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Best Campgrounds near Surprise, AZ

530 Reviews

Surprise, Arizona has several camping options within an hour's drive for those looking to spend time outdoors. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground works well for fishing and boating trips, with good water access but no shower facilities. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort sits close by with full hookups for larger rigs. Many campers head to Lost Dutchman State Park to check out the Sonoran Desert and hike the trails while learning about the area's history. When planning, keep in mind that you'll need to secure your food properly since wildlife is common throughout these camping areas. Making reservations is smart, particularly during busy seasons, as the booking system generally opens a few months ahead. Always check on current fire rules before your trip since restrictions happen regularly in this dry region. Most camping spots limit stays to 14 days maximum. Fall and spring bring the most comfortable camping weather, while summer gets extremely hot and can be rough for tent campers. The area makes a good base for trips to the Grand Canyon and Colorado River, with camping that ranges from quiet spots to places with more activities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Surprise, Arizona (147)

    1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    65 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

    "There was a gate attendant when we checked in around 6 pm on a Monday and we were given an information packet with information on the campground, nearby facilities in the town of Surprise, and trails,"

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

    3. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Waddell, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 935-2505

    $15 - $45 / night

    "We stayed at the Willow Campground for two nights while visiting family and friends in the Surprise area. Hiked the Waterfall and Black Loop Trail for a little exercise as well."

    "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."

    4. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    15 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. Boulders OHV Area

    7 Reviews
    Wittmann, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "If you dont mind occasional off road vehicles driving through during the day, its a good spot with plenty of room."

    "Nearby washes lead to tons of trails near castle hot springs that can lead to various abounded mine sites (including Anderson Mill)."

    6. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    19 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!"

    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. State land trust/Inspiration Point

    6 Reviews
    Surprise, AZ
    5 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."

    9. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    15 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."

    10. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    15 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Surprise, AZ

73 Photos of 147 Surprise Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Surprise, AZ

530 Reviews of 147 Surprise Campgrounds

  • Steffanie & Joshua The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    Beautiful and spacious

    Got in pretty late at night on a Friday but had no difficulty finding a spot. Road was a little rocky but not horrible. Gorgeous views all around, and you can drive far enough back to really lose the road sounds. It was pretty hot, as would be expected here, but the breeze through the night was enough to keep us cooled off with the tent vents opened.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Cave Creek Regional Park

    Calm, clean and wide space

    We were there for one night. Quiet place all night long. Our camping lot was wide and very clean. The washroom and the shower were very clean. Free hot shower. Picnic table for 6 to 8 persons.

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2025

    Ghost Town Road BLM Camping

    Good Spot to Stay

    It’s not the Taj Mahal but it’s quiet and the views aren’t too shabby. It gets the job done.

Guide to Surprise

Camping near Surprise, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails for hiking and biking. For example, at Usery Mountain Regional Park, one camper mentioned, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!" Another reviewer added, "This is our third time here. There are tons of trails and the views are awesome."

  • Exploring History: Check out the nearby Lost Dutchman State Park. One visitor shared, "Immerse yourself in the legendary lore of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine," highlighting the park's rich history.

  • Water Activities: At Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A reviewer noted, "The views from my spot were pretty epic. Relaxed and fished off the shoreline."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Point of Rocks RV Campground said, "Nestled in the Dells we had a spot that backed up to the rocks that we were able to easily climb up each night and watch the sunset."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at McDowell Mountain Regional Park remarked, "The bathrooms are immaculate, and the staff is friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having room to breathe. One reviewer at White Spar Campground mentioned, "Sites were spacious and not too close to each other."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park, do not have showers. A camper noted, "No hot water in bathrooms. No showers."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A visitor at Usery Mountain Regional Park 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."
  • Cell Service: Cell service can be spotty in some areas. One camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground advised, "Keep in mind that cell service can be limited in certain areas."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Pleasant Harbor RV Resort, one camper said, "The views are beautiful and the people are very nice and helpful."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A family at Lynx Lake Campground shared, "If you like to camp, hike, boat, fish, and cycle then this is the place for you!"
  • 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 the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Point of Rocks RV Campground mentioned, "Great trails, super nice people, clean bathrooms and showers."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some campgrounds have restrictions on vehicle types. One disappointed camper at Point of Rocks RV Campground said, "We were shocked when we were informed that we cannot in fact stay at the campground because it is an 'RV only campground.'"
  • Plan for Weather: Be prepared for the Arizona heat. A camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground noted, "Gets a little warm during the summer - after all it is AZ."

Camping around Surprise, Arizona, offers a variety of experiences, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Surprise, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Surprise, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Surprise, AZ and 38 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Surprise, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Surprise, AZ is Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Surprise, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 38 free dispersed camping spots near Surprise, AZ.

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