Best Campgrounds near Waddell, AZ

White Tank Mountain Regional Park anchors the camping landscape near Waddell, Arizona, with a diverse range of accommodations spanning from developed campgrounds to more primitive options. Located at the western edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the park features well-maintained sites suitable for both tent and RV camping. Nearby options include State Land Trust dispersed camping areas and RV resorts like Destiny Phoenix and Pleasant Harbor that offer cabin accommodations. Lake Pleasant Regional Park provides additional camping opportunities about 25 miles north of Waddell, catering to tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking water activities.

Access to White Tank Mountain Regional Park is available year-round, though summer temperatures can become extreme in this desert environment. Most developed sites include water and electric hookups, with central facilities offering showers and flush toilets. Campground roads have dips for water runoff, requiring careful navigation for larger vehicles. The region's camping options generally provide limited shade, with desert vegetation dominating the landscape. Reservations are recommended, particularly during the cooler winter months when the area sees increased visitation from seasonal travelers. A camper observed, "This park is so close to town, but far enough to get some quiet night sky! There are standard campsites and a more primitive camping area."

Hiking trails represent a significant draw for campers in the Waddell area, with White Tank Mountain offering multiple trail options ranging from easy to challenging. The waterfall trail attracts many visitors, featuring Hohokam petroglyphs visible along the route. Sites at White Tank Mountain are well-spaced, providing desert views and relative privacy despite proximity to Phoenix. Evening stargazing opportunities are frequently mentioned in reviews, with the campground's location providing a buffer from city light pollution. Several visitors appreciated the balance of natural surroundings and convenient amenities. One review highlighted that "campsites are behind a rise, so you see stars, not city lights," making the area unique among camping destinations so close to a major metropolitan area. Wildlife sightings, including desert birds and occasional coyotes, add to the camping experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Waddell, Arizona (170)

    1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    19 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."

    2. White Tank Mountain

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

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

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

    3. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Waddell, AZ
    4 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."

    4. Leaf Verde RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Buckeye, AZ
    15 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!"

    5. Destiny Phoenix RV Resorts

    6 Reviews
    Litchfield Park, AZ
    11 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."

    6. State land trust/Inspiration Point

    6 Reviews
    Surprise, AZ
    5 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 235-6140

    "RV camping on big water in Arizona! We have stayed here a couple of times. Make sure to book a spot up on cliff overlooking the water. Great sunsets. Free shuttle to haul kayak to boat ramp."

    "We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time."

    8. Saguaro Skies - Luke AFB Famcamp

    3 Reviews
    Litchfield Park, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 856-4991

    $40 / night

    "Right next to the commissary and AAFES. Bathhouse is excellent. Laundry is free."

    "Concrete slab to park on and rocks around instead of grass."

    9. Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Glendale, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 933-3662

    "It is located on the flight path for an airbase and can get noisy but the amenities far outweigh the short bursts of noise."

    10. Skyline Regional Park

    6 Reviews
    Buckeye, AZ
    13 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."

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Recent Reviews near Waddell, AZ

624 Reviews of 170 Waddell Campgrounds


  • Steffanie & Joshua The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    Beautiful and spacious

    Got in pretty late at night on a Friday but had no difficulty finding a spot. Road was a little rocky but not horrible. Gorgeous views all around, and you can drive far enough back to really lose the road sounds. It was pretty hot, as would be expected here, but the breeze through the night was enough to keep us cooled off with the tent vents opened.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Mesa Gardens RV Park

    Hidden fees and rules

    The park was fine. Not my preference but wanted to be as close to my son visiting as possible so it worked.

    However the site I was on wasnt easy at all to get into with my 29ft trailer. After multiple attempts of trying to be on the gravel behind the concrete pad like others I stay partially on the concrete pad since there were no rules specified about this. I arrived on a Friday evening (labor day weekend). Tuesday the manager came by and said something. She was super nice. I explained the events of getting into the spot with the traffic in the park and that I triple checked the rules on it. Since I was leaving the next morning she let me stay as is.

    Today though I got an email about a balance. So if you book less than a 30day stay you pay a fee of $4. And the electric charge that is listed for Monthly stays is charged for a few nights as well.

    I would stay again though. I mean the location was convenient for my visit. It was a well kept park. Just a few unknowns that I wish I knew before booking

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Sonoran Desert RV Park

    Crazy good rv park!

    OK, talk about a hidden gem. This is it really well put together Pool that feels like a therapy pool and huge rv spaces. There’s a pickle ball court, there’s everything you could possibly want and the price was outstanding. We will definitely stay here again!

  • Jeana R.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    Love it

    Woke up to a donkey eating out watermelon, making donkey noises and rolling on the ground so cute!! Campsites always clean, clean bathrooms, great prices..staff always very helpful and friendly!! Visit every summer

  • M
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Towerpoint Resort (55+)

    Paradise for all senior adults

    Towerpoint is not the biggest resort but not the smallest either. It was perfect for us. Everyone was very friendly, often waving to strangers. The price includes so many amenities such as pickleball, a wood shop, pottery, stained glass, shuffleboard, tennis, fitness classes and line dancing, classes for a variety of things including Spanish and sign language. The list just goes on and on.  Additional amenities such as massages, laundry services and a grill right at the resort and concert series among so many others are offered at a reasonable price. There is something for everyone. We will be going back this Winter and have recommended it to many others.

  • M
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Boulders OHV Area

    Great views and area

    There are several fenced in and cleared dirt areas to park and pull through trucks, a camper, tent and car, etc. any vehicle can make it to the staging area, road is easy to travel. Sound of ATV and dirt bikes is pretty constant, otherwise it is quiet, great star views, with a outhouse bathroom.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Cave Creek Regional Park

    Calm, clean and wide space

    We were there for one night. Quiet place all night long. Our camping lot was wide and very clean. The washroom and the shower were very clean. Free hot shower. Picnic table for 6 to 8 persons.


Guide to Waddell

Camping near Waddell, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at White Tank Mountain Regional Park. One visitor mentioned, "Great views, bring water and watch out for the heat." The park has trails for all skill levels, making it a great spot for families and solo adventurers alike.
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground for some fishing. A camper shared, "I fished off the shoreline which was only a few hundred feet from my spot." It’s a nice way to relax and enjoy the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for wild burros and other wildlife at Saddle Mountain BLM. One reviewer noted, "The area is quiet and easy to get to," making it perfect for spotting animals.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Cave Creek Regional Park. A visitor said, "Facilities were clean round the clock, shower water was hot, staff friendly."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at White Tank Mountain. One camper remarked, "Well spaced campsites with excellent views in all directions."
  • Safety: Campers feel secure at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort. A reviewer mentioned, "I stayed 10 days and as a single woman I felt very safe."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "Semi developed so no hookups," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds on weekends at popular spots like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground. One visitor said, "Busy on weekends and empty during the week," so plan your trip accordingly.
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, be cautious. A camper at Lake Pleasant warned, "Wild donkeys from old miners back in the day still roam around. They are very accustomed to humans."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cave Creek Regional Park that offer amenities and activities for kids. A reviewer said, "The staff here is very friendly and helpful!"
  • Plan for Heat: If camping in summer, be prepared for high temperatures. One camper at White Tank Mountain advised, "It can get hot in the sun and there's very little natural shade."
  • Bring Entertainment: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games or fishing gear. A visitor at Lake Pleasant mentioned, "Relaxed and fished off the shoreline."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Saddle Mountain BLM said, "You can see lots of lights from a refinery or factory of some sort but it didn’t really distract."
  • Use Amenities Wisely: Some campgrounds charge for amenities. A camper at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort noted, "You have to pay an extra $10/night to use the bathrooms/showers."
  • Stay Connected: If you need internet, check cell service availability. A visitor at White Tank Mountain mentioned, "Cell phone connection was spotty."

Camping near Waddell, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo travelers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Waddell, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Waddell, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 170 campgrounds and RV parks near Waddell, AZ and 42 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Waddell, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waddell, AZ is Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 42 free dispersed camping spots near Waddell, AZ.