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Arizona, known for its warm sunny days and towering prickly saguaros, has some of the best desert camping in the country. With colorful sunsets, dark starry skies, and desert plants galore, Arizona is truly an incredible place to camp — whether you prefer tent camping or RV travel. In this post, we’re sharing the 10 Best Campgrounds in Arizona, each offering beautiful scenery, great amenities, and unforgettable desert experiences.
If you’re looking for even more great places to stay, we also put together a guide on 8 Great RV Parks in Arizona that highlights some of our favorite RV parks across the state.
#1. Gilbert Ray Campground
Location: Tucson
Rating: 5 Stars | 163 Reviews via Campendium
Located just minutes from Saguaro National Park West, Gilbert Ray Campground is one of the most scenic desert camping spots in southern Arizona. Surrounded by towering saguaros, rugged mountains, and wide‑open desert views, this campground offers a peaceful, authentic Sonoran Desert experience. It’s a favorite among RV travelers and tent campers who want easy access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and Tucson’s iconic desert landscapes.
If you’re planning to explore the West District while staying at Gilbert Ray, check out our full guide on How to Spend One Day in Saguaro National Park for a complete itinerary.
Campground Amenities
- 130 Sites With Electricity
- 8 Tent Only Sites
- Water Fill Stations
- Dump Station
- Restrooms & Showers
- Back In Sites
Important Notes:
There are no sewer or water hookups at individual sites.
The maximum RV length is 40 ft, including combined setups such as fifth wheels and travel trailers.
Rates: $35 per night
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
Gilbert Ray offers that perfect blend of convenience and wilderness. You get the comfort of electric hookups and paved sites, but you’re still camping right in the heart of the desert. The sunsets here are some of the most colorful in Arizona, and the night skies are incredibly dark — ideal for stargazing and long‑exposure photography.
Nearby Attractions
The surrounding area offers plenty to explore, including:
- Tucson Mountain Park — miles of hiking trails and desert scenery
- Gates Pass — one of Tucson’s most iconic sunset viewpoints
- Old Tucson — a historic western film set and theme park
- Arizona‑Sonora Desert Museum — a world‑class desert wildlife and botanical experience
#2. White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Location: Phoenix
Rating: 5 Stars | 47 Reviews via Campendium
Located on the far west side of Phoenix, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a peaceful desert escape tucked right into the rugged White Tank Mountains. This campground is known for its remote feel, sweeping desert views, colorful sunsets, and easy access to miles of hiking trails. It’s a favorite among RV travelers and tent campers who want quiet nights, dark skies, and a true Sonoran Desert experience just outside the city.
Campground Amenities
- 40 RV or Tent Sites
- Electricity and Water Hookups at Each Site
- Dump Station
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pull Through or Back In Sites
- Paved, Spacious, & Private Sites
Max RV / trailer length: 45ft.
Rates: $32 per night
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
White Tank Mountain Regional Park offers that perfect blend of solitude and scenery. The sites are well‑spaced and quiet, giving you plenty of privacy while still being close to Phoenix. The sunsets here are incredible — the kind that light up the entire sky in shades of orange and pink — and the night sky viewing is some of the best in the region. With hiking trails right from the campground and peaceful desert surroundings, this is a great spot for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy nature.
#3. Usery Mountain Regional Park
Location: Phoenix
Rating: 4 Stars | 49 Reviews via Campendium
Located on the east side of Phoenix, Usery Mountain Regional Park is a beautiful desert campground perfect for travelers who want to be immersed in nature while still staying close to city conveniences. The nearby city of Mesa is only a 5‑minute drive, making this park ideal for campers who enjoy hiking, biking, archery, and easy access to outdoor activities without feeling too far from town.
Campground Amenities
- 75 RV or Tent Sites
- Electricity and Water Hookups at Each Site
- Dump Station
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pull Through or Back In Sites
- Paved, Spacious, & Private Sites
Max RV / trailer length: 45ft.
Rates: $32 per night
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
Usery Mountain Regional Park offers a perfect balance of nature and convenience. The campground is peaceful, scenic, and surrounded by classic Sonoran Desert landscapes, yet you’re only minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, and city amenities. The hiking trails here are some of the best in the Phoenix area, and the sunsets over the Usery Mountains are consistently stunning. With spacious sites, clean facilities, and plenty of outdoor activities, this park is a favorite for both weekend campers and longer stays.
#4. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Location: Phoenix
Rating: 5 Stars | 38 Reviews via Campendium
Located on the east side of Phoenix, McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers endless views of the Sonoran Desert landscape. With wide‑open skies, colorful sunrises and sunsets, and miles of hiking and biking trails, this park is one of our favorite places to stay in the Phoenix area. It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for campers who want a quiet desert getaway with plenty of outdoor activities.
Campground Amenities
- 76 RV or Tent Sites With Electricity and Water Hookups
- 16 Dry Camping Sites for Tents or Trailers ( Max length 16ft )
- Dump Station
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pull Through or Back In Sites
- Paved, Spacious, & Private Sites
Max RV / trailer length: 45ft.
Rates: $32 per night
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
McDowell Mountain Regional Park is known for its peaceful atmosphere and incredible desert scenery. The sites are large and private, giving you plenty of space to enjoy the views. The hiking and biking trails here are some of the best in the Phoenix region, and the night skies are perfect for stargazing. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the mountains or relaxing under a blanket of stars, this campground delivers a true Sonoran Desert experience.
Don’t Miss
During your stay, make sure to visit Fountain Hills — a picturesque town just a 5‑minute drive from the campground. It offers stunning mountain views, great local shops, beautiful architecture, and one of the prettiest small‑town atmospheres in the Phoenix area.
#5. Lost Dutchman State Park
Location: Phoenix
Rating: 4 Stars | 106 Reviews via Campendium
Located on the east side of Phoenix and nestled right against the dramatic Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park is one of the most iconic desert campgrounds in Arizona. This park is extremely popular for its breathtaking mountain views, scenic desert vistas, epic hiking trails, and one‑of‑a‑kind camping experience. Whether you’re in an RV or a tent, the scenery here is unforgettable.
Campground Amenities
- 68 RV or Tent Sites With Electricity and Water Hookups
- 67 Dry Camping Sites
- Dump Station
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pull Through or Back In Sites
- Paved, Spacious, & Private Sites
There are no size restrictions on RV length.
Rates: $35 – $50 per night
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
Lost Dutchman State Park delivers some of the most dramatic scenery in the entire Phoenix area. The Superstition Mountains rise sharply behind the campground, creating a stunning backdrop at sunrise, sunset, and even under the night sky. The hiking trails here are legendary — from easy nature walks to challenging climbs — and the desert landscape is rich with saguaros, wildlife, and panoramic views. It’s a bucket‑list campground for anyone visiting Arizona.
Our Experience
We snagged a last‑minute cancellation at Lost Dutchman for our daughter’s first birthday in March, and WOW — it blew our minds. The towering Superstition Mountains paired with dense saguaros created one of the most beautiful campsites we’ve ever stayed at. It’s the kind of place that feels magical from the moment you pull in, and it quickly became one of our favorite campgrounds in the state.
#6. Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Location: Cottonwood
Rating: 5 Stars | 86 Reviews via Campendium
Located in the heart of Cottonwood, Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a fantastic home base for exploring Sedona, Jerome, and the entire Verde Valley. With easy access to hiking, biking, birding, and wildlife viewing, this park offers a peaceful desert‑meets‑riparian camping experience that’s perfect for RV travelers and tent campers alike.
Campground Amenities
- 106 RV Sites With Electricity and Water Hookups
- 17 Dry Camping Tent Sites
- Dump Station
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pull Through or Back In Sites
- Paved, Spacious, & Private Sites
Max RV length: 40ft.
Rates: $25 to $50 per night
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is one of the most convenient campgrounds in central Arizona. You’re minutes from Cottonwood’s historic Old Town, a short drive to Jerome’s hillside charm, and only 20 minutes from Sedona’s famous red rock trails. The campground itself is peaceful and scenic, with plenty of shade, wildlife, and access to the Verde River. Whether you’re hiking the nearby trails or using this park as a base for exploring the region, it’s a comfortable and well‑maintained place to stay.
#7. Wahweap Campground
Location: Page
Rating: 4 Stars | 73 Reviews via Campendium
Located on the shores of Lake Powell just outside the town of Page, Wahweap Campground is one of the most iconic places to stay in Northern Arizona. With unobstructed lake views, colorful sunsets from the nearby Rainbow Room, and incredibly dark night skies, this campground is a favorite stop for Southwest road‑trippers. Wahweap sits inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, so a $25 park entrance fee is required in addition to the nightly campsite rate.
Campground Amenities
- 139 Full Hookup Sites
- 112 Dry Camping Sites
- Laundry Facility
- Dump Station
- Park Store
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pull Through or Back In Sites
- Paved, Spacious, & Private Sites
There are no size restrictions for RV length.
Rates: $30 to $82 per night
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
Wahweap Campground offers some of the most beautiful lake views in the Southwest. The sites are large and well‑maintained, and the location makes it easy to explore Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the surrounding red rock landscapes. Whether you’re watching the sunset over the water or stargazing under incredibly dark skies, Wahweap delivers a classic Arizona camping experience.
#8. Mather Campground
Location: Grand Canyon South Rim
Rating: 5 Stars | 61 Reviews via Campendium
Located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Mather Campground sits tucked within a peaceful pine forest just a 1.5‑mile walk from the canyon’s edge. It’s the ideal spot for campers who want to stay close to all the South Rim amenities — restaurants, shuttle stops, visitor centers, and viewpoints — while still enjoying a classic, quiet camping experience inside the national park.
Campground Amenities
- 327 RV & Tent Sites
- Water Fill Stations
- Dump Station
- Laundry Facility
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pull Through or Back In Sites
- Paved, Spacious, & Private Sites
Max RV length: 30ft.
Rates: $30 per night
Hookups Info
If you need full hookups inside Grand Canyon National Park, Trailer Village RV Park is the place to stay. Mather Campground is dry camping only, but the location and forest setting make it one of the most popular campgrounds on the South Rim.
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
Mather Campground offers unbeatable access to the Grand Canyon. You can walk or bike to the rim, hop on the free park shuttle, and explore dozens of viewpoints without ever moving your vehicle. The sites are shaded, quiet, and surrounded by tall pines, giving you a peaceful place to relax after a day of exploring the canyon. Wildlife sightings are common, and the convenience of staying inside the national park makes this campground a favorite for both first‑time visitors and seasoned travelers.
#9. North Rim Campground
Location: Grand Canyon North Rim
Rating: 5 Stars | 20 Reviews via Campendium
Located at the remote North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim Campground offers a quieter, less crowded experience compared to the South Rim. This peaceful section of the park sits at 8,000 feet — about 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim — giving campers breathtaking views, cooler temperatures, and a more secluded national park adventure. If you’re checking places off your Southwest bucket list, this campground absolutely deserves a spot.
Campground Amenities
- 76 RV Sites
- 12 Tent Sites
- Water Fill Stations
- Dump Station
- Restrooms & Showers
- Camp Store
- Pull Through or Back In Sites
- Paved, Spacious, & Private Sites
There are no hookups in North Rim Campground.
Max RV length is 40ft. This includes combined vehicle set ups such as travel trailers and fifth wheels.
Rates: $30 per night
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
The North Rim is known for its peaceful atmosphere, cooler weather, and dramatic canyon views. The campground sits just steps from the rim, making sunrise and sunset incredibly easy to enjoy. Wildlife sightings are common, the forest setting is beautiful, and the lack of crowds makes this one of the most serene national park campgrounds in the Southwest. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want a quieter, more intimate Grand Canyon experience.
Planning Your Trip
If you’re heading to Grand Canyon’s remote North Rim, be sure to read our guide How to Spend One Day in Grand Canyon National Park — it covers viewpoints, hiking tips, park amenities, and everything you need to plan the perfect visit.
#10. Homolovi State Park
Location: Winslow
Rating: 5 Stars | 120 Reviews via Campendium
Located in Winslow right off the iconic Route 66, Homolovi State Park is a peaceful desert campground known for its rich Hopi history, archaeological sites, and easy access to Northern Arizona’s most unique landscapes. With hiking trails, historical ruins, and wide‑open desert views, this park is a great stop for Route 66 travelers or anyone who enjoys learning about the cultural heritage of the region. We stayed here after visiting Petrified Forest National Park and absolutely loved it.
Campground Amenities
- 53 RV or Tent Sites With Electricity and Water Hookups
- Dump Station
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pull Through or Back In Sites
- Paved, Spacious, & Private Sites
Max RV length: 83ft.
Rates: $35 per night
Why It’s One of Arizona’s Best
Homolovi State Park offers a quiet, spacious campground with easy access to historical sites and desert trails. The park preserves important Hopi cultural history, and the surrounding landscape is peaceful, open, and perfect for stargazing. Its location along Route 66 makes it an ideal stop for road‑trippers, and the proximity to Petrified Forest National Park adds even more adventure to your stay. Whether you’re exploring the archaeological sites or relaxing at your campsite, Homolovi delivers a unique and memorable Arizona camping experience.
Arizona has so many beautiful places to camp, from quiet desert sites surrounded by saguaros to mountain campgrounds with cooler temperatures and incredible views. Whether you’re traveling by RV or pitching a tent, each of these campgrounds offers something special and memorable. Save this list for your next Arizona adventure — you’ll be glad you did.
FAQ: Camping in Arizona
What months are best for camping in Arizona?
The most comfortable camping weather in Arizona is from October through April. Temperatures are cooler, desert trails are easier to enjoy, and high‑elevation campgrounds are more accessible.
Do Arizona campgrounds require reservations?
Many popular campgrounds do, especially during winter and spring. State parks, national parks, and RV sites often fill up early, so booking ahead is recommended.
Are dogs allowed at Arizona campgrounds?
Most Arizona campgrounds are dog‑friendly, but leash rules and pet fees vary by location. Always check each campground’s pet policy before arriving.
Is desert camping safe in the summer?
Summer temperatures can be extreme, especially in southern Arizona. If you plan to camp between May and September, choose higher‑elevation campgrounds and avoid midday heat.
Helpful Links
To help you plan your trip, here are the official websites for each campground featured in this guide:
- Gilbert Ray Campground — explore.pima.gov/pima/reservation/campgrounds
- White Tank Mountain Regional Park — maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/white-tank-mountain-regional-park
- Usery Mountain Regional Park — maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/usery-mountain-regional-park
- McDowell Mountain Regional Park — maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/mcdowell-mountain-regional-park
- Lost Dutchman State Park — azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park — azstateparks.com/dead-horse-ranch
- Wahweap Campground — lakepowell.com/rv-camping/wahweap-rv-campground
- Mather Campground (Grand Canyon South Rim) — nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/cg-sr.htm
- North Rim Campground (Grand Canyon) — recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234015
- Homolovi State Park — azstateparks.com/homolovi
