John W.
Scout
Scoutbuckhorn campground @ Usery regional mountain park
Bikers
Great mtn bike trails!
Best Campgrounds near Glendale, AZ
Camping opportunities near Glendale, Arizona span from urban RV parks to more remote desert camping experiences. Located in the Sonoran Desert, the area includes White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, and several dispersed camping areas northwest of the city. Visitors can choose from developed campgrounds with full hookups, primitive tent sites, cabin rentals at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort, or free dispersed camping on public lands. Most established campgrounds are situated within regional parks where saguaro cacti and mountain views create a distinctive desert camping landscape.
Seasonal considerations greatly impact camping experiences in the Glendale area, with extreme summer heat making fall through spring the most comfortable camping seasons. "This is a nice place to visit in the cooler months of the year due to no shade and low elevation," noted one visitor about White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Many campgrounds remain open year-round but require advance planning during winter months when snowbirds flock to the area. Water conservation measures affect availability at some sites, with several campgrounds offering drinking water and showers while dispersed areas require self-sufficiency. Permits are required for State Trust Land camping, while BLM and regional park campgrounds have different reservation systems and fee structures.
Campers consistently highlight the contrast between urban proximity and desert wilderness experiences available in the area. The developed campgrounds in White Tank Mountain Regional Park receive positive reviews for their cleanliness and spacing, with one visitor describing "well separated level sites in a desert setting" with "good views of the mountains and the Valley of the Sun." Many campgrounds provide electric and water hookups suitable for RVs, while offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Night sky visibility varies, with sites farther from the city providing better stargazing conditions. RV resorts closer to Glendale tend to cater to long-term visitors and retirees, with some having age restrictions that limit family camping options. Several campers note the proximity to urban amenities while still providing access to desert landscapes and hiking trails.
Best Camping Sites Near Glendale, Arizona (221)
1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground
66 ReviewsPeoria, AZ17 milesWebsite+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
17 ReviewsWaddell, AZ11 milesWebsite+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
14 ReviewsWaddell, AZ11 milesWebsite+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
20 ReviewsPeoria, AZ17 milesWebsite+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. Saguaro Skies - Luke AFB Famcamp
4 ReviewsLitchfield Park, AZ5 milesWebsite+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."
6. Pueblo El Mirage 55+ RV Resort
3 ReviewsGlendale, AZ1 mileWebsite+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."
7. Destiny Phoenix RV Resorts
7 ReviewsLitchfield Park, AZ13 milesWebsite+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."
8. Encore Paradise RV
3 ReviewsSun City, AZ4 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-14779. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
10 ReviewsPeoria, AZ15 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."
10. Desert's Edge RV Park
7 ReviewsPhoenix, AZ13 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Glendale, AZ
137 Photos of 221 Glendale Campgrounds
Becbecandbunny O.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Gregg T.
State land trust/Inspiration Point
Chenery K.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground
Chenery K.
Skyline Regional Park
Don M.
Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant
Castaway I.
Cave Creek Regional Park
Chantal S.
Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
Scott C.
Buckeye Hills Regional Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED IN 2018
Robin
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Lloyd H.
Constellation Park
Eric W.
Desert Cypress Mobile Home & RV Park
Rachel P.
Ironwood Campground - McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Glendale, AZ
838 Reviews of 221 Glendale Campgrounds
Vidalia S.
LegendPleasant Harbor RV Resort
More like a refugee camp
Large dirt lot sort of reminds me of a refugee camp. $25 a night with a two night minimum to stay here and a $10 surcharge to use the showers in the pool. There are some nicer spots with full hookups. We considered staying here because all of the Arizona state land across the road is marked no motorized vehicles, although we saw several motorized vehicles and campers on the state land. However, we found a better free option, on US bureau of Land Reclamation land nearby.
Jim G.
GuideLost Dutchman State Park Campground
Gorgeous views of the panoramic desert
We stopped here on a short trip just to experience the Arizona high country.
Amazing views!
A little warmer than we're used to, but that was not unexpected.
Tracie C.ScoutPrivate RV Spot w/Water & Elec
Peaceful and Convenient
Clean, clean! This was the perfect spot for our trip. We were close to so many things yet the space was on a very quiet street/area. Although we didn’t do any of the water sports, we do plan to return in the summer months and will definitely make that part of our time!
Theya W.ScoutSycamore Creek
Lots of range practice
We came here one night and next morning, realized that this was a common place for the locals to practice their gun shooting so make sure you are comfortable with gunfire.
- CChristina T.Scout
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
Pick your spot carefully
Stayed Feb 2026. Second time camping here. This section sites 75-104 is newer, electric & water. No bathrooms or showers must drive or walk 1/4 mile away. Sites are okay but closer than the rest of the campgrounds.
Showers & bathrooms clean. Dump station working. Very friendly helpful staff.
This campground sells out quickly. I try to make reservations a year in advance.
Rob S.
TravelerEl Dorado Hot Springs
Soak and shower
You can hear the interstate. Beside that, I’d give it a 5. It is 50 a night now. Probably not a good experience if you are not comfortable in your own skin.
- Vidalia S.Legend
Black Canyon Campground
This is why we rarely stay in RV parks
Rvs crammed together on tiny lots on dusty gravel. We stayed at one of the four tent spots. The camper next to us was using our power and water leaving us with no hookup. The site was tiny, taken up by a 12x12 raised sand and gravel tent pad, picnic table and tiny fire ring. There was very little room to park or turn your car around. Lots of road noise from the interstate. On the positive side, good T-Mobile coverage, good Wi-Fi, and the newly remodeled clean bathroom. For $40 a night, I expect something better.
- CChristine B.Guide
Camp Area - State Trust Land
Good hiking
Lots of space to hike Not a huge area for camping as some access is limited (need 4WD and high clearance)
Guide to Glendale
The Phoenix metro area surrounding Glendale, Arizona features several established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within a short drive from the city. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground to the north and White Tank Mountain Regional Park to the west offer developed sites with amenities for both tent and RV camping. Dispersed camping options can be found on state trust land near Maddock Road and off Highway 74, requiring permits for some locations. Several RV resorts cater to long-term stays and retirees, with Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort and Desert's Edge RV Park providing full hookups and resort-style amenities.
Camping conditions vary dramatically by season, with extreme heat limiting comfortable tent camping during summer months. "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," noted one visitor at White Tank Mountain. The region experiences monsoon storms in late summer that can affect road conditions and campsite accessibility. Most established campgrounds provide water hookups, but dispersed sites require campers to bring all supplies. State trust land camping requires permits purchased in advance, while some areas like Dispersed Camping off Highway 74 offer free camping with few amenities.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park receives consistently high ratings for its spacious sites and clean facilities. According to a camper, "The campsites are spaced out nicely, and it has never felt crowded to me even during the busy season." Family-friendly amenities include hiking trails with petroglyphs, modern bathrooms, and shower facilities. Lake Pleasant offers water recreation opportunities with boat-in camping options. Military personnel and veterans can access Luke AFB Famcamp, which reviewers praise for its cleanliness and proximity to base amenities. Most RV resorts in the region cater to older adults, with several designated as 55+ communities. Campers seeking privacy and natural settings generally prefer the regional parks over the more densely packed RV resorts closer to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Glendale, AZ?
What camping is available near Glendale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Glendale, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 221 campgrounds and RV parks near Glendale, AZ and 58 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Glendale, AZ?
Which is the most popular campground near Glendale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glendale, AZ is Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 66 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Glendale, AZ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Glendale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 58 free dispersed camping spots near Glendale, AZ.
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