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Best Campgrounds in Arizona

9,273 Reviews

Arizona features a diverse spectrum of camping environments across its desert landscapes, pine forests, and canyon rims. From well-established sites like Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park with drinking water and fire rings to free dispersed options like Forest Service Road 328, the state accommodates various camping styles. Tent, RV, and glamping options exist at locations such as Lost Dutchman State Park and Flagstaff KOA, where amenities range from basic to full-service. Several areas permit free camping on public lands, particularly in national forest areas surrounding Sedona, Flagstaff, and near recreational lakes.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout Arizona camping areas, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. "The drive itself is an adventure, but doable in just about any car if it hasn't rained. I would still recommend some kind of SUV," noted one visitor describing the rough roads to East Pocket in Sedona. Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping experiences, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F in lower desert regions while higher elevations remain moderate. Winter brings snow to northern Arizona and mild conditions to southern regions. Cell service is typically limited at remote sites, especially in canyon areas and wilderness zones. Fire restrictions commonly affect camping during dry periods from April through October, with complete bans often implemented during high fire danger.

Campers consistently rate waterfront sites among Arizona's most desirable camping locations. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground and areas along Lake Mohave receive strong reviews for their water access, though they tend to fill quickly during warmer months. One reviewer described Pot Cove in Lake Mohave as having "crystal clear water. Amazing experience," despite requiring navigation of 18 miles of dirt road. Privacy and scenery vary considerably between developed campgrounds and dispersed options. Most dispersed areas offer greater solitude but minimal amenities, while established campgrounds provide more facilities at the cost of proximity to other campers. Wildlife encounters are common throughout Arizona's camping areas, with visitors reporting sightings of everything from wild turkeys to bears in mountainous regions.

Campground Showdown in Arizona

Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!

Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National ParkMather Campground — Grand Canyon National ParkMather Campground — Grand Canyon National ParkMather Campground — Grand Canyon National ParkMather Campground — Grand Canyon National ParkMather Campground — Grand Canyon National ParkMather Campground — Grand Canyon National ParkMather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
Click to VoteCampground A
OR
Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation AreaLone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation AreaLone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation AreaLone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation AreaLone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation AreaLone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation AreaLone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation AreaLone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Click to VoteCampground B

Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in Arizona (1,883)

    1. Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    211 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $6 - $50 / night

    "If you want to camp relatively close to the rim of the Grand Canyon, this is the spot."

    "I consider myself some what ocd when it comes to preparing for camping trips, although on this occasion, of all things to forget, the tent was left behind!"

    2. Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    121 Reviews
    Big Water, UT
    Website
    +1 (928) 608-6200

    "Plenty of toilets and trash cans are by the entrance/exit. A little windy because it’s exposed but very calm and quiet otherwise."

    "My wife and I took a random trip through Arizona on the way to The North Rim Grand Canyon! We happened upon Page Arizona, and found that we are the only ones whom didn't already know about the area."

    3. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed

    94 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ

    "Could only get one night at the Mather CG in Grand Canyon, so we went boondocking just outside of the National Park in Kaibab NF. "

    "The sites are pretty big and private, I recommend tucking yourself as far back as possible to stay away from the dust kicked up by passing cars."

    4. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    90 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    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."

    5. Gilbert Ray Campground

    83 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    Website
    +1 (520) 724-5000

    $10 - $75 / night

    "The scenery here is perfect for Arizona. Great views of Tucson Mountain and surrounded by all kinds of hiking trails in the Tucson Mountain Park. The sites are gravel and mostly flat."

    "Fantastic place to stay in the Arizona countryside. Cacti everywhere! So cool!"

    6. Catalina State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views."

    "Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."

    7. Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    70 Reviews
    Temple Bar Marina, AZ
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8906

    $20 / night

    "Took my kids and my mom camping for a little vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. I chose Boulder Beach campground as it was our first time and didn't want to be too far from home."

    "Nice flat RV parking with hook ups and some spots have Wii Fii although with all the beauty around you you should find no need to use it."

    8. Flagstaff KOA

    72 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 526-9926

    $100 / night

    "Nice campground near highway. Nice pleasant staff. Bathrooms were clean. Beautiful setting with mountain right behind the campground. Short walking trails within campground."

    "There is access to some great trails right behind the park. Sites are descent size but definitely not level but that is an easy fix."

    9. Homolovi State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Winslow, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 289-4106

    $30 - $40 / night

    "This is a great little campground 2 miles outside of Winslow Arizona. It’s in the middle of a state park that has two areas of ruins. One area is located about a mile from the campground."

    "Very surprised at how quiet it is because it is pretty close to I40. Only 5 miles outside of Winslow. Dump station and water fill at the entrance. Most sites have electric and water."

    10. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Cottonwood, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 634-5283

    $25 - $70 / night

    "Dead Horse Ranch is a beautiful Arizona state park."

    "The forest was closed in Northern Arizona so I decided to camp out at Dead Horse Ranch SP.  I was pretty pleased overall with my trip. "

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Recent Reviews in Arizona

9273 Reviews of 1883 Arizona Campgrounds

  • Carol The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2026

    Bumble Bee Dispersed

    Great for RV Trail Riding, Hiking and Solitude

    This is an isolated location for off road trail riding, horseback riding and boon-docking. There is a small community at the end of the unpaved road named Bubble Bee, AZ, population 11. The main road into the area is gravel but any roads intersecting with the main gravel road are not maintained and many require a high clearance vehicle. Some of the campsites were not left clean by previous campers. We still enjoyed the area. We enjoyed hiking and exploring the desert mountains and river washes. The location was quick and peaceful…I enjoyed listening to the variety of birds. Keep in mind that this is a desert landscaping. If you don’t like the view of the first campsite, keep driving until you get to the bridge and there are more campsites farther back. After the bridge, you will see an adorable sign for the local community. We intend to visit the area again…the next time we will take our ATVs so that we can explore more. Be cautious, there are many areas marked as mineral claims and it is illegal to pick up rocks/minerals in an identified claim area.

  • Travis H.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Forest Road 535 - East

    Not far from Sedona and right off 89

    Very busy on a Thursday but there are a lot of spots. I would still recommend getting there early because I got there at 5:00 and a ton of people were still going up after me. I only went about a third of the way up. Nice crisp weather for sleeping after hot days in Sedona.

  • Julie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Flintstones Bedrock City

    Blast from the past and a bird sanctuary

    I acknowledge my bias. I visited this location as a kid sometime between 1979 - 1982. Flintstones was a cartoon I loved and this brought back a memory. Many memories, as this was like some of the older campsites and facilities we used when I was growing up. The facility is older, but it is kept clean. There is a small store and restaurant on site. Prices are very reasonable and they run a bird sanctuary which is where all the Flintstone memorbilia resides. 

    This was, by far, the most reasonably priced location near the Grand Canyon for our one night stay. Many folks staying were working to support the tourist industry, so it was quiet. Inside the park is a very neat re-do of the Flintstones playground I visited as a kid. Many of the structures are present, some for walking through and seeing as almost a museum, and there are new structures with birds of prey who are in need of care. 

    There is electric and water. (We often boondock camp so those amenities are a bonus for us). There are bathrooms. They are older structure, but they are kept very clean. The showers are a real trip - it is the old coin operated shower. They are free to people staying at the park, but they are coin operated so they will give you coins. If you ever saw an old picture of a neon sign at a hotel saying "Hot Showers" - well you'll experience this here. The showers are one temperature - and they feel so good. Even better when you come out into the fresh air - it is the soul cleansing breath of fresh air you didn't know you needed. 

    Staff were amazing and knew many of the locals and regulars and had a good relationship with them, you could tell by the nice and familiar chit chat. It was like a small town where everybody knows every body. 

    This site may not be for everyone. This site is older and modest but the location serves a purpose both preserving some Flintstone history and also doing work to provide sanctuary to raptors and it is nearby to the Grand Canyon, and affordable.

  • Paulette W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping

    Clean and well maintained

    Traveled here in a 34 foot classy towing a bronco roads are a little rough but we did find a spot. People are generally very kind. It’s a beautiful place.

  • Julie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Petrified Forest Campground

    Boondocking and primitive road ahead

    We are on a trip and wanted to stop in the petrified forest and also experience a dark sky. We did get there in daylight. The site is lovely, nearby to the Petrified National Forest without feeling like your are close to much of anything. Mother nature had a dust storm to move through so we didn't get to see the stars, but that didn't stop us from having an amazing sunset and a wonderful night's sleep. The road is a bit tricky, but we found it with only one u-turn (a win when I'm in an unfamiliar place, if you ask me) and we would stay here again. The desert scenery is amazing.

  • Juliana M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2026

    Coconino Rim Road, Fire Road 310 Kaibab Forest

    great spot, super close to the park

    We didn’t spend much time here since we got in after dark, but the grounds were nice! Plenty of space to set up a proper tent and it was only 20 minutes from the Grand Canyon visitor center. Would definitely recommend

  • Amy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2026

    Beaver Creek Oasis

    Great safe spot!

    Private property with scattered camp sites. Real toilet and shower available and a seasonal stream to cool off in. Very dog friendly and close to Sedona!

  • T
    May. 14, 2026

    Dogtown Lake Road Dispersed Camping

    They make you feel like a criminal

    Ive camped here on and off for three years. 14 max days. I used to love this place. In my current trip two trips I split up my 14 days did 7 days and two weeks later tried to do 7 more days but a guy with body armor and a gun questioned me. He said he saw me before which I explained i had gone home but he still took my id and ran it along with the Tags on my van. I felt like a Criminal. I left the next day and Ill never go back.

  • T
    May. 14, 2026

    Dogtown Lake Road Dispersed Camping

    Treat campers like criminals

    Ive camped here on and off for three years. 14 max days. I used to love this place. In my current two trips I split up my 14 days did 7 days and two weeks later tried to do 7 more days but a guy with body armor and a gun questioned me. He said he saw me before and I explained i had gone home but he still took my id and ran it along with the Tags on my van. I felt like a Criminal. I left the next day and Ill never go back.

Guide to Arizona

Camping in Arizona offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From desert vistas to lush forests, there's something for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about camping in this beautiful state.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds, like Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, have fantastic hiking trails. One camper said, “Lace up your boots and conquer one of the park's diverse hiking trails. From challenging climbs to scenic strolls, there's a path for every level.”
  • Off-Roading: If you’re into off-roading, check out the trails near Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, “Dust off your UTVs and get ready for a blast! The washboard washes offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Houston Mesa Campground are great for spotting deer. One visitor noted, “Deer in campground in trees! The bathrooms are immaculate!”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground said, “Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. One camper at Cave Springs mentioned, “There are a lot of sites here and yet a lot of them feel secluded.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive high praise. A visitor at Rancho Sedona RV Park shared, “The camp hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, lack drinking water and showers. A camper noted, “No hot water in bathrooms. No showers.”
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get packed. A reviewer at Cave Springs said, “Packed in like sardines. Spaces are pretty small.”
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially in areas like Houston Mesa Campground. One camper warned, “The amount of camping spaces available went to such small of a number that it’s basically become a parking lot.”

Tips for camping with families

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Rancho Sedona RV Park noted, “Good late check-in setup though.”
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some areas have spotty cell service. A camper at Houston Mesa Campground mentioned, “While Verizon service isn't optimal, it's manageable.”
  • Respect Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A reviewer at Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) said, “People ride ATVs at night, so don’t plan on quiet at all times.”

With these insights, you’re all set for a memorable camping experience in Arizona!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping spots in Arizona for scenic views and natural attractions?

Arizona offers stunning camping destinations with spectacular natural scenery. Wahweap Campground & RV Park provides breathtaking views of Lake Powell and convenient access to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The location is ideal for exploring multiple natural wonders within an hour's drive. For desert landscapes, Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument offers a small but spectacular setting among classic Sonoran Desert vegetation. Other scenic options include Mather Campground near the Grand Canyon for rim views, White Horse Lake for peaceful forest and lake vistas, and the Sedona area for stunning red rock formations. Many Arizona campgrounds balance natural beauty with accessibility, allowing campers to enjoy diverse landscapes from alpine forests to desert expanses.

Where can I find free or low-cost camping options throughout Arizona?

Arizona offers abundant free dispersed camping on public lands. Forest Service Rd #205/225 Upper Dispersed Camping provides free sites along a well-maintained graded gravel road with scattered camping spots along the main road and down open Forest Service spur roads. Remember that dispersed camping requires setting up at least 1 mile from developed areas. Black Rock Road Dispersed offers no-frills free camping near the Arizona/Utah border with great sunset views—follow signs to the gypsum mine for more secluded spots. Other free options include Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping in San Rafael Canyon, Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed, and West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping. Most dispersed sites lack facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal solutions, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.

When is the ideal season for tent camping in Arizona to avoid extreme temperatures?

The ideal tent camping season in Arizona varies dramatically by elevation. In lower desert regions, spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer pleasant temperatures with daytime highs of 65-85°F and cool nights. Summer desert camping can be dangerous with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground typifies low desert camping—beautiful but extremely hot in summer months. For summer camping, head to higher elevations. White Horse Lake Campground near Flagstaff offers a cooler alternative during hot months. The Arizona camping calendar essentially inverts by elevation: northern/high-elevation areas (Flagstaff, White Mountains) are ideal May-September, while southern/low-elevation areas (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma) are best October-April. Always check weather forecasts and bring appropriate gear for sudden temperature changes, particularly in spring and fall.

Are there family-friendly campgrounds in Arizona with amenities like showers and restrooms?

Pinegrove Campground offers excellent family amenities with spacious sites featuring level paved parking pads and tent pads. Families will appreciate the clean bathrooms, pay showers, and firewood for sale near the host sites. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, with beautiful settings among the pines bordering a meadow. Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort is another family-friendly option with Oak Creek running through the property—perfect for cooling off during hot months. The mature trees provide welcome shade at most sites. Other family-suitable options include Lost Dutchman State Park with modern facilities, Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground with water recreation opportunities, and Flagstaff KOA offering full amenities including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a playground for children.

Keep Exploring

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