Are you planning a tent camping trip to Wittmann? We've got you covered. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Wittmann. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Horsethief Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and OHV riding. Castle Creek Wilderness is located nearby, and Horsethief Cabin and Turney Gulch Group Campground are available by reservation. Day use sites and trails are open year-round; overnight accomodations are not available during the winter. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about these recreational opportunities. Note: Until further notice, use of a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those who plan to visit recreation sites in Horsethief Basin.
Margies Cove West Campround includes day-use parking for ten vehicles, three campsites with picnic tables and steel fire rings, a vault toilet, and informational signage. The campground is adjacent to Margies Cove West Trailhead.
THIS PARK IS CLOSED INDEFINITELY AS OF 1/21/2018 As of 1-21-2018, camping is not offered at Buckeye Hills Regional Park. The park will be undergoing a 'master plan' in the future review with camping options being included as an option.
The southern-most wilderness area on the Prescott National Forest shares a boundary with the Tonto National Forest. Recreational opportunities include: hiking, backpacking, and horse riding. Mechanized equipment of any kind is not allowed in wilderness areas. Trails in the Pine Mountain Wilderness include: Nelson Trail #159 Buck Basin Trail #158 Pine Flat Trail #165 Tule Rim Trail #162 Verde Rim Trail #161 Willow Springs Trail #12 The USFS Wilderness Stewardship brochure explains more about designated Wilderness and how you can become involved in helping care for this precious resource.
Built in 1902, this historic schoolhouse and adjacent picnic area in Arizona's Prescott National Forest may be reserved for day use for groups of up to 60 people. The facility offers a picturesque, quiet setting with indoor and outdoor areas for weddings, reunions, luncheons and group meetings. The schoolhouse served about 10 to 15 children in the early 1900s. The building was an active school until 1952. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is used for administrative and training purposes.
Groups enjoy gathering in the outdoor picnic area during nice weather or heading indoors into the the two-room schoolhouse if the weather turns. A leisurely walk through the forest on the accessible, paved Groom Creek Nature Trail provides a nice afternoon respite, and visitors can camp nearby if desired. Prescott National Forest has miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails for visitors wishing to explore the area.
The schoolhouse building has two rooms with new furniture(tables and chairs) for indoor use. The outdoor picnic area is accessible and equipped with 10 picnic tables, vault toilets, an amphitheater (limited access) and parking for 12 vehicles or two buses. No drinking water is available at this site; guests must bring their own.
The group area is set in a ponderosa pine ecosystem, an area dominated by pines and mixed with juniper trees, Gambel oaks and native grasses. A multitude of colorful wildflowers bloom in the spring and during the summer monsoon season. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible from late June through mid-September. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may spot deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes and birds.
Upper Wolf Creek Campground is just around the corner if you want to camp overnight. Restaurants, shopping, historic sites and many amenities are nearby in the historic town of Prescott.
$150 / night
Guide
I've been trail riding in the Wickenburg area since I was a kid, and the rodeo grounds across the street from Constellation Park is a gathering site for just about everyone who heads out into the desert on their 4-legged transportation. On my most recent visit to Constellation Park, the park and rodeo grounds were empty, but this place fills up fast whenever there are events scheduled, and the sites are first come, first served with NO reservations system, so plan ahead!
There are 35 dry camp sites along a dirt road north of the rodeo grounds on Constellation Road in Wickenburg - they are primitive dry sites with no tents allowed - all camping must be self contained. Site fees are $8 per night, or $12 per night to have a horse corral included. Yes, I'm confused too - horses are ok, but tents are not? I'm not sure what the logic for self contained camping is for these sites, as they would make excellent car camping/tenting sites, but I'm not the one who makes the rules.
The park opens onto state and BLM land, which you can ride or backpack into with a permit -
https://land.az.gov/recreational-permit-portal
Wickenburg is already a relatively quiet town with not much traffic outside the US 60 / US 93 interchange for people traveling from Phoenix to Las Vegas, so it's nice and quiet up here. The road undulates up over small rises, so unless there's a late night at the rodeo arena, there are no lights to compete with the star gazing show either. Again, tent camping would make so much sense here. . .
I'd give the park 5 stars for the pretty desert views, quiet location and big skies if you were allowed to enjoy them outside of an RV. Oh well, we don't get everything we want, right?
Guide
Great campground. RV & tent camping. 30 foot rigs ok. Porta potties available. Camping about 100 feet from river allowed. Fishing ok. Supposedly smallmouth bass in river.
Legend
No tent camping. RV camping only. That being said, this is a giant parkinglot for RV "camping" that is popular with Snowbirds being it is close to groceries, store fronts and I10. There is a swimming pool, "The Barn", a salon, and a horseshoe pit.
LegendNo tent camping. Self contained RVs only. Constellation park campground hosts horse events and rodeos that draw crowds from everywhere and of all ages. Campground is directly across the street from all horse and rodeo activities so this is very convenient if you are in the area for horsemanship.
Guide
Nice park just outside of Scottsdale. Fun mountain bike trails. Clean bathrooms. Quiet in late December. Only 5 or 6 tent campers here. $22 night for tent site. We parked in our van. Can use showers at RV camp area. Great spot.
GuideThe map shows McDowell twice but there is only one. It us about 23K acres of beautiful desert surrounded by the Superstition Mountains. Clean campground and pretty quiet. Flush toilets, showers available in the RV campground. Fun MTB, hiking trails. We camped here twice in December 2020 because we liked it so much.. tent camping is $22/night. Highly recommend.
ScoutLarge campground with beautiful views from every campsite. Desert camping so there are no tall trees for shade and it can get windy. Sites with good privacy, full restrooms with free showers. Tent sites are not as nice as RV sites with full hookup. Lots of trails for mountain biking or hiking.
Guide
This campground in McDowell Regional park is for tent camping and small Vans, etc. Mix of both walk in sites and back in sites. It is set back a ways from the rest of the park. No showers here. Need to go to the trail head or RV campground for showers which was a bit of a hassle. Excellent mountain biking and hiking trails right out of the campground.
Guide
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).
GuideThis 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/
Traveler
A dozen or so free tent sites. Tables, fire rings, grills. Vault toilets. Campers under 20’ should be okay. Larger RVs should consider a spot back off seven springs road. Going too much further up the road isn’t a good idea for RVs.
Road in is pretty good. Some washboard. Most vehicles will make it. I’ve done it several times in a compact car.
Late fall to early spring is best.
Zero cell service.
Traveler
Love this Saddle Mtn Campsite! The pin location is accurate but it looks there are multiple different access routes. We really enjoyed it here because you can pull up within 50-100 yards from Saddle mountain and camp right below it. So cool.
We tent camped for about 5 days here, the crowd was minimal, felt very safe. Plenty of trails to walk, can explore the mountain and there are petroglyphs here. We only found a couple, but didn’t look too hard.
Overall loved this place, easy access, safe, fun and some cool views!
Guide
Camped 5 nights at the desert tortoise campground in my NoBo travel trailer. Semi developed so no hook ups. Bathrooms were clean and the area was well kept. The spot includes a ramada with picnic table. There is also a fire ring pit w/ grill which you’ll need to bring firewood for. I fished off the shoreline which was only a few hundred feet from my spot. The spots are relatively close to each other and tent camping is also allowed. Water is clear and very nice. Wild donkeys from old miners back in the day still roam around. They are very accustomed to humans so won’t hesitate to steal food. Definitely something to watch pets around as well.
Traveler
This was one of my favorite free longterm camping spots of all time. Desert flowers were blooming while I was there in January/Feb. Nice enough scenery.
Lots of RVs around. I was able to find a spot by toilets for my tent and then move into a more private spot after an RV left.
Fairly busy. Serviced (BLM?), very clean. Feels safe. Next to air force base which is loud and pretty cool, and sheriffs training facility /shooting range which actually is better than a lot of other free Arizona spots because gunshots aren't going off all night and bullets whizzing by from responsible gun owners...
Was not hassled at all.
Dry toilets and garbages. But pack out. Garbage piles up. Many options for RV and tents and car campers. Seems they don't ask anyone to move or anything unless they have to.
Ranger
There are several different RV/Camping options at Pleasant Harbor Marina / RV Resort.
In the resort with Full Hookups
Out on the "flat" with just water and power (dump station on site)
Out on the "flat" with no hookups. (can also tent / car camp)
As compared to the Maricopa County Parks side, this has a little bit more party atmosphere, is less secluded, but you can almost always get at least a boondocking spot without a reservation. They also have large events here as well so check their calendar for the weekend you are wanting to go!
We keep a boat at Lake Pleasant and are part of the Arizona Yacht Club so we are up here all the time.
TravelerWe have camped many times with my family. Many people have RVs in our group and some have tents and truck tents! All are welcome and easy to navigate. Great for individuals and groups. Cheap, just 8$! It is clean, quiet and beautiful views. Close to town and close to fun attractions such as the rodeo or box canyon wash!
Traveler
Awesome in spring or fall in a tent! Moonless night.
Ranger
We found a dispersed campsite right of Senator Hwy in Prescott AZ by Wolf Creek. It was somewhat difficult to get to, but it is possible in a 4x4 and good ground clearance. There were nice fire rings already made and plenty of space for multiple tents if wanted! Plenty of trees for hammocks and plenty of ground space for tents.
TravelerVery short drive from civilization. Semi developed sites are a good way to break someone in to tent/car camping. Full restrooms and showers nearby. Usually clean.
You can even hit one of the restaurants at the lake.
Primitive camping on the shoreline is cool and still not too far from facilities.
TravelerI think it’s a great place to stay when coming late at night. Close to the highway. Some trash around. It is very open space so wind will attack you really rough. Even roof top tent felt the impact.
Guide
We arrived late at night to a site full of off roading vehicles and other ATVs. Obviously a meet.
The ground is very compact and straight dirt, multiple rvs had generators running so the night was loud. We ended up leaving.
I'm sure its a sweet spot for off roading and to rv camp but not so much for tents.
ScoutWe dispersed camped over veterans weekend for Phoenix questival and were the only ones there. The port a potty was clean and there were picnic tables and a fire ring. Where else in phoenix can you pitch a tent 50 feet from a river?
Legend
Rough sloped area at crest by cell tower. There is another better quality road slightly south of this rough upper area that I include in this camping area. This is AZ Trust Land so a $15 online permit is needed to be legit. Cell signal is very good. No toilets, no water, no tables, no dumpsters. Only a few miles into town and a grocery store.
Only 2 stars as the area is no scenic and had beat down vegetation and general vibe is sketchy with some crapped out tents and campers. .
GuideWe stayed in Road Runner 41. While the rest of the campground was nice, this site was horrible! We expected rain but their is only one spot to put a tent on this campsite and the water from the road all drains into this spot. Basically our campsite turned into a mini river and was washed away. Other campsites didn't seem to have this issue. The campground wouldn't issue us a refund.
The views from the campsite were very pretty and it would have been a nice place if it wasn't for the bad river and worst campsite ever.
Scout
Been going here over 6 years and I always look forward to my visits there in the Summer. They have 2 pools (one is heated), volleyball, darts, horseshoe, pool tables, hot tub, sauna, nature trails, a cafe open in the weekend, events and tons of other things going on. Most of the people there are permanent or semipermanent residents. It is a comfortable, family friendly community, although you it is rare you see children there. I highly recommend and will continue to bring guests to enjoy some Arizona sunbathing!
LegendLocated 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.
Legend
Campground Review
What a great find! We had no idea what to expect when we rolled down a long and lonely road from Phoenix out to Box Bar. But other people sure knew about it! There were lots of party people there, playing music, floating in the river, and enjoying some BBQ.
Box Bar is not fancy, but it is FREE! There are no reservations and no set camp areas, but there are plenty of flat and shaded spots perfect for a tent. There is a large dirt parking area that includes 3 port-o-potties. If you were going to camp here, the potties are quite far from the camp spots, so keep that in mind.
The best part -- the gorgeous river! The Rio Verde runs right through here and is the main attraction. At Box Bar there is a small dam that holds the water in just enough for a calm small lake to appear. There is also quicker waters that can be kayaked or floated on. Many kids were putting in and going around the bend, getting back out, and doing it over and over again! The water is cool and refreshing in the Arizona sun.
When we went, it was a Saturday. So I’ll be anxious to go back on a weekday or Friday to see if it is as crowded other days. It wasn’t OVER crowded, but the loud music can get old :)
Overall, a truly great find. Only 30 minutes from Phoenix too!
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. At Box Bar, I got to use the IceMule Pro Large Cooler.
Before heading out, we packed up sodas, juice boxes, apples, and a tupperware of cookies into the IceMule and poured ice all over the top. The temperature that day was over 100 degrees, but when we got to the campsite and opened the top, the ice was still there and the drinks and food were freezing cold. Never had such a refreshing soda! I’m used to having to drink a warm soda or water while adventuing, so this was quite the treat.
Besides keeping the refreshments ice cold, the backpack was also super comfortable to wear. The straps are super padded, as well as the bag where is rests against the back. I am a super weak person and it was easy and fun to wear.
I totally recommend this cooler to anyone wanting to reward a long hike, boat, or camp with freezing cold treats.
For more info, visit: https://icemulecoolers.com/
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Frequently Asked Questions
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