Best Glamping near Waddell, AZ

Recent Glamping Reviews near Waddell, Arizona

48 Reviews of 9 Waddell Campgrounds

• 

  Staci R.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 12, 2017

  White Tank Mountain

  A desert geode!

  Located at about 203rd Avenue, on the westside of Phoenix, in Waddell Arizona is a tiny little Campground with phenomenal views. There is also a large group campground and a very primitive "camp ground" available, but primitive desert camping requires a LOT of preparation and packing in/out. There are numerous horseback, hiking and biking trails. Family campground has electric and water hookups with a very clean centrally located restroom, that hosts a shower and flushing toilets.

  Views are amazing. Maricopa county operates the campground and has made significant improvements with ramada, gathering areas, grills, fire rings, monthly hikes, educational presentations, a huge public library...every bit in caliber with state and federal campgrounds.

• 

  Audrey R.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 30, 2018

  White Tank Mountain

  Bring water and take a hike

  This area is best for its hiking and photo ops, in my humble opinion. As with most desert campgrounds in Arizona, there is not much privacy between the sites but take advantage of the beauty. The waterfall trail is an easy hike and very doable with kids. You can only bring a stroller so far unless it's an off-roading stroller but the hike is worth it (especially if there's water flowing). There's a playground across from the trailhead in case all else fails and someone stays behind with he little ones. Restrooms are thoughtfully placed here. DO watch for rattle snakes on this trail and all for that matter. Also, bring a lot of water and then some. Stop at the Visitor Center and library on your way in. You're not far removed from civilization so anything you need is just a brief drive away.

• 

  Chenery K.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 14, 2017

  White Tank Mountain

  Stargazing in the city

  Fantastic park for seeing the stars and getting away from Phoenix city lights. Lots of well marked trails and access to water and facilities as well as access to a county library and education center at the entrance.

  I just camped in this park last night in space 17 - the family camping is about 35 sites in a big loop with a central restroom and marked pathways from each campsite to the facilities. Some sites are pull-in/back-in, and others are pull-through along the road. The lowest and highest numbered sites are closest to the staff "residences" with their RVs. Each site has a fire ring, grill, concrete picnic table and water/electric posts. I think site 18 is my favorite, and sites 17-21 are closest to the family campground trail leg that leads to the Ironwood Trail for hiking access.

  I've also joined two ranger-led hikes here (Black Rock Loop for sunrise hikes) as well as a county-sponsored astronomy night with access to multiple large telescopes and an astronomy presentation. Check the park website for their activities calendar as there's a good chance you can take advantage of some organized education during your visit.

• 

  Rusty T.

  Guide

  

  May. 3, 2018

  White Tank Mountain

  Desert park & campground

  County Park located just west of Phoenix metroplex, in White Tanks Mountains. Roomy sites, with a mixture of gravel and sand. Had a picnic table and grill. This was a shakedown for our new travel trailer, so we wanted to be near town in case something went wrong. Lots of nearby hiking trails, and restrooms and showers were clean. Campsites are behind a rise, so you see stars, not city lights.

• R

  Ray J.

  Scout

  

  May. 17, 2018

  White Tank Mountain

  Peaceful

  If you like the natural dessert, you’ll love this place. Large camp sites welll spaces.

• 

  Michelle W.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 21, 2019

  White Tank Mountain

  Beautiful

  Super clean trails with amazing views and saguaro cacti for days.

• C

  Chad H.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 21, 2019

  White Tank Mountain

  Fast get away

  From beginning to end always great views from the trials. I can go for a few hours hike or all day.

• 

  Ellen W.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 3, 2019

  White Tank Mountain

  Close to town, yet far enough away for hiking and relaxing

  Another Maricopa County parks campground which is great for hiking and relaxing. 

  Very well taken care of. The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities and the regional library. There are a couple of playgrounds in the park as well. 

  Some hiking trails are within walking distance of the campground, others you will need to drive to.  Maricopa trail runs through the park. 

  The campground itself is very clean, including the restrooms and showers. It is quiet and the campsites all have electric and water hookups, picnic table and fire pit. Sites are far enough from each other so it doesn't feel crowded. Not much vegetation on the campground itself, so sunshine in abundance.

• 

  Sara R.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 3, 2020

  White Tank Mountain

  Peaceful retreat

  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. The Willow Canyon site is big enough for a full length Sprinter, though the office says 16’ is the length limit.

  Lots of trails for hiking, biking and horses. Brand new showers, restrooms and a dishwashing area. Dogs allowed too!

  I’m on Verizon and only got a single bar in the park. The library is near the entrance if you need to get your WiFi fix!

• 

  Lynn C.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 4, 2020

  White Tank Mountain

  Beautiful desert

  Lush desert campground. Quiet and well run. Very clean.

• P

  Patti S.

  Guide

  

  May. 29, 2020

  White Tank Mountain

  Beautiful and close to town

  This park is so close to town, but far enough that you feel like you are way out. There are standard campsites (water and electric) as well as tent camping area. The sites can fit good sized rigs.  There is a ton of trails for hiking, biking, and horses. Brand new showers, restrooms, and a dishwashing area. Dogs are allowed, but please keep them on a leash and pick up after them so we don't lose the privilege!

  Here is a link to the Maricopa parks with maps: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/maps/

• 

  Tony C.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 8, 2021

  White Tank Mountain

  Chollas everywhere, plenty of options

  This park is quite large and has many camping options: day passes, tent camping, semi-developed sites, and fully-developed sites with awnings for big rigs.

  There are many hiking trails too, for every level of difficulty.

  The nature is splendid, with hummingbirds, chipmunks, and plenty of chollas and prickly pear cactai.

  The ambience is quite festive, much more than what I am used to (although the noise may be due to the fact I went on NASCAR weekend).

• 

  jeff B.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 12, 2021

  White Tank Mountain

  Excellent Phoenix area campground

  Super regional campground in the west Phoenix area. Clean hot showers and bathrooms. Solid mtb and hiking trails in the park.

• 

  Crystal C.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 31, 2018

  White Tank Mountain

  Desert Camping With Great Hiking

  If you like rock scrambling there is plenty of that at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Staying here you will find that hiking is your major focus as typical desert style camping is made special by the excitement of the trails around you.

  The family campground is not one of the largest campgrounds you will find in this region but it fair sized. Spaces are large and spread out making it a great fit for tent campers or RV campers.

  When I visited I stayed in campsite 29, on the top of the far side of the loop on the one way drive in. I was a few hundred yards from the restroom facility on a back in space which outlooked toward the desert entirely. The outer ring of the loop, you can literally hike right out of your campsite and be in the middle of everything. I will say however that had I have known a bit more about the area before visiting I probably would have selected sites 19 or 20 which are literally on the hiking loop for Ironwood.

  My campsite was pretty typical with a rocky flat area to set up my tent, a grill and picnic table. My site had no shade which was ok when I visited in early spring but would have been way to hot to have stayed here during late spring or summer. This was considered to be a developed site which was $32 a night but I managed to somehow get it for a semi-developed price of $22, still not sure how that happened. LUCKY ME!!

  While out here it was truly all about the hiking!! There were over 10 trails which circled and wound around ranging in intensity and distance for any skill level. I tackled the moderate ironwood trail which runs into the Ford Trail, one of the longest trails at the park. I didn't do the entire Ford Trail and instead cut over to another trail at an intersection which looped back into camp. From there I ended up driving to another trailhead, Mule Deer, and moving on from there because it hiked by the nature center.

  The nature center here was very cool and I always recommend stopping in if there is one available, if nothing else to get a better idea of what kind of wildlife to watch out for in the area you are visiting.

  TIPS:

  • Bring lots of water. Though there are fresh water stations around, the water seemed to have an odd taste to me, I would recommend bringing water especially if you are sensitive to tastes.

  • Check out the Ford Canyon or Goat Camp trails if you are really into a challenge. These have a lot of rock scrambling and some of the highest heights in the park. If you want an easy hike with a great view check out the Waterfall Canyon Trail.

• 

  tay M.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 27, 2025

  White Tank Mountain

  Honestly relaxing vibe

  Really cool place something for everybody if ur active an wanna see nature an good views or if you just want a nice relaxing place to get away but don’t gotta go to far.. you will not be disappointed 👍🏽☀️🏜️

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  May. 3, 2022

  White Tank Mountain

  Convenient to Phoenix

  General: Located less than an hour from Phoenix, this campground is an easy getaway. There are two campgrounds: The Family Campground (40 sites) with water and 30/50 amp electric hookups and the more“rustic” Willow Canyon Campground (19 sites) with no hookups. This campground is good for tents, campervans, or small (16 feet or less) trailers. There was a gate attendant when we checked in around 6 pm on a Monday and we were given an information packet with information on the campground, nearby facilities in the town of Surprise, and trails, which was very helpful considering we were not familiar with the area. 

  Site Quality: We stayed in the Family Campground so we could take advantage of the electric hookups. The sites are gravel, a good size, well-maintained, and spaced a decent amount of distance apart. Some are pull-through and some back-in. In addition to the aforementioned water and electric hookups, each site also has a picnic table, bbq grill, and fire pit. Some have covered picnic shelters but not all. Most of these also have space for tents. 

  Bathhouse: Is located in the center of the loop and was clean. Sites on the inside have paths leading to the bathhouse but if you are on the outside of the loop, access is via a path between sites 34 and 36 or sites 11 and 13. Three stalls, one sink, and one shower. One sink is not really adequate for 40 sites, but I did not encounter more than one other person at a time. Soap dispenser, rack, and air dryer. The way the water faucets are is wasteful: once you turn them on, they run for quite some time before turning off. Hot water was appreciated. Did not use the shower so cannot comment on that. 

  Activities: Several hiking trails. The most popular one is the waterfall trail, but you need to drive to the trailhead for this. It is paved for the first half mile (shortly after the petroglypghs) and then it is a rocky, gravel path. The waterfall only runs after heavy rain (I would think this would make access very challenging). There was water in the “pool” and it is scenic so it was worthwhile to go despite no running falls. There are restrooms, a picnic area and a playground near this trailhead. Some of the other trails are used by mountain bikers or horseback riders. The information you receive at check-in details the usage for each trail. 

  This campground was mainly an overnight as we continued to head west but I am glad we took the time to hike the waterfall trail before leaving. If you need groceries or other supplies, the town of Surprise, about 8 miles to the east, would have everything you need. Note there is a nearby air force base and you will hear jets flying by, although this was during daylight hours.

• R

  Ralph S.

  Traveler

  

  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

• 

  Chad K.

  Scout

  

  May. 22, 2022

  Boulders OHV Area

  Family trips

  Love camping love fission love having a fire when I’m able to in the winter doesn’t matter that rains or if it snows love camping give me some good spots and I’ll be there

• 

  Chris J.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 30, 2019

  Boulders OHV Area

  Great place

  Little dusty and noisy but plenty of room to camp and the trails are great!

• D

  Daniel B.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 25, 2020

  Boulders OHV Area

  Great dispersed spot

  Huge area to disperse camp with an actual bathroom. If you dont mind occasional off road vehicles driving through during the day, its a good spot with plenty of room.

• 

  Caitlin S.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Nick S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 28, 2023

  Phoenix Metro RV Park

  Convenient to North Phoenix area

  We stored our RV here for several years and they were easy to deal with. No hassles. The RV Park itself is nice and has a swimming pool and a little social area where they have game nights and parties.

• J

  Justin O.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 24, 2021

  Cave Creek Regional Park

  Great camping near Phoenix

  Clean, well spaced camping just outside of Phoenix!

• M

  Michelle L.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 11, 2021

  Cave Creek Regional Park

  Beautiful!

  Beautiful Sonoran desert camping- spacious and clean. Easy access to trails. Fire pits and cement picnic tables at every site. Gravel drives.

• P

  Paul P.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 15, 2021

  Cave Creek Regional Park

  Exceeded Expectations

  Reservations were handled smoothly over the phone by very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Great scenic area! Sites are spacious and set for easy parking and setup. Plenty of room for 33’ Class C with toad Jeep. Will definitely return!

• 

  Tanya N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 29, 2021

  Cave Creek Regional Park

  Peaceful and serene until the party people show up

  My husband and I have camped here occasionally for several years and we have always loved it, for the most part. Until fairly recently when it began to get more popular and crowded. People will tend to set up camp almost on top of your site and persist to blast music throughout the night or be extremely loud and even more so, extremely dirty. We have always looked forward to our quiet nights away from usual civilization and would stay awake to hear the coyotes howl, along with the rest of the wildlife. But it is getting extremely difficult to enjoy ourselves lately. I understand that some people like to go party there but why they assume the whole camping area and wildlife want to hear their blasting music all night... Is beyond disrespectful. Besides that, they messes, garbage, and filth they leave behind is horrendous. It makes my heart sad and I can only imagine how it is affecting nature and the campsite itself. If you go on weekdays, you have a better chance of having a peaceful getaway. Overall, it is beautiful and serene. We catch plenty of fish and enjoy some time on the lake with our boat. The marina is accessible to guests and is decently stocked with basic needs and supplies, as well as basic groceries. It's a shame that we are limited on places we can camp like true campers, because others can't appreciate the idea of truly "roughing it" or basic camping. We have built many good memories there and try to enjoy ourselves as much as we can. It is most beautiful in spring months.

• 

  William F.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 16, 2020

  Cave Creek Regional Park

  Amazing facility. Great location.

  Well maintained facility just outside of the quaint little town of Cave Creek. Lots of room between sites, which each have a picnic table in a beautiful desert landscape. Campground host and museum staff were all super friendly.