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Best Campgrounds near Tempe, AZ

875 Reviews

Camping options near Tempe, Arizona range from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites across diverse landscapes. Established options include Lost Dutchman State Park, located in Apache Junction about 30 miles east of Tempe, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins with picturesque views of the Superstition Mountains. Closer to the city, Mesa Spirit RV Resort and Mesa Gardens RV Park provide accommodations including cabins and full-service RV sites. For those seeking more remote experiences, dispersed camping is available at Bulldog Canyon, which requires permits, and areas within Tonto National Forest, where primitive camping is permitted with appropriate passes.

Access to camping areas varies significantly based on location and season. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when dirt roads become rutted or washed out. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from May through September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round but fill quickly during winter months when seasonal visitors flock to the region. Arizona State Trust Land camping requires specific permits ($15-20 annually), while Tonto National Forest sites may require Tonto Passes. A camper noted, "Bulldog Canyon is a nice area if you like to off road. We take our trailer out for the weekend to get away from the city. It's an hour from Tempe/Phoenix. Nice and quiet except for an occasional rider passing by."

The desert landscape surrounding Tempe offers distinctive camping experiences characterized by dramatic mountain backdrops and classic Sonoran Desert vegetation. Campgrounds near the Superstition Mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities, with trails accessible directly from many campsites. Several visitors mention the spectacular sunrises and sunsets as highlights of their stays. According to one review, "The Peralta Road area offers quiet, gorgeous camping with tons of hiking options where you quickly leave behind the sprawl of suburban Phoenix and embrace the sprawling landscape of the Sonoran Desert." Sites along waterways like Sycamore Creek and near Lake Pleasant are particularly popular for their recreational opportunities. Noise levels vary significantly, with some dispersed areas experiencing weekend traffic from off-road vehicles while developed campgrounds typically enforce quiet hours to ensure a more peaceful experience.

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Best Camping Sites Near Tempe, Arizona (251)

    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. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4485

    $35 - $99 / night

    "It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade."

    "One of my favorite trails in Arizona."

    3. Encore Mesa Spirit

    8 Reviews
    Mesa, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We loved this park in the Arizona Desert.  Close to everything, yet set up to feel like you're in your own little village. "

    "Made fast friends with the neighbors, got tons of recommendations from anyone walking or biking for things to do nearby."

    4. 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."

    "I use the north entrance off Bush highway. I've camped here 5 or 6 times. No water or bathrooms. Leave no trace. You need a permit and gate code. Most ATVers but not loud during the week."

    5. 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."

    6. 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."

    7. Holiday Village

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

    $37 / night

    8. Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

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

    "This KOA sits on the outskirts of Apache Junction, which itself isn't Phoenix proper but an eastern suburb. The RV park has all of the basics: power, water, sewer plus a pool and a level, clean site."

    "We had plenty of space between us and adjacent sites. The whole KOA has some nice touches as far as landscaping, sites with grills, etc. Very clean and well kept."

    9. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

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

    $32 / night

    "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."

    "No sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located. NO shade however and in the summer it is HOT! Desert surround's and lots you singing coyotes at night and early morning!"

    10. 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tempe, AZ

168 Photos of 251 Tempe Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tempe, AZ

875 Reviews of 251 Tempe Campgrounds

  • Jaimy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Box bar rec area

    Three pretty small parking lots to choose from. Mostly just open space that you camp in. There are dumpsters for trash and a vault toilet. There was so much trash around the entire recreation area even next to the river! I’ll never understand the thought process of people littering especially in nature! There’re wild horses and a few people fishing but still very peaceful!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

    Fun Ghost town and Camping

    We happened upon this cool campground on our way to the state park that doesn’t have check in until 2 even though when I called at 9 they had tons of sites open. The Goldmine sites are clean and level. All have fire pits and most have a picnic table. It was fun to walk right up to the town and walk around. Cowboy Dan who owns and runs the steakhouse is hilarious and his wait staff was helpful and accommodating. They have train rides and you can visit a mine. The coffee shop opens at 9 and they have a great menu for breakfast, lunch and snack time. The restrooms are clean and the camp host was very helpful. We were able to unload our side by side and we traveled up to Tortilla Flats where you can have lunch and then onto Apache Lake and campground. That road does require 4 WD but we did see a Tesla on it so I guess if you like a challenge and don’t have 4WD then anything is possible!!
    Great spot and cheaper than the state park for dry camping $30 here and the same price for hook ups here $50.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Apache Lake Marina & Resort

    Middle of no where but amazing

    This is out in the middle of nowhere but simply amazing location. The lake has amazing views and park is nice and level. Has a grocery store and restaurant as well. Worth the trip to stay at this lake.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Canyon Lake Marina & Campground

    Nice location on the water

    This campground is right on the water. Close to Tortilla Flat which is a cool spot for the whole family. Lots of boats in the marina but we never say one on the lake. We did see kayakers and paddle boards those were venturing up the river. Road is very twisty on the way here but paved the whole way. Great spot!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Hackamore Road Dispersed

    The Beginning

    I went and personally checked out this dispersed camping area that's about half a click or so away from the Goldfield Ghost Town.

    Hackamore Road is a straight up OHV Trail, and last night I learned that on a total whim.

    I'm confident enough to hop on here and say that it was a pretty nice experience overall. There were some dudes shredding it pretty late last night, (pretty sure I overheard them mentioning their tire got flat).

    So expect a little bit of company; although no one bothered me

    The coyotes started howling around 4am, but they started dying down after they had migrated.

    I'm a country guy so the sounds don't really bother me, but if you're particular about your sleep I would recommend bringing a camping trailer + earmuff combo.

    The ground is hard as concrete, but I have no complaints. I got some of the best sleep I've had in a long time.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    Convenient for nigth crashing

    1 star for super easy access, 1 star for flat easy to level and 1 star for beautiful stars sky. Other than that no more stars. You can hear the highway very loudly, it seems we could have drove a little further and probably better but we were tired, I can not see camping in there. It was super hot and no breeze at all. We arrived by 8pm and left 4:30am

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    Perfect stopover

    Instead of staying under the power lines like many people mentioned (and indicated by the app), we drove a little bit further away from the main road and found a perfect spot for an overnight stay on our way to Phoenix. It was very hot though at day and night in September. Nothing extraordinary but free. Road is OK, gravel with some bumps, but driven slowly our Jeep Grand Cherokee towing an A-frame did fine even when arriving in the dark

Guide to Tempe

Camping near Tempe, AZ, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails for hiking and biking. Campers rave about the trails at Usery Mountain Regional Park, with one camper saying, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!"
  • Exploring History: Visit the nearby Lost Dutchman State Park, where you can learn about the legendary Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. One visitor shared, "Immerse yourself in the legendary lore of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine."
  • Water Activities: At Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming. A reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful views of the lake, plenty to do."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking scenery at Picacho Peak State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Great views and epic sunsets."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like McDowell Mountain Regional Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor said, "The bathrooms are immaculate, and the staff is friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the spaciousness at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. One review stated, "Spots are close but not too close to each other."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, lack showers and hot water. A camper mentioned, "Showers were lukewarm at best."
  • Seasonal Access: Tortilla Campground is only open from October to March. A visitor noted, "The campground is only open September thru May."
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell service in areas like Usery Mountain Regional Park. One camper advised, "Keep in mind that cell service can be limited in certain areas."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby hiking trails and picnic areas. At Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, one family enjoyed, "Great hikes right from the campground."
  • Safety First: Ensure your kids stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during summer. A reviewer mentioned, "Gets a little warm during the summer - after all, it is AZ."
  • Plan for Fun: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Picacho Peak State Park Campground said, "Great hot showers and clean facilities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to choose campgrounds with the right hookups for your RV. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground offers electric hookups, but no showers.
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that are big rig friendly, like Usery Mountain Regional Park. One RVer noted, "Spacious with great trails nearby."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a sanitary dump station. A camper at Burnt Corral Campground appreciated, "Access to the bathroom, which were clean and trash, which didn’t smell."

Camping near Tempe, AZ, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best RV parks in Tempe, AZ?

While the previously popular Apache Palms RV Park in downtown Tempe has permanently closed, several excellent options remain nearby. Mesa Gardens RV Park offers full hookups and is convenient to Tempe amenities. For a resort experience with premium amenities, Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell provides beautiful desert views just a short drive from Tempe. Both parks are big-rig friendly with water and toilet facilities. For budget-conscious RVers, several well-maintained parks in neighboring Mesa and Scottsdale provide convenient bases for exploring Tempe, with most offering essential amenities including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and community spaces.

Can you find tent camping sites near Tempe, Arizona?

Yes, several tent camping options exist within a short drive from Tempe. Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground offers tent sites along a beautiful river with large fire rings about an hour from Tempe. The riverside areas feature lush trees and vegetation, though the surrounding terrain is typical desert landscape. For those seeking free camping, Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping provides a quiet desert experience about an hour from Tempe. A permit is required, but you'll enjoy spectacular sunsets and stargazing opportunities. Stores are approximately 15 minutes away for supplies. Both locations offer authentic desert camping experiences while remaining reasonably accessible from Tempe.

What camping options are available near Tempe for overnight stays?

Tempe offers diverse overnight camping options within a short drive. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground provides developed sites with stunning Superstition Mountain views, perfect for both tents and RVs. Sites include fire rings and are a reasonable distance from restrooms. For those seeking a more natural experience, Peralta Road Dispersed Camping offers free camping in the Sonoran Desert just beyond Gold Canyon. This area features multiple pull-offs where you can find secluded spots surrounded by desert landscape. Both locations are approximately 30-45 minutes from Tempe, making them accessible for overnight adventures while being far enough to escape city lights.

Are there any long-term RV parks available in Tempe?

While Tempe itself has limited long-term RV options since Apache Palms closed, several nearby parks welcome extended stays. Stardust trailer park in Cave Creek offers a charming, community-oriented setting for long-term residents. The park features serene surroundings and a friendly atmosphere that makes it feel like home. Holiday Village near Mesa also accommodates long-term stays with full hookups and amenities designed for extended living. Most long-term parks in the area offer monthly rates, laundry facilities, and community spaces. Reservations are recommended, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors (snowbirds) significantly increase demand for long-term spots in the Phoenix metro area.

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