The 26 Best Campgrounds in Arizona: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

Arizona is one special place. Home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon, as well as 31 state parks and three national parks, it will come as no surprise that it’s an outdoor lover’s playground. There are mountains, lakes, and, of course, deserts for us to explore. Hiking and mountain biking are among the most popular activities here, and if you want to spend as much time as possible enjoying the great outdoors, camping is a wonderful option. With countless campgrounds along with glampgrounds (for those of us who enjoy a more bougie experience), immersing ourselves in Arizona’s wild natural landscape is truly an experience we should all have. If you want to experience camping or glamping, here are the best campgrounds in Arizona:

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Best State Park Campgrounds in Arizona

Some of the best places to camp in Arizona happen to be within the state park system. With 31 state parks, many of which offer campsites, camping is the best way to get to know the Arizona landscape. Between the cacti, mountains, desert, forests, lakes, rivers, unique geology, etc., the diverse landscapes are part of what makes this state so incredible. Here are the best state park campgrounds in Arizona:

6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA

Lost Dutchman State Park/Google Local

• Location: Apache Junction
• Popularity: October through April are the busiest times at this state park due to milder temperatures and, therefore, camping is popular at those times as well.
• Park Info: The 320-acre Lost Dutchman State Park is found in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction. Hiking and camping are among the most popular recreational activities here.
• Price: Prices start at $25 for the main campground and $89/night for a cabin. There is also a $5 overnight parking fee.

Located 40 miles east of Phoenix, Lost Dutchman State Park is one of the state's most beautiful parks. It offers 134 campsites, half of which have 50/30/20n amp electric service as well as water. The rest are non-hookup paved site pads for both tents and RVs. Each of the park's campsites has its own picnic table and fire ring. This is one of the best places for camping in Arizona.

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Alamo Road, Alamo Rd, Wenden, AZ, USA

Alamo Lake State Park/Google Local

• Location: Wenden
• Popularity: With a large campground, this park is quite popular for camping.
• Park Info: Located in the Barry Williams River Valley, Alamo Lake State Park is a popular park for boating and bass fishing. This is a picturesque park to visit any time of year but especially so in the springtime after it rains and the wildflowers are in full bloom. Wildlife is abundant here year-round and you can keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, foxes, mule deer, and more. This park is also an excellent spot for stargazing.
• Price: Prices start at $15-$30 for campsites and $70 for cabins.

Alamo Lake State Park's campground is quite large and consists of six camping loops. For RVs, there are both back-in and pull-through sites. Campsites range from rustic to full hookups. If you prefer a cabin, there are four to choose from and each has two single-style bunk beds plus a table with chairs, ceiling fans, lights, A/C, and heat. The cabin doors also lock and each also has a covered porch with lake views.

675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA

Dead Horse Ranch State Park/Google Local

• Location: Cottonwood
• Popularity: The Dead Horse Ranch State Park's campground sells out during the spring and fall months, so we suggest you reserve a campsite as soon as possible.
• Park Info: Dead Horse Ranch State Park was dedicated in 1977 and is located by the Verde River in Cottonwood. Hiking, biking, birdwatching, boating, and fishing are popular activities here.
• Price: $20 per night for sites without electricity; $30-$35 per night for sites with electricity. Cabins are $60 per night.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is home to more than 100 RV sites with both potable water and 30/50-amp electric. Pull-through sites are able to accommodate 40-foot RVs. There are also over 100 campsites including a few ADA-accessible sites as well as several camping cabins each of which has one bunk bed and one full-sized bed.

2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA

Greg/Google Local

• Location: Benson
• Popularity: June through October is a popular timeframe for camping here and sites re reserved ahead of time on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Park Info: Known for its intricate underground limestone cave system, Kartchner Caverns State Park is one of the most unique places to visit in Arizona. Take a tour of the caves where your jaw will drop at the sight of the stalactites and stalagmites. Above ground, visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities that include hiking and camping.
• Price: Campsites start at $30 while cabins start at $99 per night.

For some of the best camping in Arizona, look no further than Kartchner Caverns State Park. Each site has electric hookups, water, and a picnic table. Not only that but there's a restroom, showers, and a dump station. RV sites can accommodate between 35 and 60-foot RVs. This campground has three accessible sites, 12 pull-through sites, and 43 additional sites that accommodate a range of RV sizes.

11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737, USA

Catalina State Park/Google Local

• Location: Tucson
• Popularity: This is a very popular park for camping especially with its location in Tucson.
• Park Info: Catalina State Park is located within Tucson just a few miles from all the conveniences the city has to offer yet feels worlds away. This is one of Arizona's largest state parks at 5,500 acres and home to more than 150 species of birds.
• Price: Campsite prices range between $25-$35

Catalina State Park offers 120 sites with electric hookups and water. Campground amenities include flush restrooms, showers, and dump stations. RVs of any length can be accommodated here.

15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141, USA

chuck renfroe/Google Local

• Location: Picacho
• Popularity: Late fall into spring is the most popular time to camp at this state park.
• Park Info: Picacho Peak State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, so it's the perfect place for camping under the stars! During the daytime, you'll have views of the 1,500-foot Picacho Peak. Hiking and camping are popular here.
• Price: RV sites from October through May are $30 per night and $25 per night between June and September.

Picacho Peak State Park has 85 tent and RV sites, each with electricity. Up to 10 people can be accommodated at each campsite. The campground is surrounded by the gorgeous Sonoran Desert landscape.

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Best Beach Camping in Arizona

While Arizona is landlocked and not known as much for its water as it is for its deserts, there are many places to go beach camping around the state. There are several lakes and rivers where you can camp along the shoreline. Here are some of the best places for beach camping in Arizona:

699 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, USA

Moly Noky/Google Local

• Location: Lake Havasu City
• Popularity: This state park campground is extremely popular and must be booked in advance.
• Park Info: Lake Havasu State Park offers beachfront camping at one of the most popular lakes in Arizona. This park sits along the lake where you can go boating, hiking, or just relax on the sand.
• Price: $35 per night for a regular campsite and $40 for a beachfront campsite. Cabins are $119 per night.

Lake Havasu State Park offers 54 campsites and 13 cabins. From April 1 through October 31, there's a two-night minimum stay for weekend camping, so both Friday and Saturday nights must be reserved. Holiday weekends require that you book a three-night minimum stay. However long you decide to stay, you'll have a time to remember! The campground is also located within walking distance of Lake Havasu City's downtown.

400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA

Patagonia Lake State Park/Google Local

• Location: Nogales
• Popularity: The most popular months for camping here are between March and November.
• Park Info: Patagonia Lake State Park is home to the 250-acre Patagonia Lake in southern Arizona. A popular spot for fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and camping, it's like a slice of paradise. Boat rentals are available here if you don't have your own.
• Price: Boat-in campsites are $25 per night, regular campsites are $25-$30, and cabins are $119 per night.

How does lakeside camping sound to you? At Patagonia Lake State Park, you can do just that! While camping alongside the water, why not get in or on the water and have some fun? There are 105 campsites with 20/30 amp and 50-amp voltage as well as two non-electric RV campsites which come with fire rings, picnic tables, and ramadas. As for the RV sites, nearly every size RV can be accommodated. There are also boat-in campsites available as well as cabins with lake views. It's good to have options for some of the best camping in Arizona, right?

Arizona 95, AZ-95, Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA

Cattail Cove State Park/Google Local

• Location: Lake Havasu City
• Popularity: This is another popular campground at Lake Havasu and you are required to book a minimum of two or three nights depending on the time of year.
• Park Info: While lesser-known than Lake Havasu State Park, Cattail Cove State Park is no less extraordinary. At 2,000 acres, this park offers plenty of on-the-water activities plus hiking, fishing, and camping.
• Price: Campsites start at $30 per night.

Also located in Lake Havasu City, Cattail Cove State Park offers beach camping. In total, there are 61 sites including spots for RVs. Of these, 57 have 30-amp service while the remaining four have 50-amp service. Between April 1 and September 30, a minimum of two nights (Friday and Saturday) must be booked for weekend camping while a minimum of three nights must be booked during holiday weekends. Each site comes with its own fire ring and picnic table. Primitive boat-in sites are available as well and each one offers a picnic table and BBQ grills. What's better than beach camping on Lake Havasu?

Lees Ferry Road, Lees Ferry Rd, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, USA

Jana McNabb/Google Local

• Location: Marble Canyon
• Popularity: This popular campground can be quite crowded during the high season.
• Park Info: Located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lee's Ferry Campground may not have all the amenities of most campgrounds but it's in an amazing location surrounded by jaw-dropping views and right on the Colorado River.
• Price: $20 per night.

Lee's Ferry Campground in Marble Canyon is a no-reservations campground. There are no hook-ups at any of the 54 sites. While there are grills provided, open fires are strictly prohibited. There are modern bathroom facilities as well as potable water and an RV dump station available at this campground.

River Island State Park, 5200 AZ-95, Parker, AZ 85344, USA

Michelle Castillo/Google Local

• Location: Parker
• Popularity: This campground is quite popular and advanced reservations are highly recommended.
• Park Info: River Island State Park is an oasis in the desert. Between the Colorado River and the surrounding mountains, it's a gorgeous state park. Visitors come here for fishing, boating, and camping.
• Price: Sites at the main campground are $30 per night.

River Island State Park offers 37 campsites, eight of which are on the beach alongside the Colorado River. The beachfront spots have 20-amp service and can accommodate tents or RVs up to 24 feet long. The remaining sites are ideal for RV camping. From April 1-September 30, there is a two-night minimum stay on the weekends and during holiday weekends, there's a three-night minimum stay.

Top Glamping in Arizona

If you’re more of a city slicker like me who enjoys the creature comforts of home, glamping may be more your speed. Whether it’s a safari-style tent, a dome, a cabin, or a yurt, there are several unique accommodations for glamping in Arizona.

979 Airpark Ln, Williams, AZ 86046, USA

Hotels.com

• Location: Williams
• Popularity: Popular for its luxury accommodations. However, it's still possible to find a last-minute reservation.
• Park Info: Under Canvas Grand Canyon offers upscale amenities close to the Grand Canyon's South Rim entrance on 160 acres.
• Price: Prices average $219-$344 per night.

Under Canvas Grand Canyon offers a variety of safari-style tents. Depending on the size, a tent can accommodate 2-4 people. The largest tent is the suite which is best for families of four. Each tent has its own bathroom. Among the amenities you can enjoy at this glampground are housekeeping, on-site dining, activities, a fire pit and s'mores, and more. It's just a bit of luxury to experience while immersing yourself in the gorgeous natural surroundings of the forest just minutes away from the Grand Canyon.

1 Old Douglas Rd, Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA

The Shady Dell

• Location: Bisbee
• Popularity: This is a very popular glampground that's also quite affordable and reservations should be made in advance.
• Park Info: Step back into another era by booking a stay at The Shady Dell in Bisbee. With vintage trailers all decked out in their vintage glory, a night here is as fun as it is quirky. The trailers are from the years 1947-1959 so they're as retro as can be!
• Price: Prices range between $120-$145 per night.

If you're looking for someplace completely out of the ordinary to spend the night, you'll have to book a trailer at The Shady Dell in Bisbee. With a whole fleet of vintage, mid-century modern trailers, each with its own unique decor, you'll want to keep coming back here and try a new trailer each time. It's one of the most unique places to glamp in Arizona!

629 High Grv Rd, Williams, AZ 86046, USA

Hotels.com

• Location: Williams
• Popularity: This glampground is fairly popular so book your reservations in advance.
• Park Info: Not too far away from the Grand Canyon, Clear Sky Resorts is another one-of-a-kind glamping resort. While staying here, enjoy an array of upscale amenities and, at night, lay in your comfortable bed and watch the stars through the roof of your dome.
• Price: Prices range between $345-$575 per night depending on the dome and dates.

If stargazing is your thing, you must spend a night or two (or more!) at Clear Sky Resorts. Offering private domes that can accommodate 2, 4, 5, and 7 guests, it is suggested to book at least two nights in order to get the full Clear Sky Resorts experience. The resort offers an array of activities like games, live music, projection dome movies, group stargazing, and s'mores. There's also on-site dining as well as adult beverages available so you don't even have to leave -- unless you want to visit the Grand Canyon, of course!

6211 US-89, Page, AZ 86040, USA

Hotels.com

• Location: Page
• Popularity: This eco-friendly glampground has gained international attention and has become more popular due to its uniqueness and remote location.
• Park Info: If eco-friendly is something you look for in your accommodations, then a stay at Shash Dine' EcoRetreat in Page is a must. It's a glamping bed and breakfast located in the Navajo Nation. It's remote and a true experience in the wilderness.
• Price: Prices range between $150-$325 depending on the accommodation type.

Shash Dine' EcoRetreat offers a variety of unique glamping accommodations including bell tents, sheepherder wagons, a cabin, and Navajo hogans (traditional Navajo housing). While the amenities at this glampground are few and far between, breakfast will be served each morning. And, at night, there's nothing quite like the views of the Milky Way you'll get while staying here in such a remote part of the state.

Patagonia, AZ 85624, USA

ravensnatureschool.com

• Location: Patagonia
• Popularity: The most popular times for this glampground are from Sept. 1-May 31.
• Park Info: Sky Islands Glamping is located
• Price: Rates range between $125-$200 depending on the time of year and whether single or double occupancy.

Sky Islands Glamping allows guests to truly disconnect from the rest of the world. Located within the Sky Islands of southeastern Arizona, this glampground offers a series of safari-style tents on 42 acres of privately-owned land. Tents are single or double occupancy and each has its own ensuite bathroom. You'll also enjoy a gourmet breakfast made with fresh ingredients including organic produce from the property's gardens.

Best RV Camping Sites in Arizona

RV camping is another popular choice and there are numerous RV camping spots around the state. Whether you own your own RV or you rent an RV from a rental outlet like RVShare, here are the best RV campgrounds in Arizona:

1 Vc Dr, Bellemont, AZ 86015, USA

Eric L/Google Local

• Location: Bellemont
• Popularity: This glampground is fairly new and opened in 2023. However, it's gaining popularity.
• Park Info: Village Camp Flagstaff is an all-inclusive RV glamping resort in Flagstaff! With endless amenities like a pool, spa, bistro, bar, general store, community center, live music in the summer, and so much more. Not only are there RV sites but cabins to rent as well.
• Price: RV lot prices range between $82-$143 per night depending on lot style and dates.

The RV sites at Village Camp Flagstaff are large and can accommodate any size RV. There are a variety of RV sites to choose from including standard, premium, and super-premium back-in. Super-premium lots include a large 12x25-foot patio plus an outdoor fireplace/kitchen, and picnic table. The premium spots offer a fire pit, a picnic table, and a 12x25-foot patio. All sites include full hook-ups.

1105 N Dreamcatcher Dr, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA

Verde Ranch RV Resort/Google Local

• Location: Camp Verde
• Popularity: This is a very popular RV park due to the wide range of amenities as well as its location.
• Park Info: This RV resort is an award-winning RV park offering a variety of amenities to guests. It's located in Camp Verde and not too far from Sedona and Prescott. In addition to RV sites, cabins and Conestoga wagons are available for rent as well.
• Price: RV sites range from $64-$78 per night.

Verde Ranch RV Resort is like a home away from home as far as camping goes. Wi-Fi is even available here so you can work remotely here if you want! Among the amenities are a pool, hot tubs, a fitness center, a kids' splash pad, a dog park, a gym, pickleball courts, and more. There are 389 RV sites, each with 30/50-amp service. Options include both back-in and pull-through.

49960 Ehrenberg Poston Hwy, Ehrenberg, AZ 85334, USA

Larry Cholley/Google Local

• Location: Ehrenberg
• Popularity: This RV resort recently opened
• Park Info: This RV park sits along the Colorado River at the Arizona-California border. Cabin rentals are also available.
• Price: Prices range between $52-$79 per night depending on the date and size of the site. If you book a week, there is a 25% discount depending on the time of year. Monthly sites are also available.

All 265 RV sites at River Sands RV Resort include Wi-Fi, water and sewer hook ups, 30-amp, and 50-amp. They are also pet-friendly. Choose from standard, deluxe, or premium back-ins or standard or deluxe pull-throughs. Among the amenities you can enjoy as a guest are a heated swimming pool, hot tubs, a playground, a fitness center, a resort store, and a clubhouse.

7350 Riverside Dr, Parker, AZ 85344, USA

Pirate's Den RV Resort and Marina/Google Local

• Location: Parker
• Popularity: This is a very popular family-friendly RV park with long-term options available.
• Park Info: Looking for a super fun RV park the entire family will enjoy? Then you'll need to book a few nights at Pirate's Den RV Resort and Marina, a pirate-themed RV park that feels more like the "Caribbean of the Colorado!" Sure, you're in Arizona but you'll feel more like you're in a tropical paradise when you stay here.
• Price: Whether it's a standard site or a beachfront site with a cabana, prices range between $46-$75 per day and $276-$450 per week.

This themed RV park takes camping fun to a whole new level. Pirate's Den RV Resort and Marina offers an array of amenities including a marina, beach-side cabanas, a restaurant, a bar that serves tropical drinks, family-friendly activities, and more. It's also in close proximity to Emerald Canyon Golf Course. As far as RV sites go, there are waterfront sites (with or without a cabana) as well as standard sites. Each section of the RV park is named after a tropical paradise -- Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Cayman, and Bahama.

135 Bear Wallow Ln, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

Rick Evans/Google Local

• Location: Sedona
• Popularity: Rancho Sedona RV Park is considered one of the most popular RV parks in the area. Reserve your spot ahead of time.
• Park Info: Set among Cottonwood trees right next to Oak Creek, this RV park provides a tranquil setting to get away from it all. It's also within walking distance of town where you'll find shops and restaurants.
• Price: Nightly prices range between $69-$124. Monthly rates are available at $850 per month plus electricity.

The 10-acre Rancho Sedona RV Park can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length and is dog-friendly. Amenities include full hook ups, Wi-Fi, cable, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a dog run, and more. Enjoy the peace and quiet here while also being close enough to town.

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Arizona

To truly connect with nature while enjoying plenty of quiet and solitude, primitive camping is your best option. While you won’t have the amenities of a traditional campground, there’s something to be said about roughing it out in the wilderness. Remote and far from civilization, here are some of the best primitive tent camping spots for a camping experience like no other:

Aravaipa Canyon, Arizona 85192, USA

Alan English CPA/Flickr

• Location: Aravaipa Canyon
• Popularity: You can expect plenty of solitude here.
• Park Info: With 19,410 acres, a person could truly get lost in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. This gorgeous part of southeastern Arizona is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as cliffs, canyons, caves, and streams.
• Price: No charge for primitive camping spots but you must obtain a permit of $5 per person per day.

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness has no designated campgrounds or campsites and a permit must be obtained before visiting. Primitive camping is allowed. Just remember to take out everything you bring into the wilderness.

86305, Prescott, AZ 86305, USA

Kevin Albert/Google Local

• Location: Prescott
• Popularity: You won't find many other people primitive camping throughout this vast wilderness.
• Park Info: Prescott National Forest encompasses over 1.25 million acres. This vast expanse of land provides numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, backpacking, and camping,
• Price: While there are fees for the developed campgrounds with tent sites and cabins, there's no fee for primitive/dispersed camping.

Prescott National Forest has camping options that range from developed campgrounds to primitive and dispersed camping. If you're intent on primitive camping, you can hike along one of the many trails through the forest where you'll also discover several lakes.

Coon Bluff Road, Coon Bluff Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215, USA

AZ Adventures Mike Wilson/Google Local

• Location: Mesa
• Popularity: This area is quite popular for tubing as well as camping.
• Park Info: Coon Bluff Recreation Area is located along the lower Salt River and is a popular spot to begin a tubing adventure along the river.
• Price: $8 for a Tonto Daily Pass.

Coon Bluff Recreation Area only offers primitive camping sites and camping is only allowed between October 1 and March 1. There is a 14-day limit for camping here and trailers under 40 feet are allowed.

Box Bar Road, Box Bar Rd, Rio Verde, AZ 85263, USA

Tom Senkus/Google Local

• Location: Rio Verde
• Popularity: Box Bar is a hidden gem located near Phoenix. Spring and fall are the best times to camp here.
• Park Info: Box Bar Recreation Area is part of the Tonto National Forest with access to the Verde River. It offers primitive camping in a designated area.
• Price: An $8 Tonto Daily Pass must be purchased in order to camp here.

Box Bar Recreation Area offers a campground along the Verde River but there are no amenities and campers can choose where they want to camp within this area. Tents and RVs are allowed. However, trailers over 32 feet are not allowed and parking right by the water is strictly prohibited. Stays are limited to 14 days.

Old Rim Road, Old Rim Rd, Arizona, USA

Alisa Cooper/Google Local

• Location: Payson
• Popularity: Very popular and crowded during the summer months.
• Park Info: Located in Coconino County, Larson Ridge Camping Area is located across from Canyon Point Campground.
• Price: Free up to 14 days.

Larson Ridge Camping Area is run by the Forest Service and offers dispersed camping. There are no amenities and both tents and trailers are allowed. There are some gorgeous views here but if there was recent rain, it may be difficult to access this campground due to muddy conditions and flooding. It's best to take a 4WD vehicle to navigate the area.

Do you know of any other best campgrounds in Arizona to add to this list? Are you ready to set out into the wilderness or your next camping or glamping adventure? What are some of your favorite camping spots or glampgrounds in Arizona?