Best Tent Camping near Surprise, AZ

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Surprise, look no further. Find the best tent camping sites near Surprise. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Surprise, Arizona (9)

    Camper-submitted photo at Boulders OHV Area near Wittmann, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Boulders OHV Area near Wittmann, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Boulders OHV Area near Wittmann, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Boulders OHV Area near Wittmann, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Boulders OHV Area near Wittmann, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Boulders OHV Area near Wittmann, AZ

    1. Boulders OHV Area

    5 Reviews
    9 Photos
    42 Saves
    Wittmann, Arizona
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Caitlin S.'s photo of tent camping at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) near Crown King, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) near Crown King, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) near Crown King, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) near Crown King, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) near Crown King, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) near Crown King, AZ

    2. Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

    7 Reviews
    63 Photos
    95 Saves
    Crown King, Arizona

    Horsethief Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and OHV riding. Castle Creek Wilderness is located nearby, and Horsethief Cabin and Turney Gulch Group Campground are available by reservation. Day use sites and trails are open year-round; overnight accomodations are not available during the winter. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about these recreational opportunities. Note: Until further notice, use of a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those who plan to visit recreation sites in Horsethief Basin.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins
    Rachel P.'s photo of tent camping at McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood near Rio Verde, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood near Rio Verde, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood near Rio Verde, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood near Rio Verde, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood near Rio Verde, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood near Rio Verde, AZ

    3. McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    28 Saves
    Rio Verde, Arizona
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at Margies Cove West Campground near Gila Bend, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Margies Cove West Campground near Gila Bend, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Margies Cove West Campground near Gila Bend, AZ

    4. Margies Cove West Campground

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    35 Saves
    Gila Bend, Arizona

    Margies Cove West Campround includes day-use parking for ten vehicles, three campsites with picnic tables and steel fire rings, a vault toilet, and informational signage. The campground is adjacent to Margies Cove West Trailhead.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Buckeye Hills Regional Park near Arlington, AZ

    5. Buckeye Hills Regional Park

    Be the first to review!
    1 Save
    Arlington, Arizona

    THIS PARK IS CLOSED INDEFINITELY AS OF 1/21/2018 As of 1-21-2018, camping is not offered at Buckeye Hills Regional Park. The park will be undergoing a 'master plan' in the future review with camping options being included as an option.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove near Rio Verde, AZ

    6. Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove

    1 Review
    9 Saves
    Rio Verde, Arizona

    Rattlesnake Cove provides direct access to Bartlett Reservoir. Rattlesnake Cove has a sloping beach suitable for use in many water recreation activities. This area boasts of beautiful vistas of the desert with mountains in the background. The beach at Rattlesnake Cove is generally gently sloping with gradual change in water depths. Enjoy this primitive area with your friends and family by bringing your own grill and gear.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at Kentuck Springs near Crown King, AZ

    7. Kentuck Springs

    Be the first to review!
    4 Saves
    Crown King, Arizona
    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo at Juniper Dispersed Camping Area near Carefree, AZ
    Camper-submitted photo at Pine Mountain Wilderness near Black Canyon City, AZ

    9. Pine Mountain Wilderness

    Be the first to review!
    3 Saves
    Black Canyon City, Arizona

    The southern-most wilderness area on the Prescott National Forest shares a boundary with the Tonto National Forest. Recreational opportunities include: hiking, backpacking, and horse riding. Mechanized equipment of any kind is not allowed in wilderness areas. Trails in the Pine Mountain Wilderness include: Nelson Trail #159 Buck Basin Trail #158 Pine Flat Trail #165 Tule Rim Trail #162 Verde Rim Trail #161 Willow Springs Trail #12 The USFS Wilderness Stewardship brochure explains more about designated Wilderness and how you can become involved in helping care for this precious resource.

    • Tents
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Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Surprise, Arizona

367 Reviews of 9 Surprise Campgrounds


  • Chenery K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Constellation Park
    Oct. 21, 2017

    Constellation Park

    Plan Ahead - Check the Events Calendar for Wickenburg!

    I've been trail riding in the Wickenburg area since I was a kid, and the rodeo grounds across the street from Constellation Park is a gathering site for just about everyone who heads out into the desert on their 4-legged transportation. On my most recent visit to Constellation Park, the park and rodeo grounds were empty, but this place fills up fast whenever there are events scheduled, and the sites are first come, first served with NO reservations system, so plan ahead!

    There are 35 dry camp sites along a dirt road north of the rodeo grounds on Constellation Road in Wickenburg - they are primitive dry sites with no tents allowed - all camping must be self contained. Site fees are $8 per night, or $12 per night to have a horse corral included. Yes, I'm confused too - horses are ok, but tents are not? I'm not sure what the logic for self contained camping is for these sites, as they would make excellent car camping/tenting sites, but I'm not the one who makes the rules.

    The park opens onto state and BLM land, which you can ride or backpack into with a permit -

    https://land.az.gov/recreational-permit-portal

    Wickenburg is already a relatively quiet town with not much traffic outside the US 60 / US 93 interchange for people traveling from Phoenix to Las Vegas, so it's nice and quiet up here. The road undulates up over small rises, so unless there's a late night at the rodeo arena, there are no lights to compete with the star gazing show either. Again, tent camping would make so much sense here. . .

    I'd give the park 5 stars for the pretty desert views, quiet location and big skies if you were allowed to enjoy them outside of an RV. Oh well, we don't get everything we want, right?

  • Don L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar
    Mar. 3, 2022

    Box Bar

    Box Bar on the Verde river

    Great campground. RV & tent camping. 30 foot rigs ok. Porta potties available. Camping about 100 feet from river allowed. Fishing ok. Supposedly smallmouth bass in river.

  • Staci R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Leaf Verde RV Resort
    Sep. 18, 2017

    Leaf Verde RV Resort

    RV parking lot

    No tent camping. RV camping only. That being said, this is a giant parkinglot for RV "camping" that is popular with Snowbirds being it is close to groceries, store fronts and I10. There is a swimming pool, "The Barn", a salon, and a horseshoe pit.

  • Staci R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Constellation Park
    Sep. 17, 2017

    Constellation Park

    Rodeo drive of primitive campgrounds

    No tent camping. Self contained RVs only. Constellation park campground hosts horse events and rodeos that draw crowds from everywhere and of all ages. Campground is directly across the street from all horse and rodeo activities so this is very convenient if you are in the area for horsemanship.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Mountain Regional Park
    Dec. 24, 2020

    McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    Great trails. Clean park.

    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. Can use showers at RV camp area. Great spot.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Mountain Regional Park
    Dec. 29, 2020

    McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    Beauty in a prickly world!

    The map shows McDowell twice but there is only one. It us about 23K acres of beautiful desert surrounded by the Superstition Mountains. Clean campground and pretty quiet. Flush toilets, showers available in the RV campground. Fun MTB, hiking trails. We camped here twice in December 2020 because we liked it so much.. tent camping is $22/night. Highly recommend.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Mountain Regional Park
    May. 5, 2017

    McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    Beautiful scenic views

    Large campground with beautiful views from every campsite. Desert camping so there are no tall trees for shade and it can get windy. Sites with good privacy, full restrooms with free showers. Tent sites are not as nice as RV sites with full hookup. Lots of trails for mountain biking or hiking.

  • jeff B.
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
    Dec. 20, 2021

    McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood

    Excellent Regional Campground

    This campground in McDowell Regional park is for tent camping and small Vans, etc. Mix of both walk in sites and back in sites. It is set back a ways from the rest of the park. No showers here. Need to go to the trail head or RV campground for showers which was a bit of a hassle. Excellent mountain biking and hiking trails right out of the campground.

  • Tony C.
    Camper-submitted photo from White Tank Mountain
    Nov. 8, 2021

    White Tank Mountain

    Chollas everywhere, plenty of options

    This park is quite large and has many camping options: day passes, tent camping, semi-developed sites, and fully-developed sites with awnings for big rigs.

    There are many hiking trails too, for every level of difficulty.

    The nature is splendid, with hummingbirds, chipmunks, and plenty of chollas and prickly pear cactai.

    The ambience is quite festive, much more than what I am used to (although the noise may be due to the fact I went on NASCAR weekend).

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from White Tank Mountain
    May. 29, 2020

    White Tank Mountain

    Beautiful and close to town

    This park is so close to town, but far enough that you feel like you are way out. There are standard campsites (water and electric) as well as tent camping area. The sites can fit good sized rigs.  There is a ton of trails for hiking, biking, and horses. Brand new showers, restrooms, and a dishwashing area. Dogs are allowed, but please keep them on a leash and pick up after them so we don't lose the privilege!

    Here is a link to the Maricopa parks with maps: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/maps/

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from C C C (AZ) Tonto National Forest — Tonto National Forest
    Nov. 7, 2021

    C C C (AZ) Tonto National Forest — Tonto National Forest

    Oasis in the desert

    A dozen or so free tent sites. Tables, fire rings, grills. Vault toilets. Campers under 20’ should be okay. Larger RVs should consider a spot back off seven springs road. Going too much further up the road isn’t a good idea for RVs.

    Road in is pretty good. Some washboard. Most vehicles will make it. I’ve done it several times in a compact car.

    Late fall to early spring is best.

    Zero cell service.

  • Jordan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)
    Jan. 13, 2024

    Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    Rock Solid Camping

    Love this Saddle Mtn Campsite! The pin location is accurate but it looks there are multiple different access routes. We really enjoyed it here because you can pull up within 50-100 yards from Saddle mountain and camp right below it. So cool.

    We tent camped for about 5 days here, the crowd was minimal, felt very safe. Plenty of trails to walk, can explore the mountain and there are petroglyphs here. We only found a couple, but didn’t look too hard.

    Overall loved this place, easy access, safe, fun and some cool views!

  • Justin M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant
    Apr. 23, 2023

    Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant

    Enjoyable time

    Camped 5 nights at the desert tortoise campground in my NoBo travel trailer. Semi developed so no hook ups. Bathrooms were clean and the area was well kept. The spot includes a ramada with picnic table. There is also a fire ring pit w/ grill which you’ll need to bring firewood for. I fished off the shoreline which was only a few hundred feet from my spot. The spots are relatively close to each other and tent camping is also allowed. Water is clear and very nice. Wild donkeys from old miners back in the day still roam around. They are very accustomed to humans so won’t hesitate to steal food. Definitely something to watch pets around as well.

  • Jeni G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground
    Oct. 18, 2019

    Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground

    Cool spot, too much trash

    The river was beautiful! The camp spots were close to the river with nice big fire rings. Just like a lot of low desert camping in Arizona it’s dusty and dry with lots of prickly plans. But the trail and the trees near the river were lush. My biggest complaint about the spot was all the garbage everywhere. Come on people, burn your trash or take it home! There’s no need to trip over piles of water bottles & beer cans, cigarette butts, McDonald’s wrappers and plastic bags.

  • Scott C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Buckeye Hills Regional Park
    Jun. 20, 2017

    Buckeye Hills Regional Park

    Great (late winter) desert camping

    This was one of my favorite free longterm camping spots of all time. Desert flowers were blooming while I was there in January/Feb. Nice enough scenery.

    Lots of RVs around. I was able to find a spot by toilets for my tent and then move into a more private spot after an RV left.

    Fairly busy. Serviced (BLM?), very clean. Feels safe. Next to air force base which is loud and pretty cool, and sheriffs training facility /shooting range which actually is better than a lot of other free Arizona spots because gunshots aren't going off all night and bullets whizzing by from responsible gun owners...

    Was not hassled at all.

    Dry toilets and garbages. But pack out. Garbage piles up. Many options for RV and tents and car campers. Seems they don't ask anyone to move or anything unless they have to.

  • Robert G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Harbor RV Resort
    Apr. 24, 2020

    Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

    Great Campground with easy water access...lots of options

    There are several different RV/Camping options at Pleasant Harbor Marina / RV Resort. 

    1. In the resort with Full Hookups

    2. Out on the "flat" with just water and power (dump station on site)

    3. Out on the "flat" with no hookups. (can also tent / car camp)

    As compared to the Maricopa County Parks side, this has a little bit more party atmosphere, is less secluded, but you can almost always get at least a boondocking spot without a reservation. They also have large events here as well so check their calendar for the weekend you are wanting to go!

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

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White Tank Mountain
    May. 3, 2022

    White Tank Mountain

    Convenient to Phoenix

    General: Located less than an hour from Phoenix, this campground is an easy getaway. There are two campgrounds: The Family Campground (40 sites) with water and 30/50 amp electric hookups and the more“rustic” Willow Canyon Campground (19 sites) with no hookups. This campground is good for tents, campervans, or small (16 feet or less) trailers. 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, which was very helpful considering we were not familiar with the area. 

    Site Quality: We stayed in the Family Campground so we could take advantage of the electric hookups. The sites are gravel, a good size, well-maintained, and spaced a decent amount of distance apart. Some are pull-through and some back-in. In addition to the aforementioned water and electric hookups, each site also has a picnic table, bbq grill, and fire pit. Some have covered picnic shelters but not all. Most of these also have space for tents. 

    Bathhouse: Is located in the center of the loop and was clean. Sites on the inside have paths leading to the bathhouse but if you are on the outside of the loop, access is via a path between sites 34 and 36 or sites 11 and 13. Three stalls, one sink, and one shower. One sink is not really adequate for 40 sites, but I did not encounter more than one other person at a time. Soap dispenser, rack, and air dryer. The way the water faucets are is wasteful: once you turn them on, they run for quite some time before turning off. Hot water was appreciated. Did not use the shower so cannot comment on that. 

    Activities: Several hiking trails. The most popular one is the waterfall trail, but you need to drive to the trailhead for this. It is paved for the first half mile (shortly after the petroglypghs) and then it is a rocky, gravel path. The waterfall only runs after heavy rain (I would think this would make access very challenging). There was water in the “pool” and it is scenic so it was worthwhile to go despite no running falls. There are restrooms, a picnic area and a playground near this trailhead. Some of the other trails are used by mountain bikers or horseback riders. The information you receive at check-in details the usage for each trail. 

    This campground was mainly an overnight as we continued to head west but I am glad we took the time to hike the waterfall trail before leaving. If you need groceries or other supplies, the town of Surprise, about 8 miles to the east, would have everything you need. Note there is a nearby air force base and you will hear jets flying by, although this was during daylight hours.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Regional Park
    Dec. 10, 2023

    Skyline Regional Park

    Small campground, very popular day-use park

    General: Very small (7-site) campground. One site is ADA-accessible and paved (the rest are gravel) but there are no hookups at any site. 

    Site Quality: Generous-sized gravel driveways; Site D sloped uphill slightly. A concrete picnic table, BBQ grill, and fire pit complete the site. I was a little surprised that the picnic tables did not have shelters as it gets quite hot in Arizona (the day-use pavilions were covered). 

    Restroom: Two-stall, one-sink restroom. No showers. This restroom is also used by the day-use area so by the end of the day, it looks like it has been well-used. It was cleaned at night. It looked like the sink was clogged, but it was just slow draining. 

    Activities: Hiking! There are several hiking trails directly accessible from the campground and all the trails are well-marked. There is a short (.6 mile) ADA-accessible trail. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also activities although we saw neither in our two days at this park. There was also a wildly popular star-gazing event while we were there. 

    Final thoughts: IMO, the best sites are B, C, and D. Site D especially has no visible neighbors on either side. Kudos to the city of Buckeye – they could have easily crammed a half-dozen more campsites in this area, but I am glad they did not! As I mentioned, this is a popular day-use area and by 7 am on a weekend in early April, the day-use parking lot was completely full. Despite this, we did not see too many people on the trails.

  • Sarah K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Constellation Park
    Jan. 13, 2022

    Constellation Park

    Easy!

    We have camped many times with my family. Many people have RVs in our group and some have tents and truck tents! All are welcome and easy to navigate. Great for individuals and groups. Cheap, just 8$! It is clean, quiet and beautiful views. Close to town and close to fun attractions such as the rodeo or box canyon wash!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White Tank Mountain Regional Park
    Jan. 15, 2025

    White Tank Mountain Regional Park

    Couple nights while visiting area

    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. Didn’t do any others as our dog had an encounter with a stray cholla ball. This would be the only concern for those traveling with pets. There are quite a few lose even along trails. Other than that the facilities are clean and well kept. Fresh water and showers are available.

  • Justin M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Harbor RV Resort
    Mar. 18, 2023

    Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

    Great escape outside Phoenix

    Reserved 7 days at Lake Pleasant RV to get familiar with my new camper. Chose the dry site “Vista Point” and at first was a little weary but was pleasantly surprised how many others were doing the same. The views from my spot were pretty epic. Relaxed and fished off the shoreline. Going to have to revisit after doing more research on the fishing here. They do have port a pottys which were actually clean. The convenience store was a cool feature saving me from having to drive 20min to get some drinks. Dillons restaurant smelled delicious but I packed too much food to not cook it up. Didn’t really run into anyone not friendly or in a good mood. I’ll definitely be back here.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant
    Nov. 7, 2021

    Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant

    Great for beginners

    Very short drive from civilization. Semi developed sites are a good way to break someone in to tent/car camping. Full restrooms and showers nearby. Usually clean.

    You can even hit one of the restaurants at the lake.

    Primitive camping on the shoreline is cool and still not too far from facilities.

  • Liza C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bartlett Flat
    Jul. 31, 2016

    Bartlett Flat

    SC Cove @ Barlett Lake

    If your big into swimming/floating / boating & kayaks and jet skis this the the place to camp.. Back right up to the lake , pitch a tent and your set up for fun..

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Road Camp
    Nov. 10, 2023

    Bloody Basin Road Camp

    Easy to drive

    I think it’s a great place to stay when coming late at night. Close to the highway. Some trash around. It is very open space so wind will attack you really rough. Even roof top tent felt the impact.

  • Finn L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
    Dec. 18, 2020

    Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    Geared towards rv camping

    We arrived late at night to a site full of off roading vehicles and other ATVs. Obviously a meet.

    The ground is very compact and straight dirt, multiple rvs had generators running so the night was loud. We ended up leaving.

    I'm sure its a sweet spot for off roading and to rv camp but not so much for tents.

  • Emily B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar
    Nov. 11, 2017

    Box Bar

    Peaceful and Beautiful

    We dispersed camped over veterans weekend for Phoenix questival and were the only ones there. The port a potty was clean and there were picnic tables and a fire ring. Where else in phoenix can you pitch a tent 50 feet from a river?


Guide to Surprise

Tent camping near Surprise, Arizona offers a variety of scenic locations where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nature while setting up camp under the stars. With options ranging from well-reviewed sites to more secluded spots, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Boulders OHV Area features picnic tables and sanitary dump facilities, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
  • At the Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake), you'll find a serene environment with fire pits and ample space for setting up tents.
  • Kentuck Springs offers basic amenities like toilets, although it lacks drinking water and trash services, appealing to those looking for a more rustic experience.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

Tips for tent camping near Surprise

  • When visiting the Boulders OHV Area, be prepared for dusty conditions and occasional noise from off-road vehicles, especially on weekends.
  • If you plan to camp at the Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake), ensure your vehicle is equipped for rough terrain, as access requires a high-clearance vehicle.
  • For a quieter experience, consider the Kentuck Springs site, which is less frequented and offers a peaceful atmosphere for tent camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Surprise, AZ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Surprise, AZ is Boulders OHV Area with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Surprise, AZ?

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Surprise, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.