Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Tempe, AZ

Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping near Tempe requires a permit for pets and campers. This free dispersed camping area allows dogs to accompany their owners throughout the public lands, though all pets must stay leashed in camping areas. Usery Mountain Regional Park offers pet-friendly camping with electric hookups, drinking water, picnic tables, and showers, maintaining a 4.8/5 rating among campers with pets. Mesa Gardens RV Park provides fenced pet areas with direct access to an adjacent park through a coded gate, making it convenient for dog owners needing regular pet exercise. Towerpoint Resort and Monte Vista RV Resort both accommodate pets in their 55+ communities, though additional pet fees may apply for longer stays.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park features pet-friendly trails where leashed dogs can join their owners while exploring the desert landscape. The park's location offers scenic mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities, though pet owners should be mindful of potential encounters with desert wildlife. Pinnacle Farms South provides a unique farm setting for camping with pets, allowing dogs to walk the property on leash with views of pomegranate trees, citrus groves, and South Mountain. The farm's wide-open spaces make it ideal for exercising pets while camping. Travelers note that appropriate footwear is recommended when walking dogs around the working farm property, and an Astro-turf mat helps minimize dirt tracked into RVs. Campers should carry sufficient water for pets during hikes, as desert temperatures can rise quickly and create hazardous conditions for dogs.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Tempe, Arizona (193)

    1. Usery Mountain Regional Park

    35 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 984-0032

    "Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. "

    "Was 90 the day we left (~March 23rd), night temp was cool and windows left open.
    Food: Chorizo & bacon mac & cheese with garlic and tortillas!"

    2. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $10 - $80 / night

    "This is a nice area if you like to off road. We take our trailer out for the weekend to get out of the city. It’s an hour from Tempe/ Phoenix."

    "This is a nice, clean spot close to town and lots of outdoor activities! We saw some of the most beautiful sunsets and cacti here. The road is a little sketchy but was passable in our 19’ trailer."

    3. Pinnacle Farms South

    4 Reviews
    Guadalupe, AZ
    11 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "Our 19’ trailer was in a quiet, private spot next to a large grassy area sometimes used for canine agility."

    "The RV spot was between date palms and next to the dog agility course. The tent sites were in the back and seemed nice and private."

    4. Mesa Gardens RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Salt River, AZ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 964-1102

    $48 - $55 / night

    "Great campground centerally located to Phoenix and Scottsdale. Was only planning to stay 2 nights but ended up extending my stay. Full hookups and laundry/showers in house."

    5. Holiday Village

    2 Reviews
    Tempe, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 962-1694

    $37 / night

    6. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    18 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4015

    "It has a small dog park but it gets the job done. The people in the park are very nice and the staff are extremely kind and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here."

    "Standard KOA amenities of pool, hot tub, playground, and dog park. We’d stay again."

    7. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $32 / night

    "Lots of hiking and bike riding trails with a bike course! Playground. Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town."

    "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."

    8. Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell

    10 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 789-5310

    $41 - $84 / night

    "Walking paths and trails are throughout the park. A dog park is available. Town is about 10 minutes away on a winding back road."

    "We have met great people here and enjoy that you can walk or bikeride directly from the RV Park. The park is always clean and well cared for, and we like that its not in the city center."

    9. Towerpoint Resort (55+)

    2 Reviews
    Mesa, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 832-4996

    10. Monte Vista RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Mesa, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Gravel surrounds each campsite and we have noticed maintenance crews raking the gravel every other day. Close to all the fun stuff on the Superstition Mountains."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Tempe, AZ

870 Reviews of 193 Tempe Campgrounds


  • Christina R.
    Nov. 7, 2020

    Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    Great place to get away

    This is a nice area if you like to off road. We take our trailer out for the weekend to get out of the city. It’s an hour from Tempe/ Phoenix. Nice and quite except for an occasional rider passing by. Awesome area to catch a sunset. Stores are about 15 mins away if you needed something. Permit system is online now. Super cheap and easy. The area is gated off and you need to permit to open the gate.

  • Carol E.
    Jan. 25, 2022

    Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell

    Nice quiet park out of town

    We got the last spot in the park to stop over for 3 nights. Lots are spacious. We have a view of the tribal land. Other sites have valley views and are more preferable. The amenities are very nice. Large laundry $3/load. Central courtyard with gas grills, a pool and hot tub. DVDs to borrow are available in the office as well as jigsaw puzzles, and books. Walking paths and trails are throughout the park. A dog park is available. Town is about 10 minutes away on a winding back road. The road behind the park is not used much so no traffic noise to speak of. Coffee and donuts in the clubhouse in AM. The only negative would be the goat head stickers! They track in and are painful for the pets as well. We saw wild horses, woodpeckers, and heard the distant coyotes carrying on.

  • Jeni G.
    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.

  • Stacy R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Tonto Creek Trail RV Park

    Quiet Desert Gem with Beautiful Mountain Views

    We loved our stay at Tonto Creek Trail RV& MHC! From the start, the staff was warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The park is peaceful, clean, and well-maintained—exactly what we were looking for in a relaxing getaway. The location couldn’t be better. Nestled in Tonto Basin, the park is just minutes from Roosevelt Lake, which was perfect for fishing, boating, and soaking in the views. We also enjoyed exploring the nearby Tonto National Forest trails—ideal for hiking and ATV adventures. As pet owners, we were thrilled that pets stay free! The community is very pet-friendly, which made traveling with our furry family stress-free. The grounds are safe and quiet, with beautiful mountain views all around, giving us plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring. Between the friendly community vibe, the great amenities, and the unbeatable location, this is a hidden gem in Arizona. We’re already planning our next trip back to Tonto Creek Trail RV—highly recommend it!

  • J
    Mar. 20, 2023

    Leaf Verde RV Resort

    Awkward and crammed Face to face sites

    If you’re a social butterfly and don’t have dogs, this place could work. The sites are really crammed in and on top of that, your door is face to face with your neighbor which makes it so awkward to do anything outside when you don’t want to talk to an overly chatty neighbor. Or if you or your neighbors have unfriendly dogs they can’t be out at the same time. Facilities are decent, same with pool. Adequate dog parks but nowhere for dogs to pee near sites other than gravel.

  • Kimberly O.
    Jan. 2, 2022

    Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    Beautiful boondocking

    I didn't like paying $25 a night for a space with no hookups, but we did choose a site near the shower house, so that was good. Superstitions are awesome! Coyotes yip at night. Quail ran thru my site. The dog park is great!

  • M
    Jan. 13, 2023

    Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    Quiet little park

    This is a nice little KOA. It’s a small resort with all the amenities. It has a small dog park but it gets the job done. The people in the park are very nice and the staff are extremely kind and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here.

  • Jen H.
    Apr. 9, 2019

    Leaf Verde RV Resort

    Nice campground close to Phoenix

    Leaf Verde is in Buckeye, AZ which is only 30 minutes from Phoenix. The pool is refreshing and if you aren’t into swimming there is a pool table, dog park and shuffle board to keep you busy. The sites are gravel and close together but nice.


Guide to Tempe

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.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

  • At Usery Mountain Regional Park, campers can enjoy electric hookups and clean facilities, making it a comfortable stay for both pets and their owners.
  • McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers well-maintained sites with access to drinking water and showers, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
  • The Mesa-Apache Junction KOA features a small dog park and friendly staff, creating a welcoming environment for pets.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Tempe

Pet owners like the community atmosphere

  • The Mesa-Apache Junction KOA fosters a friendly community where fellow campers are respectful and keep to themselves, ensuring a relaxing environment.
  • Eagle View RV Resort at Fort McDowell offers a quiet park atmosphere with spacious lots, making it easy to socialize with other pet owners.
  • Carefree Manor is known for its friendly residents and clean facilities, providing a welcoming space for both you and your furry companions.

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 35 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Tempe, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 193 dog-friendly camping locations near Tempe, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.