Best Campgrounds near Tonopah, AZ

The desert landscape surrounding Tonopah, Arizona features a mix of dispersed and established camping options within an hour's drive. Saddle Mountain BLM area stands out as a highly-rated free camping destination with spacious sites for RVs and tents. Located just off I-10, this area provides easy access while maintaining a sense of remoteness. Nearby, El Dorado Hot Springs offers a unique camping experience with thermal waters. Within 30-45 minutes, campers can reach White Tank Mountain Regional Park and Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye, both offering more developed facilities. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, though slightly farther north, provides waterfront camping with electric hookups and boat access, making it popular for weekend getaways from Phoenix.

Desert camping in this region requires preparation for extreme temperature variations and limited facilities. According to camper Jamie C., Saddle Mountain BLM is "not too far from I-10, easy to get to from highway" with "many roads to get on the BLM land, some more rocky than others." Vehicle clearance becomes important on unpaved access roads, particularly when approaching dispersed sites. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. Cell service varies but remains surprisingly strong at many sites, with one reviewer noting "Good Verizon & ATT, 4 bars" at Saddle Mountain. Arizona State Trust Land camping requires a $15-16 annual permit, while BLM areas typically allow 14-day stays without permits.

Campers consistently highlight the stargazing opportunities throughout the region due to minimal light pollution. The area attracts rockhounding enthusiasts, particularly at Saddle Mountain where visitors search for chalcedony and fire agates. Off-road recreation is popular, with numerous trails accessible from camping areas. One Saddle Mountain visitor noted, "The area is so spread out and open that you still feel like you have privacy." Facilities vary dramatically between sites - from no amenities at dispersed locations to full hookups at RV resorts. Wildlife sightings include desert birds and occasional wild burros at Lake Pleasant. Noise levels depend on proximity to highways, with sites closer to I-10 experiencing more road noise than those tucked against mountains or in valleys.

Best Camping Sites Near Tonopah, Arizona (92)

    1. Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    22 Reviews
    Tonopah, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 665-2100

    "Not too far from I-10, easy to get to from highway. Used Google Maps. Pilot truck stop right off the exit with a few taco stands/trucks."

    "There are lots of trails for hiking or mountain biking, and a few ATVs but they are not bothersome."

    2. El Dorado Hot Springs

    1 Review
    Tonopah, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (623) 386-5412

    $40 / night

    3. Leaf Verde RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Buckeye, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 386-3132

    "We needed a place in or near Buckeye and located this place. Nice bathrooms, hot showers. We were in a Class B close to the entrance so didn’t have any issues with size of sites."

    "Although the sites are a bit close to each other than we prefer, the amenities were very well taken care of. The laundry facility was one of the nicest we’ve ever used!"

    4. White Tank Mountain

    16 Reviews
    Waddell, AZ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    "Fantastic park for seeing the stars and getting away from Phoenix city lights."

    "Located at about 203rd Avenue, on the westside of Phoenix, in Waddell Arizona is a tiny little Campground with phenomenal views."

    5. Skyline Regional Park

    6 Reviews
    Buckeye, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 819-9929

    "Moved to Buckeye in Oct of 2018, when exiting off Watson road off I-10 always seen the signs of the Skyline Regional Park."

    "I was a little surprised that the picnic tables did not have shelters as it gets quite hot in Arizona (the day-use pavilions were covered). 

    Restroom: Two-stall, one-sink restroom."

    6. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Waddell, AZ
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 935-2505

    $15 - $45 / night

    "We stayed two nights at the Willow walk-in sites (W10). Despite our campsite being close to the bathroom it exceeded our expectations. Campground is well organized with friendly staff."

    ".

    • Trails throughout the camp into the greater park but the campgrounds separated from the more public trailheads."

    7. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $15 - $300 / night

    "We stayed in late September and had no neighbors next to us so we felt like we were in the desert. There was no direction that had a bad view."

    "It was an great way to be exposed to trails I may not have chosen on my own."

    8. Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground

    22 Reviews
    Gila Bend, AZ
    33 miles
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    $8 / night

    "This hidden gem deserves a glowing 5-star review for its unique charm and abundance of off-the-beaten-path adventures. "

    "This campground is located about 12 miles off the interstate with easy paved access all the way to the campground. The campground is very well maintained and clean."

    10. Destiny Phoenix RV Resorts

    6 Reviews
    Litchfield Park, AZ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 853-0537

    $60 / night

    "An oasis surrounded by fields. Clean restrooms, pools, grounds, roads, sites. Nice folks working there. Refundable $20 deposit to get bathroom key. Did not use laundry. Stayed 3 nights."

    "The roads coming into the site are narrow and people sometimes have their vehicles parked in part of the roadway which makes it hard to drive your RV around to park it or leave."

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Recent Reviews near Tonopah, AZ

394 Reviews of 92 Tonopah Campgrounds



Guide to Tonopah

Camping near Tonopah, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Saddle Mountain BLM. Campers have noted, "Saddle Mountain is fun to hike but strenuous. The area is quiet and easy to get to." The scenic views make the effort worthwhile.
  • Rock Hunting: If you enjoy collecting unique stones, this area is a treasure trove. One visitor mentioned, "Great rock hunting too! This will be my regular camping spot from now on when traveling the same route."
  • Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky is breathtaking. A camper at Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground said, "Prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular night sky."

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Saddle Mountain BLM shared, "This was just an overnight stop. You can get right up next to the mountain if you want."
  • Accessibility: Campgrounds like White Tank Mountain are conveniently located near Phoenix, making them easy to reach. A visitor noted, "Located less than an hour from Phoenix, this campground is an easy getaway."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at White Tank Mountain Regional Park remarked, "Cleanest flush toilets and showers I've ever seen in a campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground, lack basic amenities like showers and electric hookups. A visitor cautioned, "Be prepared for the lack of amenities like showers and laundry facilities."
  • Reservation Requirements: Many campgrounds now require reservations. A camper at Painted Rock mentioned, "You need to reserve online as there is no way to pay at the park."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at White Tank Mountain noted, "Wildlife: birds, coyotes, reptiles, etc."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Leaf Verde RV Resort that offer amenities for families. A reviewer said, "Clean bathrooms, great lounge with a library, pool."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One family shared, "This was the perfect spot... the nights were absolutely incomparable."
  • Safety First: Always supervise children, especially near water or rocky areas. A camper at Saddle Mountain BLM advised, "Just go slow. It was fairly busy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Saddle Mountain BLM mentioned, "It was fairly busy... I made it with a 35' skoolie."
  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Spots: Campgrounds like White Tank Mountain are accommodating for larger RVs. A reviewer noted, "The sites can fit good sized rigs."
  • Stay Connected: If you need to work or stay in touch, check cell service availability. One camper at Painted Rock warned, "No service for T-mobile and no lights in restrooms."

Camping near Tonopah, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Tonopah, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tonopah, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 92 campgrounds and RV parks near Tonopah, AZ and 24 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Tonopah, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tonopah, AZ is Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ) with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tonopah, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Tonopah, AZ.