RV Camping Near Phoenix, AZ
Read on for our favorite RV campgrounds near Phoenix, from scenic state parks to full-service private resorts, plus tips for camping in the desert.
Lost Dutchman Campground // Arizona State Parks
Phoenix, Arizona, is an awesome spot to camp in your RV and soak up some serious desert vibes. Whether you’re into chill, quiet campsites in state parks or prefer a resort-style setup with all the bells and whistles (like swimming pools, camp stores, and wifi), there’s something for every kind of camper near Phoenix.
Public vs. Private Campgrounds
Not sure what type of campground to choose? Both public and private campgrounds near Phoenix offer unique benefits.
Public Campgrounds: Usually in regional or state parks, these tend to be in natural settings with scenic views and outdoor activities. They often have electric and water hookups, without sewer hookups. Reservations are usually required, especially in peak seasons.
Private Campgrounds: These generally have more amenities like full hookups, pools, laundry facilities, and wifi. They are often more expensive than public campgrounds but provide more comfort, especially for long-term stays. During winter months, snowbirds (full-time RVers who visit from colder northern states) often book private campsites for months, causing limited availability. Try booking public campgrounds that have a limited stay policy.
Boondocking on BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) is the most primitive type of camping, where camp anywhere it is lawful to do so. Generally, there are no restroom facilities or hookups, so RV travelers rely on their RV’s generator for cooking, electricity, and temperature control.
Another popular alternative to traditional camping is booking peer-to-peer stays through apps like Harvest Hosts and HipCamp. You’ll pay either a membership fee or an Airbnb-style nightly rate for camp sites on farms, ranches, vineyards, and other scenic properties. Some are primitive, others have full hookups.
Best Public Campgrounds Near Phoenix
Here’s a mix of public and private RV campgrounds within a two-hour drive of Phoenix, including their amenities, RV size limits, and reservation details.
Lost Dutchman State Park // dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lost Dutchman State Park
Map: Apache Junction, AZ (40 miles east of Phoenix)
Lost Dutchman’s campground has paved sites within three RV-friendly areas with electric and water hookups, a picnic table and fire pit. Amenities include restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a stunning Superstition Mountains backdrop.
RV size limits: No restrictions
Reservations: Required in peak season; book using the Arizona State Parks website.
Unique features: Excellent hiking, including the famous Siphon Draw Trail to Flatiron.
Campendium rating: 4/5
Nearby activities: Explore the park’s many hiking routes and mountain biking trails, visit the nearby Superstition Mountain Museum, or go back in time to the Goldfield Ghost Town.
Cave Creek Regional Park // Maricopa County Parks & Recreation
Cave Creek Regional Park
Map: Cave Creek, AZ (36 miles north of Phoenix)
Cave Creek’s RV-friendly sites have electric and water hookups, a picnic table and fire ring. The campground has restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
RV size limit: Up to 60 feet
Reservations: Highly recommended; book online: Maricopa County Parks.
Unique features: Quiet desert setting with hiking trails, saguaro cacti and scenic views.
Campendium rating: 4/5
Nearby activities: Cave Creek Regional Park has 11 miles of great hiking and equestrian trails. Take a guided horseback ride through the park. Stargazing is another popular activity.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park // Ray Redstone, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Map: Fountain Hills, AZ (43 miles northeast of Phoenix)
McDowell Mountain’s developed camping sites have a large parking area, electric and water hookups, picnic table and fire ring. The campground has restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
RV size limit: Up to 45 feet
Reservations: Required in peak season; book online at Maricopa County Parks Reservations.
Unique features: One of the best spots in Arizona for mountain biking.
Campendium rating: 5/5
Nearby activities: McDowell Mountain’s multi-use trails are great for hiking and mountain biking within the park. This is also a nice place for stargazing.
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Map: Mesa, AZ (30 miles east of Phoenix)
Usery Mountain’s gravel camping sites are on the smaller side with electric and water hookups, barbecue grill and fire ring. The campground has restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
RV size limit: Up to 45 feet
Reservations: Book online at Maricopa County Parks Reservations
Unique features: Stunning desert views and access to Wind Cave Trail.
Campendium rating: 4/5
Nearby activities: Usery Mountain Regional Park has 29 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking. Visitors also love watching the Arizona Model Aviators, radio-controlled model airplanes sanctioned by The Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Lake Pleasant // Tia Peterson, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Map: Morristown, AZ (41 miles northwest of Phoenix)
Lake Pleasant’s developed sites have electric and water hookups, a covered ramada, a barbecue grill and fire ring. The campground has restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
RV size limit: Up to 45 feet
Reservations: Book online: Maricopa County Parks Reservations.
Unique features: One of the few RV campgrounds in the area near water (Lake Pleasant) to enjoy water activities.
Campendium rating: 4/5
Nearby activities: Lake Pleasant offers excellent swimming, fishing, and hiking.
Petroglyphs along the White Tank Waterfall Trail
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Map: Waddell, AZ (34 miles west of Phoenix)
White Tank Mountain’s gravel sites have electric and water hookups with a picnic table, barbecue grill and fire ring. The campground has restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
RV size limit: Up to 45 feet
Reservations: Recommended; book online: Maricopa County Parks Reservations.
Unique features: The park is home to 800-year-old petroglyphs.
Campendium rating: 5/5
Nearby activities: The White Tank Waterfall Trail located within the park is a lovely hike to a waterfall (when there’s enough water) and petroglyphs. There is also a nature center, and 30 miles of additional hiking and biking trails.
Camp Near Phoenix in a Blacksford RV!
Private Campgrounds Near Phoenix
Verde River RV Resort & Cottages
Map: 1472 W Horseshoe Bend Dr, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Distance: Camp Verde, AZ (90 miles north of Phoenix)
The Verde River RV Resort camping pads feature full hookups and the resort has restrooms, showers, pool, clubhouse, laundry, wifi, and seasonal events.
RV size limit: No size restrictions.
Reservations: Required; book online: the resort’s website or call 928-202-3409.
Unique features: Resort-style amenities with access to the Verde River.
Campendium rating: 4/5
Nearby activities: Explore Montezuma Castle National Monument, an impressive cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people, or visit Out of Africa Wildlife Park for up-close encounters with exotic animals.
Deer Valley RV Park
Map: 2550 W Louise Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85027
Distance: 30 miles northwest of central Phoenix
Deer Valley is an urban getaway with 205 pull-through and back-in sites. Amenities include bathroom/showers, a swimming pool, dog park and dog wash station, and laundry facilities.
RV size limit: No size restrictions.
Reservations: Required; request through their website or call 623-581-3969.
Unique features: Located in North Phoenix, it is a fully remodeled urban RV retreat.
Campendium rating: 4/5
Nearby activities: Hike the scenic trails at Phoenix Sonoran Preserve or explore the sprawling Desert Ridge Marketplace for shopping, dining, and entertainment. For a unique experience, visit the Musical Instrument Museum to see rare instruments from around the world.
Westworld RV Park
Map: 9544-9642 E Polo Field Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Distance: 27 miles northeast of Phoenix
The large Westworld RV Park has 398 paved RV sites that include electric/water hookups, and a dump station on site.
RV size limit: No size restrictions.
Reservations: Required; request via the West World AZ website or call 480-312-6802.
Unique features: The park includes an equestrian field and festival facilities, plus indoor event spaces.
Campendium rating: 4/5
Nearby activities: In Scottsdale, visit the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Taliesin West to explore the architect’s winter home and studio or browse the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for a mix of modern and interactive exhibits.
Tips for RV Camping in the Desert
Camping in the Arizona desert comes with its own set of considerations. Here are some essential tips to make your RV trip safe and enjoyable:
Bring plenty of water: Desert heat is extreme from May–September, and staying hydrated is crucial. Even in cooler months, the low relative humidity is dehydrating. Always carry extra water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. And drink more water than you normally would.
Check your tires and brakes: Rough terrain and high temperatures can be tough on your RV’s tires and braking system. Do a thorough check before hitting the road.
Prepare for cold nights: Evenings and nighttime in the desert can be very cold, so bring extra layers.
Beware of wildlife: Watch out for snakes, scorpions, and coyotes, especially if you have pets.
Follow leave no trace principles: Respect the desert environment by properly disposing of waste and leaving your campsite as you found it.
Seasonal Considerations
Phoenix has extreme summer highs, often with 100+ days over 100°F, making fall, winter, and early spring October–April) the best times for RV camping. But summer vacations from school combined with the bucket list destinations in Arizona mean that many people explore Arizona in the heat (with AC!).
Here’s what you need to know for each season:
Spring (March–May): Warm and pleasant, with wildflowers blooming in early spring. Campsites fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Reserve early.
Summer (June–September): Extremely hot, with temperatures over 100°F. Higher-elevations can be cooler and air-conditioning is essential.
Fall (October–November): A great time to camp, with warm days and cooler nights. Reservations at campgrounds are highly recommended.
Winter (December–February): Nice for camping, with daytime highs 60–70°F and cool nights. Campgrounds can be crowded due to snowbirds (people who live in northern climates) flocking south.
Explore Phoenix Campsites in a Blacksford RV
No matter where you choose to spend the night, camping near Phoenix offers an incredible way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Relax and enjoy your campsite in a premium RV rental from Blacksford in Phoenix, where you’ll have all the comforts of home during your adventure.