Arizona State Parks Rv Camping

Jerome State Historic Park

A trip to the ghost town of Jerome would not be complete without a stop in at the Jerome State Historic Park. The main feature of the park is the restored home of James S. Douglas, owner of the Little Daisy Mine. Inside this beautiful home are displays on Jerome and its history, mining information and minerals, and background on the Douglas family.

Be sure to check out the fascinating 3D display of the town that show not only the surface areas of Jerome, but also the mine shafts underneath.

Outside the museum is the original 1918 Audrey Shaft Headframe Park. Step out onto the glass covering the shaft, and peer down 1,900 feet into the earth. From this shaft, more than 3.6 million tons of ore were brought to the surface. The area around the headframe contains pieces of mining equipment.

Top Places To Rv In Arizona

Let’s cut right to the chase. Campendium users are drawn to Arizona RV parks and resorts like a pension check to Phoenix, and here are their top picks when it comes to finding a place to park your RV.

Some of these, like Dome Rock Mountain, are free camping in the desert, aka boondocking. Those who travel the state’s highways are not of any one type of individual, and similarly, their favorite campgrounds don’t fit into any one mold, either. You’ll find state parks–with electric sites and nice bathrooms–like Picacho Peak on the list, RV parks and resorts of all varieties, and more.

Serving as Saguaro National Park’s de facto campground, Gilbert Ray, though it’s not technically in the park, has the feel of a national park campground, with plenty of cactus forest to keep sites private from one another and within a short drive of the park’s western side.

Another campers choice campground is in a state park on the other side of Tucson, by the name of Catalina State Park, which offers a natural place to camp but within easy driving distance to all of the amenities the city has to offer.

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation area is an absolute high-country dreamland located in Arizonas White Mountains. Tent and RV campers alike have the opportunity to reserve one of over 100 campsites at the park. When you arrive, take a deep breath of the cool mountain air, then sit back and watch the puffy northern Arizona clouds roll by in true Arizona style. This year-round destination is generous with the scenery and will certainly leave a lasting impression.

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Make Campground Reservations Online Or By Phone

Plan your trip early by making campground reservations in your favorite state parks. Choose between 15 camping locations, each offering something different and exciting. Campgrounds are available with or without RV electrical hook-ups, they come with a fire ring, picnic table, and stunning Arizona views! Camping cabins are also available for those of you that like the idea of glamping a little more than roughing itRegardless of how you spend your nights while in your Arizona State Parks campgrounds, were happy to have you, and look forward to showing you a great time! Its so easy to plan your trip, just reserve a spot and go! Simply click the reservation button below the park you would like to visit, or contact the Reservation Call Center at 1-877-MY-PARKS .

The Best Rv Boondocking In Quartzsite Arizona

That’s not to say this migration haven isn’t something to see. Here are three reasons people love to flock to the Grand Canyon State’s largest community of RVers.

The weather, you know, because RVers hate sweaters. Quartzsite’s average wintertime highs range from 64° in December to 78° in March.

RV repair services, because where the big rigs live, so will the business of fixing them thrive. If you’ve been thinking of finally switching out that bungee cord holding your front door closed with a real lock, or have someone look into that strange smell in your bathroom, this is the place to do it. Some of them will even come to your site!

Cell reception is generally strong, even out in the middle of the desert.

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Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parkslake Havasu Arizona

Lake Havasu is popular as a boating and water sports vacation destination as well as the base for hiking and biking trails in the desert hills. It is the home of the famous London Bridge that was brought from England in 1967 before being perfectly reassembled. It connects the mainland with a looped path on the Island and several marinas. Lake Havasu State Park with its miles of clean beaches is a port of entry to the Colorado River where you can rent a kayak or canoe and the safety equipment needed for a great day on the lake. The park is open all year with warm weather during the day and cool nights. It is a haven for RV travelers looking for outdoor recreation with some of the best RV camping in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Here are 10 of the top RV parks that Lake Havasu has to offer:

Discount Rv Camping Associations

Arizona RV parks can be affiliated with large nationwide organizations, and these organizations have well-designed web sites that can help you locate their member RV parks. Some of these organizations offer discounted prices by becoming a member, while others offer location maps.

The best-known RV park association is KOA , with campgrounds in Arizona and every state. Their website is easy to navigate, and you can make reservations online. With the KOA Value Kard, you receive a free KOA Directory & Road Atlas, free issue of Camping Life and 10% off daily campground registrations.

Happy Camper RV Camping Club offers 50% off nightly rates at affiliate parks in Arizona. Membership is valid at over 1000 RV parks nationwide.

Good Sam RV Club is the nations largest RV camping club with many associated RV parks in Arizona. Their yearly membership fee of $19 gets you a 10% RV camping discount at over 1700 affiliated parks, as well as a magazine subscription, parts and service discounts, and other membership benefits.

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The 10 Best Rv Parks In Arizona

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Arizona is the prime destination for RVers, and if you stay there, you can see why. The Grand Canyon State is high in sunshine and scenery and low in precipitation. The temperature remains relatively warm throughout the year with temperatures easily reaching the upper 70s even in January. This makes it a haven for RVers escaping the harsh winter weather.

So where do all these RVers go? To the best RV parks. We look at the top ten Arizona parks, so you can find a great destination to relax and enjoy this beautiful state.

Enjoy the natural beauties of Northern Arizona as you take in the starry sky at Meteor Crater RV Park. The park is named for its next-door neighbor: Meteor Crater. Meteor Crater is one of the worlds most preserved impact craters at nearly one mile across. Stop by the Interactive Discovery Center for exhibits on all things meteors.

The Resort comes outfitted with a clubhouse, shower and laundry facilities, outdoor pool, a 9-hole chip and putt course, bocce courts, and host of other activities. If you manage to leave the park, youre nearby all the great fun of Lake Havasu like boating, skiing, or cruising. Meteor Crater has 71 RV parking spots with all the amenities you will need, including Wi-Fi, convenience store, and full laundry and shower facilities. Good Sam Club discounts are available.

Camping And Rvs In Arizona State Parks

There are several Arizona State Park Campgrounds and RV Sites off the I-10 Corridor between Casa Grande and Willcox. RV Hookup fees are $30 a night. Reservations can be made online 24/7 or with a phone call. Visit the official Arizona State Park Website for more information.

Picacho Peak State Park Approximately 35 miles North of Tucson just off the I-10 corridor Picacho Peak State Park offers 85 electric sites. There is a new Visitor’s Center, great for a quick stop camping off the I-10. Perfect for winter hikes or a wildflower wonderland in the Spring. This was the site of the furthest West Civil War battle.

Patagonia Lake State Park Approximately 85 miles from Tucson and accessible from I-19 or I-10, Patagonia Lake State Park is a beautiful lake with camping, picnicking, boating and fishing, the park offers 105 electric sites of different sizes, 2 non-electric sites and 12 “boat sites” accessible ONLY by boat. You may rent a boat at the marina. Reservations in the summer are a must as they fill up solid from May – November. Patagonia Lake now has 8 cabins for rent.

Kartchner Caverns State Park – Located 60 miles East of Tucson near Benson, Kartchner Caverns has over 65 hookup sites for Camping. They include Dump Station, Showers, and covered picnic areas. Kartchner Caverns now has 4 cabins for rent as well.

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Lyman Lake State Park

Lyman Lake offers visitors a chance to experience the wild and free side of Arizona’s backcountry, with the added bonus of amenities like showers, restrooms, and a park store. This large park can offer as much relaxation or adventure as you like. Choose your own unique experience! Waking up to a sunrise over beautiful Lyman Lake is a great way to start the day…Imagine yourself here! There are 38 campsites with RV hook-ups awaiting your arrival, and the trails, wildlife, waterboarding, boating, and fishing opportunities are here for your enjoyment. This park is nestled in the northern foothills of Arizona’s famed White Mountains and serves as a great home away from home for adventuresome RV campers.

From Lyman, you can day trip to Greer, Ariz. and experience Eastern Arizona culture, or about an hour southwest, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is a great place to cast a line, or relax under the ponderosa pines.

The Ultimate Guide To Arizona State Parks

Lakeside retreats! Historical gems! Secluded cabins!

From deep dives to quick snapshots, this compendium of facts, figures and travel tips about each of Arizonas 34 marvelous state parks will inspire your weekend adventuring for months to come.

Original photography by Eric Cox, Brian Goddard, Kevin Kaminski, Richard Maack and Brandon Sullivan. Additional photography courtesy Arizona State Parks & Trails

Founded in 1953, Arizona State Parks and Trails has evolved into an important part of the states recreational ecosystem. Though the pandemic has curtailed out-of-state sightseers in 2020, the system is enjoying an uptick in local usage, according to spokesperson Michelle Thompson. Several parks are seeing higher-than-usual visitations and many first-time visitors have been coming to have adventures in their home state.

Arizona State Parks Dashboard

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, founded in 1958

Newest State Park:

Rockin River State Park

Closest to Downtown PHX:

Lost Dutchman State Park

Farthest from DTPHX:

Lyman Lake State Park

Largest:

Oracle State Park

Smallest:

Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park

Annual Visitors:

3.2 Million

News Update!

Parks Pass

Fees

Alamo Lake State Park

Drive time from Valley: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Buckskin Mountain State Park

Drive time from Valley: 2 hours, 30 minute

Fees

Catalina State Park

Drive time from Valley: 1 hour, 45 minutes

FeesIndividual/bicycle: $3

Bird Journal

Notable Flora

Fees

Cattail Cove State Park

Fees

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Buckskin Mountain State Park

Along the mighty and ancient Colorado River, RVers have an opportunity to stay for a while in western Arizona’s “River Life” oasis! You see, river life is what you make of it…Some like to relax, recharge, and let their worries be carried downstream by the current. Others take river life to another level with fast boats, wind in your face, and adrenaline surging action. The best part is that from our 80 RV ready campsites, you can live river life any way you choose!

There are several parks within easy striking distance if you’re staying at the Buckskin mountain RV campground. River Island, Cattail Cove, and Lake Havasu state parks all have their own unique area flavor and make great little trips from your Buckskin Mountain home base.

Why Youll Love Zane Grey Rv Village

While some RV parks in Sedona dont have many on-site amenities, the staff at Zane Grey RV Village makes sure you have everything needed for fun right in the park. Sometimes you want to stay close by and enjoy your immediate surroundings. They offer gaming options and birding adventures so that you dont have to leave the park to have a good experience out in nature.

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Discover Camping In Arizona

Camping In Arizona On Non

Some non-public lands are also open for camping in Arizona. These places are not yours, nor do they belong to the public. However, the owners of these lands are generous enough to let others enjoy them. You must respect these places as if youre a guest in someones home. These places can be shut down without notice or public input.

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Why Youll Love Rancho Sedo Rv Park

Rancho Sedo is beautifully maintained and includes spacious sites, clean facilities, laundry, volleyball and, fielded areas. The park has all the amenities you could want. Not only is it close to shopping, dining, and the local Sedo nightlife, but youll also enjoy all the watersports and adventurous activities of the area. These include swimming, watersports, mountain biking, hiking trails, and more.

Arizona National Parks Camping Tips

Mather Campground at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is a highly coveted destination. It has 327 sites for tents and RVs and is open year-round. Its peak season is March 1-Nov. 1.

Reservations are available during peak season. During the off-season, campers can snag any spot first come, first served. Payment is by credit card no cash is being accepted.

Maddie Tighe, supervisory use assistant at Grand Canyon National Park, suggests that campers make reservations as soon as they know their travel dates or six months before their intended arrival.

As people’s travel dates get closer, there are fewer and fewer sites available. By the time their arrival date occurs, we are probably sold out, Tighe said in an email.

In addition to booking ahead, campers should be aware that COVID-19 precautions are still in place.

“Our large group sites are limited to groups of 10 people, Tighe said. The superintendent will determine when we go back to normal based on a variety of factors related to the pandemic, including infection rates, vaccination rates and staffing levels. Also, the showers and laundry at Camper Services remain closed.

Desert View Campground at the east entrance of the park is closed indefinitely due to the pandemic. Check Grand Canyon’s website for opening updates.

Campgrounds at Canyon de Chelly and Navajo national monuments on the Navajo Reservation are closed indefinitely due to the pandemic.

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Fabulous Places To Rv In Arizona During The Winter

And don’t forget to check out the hokey “town” of Tombstone a few miles north, where they take the idea of preserving the Wild West to a very literal level.

If you’re less of the townie type and prefer to get lost in some mountain forest, have a look at nearby Coronado National Forest, where campgrounds like Sunny Flat and Bonita Canyon offer that rustic flavor even Paul Bunyan could appreciate. Places like Forest Road 687 offer some of the best free camping in the state.

While getting to know your neighbors in a small town is nice, sometimes you need a little big box action, some big city civilization to cure those empty desert blues. Tucson promises everything from Starbucks to Sam’s Club, with a little less of the traffic and sprawl that the megalopolis of Phoenix and its surrounding cities entail.

You can even hold onto a little of that natural feeling by scoring a spot in the amazing cacti forest of Saguaro National Park, namely in the fairy tale sunset wonderland known as Gilbert Ray Campground. While not technically in the park itself, this county-owned campground puts you minutes away from both Saguaro West and all that Tucson has to offer.

Just maybe you’ll love the area so much, you’ll want to stay for a month. Coyote Howls Campground East offers monthlong stays for only $130 , but you’ll still have access to amenities like water, a dump station, the campground’s store and a mailing address.

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park

When 19 elite young Hotshot firefighters died fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013, Arizona was grief-stricken. Just three years later, the state opened the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park to mark the spot where the firefighters took their last stand.

The centerpiece of the park is a 3.5-mile trail through the rough and rocky terrain of the Weaver Mountains. Plaques featuring photos and information about each of the fallen are spaced every 600 feet along the trail.

An observation deck at about the 2.75-mile mark offers information about the fire, along with sweeping views of the surrounding area. The deck is a good place to stop for a rest and some shade. It is also a spot to consider whether to continue on to the emotional and grueling Journey Trail, which heads downhill for three-quarters of a mile to the fatality site. There, a display of 19 rock-filled metal gabion baskets marks the somber spot.

I found the hike to be strenuous but meaningful. The Arizona State Parks & Trails website recommends that hikers begin before noon and plan for a 4-hour-plus hike. There are no water sources along the trail, so hikers should carry plenty of water. The hike is best done in the cooler fall, winter, or spring months.

The park is located about an hour and half northwest of Phoenix and about 45 minutes southwest of Prescott, where many accommodations are available.

Anton Foltin / Shutterstock

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