Arizona Camping: Hidden Gems You Won't Want to Miss

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 Campground

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. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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