25 Best Camping Spots in Arizona

By VacationIdea Staff on January 24, 2023 - Updated

Courtesy of achraca - Fotolia.com

No matter if you’re camping in a tent, your car, an RV, or a trailer, there is a campground that can accommodate your needs in Arizona. Some of the campgrounds have activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating available as well.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Airplane Flat Campground

The Airplane Flat Campground is a lovely campsite sent among ponderosa pines and can accommodate tent, trailer, and RV camping. It encompasses the Canyon Creek, which is known for trout fishing and is home to flora and fauna such as turkeys, deer, black bears, and mountain lions. There are no designated camping units, only dispersed sites for you to set up. It’s a great spot to picnic and welcomes visitors to stay up to two weeks at a time. Though there is no water available on site, you are welcome to bring your own; vault toilets are available for campers to use.

Nf-33, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: 602-225-5200

2.Alderwood Campground

Alderwood Campground can be found on Haigler Creek and is a moderately used space known for its seclusion and serenity. Visitors will love spending time in the well-shaded campground that has an array of recreational opportunities for the entire family to enjoy. While there you can fish for trout in the creek, go hiking and view wildlife such as elks, deer, black bears, and mountain lions, or have a picnic in any space that you feel comfortable in. The stay limit at Alderwood Campground is two weeks, and there are no fees or passes required for camping there. The only facility available is vault toilets so please bring drinking water, etc. with you.

Young, AZ 85554

3.Apache Lake

Accessible by the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway or Highway 188, the Apache Lake Campground showcases scenic views of mountains towering against Apache Lake. There are 82 camp units on site, each fitted with picnic tables, toilets, water hydrants, and courtesy docks. There is also a communal toilet building accessible from all the campsites. RV camping is available all year long, though it is on a first come, first served basis as no reservations can be made in advance. Fishing on Apache Lake is a very popular pastime and campers may come across trout, catfish, bass, and much more. There is a paved boat launch to Apache Lake for campers to utilize if necessary.

Roosevelt, AZ 85545, Phone: 928-467-2511

4.Bagley Flat Campground

Bagley Flat Campground is the only designated campground on the shores of Saguaro Lake and is a free, boat-in campground. The campsites all include quiet and peaceful surroundings, picnic tables, grills, and access to bathrooms. There are 10 designated campsites to choose from, and they are approximately $6 per vehicle. While there, campers can partake in activities such as hiking, nature photography, or fishing for trout, catfish, and bass on the lake. You will also come across a variety of flora and fauna during your visit there. A stay at Bagley Flat Campground is limited to two weeks, and no trailers are allowed.

Maricopa County, AZ, Phone: 480-595-3300

5.Blue Crossing Campground

Available at absolutely no cost to campers, Blue Crossing Campground is a beautiful place to set up your tent or park your trailer and just enjoy nature at its finest. Campers will get stunning views of the beautiful Blue River Valley and be able to enjoy a peaceful and serene rustic camping experience. Amenities such as vault toilets and picnic tables are available. The entire family will love the memorable experience Blue Crossing Campground provides, and you can spend time exploring your surroundings, river and stream fishing, day hiking on the Tutt Creek Trailhead, or even backpacking across the Blue Range Primitive Area.

Alpine, AZ 85920, Phone: 928-339-5000

6.Camping in Arizona: Box Wash Campground

Box Wash Campground is a popular place for campers in Arizona; the grounds are situated in a stunning location that is easily accessible, clean, and free from excessive noise pollution. The campground is free to use and there is a nice trail to hike through and explore flora and fauna while there; you’ll also get some stunning photographs of the surrounding desert. There are lots of great spots to choose from or even have a picnic on with your friends and family. Tent and RV camping are allowed on Box Wash Campground, though campers can only stay for a maximum of fourteen days.

N Vulture Peak Rd., Wickenburg, AZ 85390, Phone: 623-580-5500

7.Camp Avalon

A spiritual nature retreat and campground in Sedona, Camp Avalon is a family-friendly location that lets you get up close and personal with all the nature that Arizona offers. Avalon is Sedona’s only private creekside campground, and it has been inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the stunning grounds for over 25 years. There is so much to see and do at Camp Avalon, including sacred retreats, meditation, sabbatical, and yoga. If you’re looking for something less spiritual and more adventurous, there are several hiking trails, historic sites, and natural panoramas in the area. Reservations to stay at Camp Avalon must be made in advance.

91 Loy Ln, Sedona, AZ 86336, Phone: 928-301-3917

8.Canyon Point Campground

Canyon Point Campground is a gorgeous location situated amidst the scenic Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The campsites are surrounded by heavily wooded pine and aspen, and they are centered around Willow Springs Lake. While camping there, visitors will be able to enjoy a ton of activities such as photography, boating, hiking, and both lake and stream fishing. Other spectacular natural sites that shouldn’t be missed include sculpted canyons and the Mogollon Rim. There are 113 campsites, out of which 32 have electricity. Other facilities include campfire rings, drinking water, a dump station, flush toilets, firewood, picnic tables, and much more.

260 Highway, Forest Lakes Estates, AZ 85931, Phone: 928-535-9859

9.Canyon Vista Campground

Canyon Vista Campground can be found amidst Lower Lake Mary and Walnut Canyon. Campers will be able to set up their tents among ponderosa pines, aspen, and oak trees that have been there for years. Visitors will be able to partake in wildlife watching, sightseeing, rocking climbing, horse riding, and hiking at Canyon Vista Campgrounds. Be sure not to miss the iconic Sandys Canyon Trail while there. There are 14 single unit sites, each with fire rings, cooking grills, drinking water, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Camping at Canyon Vista requires a small fee for up to eight people and one vehicle.

Lake Mary Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, Phone: 928-526-0866

10.Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park offers a gorgeous camping site with 120 designated spaces to choose from. Each of the sites have electricity, water, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. The parking pads and roads to each site are paved, and the campground is equipped with hot showers and flush restrooms. There is no limit to the size of RVs that camp there if you choose to do so, and there are RV dump stations available in the park. Things to do while there include hiking, bird watching, and taking beautiful photographs of Arizona nature at its finest. The campground is open all year round, though stays are limited to fourteen consecutive days.

11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737, Phone: 520-628-5798

11.Christopher Creek Campground

Situated high above with an elevation of over 5,640 feet, the Christopher Creek Campground has some of the most stunning views and crisp, fresh air to enjoy while camping in Arizona. Campsites are surrounded by ponderosa pines, oaks, junipers, and the banks of Christopher Creek. There are 43 sites scattered on both sides of the creek as well as a group site that can accommodate up to 25 people. Amenities within the facility include a water spigot, pit toilets, and firewood. The campground is pet friendly. During your camping trip, you can experience horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, or taking a dip in one of the park’s three swimming holes.

Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: 928-468-7135

12.Camping in Arizona: Coconino National Forest

With landscapes that range from ponderosa pine forests and southwestern desert to the famous red rocks of Sedona and the alpine tundra, Coconino National Forest is definitely one of the most diverse camping grounds in Arizona. During a camping trip there, visitors will be able to explore streams, creeks, small lakes, mountains, canyons, and so much more. Other nearby areas of interest that campers may want to stop by include Bell Rock, Devils Bridge, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross – please keep in mind that though photography is allowed on the campsite and surrounding areas, drones are not.

Flagstaff, AZ 86001, Phone: 928-527-3600

13.Camping in Arizona: Desert View Campground

With a total of 50 campsites, Desert View Campground is a popular Arizona camping facility that serves visitors on a first come, first served basis. The campground is open from May to mid-October and can accommodate tents, RVs, or trailers at a maximum of 30 feet. There are no hookups available at the campsites, and each site is limited to six people, two tents, two vehicles, or one RV or trailer per site. There is a one-week camping limit and though pets are allowed on the grounds, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Each site has facilities such as a picnic table and campfire grill. They are closely located to water faucets and men’s, women’s, and handicap accessible restrooms.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, Phone: 877-444-6777

14.Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping

There are fourteen designated campsites along the Freidlein Prairie Road to utilize at Freidlein Prairie. Each space is available to visitors at no cost and has a place to park, a place to set up tents, and a fire ring. The campground is open all year round, though the best season to make the most of the beautiful surroundings is during the summer. Things you should know before heading to Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Campground is that most sites cannot accommodate an RV and usually have room for no more than two vehicles. It’s also good to keep in mind that camping at Desert View is restricted to two weeks in any one-month period.

Flagstaff, AZ 86001, Phone: 928-527-3600

15.Granville Campground

Well maintained and pleasant, Granville Campground is a favorite with families looking to camp a night out under the Arizona skies. The campground is available on a first come, first served basis and includes amenities such as picnic tables, grills, toilets, and drinking water for tent camping or camping by trailer. There are many shaded areas to choose from, with popular spots being under the Arizona cypress or the Gambel oak trees. There is no fee to camp at Granville, and popular activities to partake in while there include hiking, exploring the surrounding flora and fauna, and taking stunning photographs of nature.

Phone: 928-687-8600

16.Havasupai Campground

One of the most beautiful places in Arizona, the Havasupai Indian Reservation and Campground is a stunning location to set up camp. Reservations are required for all hikers and campers, and no day hiking is allowed. Trail distances to get to the campgrounds can vary around ten miles, so be prepared for the journey if you’re planning on camping there. The campground extends ten miles along the Havasu Creek, and visitors will find drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables available on site. The campground is open seasonally from February to November and due to high demand, can be a lot pricier than other campgrounds – prices range from $140 to $200 per person depending on how many nights are reserved.

Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, Phone: 928-638-7888

17.Herb Martyr Campground

The Herb Martyr Campground is a beautiful site located on the banks of Cave Creek right beside Cave Creek Canyon. The dispersed campground does not allow vehicle access, so campers can park above and carry their gear in. All the sites have beautiful surroundings and are shaded by oak trees. While the upper sites are on the bank of the stream, the lower sites sit above Cave Creek and offer a stunning view of a waterfall formed by Herb Martyr Dam. Visitors will come across seasonal wildflowers, many species of birds, and various other flora and fauna. Hiking on the Herb Martyr Trail is a fun experience that the entire family will enjoy.

San Simon, AZ 85632, Phone: 520-364-3468

18.Jacob Lake Recreation Area

Conveniently located on the gateway to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, the Jacob Lake Recreation Area is a lovely campground nestled among Ponderosa Pine trees. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding nature uninterruptedly –spend your days hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching and your nights camping under the starry sky. Within the facility campers will have amenities such as on-site parking, grills, picnic shelters, vault toilets, campfire circles, drinking water, firewood, trash collection, and much more. Not too far from the campsite, visitors will also be able to access a visitor’s center, restaurant, showers, a grocery store, horseback riding, and various historic sites.

Forest Rd 579, Fredonia, AZ 86022, Phone: 928-643-7770

19.Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area has been providing campgrounds for several years. There are many campsites on the shores of Lake Mead amongst other surrounding places, many of which can accommodate tents, RVs, or both. Various facilities such as RV hookups, showers, and WiFi are also available depending on the campsite chosen. While there, you will be able to get up close and personal with stunning flora and fauna, some of which are indigenous to that area. Camping in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area requires a small fee and has a maximum capacity of eight people at each site.

Temple Bar Marina, AZ 86443, Phone: 702-293-8990

20.Camping in Arizona: Lockett Meadow

Lockett Meadow is a terrific campground for people looking for an authentic mountain camping experience. The primitive site has unparalleled views of the surroundings, which haven’t been altered by man and include scenic sights of the San Francisco Peaks. You can camp beneath the cool aspen trees, hike wilderness trails, and even catch a glimpse of the campsite’s many furry residents; other popular activities include taking nature photographs and mountain biking. Campsite fees are $16 a night for up to eight people, and facilities include 17 single unit sites, fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. There is no drinking water available, so please bring your own when camping at Lockett Meadow.

Flagstaff, AZ 86001, Phone: 928-526-0866

21.Lost Dutchman State Park

Lost Dutchman State Park is a wondrous place to get reacquainted with nature and the stunning flora and fauna available in this state park. There are 134 campsites on the grounds, half of which have water hookups and electric hookups with 50/ 30/ 20-amp service. The non-hookup site pads are paved and can accommodate tents and RVs; there are no size restrictions for RVs parked at Lost Dutchman. Additionally, every campsite has a fire pit, barbecue grill, and picnic table for campers to use. Activities include hiking, biking, and bird watching. Pets on leashes are welcome at the park.

6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, Phone: 480-982-4485

22.Manzanita Campground

Manzanita Campground is a secluded site that borders on Oak Creek and is open all year round. The secluded facility can only accommodate tent camping and is a great campsite to get away for a weekend. While there, visitors can enjoy wading, swimming, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The campground is easily accessible and has paved parking. Each site is fitted with a picnic table, campfire ring, and a grill; firewood can be purchased on site. Nearby attractions that campers shouldn’t miss include exploring the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest or swimming in some great spots at Slide Rock State Park.

5900 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, Phone: 928-203-2900

23.Patagonia Lake State Park

Enjoy serene lakeside camping at Patagonia Lake State Park. There are 105 developed sites on the camping grounds, each with a picnic table, grill, fire ring, 20/30 amp and 50-amp voltage, and parking for up to two vehicles. Campsites are quiet, can accommodate tents, RVs, campers, and trailers, and are most busy from May to November. There are an additional 12 boat-in campsites, some of which have portable restrooms and are accessible by boat only. Things to see and do while there include boating, wading, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions include a defunct mining town, the City of Tombstone, and the San Pedro River Riparian Natural Area.

400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, Phone: 520-287-6965

24.Camping in Arizona: Pine Flat Campground

Pine Flat Campground is found along the scenic Oak Creek Canyon and is one of the most popular camping sites in the area. Campers will surround themselves with panoramic scenic views that are unmatched anywhere else. Activities available while camping there include stream fishing for trout, swimming, hiking, and bird watching. Campsites are surrounded by ponderosa pines, while many are located right on the banks of Oak Creek. There are 56 campsites at Pine Flat Campground and can accommodate up to 8 people per site. While there, be sure to check out Slide Rock State Park, which has some of the best swimming holes in the US and is only a short ride away from the campground.

12240 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, Phone: 928-203-2900

25.Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

The Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is a wondrous place to go tent or RV camping while in Arizona. The site is an ornithologist’s paradise as birds of various species flock there seasonally. The overnight camping area is right along the Whitewater Draw hiking and viewing trail, so visitors can enjoy that and a beautiful sunset while there. The camping sites have many amenities, including parking, picnic tables, and a central pit toilet and garbage. Free overnight camping is allowed for up to three days a week, and visitors will love the isolated and serene space offered, especially if they have pets.

4423 W Bagby Rd, McNeal, AZ 85617, Phone: 520-642-3763