This article about camping in Mesa, Arizona, is brought to you by Wenzel. Wenzel’s gear is perfect for any budget-minded camper who wants to be ready to get out of the city.
Camping in Mesa, Arizona, is the best way to enjoy the deserts and wilderness that make this state so famous. The city is on the edge of a natural paradise, with desert vistas, dazzling lakes, and lush wilderness. Take in the Tonto National Forest, relax in the Sonoran Desert, or explore the mountain ranges. Maricopa County offers some of the best parks in the state, with an array of outdoor activities and events. Camping in Mesa, Arizona, is never a dull experience. You’ll find outdoor recreation and magnificent scenery for the whole family.
The Best Camping in Mesa, Arizona
1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Kate W.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park is an hour northwest of Mesa, on the shores of Lake Pleasant. The park has two developed campgrounds to choose from, Desert Tortoise and Roadrunner. They both have sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include electric hookups, picnic tables, flush toilets, and showers. Desert Tortoise offers immediate access to the lake, and sites in Roadrunner are a short walk to the water. Both campgrounds are close to boat docks, hiking trails, and beautiful scenic vistas. Be sure to check out the park’s events, like bike rides, educational walks, and moonlight hikes. Lake Pleasant is a gorgeous place to enjoy a variety of lush ecosystems and activities.
“Wanted a place not too far from home and Lake Pleasant is the perfect quick getaway. The camp sight had the most beautiful view at night and during the day. At night we were able to see so many constellations. Our camp site wasn’t a spot with a direct walk to the lake but the drive wasn’t long at all. Definitely bring a floatie or life jacket if you want to hang out in the lake. There is a little market by the marina that has water, ice, and snacks of sorts.” – Lacee
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-40
- Number of sites: 148
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Lost Dutchman State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Christopher A.
Lost Dutchman State Park is 30 minutes from the city, in the Superstition Mountains. The developed campground accommodates tents and RVs of all sizes. Spacious sites come with water and electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Almost every campsite offers incredible views of the Superstition Mountains. You’re nestled in the Sonoran Desert, next to Tonto National Forest, so you have a front seat to all kinds of trails and wildlife. Some of the trails start right in the campground. Lost Dutchman is the perfect weekend getaway for hikers, cyclists, and photographers. Get ready to explore the best of the Sonoran Desert and Arizona wilderness areas.
“Lost Dutchman State Park – what an amazing place. Campgrounds are really well maintained, easy to navigate, level and all of the services worked flawlessly. Hiking was amazing and there were trails at all levels. The Superstitions make a beautiful backyard from which to relax and appreciate the beauty. The camp hosts were friendly and attentive. All amenities were kept up beautifully.” – Bob L.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-35
- Number of sites: 138
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Usery Mountain Regional Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Christine S.
Usery Mountain Regional Park is just outside of Mesa, in the foothills of the Goldfield Mountains. The Buckhorn campground has developed sites for tents and RVs up to 45 feet. Amenities include water and electric hookups, fire rings, flush toilets, and showers. You’re in a great spot, sandwiched between the Usery Mountains, Goldfield Mountains, and Tonto National Forest. The park offers recreation opportunities for the whole family. You’ll find miles of trails, an outdoor gym, archery classes, and scheduled events. There’s no shortage of things to do at Usery Mountain. It’s a quick getaway where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a weekend of outdoor fun.
“We stayed here two nights and this place is very well laid out and maintained. Sites all seemed to have ample space- we were in 65. There were others around but it felt private. It was fully packed when we were there, and given how nice it is and the proximity to the greater Phoenix area, I can see why it would be popular. Facilities were clean and convenient. Water and electric hookups at site. There are a ton of hiking trails in the park, and ample places to bike. I highly recommend!” – Allison B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $32-40
- Number of sites: 73
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Robert G.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a half-hour from Mesa, in the lower Verde River basin. There is a sizable developed campground and two smaller primitive campgrounds. The campground has large sites for tents and RVs up to 45 feet. Amenities include water and electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. The park boasts more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You’re rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness. It’s not uncommon to see deer, javelina, or desert creatures. And you’re not far from the Verde River, where you can swim or fish for bass. McDowell is a pristine camping spot where you can rest and enjoy diverse wildlife.
“Very quiet! Lots of hiking and bike riding trails with a bike course! Playground. Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town. Close to town but very much felt like you where away on vacation no hustle bustle in the desert! The views where fantastic. Sites where clean and spacious a lot of space between each site for privacy! Will definitely be back!” – Robin
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-40
- Number of sites: 76
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Coon Bluff Recreation Site
Image from The Dyrt camper Jacob S.
Coon Bluff Recreation Site is 30 minutes from the city, overlooking the Lower Salt River. This primitive campground has shaded sites for tents and RVs up to 40 feet. Sites come with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The main feature of Coon Bluff is the herds of wild horses that roam the area. It’s not every day you get to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. But the rec area is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and inner-tubing. You’re close to several hiking trails showing off the Sonoran Desert and Tonto National Forest. And Saguaro Lake is only ten miles away. Coon Bluff is a serene camping spot where you can rest and recharge before heading back to daily life.
“We took our RV out just for the day. I would recommend getting there early as spots fill up as people park for the day and play in the river. Plenty of spots to set up a tent, but not very spread out or private. There were bathrooms and picnic tables as well. A great place to view the wild horses and hike.” – Bre
Campground Details:
- Price: $8-12
- Number of sites: 5
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. White Tank Mountain
Image from The Dyrt camper Michelle W.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park is an hour from Mesa, in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains. It’s the largest park in Maricopa County, with more than 30,000 acres of outdoor beauty. They have a developed campground for tents and RVs up to 45 feet and a smaller primitive campground. Amenities include water and electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. The park features more than 40 miles of trails, ancient petroglyphs, and dazzling desert panoramas. The park feels secluded, allowing you to soak up the therapeutic atmosphere. White Tank is a refreshing camping option to slow down and decompress in the desert.
“This 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.” – Patti S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-40
- Number of sites: 60
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Cave Creek Regional Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Tanya N.
Cave Creek Regional Park is an hour south of the city, in the glorious Sonoran Desert. The developed campground has sites for tents and RVs up to 60 feet. Sites come with water and electric hookups, picnic tables, flush toilets, and showers. You’re surrounded by saguaro and cholla cacti, giving the campground a secluded feel. Several of the trails start in the campground and provide impressive views of the desert plains. You can schedule a horseback tour or explore the trails on foot. Don’t be surprised if you see local desert species crossing your path. Cave Creek is a quiet respite from the daily stresses of life.
“Maricopa County Park in Cave Creek. Very well taken care of. The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities. Some hiking trails are within walking distance of the campground, others you will need to drive to. The campground itself is very clean. It is quiet and the campsites all have electric and water hookups, picnic table and fire pit.” – Ellen W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-40
- Number of sites: 55
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
8. Mesa Spirit RV Resort
Mesa Spirit RV Resort is the perfect way to experience Mesa in all its glory. This massive RV park is smack in the middle of Mesa, off of Main Street. There are back-in and pull-through sites for even the largest RVs. Basic amenities include full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry, sports fields, a fitness center, and more. You’ll never run out of things to do with the scheduled events, classes, and resort-style amenities. Play a game of billiards, enjoy a round of mini-golf, or take a dip in the pool. And just outside the resort, you’ll find restaurants, shops, and other conveniences. Mesa Spirit is an upscale RV campground where you can explore the city in comfort.
“We loved this park in the Arizona Desert. Close to everything, yet set up to feel like you’re in your own little village. The amenities at this park are outstanding and the neighbors are super friendly. Sites are decent size! We loved the three pools, multiple hot tubs and modern showers and laundry rooms. This park can be hard to get into because of its popularity. Highly recommended!” – Lyf Uninterrupted
Campground Details:
- Price: $54-94
- Number of sites: 1667
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
Are you looking for the best places to go camping in Mesa, Arizona? We’ve got the best camping spots for you to explore the city and the natural beauty beyond.
This article about camping in Mesa, Arizona, is brought to you by Wenzel.
Their reliable camping tents & accessories will have you prepared to explore these gorgeous campgrounds.
