Best Campgrounds near Tempe, AZ
Camping around Tempe, Arizona puts you right in the Sonoran Desert with its unique plants and wildlife. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground draws many campers with its mix of developed sites with amenities and more basic spots without them. Near the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park Campground has electric hookups that RVers appreciate, plus hiking trails through classic desert terrain. If you want to see the Grand Canyon while camping in the Tempe area, you can make it there and back in a day, though it's a long drive. Spring and fall camping requires planning ahead since these are the most comfortable seasons and sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds have good roads leading to them, though you might need a higher-clearance vehicle for some of the more out-of-the-way spots. Many campers also head to the Colorado River area for fishing trips or to get on the water. Don't count on trees for shade at most sites - bringing your own shade structure is smart in this sunny region. The Tempe area works well for both tent and RV camping with its mix of state parks and county facilities. Always follow fire rules and pack out your trash when camping in these desert environments.