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)
1. Hackamore Road Dispersed
Apache Junction, Arizona10 Reviews•8 Photos•77 SavesCamping 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
2. McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood
Rio Verde, Arizona4 Reviews•8 Photos•27 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
3. The Point Campground
Tortilla Flat, Arizona1 Review•7 Photos•130 SavesBoat 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
4. Boulders OHV Area
Wittmann, Arizona5 Reviews•9 Photos•32 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Needle Rock Campground
Rio Verde, Arizona1 Review•8 Photos•16 SavesThe 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
6. Margies Cove West Campground
Gila Bend, Arizona4 Reviews•2 Photos•29 SavesMargies 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
7. Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove
Rio Verde, Arizona1 Review•9 SavesRattlesnake 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
8. Buckeye Hills Regional Park
Be the first to review!Arlington, ArizonaTHIS 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
10. Bachelor Cove
Be the first to review!Roosevelt, Arizona•4 SavesBachelor 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
567 Reviews of 10 Tempe Campgrounds
William M.
Guide
Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
Worth the trip
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.
- LLacey W.
Scout
State land trust/Inspiration Point
Closed
Coordinates led to a cattle guard that is fenced closed. No access to the site. You could park next to the road though.
- CChad E.
Traveler
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
Far enough…yet not to far.
Perfect for just getting away for the weekend. Only a 45 minute drive from the house, yet far enough that you still feel like you got away.
Lots of good hiking, Ghost Town, good views. Worth every second. Easily our favorite quick camping trip.
- llisa K.Traveler
West Pinal County Park
I’m the volunteer camp host
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. 🙏💕✨
Roman R.Traveler
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.
- SShawnGuide
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.
- DDebbie H.Traveler
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.Traveler
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.
RangerLost 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.Guide
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.Ranger
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.
- RRalph S.Traveler
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
- kkarolkoliScout
Desert Sands RV Park
חשפניות בבאר שבע
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.TravelerLost 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.Traveler
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.
- SShane W.Ranger
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.
- Lynnae P.Scout
Lake Pleasant Dispersed Camp
Sign "No Mortorized vehicles allowed"
Could not Enter. Closed
- SShane W.Ranger
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.GuideBoulders 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.
- kkenneth B.Guide
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.Traveler
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.
- BBrent T.Traveler
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.Guide
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.
Mariann M.ScoutOld Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
So far easy to navigate and use pretty rad !
Haven't had the chance to camp at the sites in here. Going to start tonight
- FFreddie F.Scout
Hackamore Road Dispersed
This area and the whole bulldog canyon are are closed for construction
The whole are is closed
Ryan W.
Legend
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.
- JJennifer M.Guide
Vekol Valley Road
Nice place to stop
Easy to find an spot and lots of space for privacy. Got a rainbow
Guide to Tempe
Tent camping near Tempe, Arizona offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from well-reviewed campgrounds to unique activities, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers should check out Hackamore Road Dispersed
- Experience stunning mountain views and numerous trails at Hackamore Road Dispersed, perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts.
- This site allows pets and fires, making it a great choice for families looking to enjoy a campfire under the stars.
- While the access road can be rough, many campers appreciate the adventure it adds to their trip.
Local activities to enjoy while tent camping
- Explore the hiking and biking trails right from McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood, which is popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
- For those interested in horseback riding, Needle Rock Campground offers access to trails leading to the river.
- Enjoy a day of swimming and picnicking at Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove, where you can relax with family and friends.
Some prices for tent camping range from free to $12
- Camping at Hackamore Road Dispersed is free, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers.
- At McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood, expect to pay for a reservable site, which includes amenities like drinking water and picnic tables.
- For a unique experience, The Point Campground offers free camping with beautiful views, though you'll need to bring your own water.
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.