, and memories that will last a lifetime, this is the place to be. We can’t wait to come back!

  • 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!


Guide to Superstition Mtn

Camping opportunities near Superstition Mtn, Arizona range from primitive wilderness sites to full-service facilities within the Tonto National Forest. The region's distinctive terrain features ancient volcanic formations with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet, creating microclimates that influence seasonal camping conditions. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, with summer highs remaining in the upper 90s even after sunset.

What to do

Kayaking at Canyon Lake: Camp at Canyon Lake Marina & Campground for direct water access. "Awesome to sit and watch the kids play on the beach. Can fish 30 ft from your campsite," notes Spencer A., who visited in December and found the lakefront experience worthwhile despite closely spaced sites.

Desert wildlife viewing: The early morning hours at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground provide optimal wildlife spotting conditions. "Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape," shares Rebecca G., highlighting the natural encounters common in this desert habitat.

Off-road exploration: Navigate the terrain near Hackamore Road Dispersed camping areas with appropriate vehicles. "Roads are a little rough, just take it slow. There are a lot of sites, lots of utvs and folks riding horses out here," explains Dexter V., pointing to the area's popularity with off-road enthusiasts despite proximity to town.

What campers like

Convenient base camp: Mesa-Apache Junction KOA serves as a practical stopover. "Gave us a chance to refill water and propane, take some long hot showers and generally recharge before heading back out on the road," explains Teresa A., who appreciated the amenities for rejuvenating between wilderness experiences.

Scenic winter camping: Tortilla Campground attracts winter visitors with moderate temperatures and unique amenities. "Water only on generous sites with great views. No showers, elec. Very nice people, adjacent to Tortilla Flats. Basic!" summarizes Pamela K., highlighting the no-frills but scenic camping experience available during the October to March operating season.

Mountain views: The backdrop at camping areas provides dramatic vistas. "Highly recommend this park with spacious sites and great views of the Superstition Mountains and night lights of Phoenix," writes Terri D. about Lost Dutchman State Park, noting that site selection matters for optimal mountain views due to camp layout.

What you should know

Desert hazards awareness: The Superstition Wilderness contains terrain requiring careful navigation. "The drive down to the campground from the main road is 6 miles but takes about 15 minutes due to the steep winding gravel road," notes Sandra S. about Burnt Corral Campground, emphasizing the importance of allowing extra travel time.

Permit requirements: Several dispersed camping areas require specific documentation. "Easy to get a permit from the ranger station. Just email your name, address, phone number and driver's license number to sm.fs.mesa_ohs@usda.gov and you'll get your permit within 2 days for free," explains Whitney W. about accessing Bulldog Canyon.

Limited services: Most dispersed camping lacks basic amenities. "No showers and no cell service! There are bathrooms, but they're vault toilets and no sinks," warns Sandra S. about facilities at Burnt Corral Campground, reminding visitors to prepare accordingly for their stay.

Tips for camping with families

Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer better family facilities than others. "Clean facilities, beautiful surroundings, full amenities. We loved staying with a big group of teardrop trailers and home built campers," notes Loyal B. about winter camping at Lost Dutchman State Park.

Swimming options: Usery Mountain Regional Park provides recreation beyond hiking. "This is a lovely regional park to stay in. The sites are well maintained and the visitor center is worth a look. Wonderful hiking trails around the park," shares Christine S., highlighting the park's family-friendly amenities.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs. "They offer tons of programs for everyone like night hikes and scorpion hunts," mentions Jose G. about Usery Mountain Regional Park, pointing to activities that engage children while teaching desert ecology.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Choose carefully at full-service campgrounds. "We had site 118 which was closer to mountain so view was very good," advises Terri D. about Lost Dutchman, while cautioning that "roads are narrow and there are unforgiving drop offs on the sides."

High-clearance requirements: Many dispersed sites demand appropriate vehicles. "I wouldn't come out here without high clearance and decent suspension. Maybe tie down any loose items as well," recommends Francis D. about Hackamore Road Dispersed, emphasizing the rough access conditions.

Hookup considerations: Water and electric connections vary significantly. "Our site was a pull through...more a side of the road spot. No shade here at all but otherwise pretty decent. My spot had water and electric. Nice dump station on the way out too," explains Chris P. about Usery Mountain Regional Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Superstition Mtn, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Superstition Mtn, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 251 campgrounds and RV parks near Superstition Mtn, AZ and 56 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Superstition Mtn, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Superstition Mtn, AZ is Lost Dutchman State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 83 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Superstition Mtn, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 56 free dispersed camping spots near Superstition Mtn, AZ.