Best Tent Camping near Tempe, AZ

Looking for the best Tempe tent camping? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Tempe. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Tempe campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Tempe, AZ (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed

    1. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    8 Photos
    77 Saves
    Apache Junction, Arizona

    Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
    Camper-submitted photo from The Point Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Point Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Point Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Point Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Point Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Point Campground

    3. The Point Campground

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    130 Saves
    Tortilla Flat, Arizona

    Boat access only.

    The Point is located in the Mesa Ranger District and is mostly known for boat access only camping on Canyon Lake. There are only three designated camp units at this site, but the camp units can also be used as picnic sites for day use. Boaters enjoy The Point during summer months along with fishermen because of the courtesy dock. No garbage collection. Pack it in, Pack it out.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area

    4. Boulders OHV Area

    5 Reviews
    9 Photos
    29 Saves
    Wittmann, Arizona
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Needle Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Needle Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Needle Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Needle Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Needle Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Needle Rock Campground

    5. Needle Rock Campground

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    16 Saves
    Rio Verde, Arizona

    The beach on the Verde River is generally rocky, but attracts many people during the hot summer months. The area is noted for its unusual rock formations. Nearby is a protected riparian area, the Mesquite Bosque. This popular water recreation area attracts many people trying to escape the Arizona summer heat. The rocky beach area is surrounded by beautiful towering rock formations. Near the recreation site is a fenced unique biological area, a stand of mesquite. Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons are frequently seen in this vicinity.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Margies Cove West Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Margies Cove West Campground

    6. Margies Cove West Campground

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    29 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
    • No image available

      7. 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
      • No image available

        8. Buckeye Hills Regional Park

        Be the first to review!
        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
        • No image available
          • No image available

            10. Bachelor Cove

            Be the first to review!
            4 Saves
            Roosevelt, Arizona

            Bachelor Cove Located along the shoreline of central Arizona’s largest lake. The setting is in the Upper Sonoran Desert; Vegetation includes mesquite, cat claw, desert broom, as well as cholla and saguaro cacti, this site provides spectacular views of the Sierra Ancha Mountains.

            • Pets
            • Tents
            • Trash
            • Toilets

          Recent Tent Reviews in Tempe

          547 Reviews of 10 Tempe Campgrounds


          • Roman R.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Corral Campground
            Nov. 18, 2024

            Burnt Corral Campground

            Great convenience with fishing

            Stayed a long weekend with the family and had great time. Fishing within walking distance. Bathrooms are clean and a water spiket/faucet available.

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from West Pinal County Park
            Nov. 8, 2024

            West Pinal County Park

            A hidden gem

            Pretty, 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.

          • DThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Leaf Verde RV Resort
            Nov. 6, 2024

            Leaf Verde RV Resort

            Nice Park

            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.

          • Roy G.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Vekol Valley Road
            Nov. 3, 2024

            Vekol Valley Road

            Very Convenient

            This 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.

          • Lisa M.
            Camper-submitted photo from Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
            Oct. 31, 2024

            Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

            Amazing view and great hikes

            We only got to stay here one night, but it is very beautiful. At the base of the Superstition mountains, which are awesome. Out of the city, so nice and quiet. All the sites are paved and fairly level. There are many sites that have pull through, electric, and water. The showers were good. Many hiking trails in the area. Would love to stay here a little longer.

          • Becca C.
            Camper-submitted photo from Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
            Sep. 29, 2024

            Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

            SUPERStition Views

            This State Park campground located in the Superstition Mountains is a frequent quick camp spot for me if I don feel like trying to beat the crowds to some favorite local dispersed sites.

            They offer sites with electric and water, and sites for dry camping, along with some cabins and group sites you can reserve. The sites offer as much privacy as one can expect in the desert and are not super close together, except for the site numbers 70+ which are only available in winter typically. There are plenty of hiking trails and activities in the park and nearby. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained, and they even have a small dog “park” for your best pal to run off some energy.

            Favorite things about the park: The views and the wild life. We have seen so many beautiful birds, from quail and owls to roadrunners and vultures, along with several different types of squirrels, lizards, hare, and coyotes.

          • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
            Sep. 24, 2024

            Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

            Spectacular views

            If traveling near Phoenix you should make this state campground a number one option.

            The towering superstition mountain range is a beautiful site and while we were there we were able to watch a hiker who was rescued. This hiker was not injured, just afraid to come back down the trail. Guess going up is easier than coming down.

            The site we had had power and water. The showers in the restrooms were not great but something is better than nothing.

          • RThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
            Aug. 24, 2024

            Boulders OHV Area

            Nice and levelled

            We liked it there. Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space

            The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable.

            Service: 1 bar Verizon

          • k
            Camper-submitted photo from Desert Sands RV Park
            Jul. 18, 2024

            Desert Sands RV Park

            חשפניות בבאר שבע

            https://erotic-show.com/

            רקדניותחשפנותבתלאביב:ביןבידורלביקורתחברתיתתלאביב,המוכרתבכינוי"העירשלאנרדמת",מציעהמגווןרחבשלבידורלילי,אשרביניהםנמנותגםמועדוניחשפנות.התעשייההזו,אףעלפישנתפסתלעיתיםקרובותכחלקבלתינפרדמהבידורהמבוגרים,מעוררתגםויכוחיםעזיםוביקורתחברתית.מועדוניהחשפנותבתלאביבמציעיםשללהופעותומופעיםאשרמגווניםבהתאםלדרישותהקהל.המבקריםבמועדוניםאלומחפשיםבידורוהתרגשות,אךמאחוריהקלעיםעומדותסיפוריםשלרקדניותאשרלאתמידמרוצותמהמצבהנוכחי.המרחבהחברתיוהתרבותיבופועלתתעשייתהחשפנותבתלאביבמורכב.מחד,ישנםקולותהטועניםכיהתעשייהמאפשרתביטויעצמיואוטונומיהלנשיםהמופיעותבה.מאידך,קולותביקורתייםמדגישיםאתהצדדיםהפחותמועדפיםשלהעניין,כגוןהתייחסותמזלזלתואובייקטיביזציהשלהאישה.המאבקיםהמשפטייםוהחברתייםסביבנושאזהרביםומגוונים.בשניםהאחרונות,נערכוקרבותבבתיהמשפטעלשאלותשלזכויותוחופשעבודהמולהצורךלהגןעלכבודהאדםולמנועהפליהושימושלרעה.עדיין,קהלהמבקריםוהתומכיםבמועדוניםאלוממשיךלהיותרחבומגוון.עלרקעזה,עולההשאלהעלהתפקידשלהמדינהוהחברהבפיקוחובקביעתמדיניותבתחוםזה.האםישלחזקאתהפיקוחעלמועדוניהחשפנותלשםשמירהעלכבודהרקדניותוהקהלהרחב,אושמאישלאפשרחופשפעולהרחביותרתוךכדישמירהעלהזכויותהפרטיותוהעסקיותשלבעליהמועדונים?הוויכוחסביבתעשייתהחשפנותבתלאביבממחישאתהמתחביןחירותלביןזכויותאדם,ומדגיםאתהאתגריםהעכשווייםשלהחברההישראליתבטיפולבשאלותשלמוסר,תרבותוכלכלה.זהודיוןשמשקףגםאתהצורךלהתמודדעםתופעותחברתיותנוספות,כגוןשוויוןמגדריוהתמודדותעםדימוייגוףומיניות.בסופושלדבר,הדיוןעלרקדניותחשפנותבתלאביבמציעהזדמנותלחשובמחדשעלהדרכיםבהןחברהיכולהלקדםתרבותרחבהיותרשלכבוד,הוגנותושוויון,תוךכדישמירהעלעקרונותשלחופשפרטיוביטויעצמי.

          • Jim A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
            Jun. 13, 2024

            Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

            Great place to Stay

            Fairly close to our home (30 miles) but we love to do 1-2 nighters here when we have the time.  There is plenty to see around the area.  Park is well maintained.  Spots are close but not too close to each other.  Its a little elevated so the valley views are great.  Gets a little warm during the summer - after all it is AZ.  Theres an old Gold Mine nearby to visit.

          • Jim A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Saguaro Cove
            Jun. 13, 2024

            Saguaro Cove

            Remote Camping

            Takes a little 4 wheeling to get there or you can access it from the water.  Basic dispersed camping but gets a little warm during the summer months.  Views are nice and its a nice pack it in, pack it out spot.

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Lake Marina & Campground
            Jun. 3, 2024

            Canyon Lake Marina & Campground

            Fun lake, weekends exceptionally busy

            Been staying here off and on for over a decade. Great place to hang out with the family. Water hookup and electrical hookup. No sewer. They have a truck that will come pump your tank for a small fee. You can launch your boat and then bring to the campsite and tie off for easy access. Lots of parking available. You have to pay for extra vehicles. Dolly the Steamboat is available to ride around the lake and ticket purchase is at the marina. There is also a restaurant and bar at the marina. The campground has a mix of available sites. Day use also. Large grassy area for kids to play. Drive in can seem daunting if you haven’t experienced it before. Not bad, however. Hauled a 32’ 5th wheel with no problems at all.

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Picket Post
            May. 22, 2024

            Picket Post

            Quick Night

            Good place to pull off in a pinch for free. You do hear road noise. Close to Arizona Trail, where it crosses 60 so you can hike both directions if you decide to, or take the trail up to the top of the mountain. Very beautiful area

          • Caitlin S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
            May. 15, 2024

            Boulders OHV Area

            Tons of spread out dispersed camp sites

            Miles of desert and washes to explore with tons of dispersed camping sites. Can get busy on holiday or event weekends but worth it otherwise. Some weekends have horse or Dirtbike events. Nearby washes lead to tons of trails near castle hot springs that can lead to various abounded mine sites (including Anderson Mill). Obviously not ideal camping in the summer but GREAT for the fall/winter/spring months.

          • kThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Leaf Verde RV Resort
            May. 12, 2024

            Leaf Verde RV Resort

            The high life

            This RV Park has it all..Run by professionals. They even escort you to your space.Facilities are great, they have all of them, lit paved walkways.large spaces, wifi works

          • Julie H.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Harbor RV Resort
            May. 4, 2024

            Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

            Beautiful Vista

            Very large park with many different levels of camping experiences. From dry camping to full on glamping ! I stayed at Vista Pt. Dry camp. The views were beautiful. I stayed 10 days and as a single women I felt very safe. Security makes it's rounds and you can't get into the park after leaving without your pass. The one thing I would mention the drive up to the PT is rather steep, but there were different sized rigs up there is it is doable. I didn't use the amenities as I was away most days visiting with my daughter who lives in the valley.

          • BThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from State land trust/Inspiration Point
            Apr. 29, 2024

            State land trust/Inspiration Point

            Weekdays are best

            State land trust, good spot for a few nights. Gunshots in the distance, but no incidents/casualties lol. Pulled my 31ft TT back into a spot for a week. Close 10 min drive to stores like WinCo and Safeway and gas stations. Quite weekdays, loud weekends due to motor vehicles breaking the rules. (Not a ohv area but treated as such)

          • Emmi O.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping
            Apr. 23, 2024

            Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

            Camping for one night

            Camping for one night and it was 30$. Very clean restrooms and showers!

            We were almost only campers there and lots of spots available. Closest campgounds were full or expensive.

          • Ryan W.
            Camper-submitted photo from White Tank Mountain Regional Park
            Mar. 19, 2024

            White Tank Mountain Regional Park

            Excellent semi-civilized experience

            Pros: 

            • Well spaced campsites with excellent views in all directions (mountains and desert one way, iconic saguaros and city lights in the other).
            • Cleanest flush toilets and showers (free) I've ever seen in a campground.
            • Dish washing station
            • Campsites are level, clean, and include a shade over a concrete table, fire ring, and hammock hooks for three.
            • Trails throughout the camp into the greater park but the campgrounds separated from the more public trailheads. Strategically placed benches scattered along trails for coffee drinking.
            • Wildlife: birds, coyotes, reptiles, etc
            • The camp is close to civilization enabling quick visits to other attractions, and an easy drive to spring training baseball games.
            • Camp hosts were responsive. They live on-site year round and treat the camp like it is a home. Very impressed with the team.
            • Firewood available on-site. $8/bundle. Very dense wood that doesn't light quickly when wet but burns for a long time.

            Cons:

            • Struggling to come up with one. Probably hot in the summer. Busier on the weekends due to location inside the White Tank Regional park.
          • Dylan G.
            Camper-submitted photo from Margies Cove West Campground
            Mar. 13, 2024

            Margies Cove West Campground

            Flies Galore

            Sight is nice and deep in the Cove. The drive is not hard but it has it's bumps and it's fun and pretty drivable for most large-suvs or 4wd Cars/Suvs/trucks. The spot is very secluded and in a big wide open valley. The mountain's block out a lot of light pollution from the City so it get's very very dark. Really windy during the day but all in all was an enjoyable spot that makes the journey fun as well as on the way there there is a 5-10 mile dirt road perfect for rally racing.

          • Dylan G.
            Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Lake Marina & Campground
            Mar. 13, 2024

            Canyon Lake Marina & Campground

            Not worth it

            Came with my girlfriend's friend for her b-day. She specifically chose this spot for the Porta-potties and the flushable toilets. The porta-potties were full when we arrived on a Saturday and even after numerous complaints/inquiries they were never emptied even after being told they were supposed to be cleaned on Sunday. As well as the flushable toilets clogged one night so for one night there was no where to go to the bathroom at a campground that is a public area where you can't just pop a squat in the bushes. As well as if you don't want to be around kids, this is NOT the place for you. A lot of kids especially ill-behaved little demons running around like they are entitled to the place. Also at 66-ish dollars a night it is very expensive considering that you may have no amenities they offer to you in the first place.

          • MThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
            Mar. 12, 2024

            McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood

            McDowell Regional Park EI Rowland RV campground

            We stayed in site 27 which was close to the kids playground.  We only stayed for 1 night .  Lots of bikers at this location.  We did do a short 3 mile hike and it was very nice on the Granite and then Wagner trail.  Other than the camp host who was a complete jerk ( we arrived 5 minutes before 1 pm and the guy at the front gate said nothing about not driving in before 1 pm - there was a sign but seriously 5 minutes early is an issue, you would have thought I kicked his dog the way he acted )?  A beautiful night and wished we had stayed a few more days.    I think some of the best sites here are on the Pemberton loop  64,65,66, 68, 70.  Unobstructive views but all sites pretty well spaced out and well kept bathrooms and showers.

          • Brad | Britany B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
            Feb. 29, 2024

            Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

            Lost Dutchman State Park: Desert Playground for the Adventurous Soul!

            Lost Dutchman State Park isn't just a campground, it's an adventure paradise! I'm giving it a flawless 5-star rating because it truly blew me away. Here's why: 

            Off-Roading Nirvana: Dust off your UTVs(side-by-sides) and get ready for a blast! The washboard washes (river beds) offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts, with stunning desert landscapes as your backdrop.️ 

            Hikers' Haven: 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 and every desire. 

            Feast for the Eyes: Prepare to be awestruck by the breathtaking scenery. Jagged mountain peaks pierce the azure sky, while the vast desert stretches out before you, creating a postcard-perfect landscape. 

            History Comes Alive: Immerse yourself in the legendary lore of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. Uncover the park's rich history and explore the stories that have captivated adventurers for centuries. 

            Camper's Dream: The park offers spacious campsites with convenient power and water hookups, making it a comfortable home base for your desert exploration.(Note: sewer hookups are not available.) 

            A Final Note: While you're busy conquering the trails and soaking up the scenery, keep in mind that cell service can be limited in certain areas. This might just be the perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature! Lost Dutchman State Park is an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking adventure, breathtaking views, and a touch of history. I can't wait to get back and explore more of this desert gem!



          Frequently Asked Questions

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

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tempe, AZ is Hackamore Road Dispersed with a 2.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Tempe, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.