Arizona has everything an outdoorsman could want or need for an amazing time.
Deserts, forests, streams and lakes, exotic animals, and many other amazing sceneries and natural wonders fill the state with glorious adventures for those with a yearning for such pleasures.
Many campgrounds scattered about the state help the adventure-hungry enjoy all of those natural wonders and off-the-beaten-path joys found nowhere else in the country.
Quick Arizona Camping Overview
Suggested: Best camping in Utah
Take a look at 20 of the best campsites in Arizona, pick your favorite, and plan your amazing camping adventure:
Camping at Mogollon Rim
You might not have heard of Mogollon Rim but it’s surely one of the best places to spend your holiday while in Arizona. This hidden gem is set in the center of the state and is therefore easily reachable wherever you come from. On top of that, it offers an extensive number of activities to enjoy.
Try some rock climbing or horseback riding, catch a fish, hunt, boat, or hike – it offers beautiful vistas – while in the evening you can watch the sunset followed by stargazing.
And where to set your tent? There are various camping spots to choose from in the area. If you want to have Mogollon Rim only to yourself, try dispersed camping. The sites are scattered along Forest Road 300, they are shaded by pine trees, they are for free, and they offer some nice views too. There are no amenities, so make sure to bring everything you need.
Alternatively, you can stay at Clints Well Campground or in one of the facilities by the lakes, such as Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground or Aspen Campground.
Palm Creek Resort & Residences
Palm Creek Resort & Residences is an active 55+ community living located in Casa Grande. It spreads around an 18-hole golf course and provides visitors with stunning mountain views, three pools, pickleball, softball, tennis, lawn bowling, and much more. Should you get hungry, there are also two premium on-site restaurants.
The resort offers both RV camping and vacation rentals. The RV sites are back-in, full hook-up, and equipped with a padded patio, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. While the vacation rentals are fully furnished and feature all amenities of a home.
Whether you are looking just for a weekend full of fun and relaxation, or a place to retire, Palm Creek Resort & Residences awaits you with open arms.
Patagonia Lake State Park
Conveniently located about 70 miles southeast of Tuscon, Patagonia Lake State Park is a popular recreational area that offers numerous exciting activities.
Bring your own watercraft or rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboat, rowboat, or pontoon boat at the marina. You can also try water skiing. Fishing is another popular activity, as the lake is stocked with crappies, bass, bluegill, and catfish. Hikers will appreciate the nearby Santa Rita Mountains.
The campground itself features more than 100 campsites suitable for both RV and tent camping. All of them are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. For those looking for a bit more privacy, there are also 13 sites accessible by boat only.
Arizona Oasis RV Resort
Set on the Colorado River in Ehrenberg, just across the border from California, Arizona Oasis RV Resort is a perfect getaway for families, groups of friends, and couples who wish to escape the busyness of the city. You can also stop by when traveling to LA, San Diago, or while on a road trip.
It features both RV sites and deluxe cabin rentals. Guest have access to more than 1,000 feet of Colorado River beach, boat launch, dog park, and heated pool and spa.
Tired of working from home? You can now spend your workation camping. Simply borrow your own router at the reception, and you will never have to worry about slow internet again.
Arizona Oasis RV resort will embrace you with its modern amenities and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Wahweap RV & Campground
Wahweap RV & Campground is all about the views! You can spend days exploring Lake Powell, the marinas, the beach, hiking, going on a boat trip or even kayaking.
Located at Wahweap Marina, just about ¼ mile from the shore of Lake Powell this campground is an authentic water playground. Depending on how adventurous you are feeling, you can choose between going on a trip on a powerboat or getting a kayak if you are feeling sportier.
Wahweap RV & Campground is equipped with laundry and shower facilities, free Wi-Fi, picnic tables, fire grills, and a nice restaurant.
If choosing this campsite, keep in mind that the free WiFi connectivity can fail in some remote areas of this huge park. Additionally, You have to pay for your showers, which run on tokens of $2.00 for 8 minutes approximately.
The restaurants and other amenities are at the entrance of the park so you should either drive or walk because they are a bit far away from the RV park. So pack good hiking shoes!
The Grand Canyon – FREE & PAID Campgrounds
One of Arizona’s most iconic natural wonders is The Grand Canyon, a 277-mile long, 18-mile wide canyon that surpasses all beauty and wonder. Camping at the Canyon avoids daily crowds and gives you firsthand access to the amazing views that surround you.
There is nothing in this world quite as enjoyable as waking up to the amazing Grand Canyon sunrise or falling asleep before the sunset.
You’ll find numerous free and paid campgrounds along the south and north rims of the canyon, although the north rim is closed from November 1- May 14 of each year.
The South rim is more developed than the north rim and offers year-round access. Each campground offers its own set of benefits and amenities.
Manzanita Campground
Nestled on the banks of Oak Creek and just a short drive from Sedona, Manzanita is a small, year-round campground perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway or a family trip.
Visitors can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear swimming holes of the creek and there are also plenty of fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking opportunities.
The campground features fire pits, grills, picnic tables, and pit toilets, while showers are available just up the road. The camping sites are tent and small sleep-in vehicles only – unluckily, they can’t accommodate trailers or RVs.
Note that for its popularity, it’s better to reserve your spot in advance.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Although Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument isn’t as popular as the Grand Canyon or some of the state’s other gems, it’s well worth the experience. The desert features the organ pipe cactus, which cannot be seen anywhere else in the state.
The scenery that surrounds you is amazing, making any camping trip in the area an adventure worth remembering.
The area is extremely remote, so don’t expect a crowd. 208 developed sites include space for RVs. You’ll enjoy a plethora of birds, comfort, and great mountain views when you choose this campground.
TUCSON / LAZYDAYS KOA – BEST rated on Google Maps
TUCSON / LAZYDAYS KOA is the best-rated camping in Arizona on google maps! No wonder why, it’s heaven for campers.
It’s an ideal place in a deserted oasis for family or a group of friends.
You can enjoy amazing amenities such as:
- 2 swimming pools
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Space for a BBQ party
- A bar
- A fitness center
- Off-leash dog park
- Mini-golf to engage with your kids
- And FREE Wi-Fi.
Previous customers loved:
- Free lemons right off the tree all around the campsite – Frank
- KOA staff was very friendly and organized – Jane
- We stayed during COVID-19, few amenities were closed, but overall still a great experience – John
- We loved the big distance between sites, we had a lot of privacy – Victor
Flagstaff KOA Holiday
Located at 7000 feet among the most spectacular pine trees and the base of San Francisco Peaks you will find Flagstaff KOA, the RV and campground sites.
Regardless of if you choose a campsite or a deluxe cabin, you will have free Wi-Fi, 50 amp, RV patio sites, authentic teepees, sparklingly clean bathrooms, and linens. If you wanna be more in contact with nature you can also rent rustic camping cabins or tent sites with cable TV.
The park also offers laundry facilities, showers, an on-site grocery and souvenir store and bikes for renting.
The Flagstaff KOA Holiday is open year-round which is one of its awesome advantages.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Nearby Page, Arizona, is Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Park your RV along the Lake Powell shoreline or pitch a tent to enjoy amazing views as you fall asleep and again when you wake up in the morning.
Check out the sandstone towers that line the lake and bring along your watercraft to enjoy the water. The Glen Canyon National Recreation area is large and spacious, so finding the perfect spot is never difficult. Although there is an entrance fee to the park, camping itself is free.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
With a total of nine wilderness areas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the perfect camping site for anyone that enjoys solitude and wilderness. You’ll have access to Lake Mead and Lake Mohave from this recreation area, as well as amazing views of the Hoover Dam.
There are miles of trails and some of the most scenic canyons and valleys in the entire state found at Lake Mead.
You’ll find an abundance of activities to enjoy while you’re around, with single and group campsites available. Campgrounds offer picnic tables and grills, running water, and restrooms. RV sites with full hookups are also available.
Jacob Lake National Recreation Area
Located in the North Kaibab National Forest near Jacob Lake, AZ, the National Recreation Area is the gateway to the Grand Canyon North Rim.
Here campers can enjoy a multitude of exciting activities ranging from mountain biking and hiking the chuck wagon rides and horseback riding.
Campers also enjoy the Ponderosa Pine trees that tower throughout the recreation area. Although fishing isn’t allowed in the recreation area, there are plenty of other options. The recreation area offers grills, water, restrooms, and picnic shelters.
Gilbert Ray Campground
Gilbert Ray Campground in Tucson is amazingly popular with campers, for good reason. While staying at this campground gives you the feeling of being deep within the wilderness, you’re only 15 minutes from Tuscon’s bright lights and city streets.
This campground has plenty of saguaros and prickly pear cacti amongst the 130 campsites. Each site is spacious and has electricity and water.
The amazing scenery within the compound provides plenty of amazing photo options. Be sure to plan a hiking trip to explore the entire campground.
Previous campers loved:
- The mountain view is stunning, we loved the campground. Definitely of the best camping spots in Arizona – Jack
- Beautiful and clean campsite but make sure you show up before 9 am, it gets filled up very quickly all year around. – Jane
- Lovely and clean campground but no shower. – Johnny
Lake Havasu State Park
Oceanfront property in Arizona? You betcha. At Lake Havasu, you’ll experience an amazing campsite set directly in front of a glorious soft sand beach. The campsite is nestled between trees and has some of the most spectacular views of the water you could imagine.
Look in the other direction and the barren hills are sure to capture your attention for a spell. Many campers bring their boats to Lake Havasu, so prepare for a crowd during peak season.
If you are looking for more than the average campground and camping experience offers, choose Lake Havasu State Park as your camping destination.
