Best Campgrounds near Sun City, AZ

Camping areas surrounding Sun City, Arizona range from established RV parks to dispersed camping on public lands. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, approximately 15 miles northwest of Sun City, provides both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, water, and sanitary dump stations. White Tank Mountain Regional Park offers developed camping with amenities including showers, water hookups, and picnic tables. Dispersed camping opportunities exist on AZ State Trust Land near Maddock Road and along Highway 74, though these areas have minimal facilities and may require permits.

Extreme heat dominates the camping experience from late spring through early fall, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F during summer months. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter (October through April) attracts the highest visitation due to milder temperatures. Water conservation measures affect facility availability, particularly at primitive sites where no drinking water exists. Permits are required for camping on Arizona State Trust Land, while BLM areas typically allow free camping with a 14-day stay limit. "We camped for two nights at this resort which is primarily for mobile homes or seasonal campers. Nice facilities (pool, laundry, etc). No picnic tables at the sites though," noted one camper about a local RV resort.

Several camping areas in the Sun City region cater specifically to older travelers, with multiple reviewers mentioning age restrictions at certain private RV parks. Many sites are described as "55 and older resort" with amenities focused on long-term stays rather than traditional camping. Primitive dispersed camping options provide alternatives for those seeking less structured environments, though without amenities like showers, toilets, or trash service. Public lands around Lake Pleasant receive positive reviews for scenery and access to water recreation. A visitor to the Roadrunner Campground at Lake Pleasant rated it highly for its combination of hookups and natural setting. Military personnel have access to Luke AFB Famcamp, which reviewers consistently praise for cleanliness, security, and convenient location near base services.

Best Camping Sites Near Sun City, Arizona (210)

    1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    16 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
    13 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."

    3. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Waddell, AZ
    13 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. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    16 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."

    5. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "Numerous campsites available in an area along State Road 74 and New River/Lake Pleasant Roads, at least 2 or 3000 acres with hundreds of establish campsites."

    "Recommend black canyon city for laundry and hiked on the black canyon trail."

    6. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    14 miles

    "This was a major travel destination for RV’rs and campers passing through, or staying for a while in close proximity to Phoenix. Major disappointment."

    "The further you get away from the main road the less people. Will stay here again."

    7. Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Glendale, AZ
    3 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."

    8. Desert's Edge RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Phoenix, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 587-0940

    "We arrived after the office was closed, but they had our bathroom keys and paperwork ready for us in the box outside the office."

    9. 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."

    10. Roadrunner Campground - Lake Pleasant

    9 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    "A two lane dump station near the Desert Tortoise camping area. Security and cleaning crews passing through keeping an eye on the rigs. Very close to Lake Pleasant."

    "It was super hot in the afternoons and you really have no privacy from the campers around you. It was nice having shower facilities but they weren’t the cleanest. The lake was nice to cool off in."

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Recent Reviews near Sun City, AZ

780 Reviews of 210 Sun City 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.

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    Close to PHX, great hikes

    We love the Superstition mountains. Lost Dutchman campground is great. Has everything and is close to hwy and Phoenix. Lots to do in the area, lots of hikes straight from the campground. Homes were close to our campsite, but the view of the mountains was great!

  • 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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Mesa-Apache Junction KOA

    Clean friendly easy

    We stayed 4 nights in July. Staff friendly and helpful. Clean quiet nice level sites FHU everything worked great. Wi-Fi is poor. Will 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.


Guide to Sun City

Camping near Sun City, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning desert landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails around the area. Campers at Usery Mountain Regional Park rave about the mountain bike trails, with one reviewer saying, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!"
  • Off-Roading: If you have a UTV or enjoy off-roading, check out Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. One visitor described it as "Off-Roading Nirvana," highlighting the thrilling rides through stunning desert landscapes.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper mentioned, "Relaxed and fished off the shoreline," making it a great spot for water lovers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at McDowell Mountain Regional Park appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer said, "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites," which adds to the overall experience.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms are dated but clean and in good working order."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe at campgrounds. One reviewer at Tortilla Campground said, "The people at this campground are extra friendly," making it a pleasant place to stay.

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with spacious sites and activities for kids. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground is great for families, with one reviewer saying, "Spots are close but not too close to each other."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring bikes and hiking gear to keep everyone entertained. A family camper at Usery Mountain Regional Park mentioned, "There are tons of trails and the views are awesome."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Some campgrounds have limited access to stores. A visitor at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground appreciated the convenience store, saying it "saved me from having to drive 20min to get some drinks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to choose campgrounds that fit your RV needs. McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers electric hookups, which is a plus for RVers.
  • Be Mindful of Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, require 4x4 vehicles due to rough roads. A camper warned, "The road is in the worst condition," so be prepared.
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Many campgrounds provide dump stations, which is helpful for RVers. A visitor at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort mentioned, "Dump station and water fill up included in $26/night."

Camping around Sun City, AZ, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it’s a great spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sun City, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sun City, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 210 campgrounds and RV parks near Sun City, AZ and 48 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sun City, AZ?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sun City, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 48 free dispersed camping spots near Sun City, AZ.