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We’ve explored them all! Here are the top 5 Phoenix campgrounds for unforgettable adventures!
They say the desert sun isn’t just hot, it’s practically auditioning for its own reality show – and if you’ve ever been to Phoenix campgrounds, you know what I mean!
From cacti that look like they’ve been practicing their yoga poses to sunsets that put Hollywood’s special effects to shame, this city knows how to turn up the heat in all the right ways.
But wait, there’s more! We’re diving into the best campgrounds in Phoenix, where every adventure is like a scene from an Indiana Jones movie – minus the giant rolling boulders, thankfully.
So, grab your hiking boots and your sense of adventure, because we’re about to embark on a quest to find the ultimate camping spots in the Valley of the Sun. And who knows, you might just uncover a hidden treasure or two along the way!
| What’s the price range for staying at campgrounds in Phoenix? The price range for staying at campgrounds in Phoenix can vary widely depending on factors such as location and amenities. Generally, it ranges from $20 to $60 per night for tent camping, and $30 to $100+ per night for RV sites with hookups. |
1. Roadrunner Campground
Address: 39345 N Overlook Rd, Peoria, AZ 85383
Contact Details: +1 928-501-1710, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 5 AM-9 PM
Roadrunner Campground is a haven for RV campers seeking a scenic retreat by Lake Pleasant. Nestled amidst Arizona’s natural beauty, each campsite offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
For campers with trailers or extra vehicles, sites 48 through 51 provide ample space and convenience. Additionally, ADA-accessible sites like 31, 71, and 72 ensure an inclusive experience for all visitors.
On-site amenities include three showers and host sites at each entrance, along with proximity to the Nature Center, adding educational value to the camping experience.
What we appreciate about this campground are the fascinating wildlife exhibits showcasing insects, reptiles, and fish. Helpful services provided by the information desk also enhance the overall camper experience.
Meanwhile, Roadrunner Campground offers close proximity to Lake Pleasant, making it ideal for water activities. However, accessing the Pleasant Harbor Marina requires a longer drive due to road layouts.
While this campground’s popularity ensures vibrant activity, it can also lead to increased traffic and noise during peak seasons, potentially impacting privacy and tranquility. Thus, reservations are crucial for a smoother camping experience.
Pros
- Picturesque views of Lake Pleasant and Arizona landscapes
- Convenient amenities like showers, host sites, and Nature Center access
- Interesting wildlife exhibits
- Close proximity to Scorpion Bay Marina for water activities
Cons
- Potential for increased noise levels during peak seasons
- Longer drive to Pleasant Harbor Marina due to road layouts
Top-notch Camping with Excellent Amenities
THIS IS THE BEST! Had an excellent weekend with my kiddo! Great views, clean restrooms, hot showers, and water right at your site! We camped in the back of a friend’s site, so we were just on the land. Each site does have a concrete pad, tho.
10/10 will go every year! Thanks for having us!
GO BILLS!
-Nicole Pegg – Google Reviews
Popular Lakeside Campground with Friendly Staff
Beautiful campground with lake views and access. Great campsites. Bathrooms are clean. The rangers and park hosts are very friendly and helpful. Plan ahead as it is very hard to reserve a site. It is a very popular campground. Even beautiful during stormy winter weather!
-Sally Harland – Google Reviews
2. Desert Shadows RV Resort
Address: 19203 N 29th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027
Contact Details: +1 623-869-8178, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM–4 PM, Saturday: 9 AM–4 PM, Sunday: Closed
Desert Shadows RV Resort offers a well-maintained, comfortable place for both short-term stays and long-term residents. Its atmosphere resembles a retirement community, yet it provides ample spaces for those seeking a brief stay.
Conveniently located, the resort is close to essential amenities such as golf courses, shopping malls, grocery stores, banks, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This makes it easy for guests to access everything they need without venturing far.
The resort offers 75-foot RV pull-thru spaces and wide back-in spaces, all with concrete patios, 50/30 amp connections, and water/sewer hookups. Guests can also choose between temporary RV spaces or long-term park model homes.
We love the friendly and courteous staff who make everyone feel welcome. The resort’s many amenities, including a covered pool, hot tub, workout room, and billiard room, are all well-maintained and enhance the overall experience.
The laundry facilities are convenient, with several machines available for use, and nearby laundromats offer additional options. This ensures that guests can easily manage their laundry needs during their stay.
However, pet walking can be challenging due to limited grass and gravel areas, and hot asphalt roads. The resort’s pet areas are quite a distance from the transient lots, which may be inconvenient for some pet owners.
One of the drawbacks of staying here is its higher cost compared to other campgrounds and RV parks in the area. Additionally, with a focus on the 55+ community, the resort offers fewer activities and amenities for children and families.
Pros
- Conveniently located near golf courses, shopping malls, and grocery stores
- Well-maintained amenities
- Courteous and welcoming staff
- Spacious sites including 75-foot-long RV pull-thru spaces
Cons
- Rates are higher compared to other campgrounds and RV parks in the area
- Primarily caters to the 55+ community, limiting activities for children and families
- Limited pet areas
Highly Recommended for All Stay Durations
Excellent facility for long term (3 months), short term (2 weeks) and very short term (a few days). Front office is responsive. They answer the phone and if they aren’t there, they return your call. Great amenities especially the year-round, indoor, heated pool. Our grandkids love to visit and swim. Highly recommend!
-Debra Gray – Google Reviews
Clean and Convenient with Friendly Staff
Clean, easy to park, great services, indoor pool and hot tub, nice people
-SunnyDaysSandyToes – Google Reviews
3. Usery Mountain County Park Campground
Address: 2701 N McGill Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207
Contact Details: +1 480-984-0032, [email protected]
Usery Mountain County Park Campground is known for its iconic rock Phoenix sign created by a Boy Scout troop in the 1950s. Spanning 3,648 acres, the park boasts popular trails like Wind Cave and Blevins, offering some of the best hikes.
During the spring, the park becomes a vibrant display of wildflowers, making it a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts. The campground features 73 individual sites equipped with water, electrical hook-ups, a dump station, picnic tables, and barbecue fire rings.
Campsites can accommodate up to a 45-foot RV, with restrooms providing flush toilets and showers for convenience. We love the proximity of the Wind Cave hike, just a short drive from the campground, offering breathtaking views and a satisfying challenge.
The park’s archery range is a unique feature we enjoy, adding an extra layer of outdoor fun. Fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the outdoor equipment near the Merkle Trail, perfect for a morning workout.
However, the nearby shooting range can be a significant drawback, as the noise may disrupt the tranquility of your stay. Additionally, the campground’s basic amenities might not satisfy those seeking a more luxurious camping experience.
Shade is limited, which can be challenging during hot weather, and the sparse desert vegetation may not appeal to everyone. Despite these, this campground remains a favorite for its beautiful scenery and excellent hiking opportunities.
Pros
- Popular hiking trails like Wind Cave and Blevins Trail
- 73 campsites with water and electrical hook-ups
- Archery range and outdoor fitness equipment
- Flush toilets and showers available
Cons
- Noise from nearby shooting range
- Basic amenities might not meet luxury expectations
- Limited shade at campsites
Wonderful Service and Family-friendly Atmosphere
Fantastic place to camp. We love it! Make sure you make reservations in advance, go when it’s cool and experience everything this place has to offer. We’ve had nothing but wonderful service and enjoyment here. The staff is very hard working and always make us feel welcome. The grandkids have a blast when we stay in our fifth wheel here.
-PJ Collier – Google Reviews
Scenic, Clean, and Convenient Campground
Love this camp ground. Feels like you’re out of town but everything is close in. Clean restroom and showers. Nicely spaced apart camp sites. Power and water at site.
-Ben Koonse – Google Reviews
4. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
Address: 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Contact Details: +1 480-982-4485, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday: 6 AM–4 PM, Sunday: 6 AM–7 PM
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground is a serene escape located just east of Phoenix. It offers a genuine desert experience against the stunning backdrop of Flat Iron Mountain.
The campground boasts 134 sites, each nestled amidst desert vegetation, predominantly low-level bushes with occasional saguaros, and only a few sites featuring shade ramadas.
We appreciate the campground’s RV-friendly setup, featuring large sites, level parking pads, and various hookups suitable for all RV sizes. Tent camping areas are also available, along with showers and flush toilets for convenience.
The highlight of this campground is its proximity to the Flat Iron Summit hike via Siphon Draw, one of the top hikes in the Phoenix area. Early campers have the advantage of tackling this challenging trail with ease.
However, it’s essential to note potential downsides. The presence of desert wildlife like snakes and scorpions may concern some campers, although they generally keep to themselves.
Another aspect to consider is the intermittent cell phone reception in certain parts of the campground. This could be inconvenient for those reliant on connectivity during their stay.
Pros
- Stunning desert setting with views of Flat Iron Mountain
- Spacious sites suitable for RVs and tents
- Convenient amenities including showers and flush toilets
- Proximity to top hiking trails like Flat Iron Summit via Siphon Draw
Cons
- Presence of desert wildlife like snakes and scorpions
- Limited shade options in certain areas
- Occasional poor cell phone reception within the campground
Peaceful with Stunning Views and Pet-friendly
We loved staying here. It’s really peaceful and the view from our campsite was stunning! Walking the trails felt very safe and they were well marked. There’s a dog area that is fenced in which our pup also enjoyed. My favourite time of day is golden hour aka sunset. Made everything come alive. We stayed at campsite #68.
-F Nielsen – Google Reviews
Hidden Gem with Stunning Views and Challenging Trails
This place is the most slept on scenic spot I’ve ever visited. Seriously beautiful scenery, friendly staff and great trails. Just wear good shoes – there are trails that lead up the steep mountain that you don’t want miss!
-Columbus Heating And Cooling – Google Reviews
5. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Address: 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
Contact Details: +1 480-471-0173, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 6 AM–8 PM
McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fort McDowell is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with 50 miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The park’s competitive track adds an extra thrill for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
We appreciate the convenience of the two campground areas, Ironwood and E.I. Rowland, each offering distinct experiences. Ironwood is dedicated to tents with 13 sites, while E.I. Rowland welcomes both tents and RVs, accommodating rigs up to 45 feet.
What we love most about both campgrounds is the thoughtful amenities provided. These include paved parking areas, fire rings, barbecues, and well-spaced sites that offer privacy and tranquility.
In E.I. Rowland, the inclusion of water and electricity at each site adds to the comfort of campers. Moreover, the presence of flush toilets, showers in the comfort stations, and a covered children’s play area at E.I. Rowland enhances the overall camping experience.
The surrounding desert landscape, adorned with small scrub bushes and occasional saguaros, creates a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures. The nighttime serenade of coyotes adds to the park’s natural charm.
However, one drawback we found is the distance between certain amenities and campsites, requiring a bit of walking. This may be less convenient for individuals with mobility limitations or those seeking easier access to facilities.
Additionally, there are challenges with trail signage, which can be confusing or insufficient in certain areas. This aspect may pose navigation difficulties, especially for first-time visitors exploring the extensive trail network.
Pros
- Extensive multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
- Two campground areas catering to different camping preferences
- Well-maintained facilities with paved parking, fire rings, and barbecues
- Amenities such as water, electricity, flush toilets, and showers available
Cons
- Some amenities may require a bit of walking from certain campsites
- Trail signage can be confusing or lacking in certain areas
- Cleanliness of restrooms and shower facilities may vary
Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts
What an awesome place to stay and to play. Tons of hiking and mountain biking trails with 2 beautiful and well kept campgrounds.
-Aaron Gable – Google Reviews
Versatile Park with RV and Tent Sites, Hiking, and Biking Trails
Great park with both RV and tent camping areas. Trail system good hiking and trails are ridable by gravel and mountain bikes. There are bathrooms at major trailheads.
-Chris Phillips – Google Reviews
