White Tank Mountain area offers a mix of desert camping options from established sites to dispersed land. Located in the Sonoran Desert at elevations between 1,200-4,000 feet, temperatures can range from 50-115°F depending on season. The region features characteristic saguaro cacti, desert washes, and mountain views with limited natural shade throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Desert hiking trails: White Tank Mountain has numerous trails for different skill levels. "Hiked the Waterfall and Black Loop Trail for a little exercise as well. Didn't do any others as our dog had an encounter with a stray cholla ball," notes Teresa A. about White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear desert skies provide excellent night viewing. "Campsites are behind a rise, so you see stars, not city lights," explains Rusty T. from White Tank Mountain.
Desert wildlife viewing: Watch for native animals in their natural habitat. "Wildlife: birds, coyotes, reptiles, etc," mentions Ryan W. about White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The area also has wild burros - "Sweet wild donkeys roaming around," says Shirlee A. who visited Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant.
What campers like
Desert landscape: The striking Sonoran Desert environment surrounds all campsites. "Lush desert campground. Quiet and well run. Very clean," writes Lynn C. about White Tank Mountain.
Lake access: Some campgrounds offer water recreation options. "The lake was nice to cool off in," notes Paige C. who stayed at Roadrunner Campground - Lake Pleasant.
Wide spacing between sites: Most established campgrounds provide reasonable privacy. "Sites are far enough from each other so it doesn't feel crowded," explains Ellen W. who camped at White Tank Mountain.
Educational opportunities: "The park has an excellent nature center, great hiking, archaeology and good water/power hook-ups," according to Marc who visited White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. "This is a nice place to visit in the cooler months of the year due to no shade and low elevation. We visited in January which was perfect," advises Christine S. about White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
Wildlife precautions: "There was a very assertive donkey that had no issue trying to steal our food. Be sure to keep food contained at all times or you might get a donkey thief," warns Paige C. about Roadrunner Campground.
Permit requirements: For Arizona State Trust Land sites. "Paid the $16 annual state land trust fee. Stayed a few nights," reports Adria K. who stayed at State land trust/Inspiration Point.
Off-road vehicles: Many dispersed sites attract motorized recreation. "It's busy and seems like everyone else thinks so too. I waited 15 min in line to get up to the check in booth just to get in the park," mentions George K. about White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Explore educational centers: "The park has a beautiful nature center, which offers activities and the regional library. There are a couple of playgrounds in the park as well," suggests Ellen W. about White Tank Mountain.
Consider pet hazards: Beyond leash requirements, protect animals from desert hazards. "My dog had an encounter with a stray cholla ball. This would be the only concern for those traveling with pets. There are quite a few lose even along trails," cautions Teresa A. at White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
Select family-friendly campgrounds: "Really cool spot lots of activities for the whole family very clean an lots of friendly people enjoying the place," shares Tay M. about Pleasant Harbor RV Resort.
Pack for extreme temperature changes: Desert temperatures can drop 30+ degrees after sunset. "It was hot when I arrived so I hope to take advantage of the many hiking trails early in the morning before it gets hot!" advises Kim G. about White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection strategies: "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," advises Lee D. about White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
Water management: No hookups at dispersed sites. "The dispersed camping areas have minimal amenities with no water, toilets, or hookups, requiring campers to pack in all supplies," says a visitor to Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land.
Road conditions: Some dispersed areas require careful navigation. "We have a 4WD truck, so we were able to get past most of the RVs and toy haulers," explains Elisabeth Q. who camped at Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area.
Dump station availability: "There is a double lane for the dump at egress point," notes Jack H. about White Tank Mountain Regional Park facilities.
