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Camping near Phoenix is surprising at every turn. With breathtaking desert sunsets, amazing starry skies, and enchanting herds of wild horses, there’s something for everyone when you go camping near Phoenix.
Whether you like to camp in your car, in an RV, or just with a tent, there’s sure to be something that fits your expectations in Arizona. Explore these seven campgrounds under an hour from Arizona’s capital to make new memories.
1. Lake Pleasant Campground
Directly on Lake Pleasant, Lake Pleasant Campground offers developed and semi-developed sites. The former has no sewer hookups but water and electric work, and there are dump stations for RVs. Each semi-developed site has a fire ring, picnic table, and ramada to provide shade in the hot desert sun.
“Close to town still but far enough out makes it great.”– Chris P.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-40
- Number of sites: 150
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. White Tank Mountain
Only a short drive from downtown Phoenix are the White Tank Mountains and White Tank Campground, which offer some glorious views of Phoenix against the desert backdrop. It’s even better at night because you get to watch Phoenix light up.
The sites at White Tank Mountain are well spaced, so you feel like you have a lot of privacy. No sewer hookups, but there’s water and electricity. Beware the teddy bear cholla; that cactus is not as cuddly as it sounds!
“Brand new showers, restrooms and a dishwashing area.”– Sara R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-40
- Number of sites: 40
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Lost Dutchman
Image from The Dyrt camper Fritz
Roughly half of the Lost Dutchman State Park sites have half RV hookups, and all of them are either gravel or paved. The friendly camp hosts have made sure that all the amenities work well and that the access routes throughout the camp are level and well-kempt.
Free showers help if you’re dry camping, and a water and dump station is available at the entrance. The Superstitions Mountains make a stunning backdrop for all of your activities at this charming campground.
“This is the place to go if you like mountain biking and hiking.”– Fritz
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-30
- Number of sites: 134
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Bulldog Canyon
Boondocking is the age-old practice of camping for free without amenities on BLM land. You need to pack in lots of water as desert camping can get thirsty, and pack out any refuse you create during your visit.
The views from your slice of the desert in Bulldog Canyon are incomparable, and you’ll be able to see almost every star in the night sky. There are a lot of folks taking advantage of the numerous trails on their ATVs.
“ATVs are all around so it can get noisy and dusty but never was it unbearable. It’s a great getaway very close to town.”– Keith J.
Campground Details:
- Price: Free
- Number of sites: N/A
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
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5. Coon Bluff Recreation Site
Image from The Dyrt camper Bre
The major draw of Coon Bluff Recreation Site isn’t the campsites themselves, as most are little more than asphalt parking spots. Most people come to this rec site to watch the herds of wild horses.
There are no designated campsites, so it’s more like dispersed camping, but there are picnic tables and toilets for guests. Overnight camping only in the wintertime on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s wise to call ahead to make sure.
“A great place to view the wild horses and hike.”– Bre
Campground Details:
- Price: $7-14
- Number of sites: N/A
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Desert Shadows RV Resort
This extensive campground located in north Phoenix caters mainly to the RVers, although there are tent sites. If you need a convenient spot off I-17, Desert Shadows RV Resort has spacious sites. This is a suburban camp, but it’s relatively quiet for its proximity to civilization.
There’s a pool and a laundry if you want to stay longer than just a weekend, but remember to pick up laundry detergent before you arrive.
“Well kept, clean and friendly people.”– Gregg K.
Campground Details:
- Price: $55-68
- Number of sites: 638
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Cave Creek
This campground’s proximity to Phoenix makes it an easy choice for an impromptu trip. Not a huge campground, Cave Creek still has all amenities, including hookups, dump stations, and showers.
One of the major benefits is the friendliness and attentiveness of the campground’s hosts, as many reviewers mention the excellent service. The sunsets here are incomparable. There’s plenty of room at Cave Creek, and it fills up fast, so make a reservation to be sure to earmark your spot.
“Showers, dump station, electric and water hookups here. Gated at night, feels safe.”– Kiley C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-40
- Number of sites: 38
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Camping near Phoenix is magical. If you want more adventure, check out The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping near phoenix.
