If you're searching for a place to camp with pets near Tempe, look no further. Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a place near local attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect spot for you and your pup.
NO CAMPING First 2 miles and 300 feet on either side of the road/trail VEHICLES MUST STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS - but past those designated no camping zones, camping is allowed unless otherwise posted.
This space is very large so it may be best to divide it by the access points. The point I'll be using is Access #3- Forest Road (FR) 10, south entrance: This access point is reached from Apache Junction. From Mesa: Travel 15 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to the Idaho Street exit. Follow Idaho Street north 4½ miles to McKellips. Turn right on McKellips and travel ½ mile to the Wolverine Pass Road and turn left. Follow it for 7/8 mile and turn right on Tonto Road. Travel north on Tonto Road for ¼ mile to Cactus and turn left. Follow Cactus to McDowell Road and follow it to FR 10 gate.
Set in the northeast Valley of metro Phoenix, McDowell Mountain Regional Park covers 21,099 acres in the lower Verde River basin. Campers choose from 76 individual sites for tent or RV camping, which can accommodate up to a 45-foot RV. These developed sites have water and electrical hook-ups, plus a dump station, picnic table, and barbecue fire ring, while all restrooms offer flush toilets and showers. Group camping is also available.
McDowell Mountain activities range from biking, hiking, and horseback riding on over 50 miles of multi-use trails to picnicking, stargazing, and plenty of park-organized programs and events.
$32 / night
$41 - $84 / night
Tortilla Campground is a winter campground just outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area. From October through April each year, urban dwellers take advantage of cooler temperatures and enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and scenic driving throughout the surrounding Tonto National Forest. Campers awake to a scenic backdrop of rugged bluffs, saguaro cactus and desert skies. The campground is located directly across from Tortilla Flat Restaruant and general store, which is just a short walk away.
The area is rich with human history, scenery and outdoor recreation. The campground lies along the Canyon Lake Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a former Apache Tribal route turned stagecoach road. Visitors may hear stories of lost cowboys and gold mining. The drive to the campground provides ample scenery and a vista point perfect for photography and wildlife viewing. The campground is just down the road from Canyon Lake which provides a number of recreational opportunites such as kayaking, fishing, and boating. The Superstition Wilderness has a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. Use caution as trail conditions can be fair or poor, and several are unsuitable for horses. Also make sure to check out many of the developed recreation sites along Canyon lake for shoreline and fishing dock access, but keep in mind these sites require a day pass not included in the camping fees.
The Superstition Wilderness Area is starkly beautiful and untamed. A series of dams has created numerous lakes along the Salt River. Blossoming plants bring the desert to life each spring with vibrant wildflowers. This area is a photographers dream with plenty of opportunities to capture Bighorn Sheep, Deer, and other desert widlife. The area can be harsh for travelers not equipped to meet nature on her own terms. Soaring temperatures and little water are typical conditions in the summer. In winter, temperatures are typically pleasant during the day but drop significantly at night. Visitors should come prepared for anything, even the occasional rain or snow.
Fish Creek Vista Point is approx. 7 miles east on AZ-88, this area provides great views of the desert and an accessible interpretive trail great for learning about the history of the area.
$20 / night
Pinnacle Farms South is located in the city of Phoenix at a historic citrus orchard at the base of the fertile South Mountain. Originally a citrus orchard homesteaded from adobe bricks in the 1930's, Pinnacle Farms is now a secluded oasis in the desert close to downtown, the airport and all of the SOMO activities, like Taco Tuesday at the Corona Ranch, Volleyball nights and happy hour at the nearby Gila River Casino and the Silver Pony. Join us for a relaxing weekend to decompress and enjoy the sounds of the rooster and the working farm sounds. We offer 2 camper rentals, Bohemian Hideaway and Groovy Terry Trailer which have all the amenities of a fixed camper, but outdoor shared facilities like showers, kitchen and toilets. We also offer two tent sites where you bring your own tents. And one RV site. You bring the RV, we can provide a 30 amp hook up, water and a dump site, but please plan to arrive empty and only dump what you have to. We also have the Redbird Room, a private room with a private bathroom and a fully self contained Pinnacle Farms apartment available for longer term stays. Sorry, no discounts for monthly stays on the RV sites. Best place to stay in the Phoenix metro area for a monthly stay is Lake Pleasant RV, or Desert's Edge, but they both book up early for the winter, so make reservations early!
$50 / night
Commerical Site, Please call for information, Tel: (480)288-9233, Paved Boat Launch
Guide
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.
Guide
We stayed a couple of nights while visiting family and friends in the area. Gave us a chance to refill water and propane, take some long hot showers and generally recharge before heading back out on the road. Great facilities - very clean and friendly staff.
Ranger
Basic boondocking in the desert. Lots of room and others campers keep their distance.
Beautiful views of mountains with lots of birds.
The road in is about two miles of dirt road. Not too bumpy and appropriate for most cars and trailers. No end of room to turn around.
Traveler
This was an open spot at night, and we needed to park, so we did, and saw the place covered in broken bottles, paint brushes, garbage, and up the hill someone has been using the bathroom all over the grounds and leaving nasty toilet paper all over. The horse pen is full of broken bottles and empty gun casings, you can see that people come up here to trash the place.
Traveler
Not a fan. Won’t be back with my trailer.
Traveler
We chose to keep going until we hit actual BLM land, maybe one mile from the highway. The views were phenomenal and very little noise. The moon and stars were beautiful too.
It looked like there was BLM land on the North side of I8, which we’ll check out the next time we pass through here.
Even though the road is a little bumpy, any rig and trailer can make it!
Traveler
Enjoyed our December visit to Lake Marina campsite 201. Will say campsites are close together. Awesome families close to us made it fun. Need to show up with the mindset that you will be around a lot of people. The lake access is hard to beat. Awesome to sit and watch the kids play on the beach. Can fish 30 ft from your campsite.
Guide
Yes, I paid the$15 fee and I've been here a couple weeks. People are pretty great. I had Christmas Eve dinner with a bunch of other campers. A lot of fun
Guide
From what i gather, some dimbasses were taking pit shots at the free roam cattle...I guess they thought they were not owned. Regardless, we had been there about a week when we were abruptly told to pack up and get out of here. So I did. Liked the spots though.
Scout
This really ticks me off. One of the more beautiful spots to spend a day has been closed to campers and trail riders. We were shocked to see all access except to the park and trailhead are closed. I agree a few camping spots were over used but that shouldn't have closed the whole area. This is shameful and a government power grab!
TravelerThe campsite is good, quiet, easily accessible and I met some friendly neighbors. I love all the cacti as well. There is quite a bit of trash and glass around. Full Verizon cell service and nice warm weather in December.
Scout
Beautiful park. Expensive but worth every penny. Unbelievable amenities
Guide
The road in is a little rough, but ok. Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties. There's no facilities so be prepared. Good level land and plenty of room. Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well. Fantastic views and quiet atmosphere, so far. Been here two nights and plan to stay for at least another week.
ScoutCoordinates led to a cattle guard that is fenced closed. No access to the site. You could park next to the road though.
Traveler
I’m Lisa, the volunteer camp host here from October through Easter. I’m often on-site and happy to help! Here’s what you need to know to enjoy your stay: • About the Park: This is a peaceful, primitive, and clean county-run park. We offer shaded picnic tables, six spotless port-a-jons, and a dumpster for trash (access the side doors, as the lid is locked). Please respect the 10 mph speed limit to minimize dust and maintain the park’s tranquility. Campfires are not allowed on the ground; please use your barbecue or an appropriate fire container. • Reservations: Reserve ahead during winter months as we often fill up. Large RVs should plan carefully as sites are limited. Smaller rigs, please select an appropriately sized site to help us accommodate everyone. For reservations, use the website, not the app (it doesn’t always show specific sites). Need help? Reach me on-site or call the office weekdays at (520) 866-6920. • Amenities in the Park: • A large, fenced area for off-leash dog exercise. • Shaded picnic tables and clean port-a-jons. • Nearby Amenities: • Gas Station/Showers: Less than a mile west at the I-8/84 interchange. • Dump & Fill: Wild West RV Park (4 miles east) offers self-serve for $20. • Stay Limits: Maximum 14-day stay. After that, you must leave for seven days before returning. • Nearby Services: • Stanfield (10 miles east): Dollar store, El Rancho market and restaurant (highly recommended), laundromat, post office, and Circle K. • Maricopa (20 minutes north) or Casa Grande (30 minutes east): Larger stores and provisions. • Local Highlights: • Dwarf Car Museum (5 miles north): Ernie’s handcrafted, ¾-scale classic cars are a must-see. Open daily, 9–4. • Rooster Cogburn’s Ostrich Ranch (Picacho Peak): One of my favorite spots for an inexpensive, fun day! Feed a variety of fascinating animals and enjoy the unique experience.
Wherever your journey takes you, may you be blessed and happy. 🙏💕✨
Traveler
Stayed a long weekend with the family and had great time. Fishing within walking distance. Bathrooms are clean and a water spiket/faucet available.
Guide
Lots of room all rvs except little ol me, but only for a couple weeks.
GuidePretty, some freeway noise from the 8, great camp host. Hiking trails. Just porta potties and dumpster, but you can dump and get water 4 miles away. Most any sized rig can fit. Dirt roads are in pretty darn good shape.
Traveler
This is a huge park. 1365 sites. Crammed in pretty tight, but fairly clean and very nice staff. Most of the sites are pull thru so that’s a bonus.
Scout
Thanks to the efforts of the environaz- mentality of the last 40 years there are horribly few true sanctioned OHV areas for folks to legally use and enjoy offroad Motorsports, neither FREE or PAID. So OHV owners have nearly zero options. Bulldog Canyon is one those tiny few chances for those OHVers. Campers need to be cognizant of this and respect the OHV'er, not demand OHV'ers respect THEM! If you are looking for a pure silent CAMPground, and are of the "get off my lawn" and or "man/woman shouts at clouds" type, look elsewhere. There are PLENTY of options for such inflexible campers to demand adherence to THEIR level of enjoyment. Bulldog isn't free, OHVers pay for the unlimited access - when allowed that access - to trails WITHOUT time/day/hour exceptions. So if you're a camper, bring some earplugs if the sounds of all-hours OHVers is disturbing to you. Bulldog Canyon is a fantastic area for those campers who enjoy the OHV. I no longer can use an OHV but I enjoy seeing these younger generations doing what mine and earlier gens once took for granted nearly everywhere unrestricted. Highly recommend Bdog Canyon for the fun-lovers and young-at-hearts. For the HOA-loving types, sincerely consider elsewhere for your benefit and those of others.
TravelerThis place is right off the highway. Plenty of level places to park. We drive a van but I think most sizes of RV would have no trouble here. Lots of room to turn around. Pretty view of the mountains. There's highway noise but we were all alone.
Ranger
We’ve stayed here several times and roadrunner campground is my favorite because it’s up above the lake and has a beautiful view. There are several poles through spots as well as back and spots. Electric and water are available. Showers are so so. Spots are fairly level and paved.
Scout
Friendly host, clean facilities, Nice comfy spot for a tent. I enjoyed my stay very much.
Traveler
Permit required for the gate code. Camping available 2 miles in. Need a 4x4. It's definitely worth the hastle as these spots are beautiful and clean. A lot of OHV so it kicks up dust.
ScoutThe county has closed camping on Peralta road, signs are up, and trenches have been dug so no access is available.
Scout
September 21, 2024: We’ve dispersed camped here many times in last three years, took a trip out there today and every dispersed access point is plowed up with very deep trenches not allowing vehicles or rigs to access. Sad affair with squatters taking advantage and leaving trash, there was not a soul in sight. Maybe they’ll reopen it later when it cools down.
Scout
We love this park! It’s in the desert and has huge level sites that are spread out so you aren’t packed in close together. They have emus and chickens that are so neat! The new owner is super sweet and has done a lot to make the park great again. We love it here and don’t want to leave!
Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Tempe, Arizona, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your furry friends behind. Here are some top spots that cater to both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Tempe, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tempe, AZ is Usery Mountain Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Tempe, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 184 dog-friendly camping locations near Tempe, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
