Best Camping in Arizona: Top 10 Places to Go

Summer and fall are the best seasons for camping in Arizona for high-country lakes and creeks. Also, winter camping in the desert is unbeatable. The state is filled with beautiful adventures for people who hunger for joy, including deserts, forests, streams and lakes, exotic creatures, and many other amazing sceneries and natural wonders.

Arizona has everything for every camper, including sites with breathtaking views, access to numerous hiking and bike trails, and lakes begging to be paddled. Some campgrounds are less than an hour's drive from the closest metropolis and don't need any forethought or preparation.

We'll go through the top 10 camping spots in Arizona and give some advice on how to prepare your camping essentials. Besides, taking a Jackery Solar Generator on your camping trip is highly recommended to charge appliances effectively and quietly with solar energy.

Top 10 Places to Camp in Arizona

Arizona is a beautiful state, especially when it comes to the outdoors. State parks in America contain some of the country's oldest and most stunning natural landmarks. One of the most diverse states in the country is Arizona.

You can camp in Arizona in various locations, including the desert, the mountains, the forests, next to lakes and rivers, and more. From the top campsites to remote camping, we'll explore all of Arizona's best options.

1. Grand Canyon National Park

Location: PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone: 928-638-7888

Website: Grand Canyon National Park

When to Visit: Spring

Best Campsites: South Rim, Mather Campground

The Grand Canyon should be seen by everyone at least once in their lifetime. The Colorado River and surrounding uplands are included in the 278-mile (447-km) Grand Canyon National Park in Northern Arizona. One of the most extraordinary examples of erosion worldwide is the Grand Canyon, situated in the traditional homeland of 11 Associated Tribes.

Even if you don't have much time or prefer to observe the breathtaking vistas from paved vantage points, simply visiting the Grand Canyon leaves people with lifelong memories.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park is the most well-liked tourist destination. There are many places to dine, shop, and camp nearby. Find numerous methods to thoroughly immerse yourself in this natural wonder of the globe if your party tends to be more daring.

Any access locations' trailheads lead to the canyon's steep switchbacks, where visitors can enter. Grand Canyon National Park is a well-liked national park attraction because it offers a rim to rim hikes, mules rides, and whitewater rafting.

"What an experience! Much more than I expected. I thought I would be like Chevy Chase in Vacation, but the vistas are beautiful and intriguing."

2. Lost Dutchman State Park

Location: 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Phone: 480-982-4485

Website: Lost Dutchman State Park 

When to Visit: Spring, Fall, Winter

Best Campsites: Phoenix Area, Desert Camping

The Lost Dutchman State Park, another of Arizona's top camping destinations, is situated in the Superstition Mountains and is the site of a gold mining tale from the 1800s. Some people travel there searching for gold, while others enjoy the serene hiking and bike paths or the expansive sky near their tent.

This region of Arizona is terrific due to the presence of mountains, saguaros, cacti, and what can only be characterized as a green desert. Lost Dutchman State Park is one of the most excellent places to camp near Phoenix during the cooler months.

A few of our favorite Superstition routes, such as Siphon Draw Trail and Treasure Loop Trail, are accessible from the Park, which hugs the base of the Superstition Mountains. The Park is busy yet well-kept, with roughly 140 campsites, half of which have electric and water hookups. Picnic tables, fire pits, and grill grates are all on the well-kept sites.      

"The most beautiful and well-managed/maintained State park ever!! I just stayed four nights, and it was heaven. The abundance of staff was always busy cleaning, clearing brush from trails, checking camping sites, etc."

3. Lake Havasu State Park

Location: 699 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

Phone: 877-697-2757

Website: Lake Havasu State Park  

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: Havasupai Campground, Lake Havasu Vintage Trailer Rally

Lake Havasu State Park offers vast grassy space and beaches with fine, white sand on the lake's shoreline. The Park provides expansive views of the surrounding mountains and lake. This location is ideal for a day at the beach with picnic tables, grills, and shade structures.

You can also remain and set up camp for a while. Group picnic spots are also available for family reunions or other special events. The Park has the Mohave Sunset Trail, a brief but beautiful 1.75-mile hike, and the Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden, home to various plants and animals.

Under the front of a lovely stretch of soft sand beach, Lake Havasu State Park campground offers campsites tucked away in the shade of a few tiny trees. Before parking it at one of the nearby campsites for the night, each with a fire pit, a picnic table, and a shade ramada, spend your days floating with friends or jumping from boat to boat.

"We came to paddle board and picnic. I liked the large restrooms where you can easily change. There were plenty of covered picnic tables with sidewalks leading right up to them, making it easy to access with wheeled coolers!"

4. Patagonia Lake State Park

Location: 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621

Phone: 520-287-6965

Website: Patagonia Lake State Park

When to Visit: Summer, Mid-Autumn

Best Campsites: Patagonia Lake Campground

A secret treasure is tucked away in the gently sloping hills of southeast Arizona. Whitetail deer roamed the mountains in Patagonia Lake State Park, which opened as a state park in 1975. Great blue herons can also be seen on the coastline.

The Park features a marina, boat ramps, a creek trail, ramadas, tables, grills, and a campground and beach. Crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish are abundant in this 265-acre artificial lake. Plenty of trout is available between October and March, so you can keep returning for more!

The park is a fantastic location for camping, as well as being great for fishing and bird watching. You may have much relaxing fun here thanks to the beach, picnic area, ramadas, tables, grills, boat ramps, marina, and Lakeside Market. With a picnic table, a fire ring or grill, and space for two cars, there are 72 prepared campsites. Some locations also have ramadas. Prices are calculated per vehicle per night.

"We were there on the weekend after school started, and it was still pretty busy. Easy access for shore fishing. The beach area was nice, too!"

5. Oak Creek Canyon

Location: 9922 Front StreetHighway M-72, Empire, MI 49630

Phone: 231-326-4700

Website: Sleeping Bear Dunes  

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: Manzanita Campground, Pine Flat Campground

Get your camera ready, and bring your hiking boots, swimsuit, and fishing gear. Oak Creek Canyon is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking landscape mul, colored rocks, and distinctive formations. It would be best to halt at Oak Creek Canyon Vista before entering the canyon.

After leaving the vista, the road descends steeply around several twists before changing to a thicket of oak, sycamore, and walnut trees growing alongside the road. Oak Creek, which runs beside the road for most of the trip, is protected by imposing sandstone cliffs.

One of the most well-liked camping areas in the area is Pine Flat Campground, beside the picturesque Oak Creek Canyon. Various recreational camping opportunities include swimming, hiking, and bird watching.

"A nice drive if you're leaving Phoenix and heading North. It was our first glimpse of the rock formations and the red dirt. Places to pull off and enjoy the scenery. A couple of trails to hike."

6. Catalina State Park

Location: 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737

Phone: 520-628-5798

Website: Catalina State Park

When to Visit: October to May

Best Campsites: Catalina State Park Campground

At the foot of the magnificent Santa Catalina Mountains is Catalina State Park. Nearly 5,000 saguaros and other desert flora and animals can be seen in the Park. Camping, picnics, and bird watching are all welcome in the Park's 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons, and streams, home to more than 150 bird species.

At elevations close to 3,000 feet, the Park offers miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and bike paths that snake through the Park and into the Coronado National Forest. The Tucson urban area can be reached quickly from the Park. This beautiful desert park also has horseback riding paths, and the equestrian center provides a large staging area with trailer parking.

A beautiful camping area with 120 designated spots is available in Catalina State Park. Each location has a BBQ grill, picnic tables, and access to water and electricity. The campground has paved parking areas, access roads to all sites, hot showers, and flush toilets. If you decide to camp there, there is no restriction on your RV size, and RV dump stations are available at the Park.

"Nice choice of hiking trails - the views change from the bottom going up in the canyon. Moderately steep but not very rocky. Binoculars would help."

7. River Island State Park

Location: 5200 AZ-95, Parker, AZ 85344

Phone: 928-667-3386

Website: River Island State Park

When to Visit: Summer, Winter

Best Campsites: #30 to 37 River Island’s Campsites

River Island State Park, which is ideal for campers and has a lot of amenities to make your stay memorable, is situated right on the Colorado River. You'll be pulled to the stunning river and mountain vistas thanks to the ramada, sandy beach, cove, and boat launch area, and you might even feel encouraged to remain for a while.

This lovely leisure area borders the Colorado River and has paths that lead to the nearby Buckskin Mountain State Park. Both parks are located along the Colorado River and offer breathtaking Sonoran Desert and Buckskin Mountains views.

Tent campers will find River Island State Park the perfect place for a picturesque retreat, a desert getaway, or an exciting aquatic experience. The Park has a hiking trail and access to backcountry off-road vehicle roads. The park unit is exceptionally well-liked in the summer for boating, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and camping against a stunning mountain backdrop.

"Spent two nights at Buckskin SP, then moved to River Island. Smaller Park with nice-sized lots and small trees. Clean restrooms and showers."

8. Hawley Lake

Location: Hawley Lake, PO Box 550, McNary, AZ 85930

Phone: 928-369-1753

Website: Hawley Lake

When to Visit: Spring to Summer

Best Campsites: Hawley Lake Campground Area

Hawley Lake, located on the White Mountain Apache Tribal Lands, is a paradise for adventurers. Its high elevation of 8,200 feet and mild, refreshing weather in the late spring, summer, and early fall make it a popular getaway location for desert inhabitants in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas.

Hawley Lake offers a variety of water sports for people of different interests and abilities, from sailing and fishing to more challenging sports like kayaking and canoeing.

Great camping spots are available right adjacent to the lake at the Hawley Lake campground. There are a lot of campsites that are first-come, first-serve. The camps have picnic tables, barbecues, fire rings, and bathrooms. Numerous cabins, including campgrounds and an RV park, can be rented from mid-May to the end of September.    

"It is quite large. I saw Bald Eagles, Blue Heron, and Canadian Geese flying around the lake. The best view of the Bald Eagles is going around the lake, past the dam, onto dirt road until it curves around the lake."

9. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Location: PO Box 1507, Page, AZ 86040

Phone: 928-608-6200

Website: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

When to Visit: Autumn

Best Campsites: Beehive Campground, Lees Ferry Campground

With its 1.25 million acres of land, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area provides unrivaled backcountry and water-based recreation options. The "Grand Circle" of Southwest National Parks' epicenter, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, offers travelers unique and rejuvenating experiences.

One of the most well-known lakes in Arizona is located at Lake Powell, surrounded by the deep gorges, rocky outcrops, and breathtaking landscape of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The most well-known feature of Glen Canyon is Lake Powell, one of Arizona's best places for fishing and home to many game fish that thrive in its crystal-clear waters.

Spend the day on the water or exploring Glen Canyon's numerous side canyons and passageways. Many short to medium-length treks provide breathtaking views of well-known locations like Horseshoe Bend and the Dam Overlook.

"A must-do in the area. It would be a great addition if you did a Lower Antelope tour: fantastic views and rock hiking. The path is marked by rocks, which is quite impressive. An easy dirt road and Park at the campground."

10. Slide Rock State Park

Location: 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

Phone: 928-282-3034

Website: Slide Rock State Park

When to Visit: Summer and Fall

Best Campsites: Canyon Wren Cabins, Manzanita Campground

The 43-acre historic apple farm, Slide Rock State Park, formerly the Pendley Homestead, is in Oak Creek Canyon. After moving to the canyon in 1907, Frank L. Pendley formally bought the land under the Homestead Act in 1910.

Slide Rock, State Park grounds, has more than 300 apple trees. Frank L. Pendley pioneered an innovative irrigation system for his 43-acre apple orchard, first planted in 1912.

Float downstream in an inner tube to locate a swimming hole. More than 140 bird species migrate to warmer regions in the Park in the fall. There are picnic spots, charcoal barbecues, and two sizable ramadas with power outlets for camping.

"Swimming was fun, but I was surprised at this park's great scenery. The rock formations have red and classic gray hues, combined with the lush greenery of Oak Creek Canyon, make for great landscapes."

Camping in Arizona Essentials

The landscapes and places of geological significance in Arizona are incredibly diverse. If you want to learn how to camp, it could not be easy to know where to begin, and even if you're an experienced camper. There are some camping must-haves that we usually pack, as well as a list of essentials for the best camping in Arizona.

- Campsite Essentials: tent, sleeping bag, table & chair, flashlight, firewood;

- Portable Power Generator: Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus, Solar Generator 500

- Camp Cooking Essentials: cooking grill, stove, knife, cutting board, coffee maker, food

- Camping Clothes: water-proof jacket, hiking pants, boots, gloves

- Cleaning Essentials: hand sanitizer, toothbrush, shower kit, suncream, towel

- First Aid Kit: personal medication, bandages, finger splints, eye drops

A portable solar generator is a necessary tool to pack when going camping. A portable solar generator is a great way to guarantee power wherever you need it, even if there is no nearby power grid. If you're camping or off the grid, the Jackery portable solar generator can keep your electronic devices running for hours or even days.

Jackery Solar Generators for Camping in Arizona

Consider using the Jackery Solar Generator to conveniently charge your electronics for extended periods, whether camping or in a location without access to the power grid. This portable generator is compact and lightweight, providing a steady flow of electricity without the typical noise and emissions associated with gas-powered alternatives.

Jackery Solar Generators utilize a pure sine wave inverter and an innovative BMS system to ensure the utmost protection for charging devices in 12 layers. Due to their 30% lighter weight compared to similar products, they are ideal for camping in Arizona.

Consider the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus and 500 for your upcoming camping trip. These models have lightweight designs, making them easy to carry and not take up too much space in your pack. Additionally, they offer suitable  of 288Wh and 518Wh, which should be sufficient to power your electronics. Furthermore, these generators have extended battery life thanks to their NMC and LiFePO4 cells. Discover further information about them below.

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

It is introducing the Solar Generator 300 Plus from Jackery - a compact, lightweight solution that conveniently fits into a backpack. The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is an impressive and user-friendly solution that combines the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station and the compact Jackery SolarSaga 40W Solar Panels.  

At just 11 lbs, this power solution is perfect for those looking for camping options. This powerful device features an innovative dual PD 100W design, providing rapid charging for your devices and catering to the needs of our fast-paced society.

The Solar Generator 300 Plus is an essential companion for every adventurer, providing unmatched portability and a lightweight construction. Whether camping, hiking or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, the solar generator is an ideal power supply for all your small devices, including smartphones, laptops, lights, tablets, etc.  

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus can be conveniently recharged using the compact Jackery SolarSaga 40W Solar Panels, requiring only 9.5 hours for a full charge. It also provides the convenience of recharging through an AC outlet (2 hours), a carport (5.5 hours), and USB charging (2.8 hours). Rest assured that electricity won't be a concern during your camping trip, even without sunlight.    

Jackery Solar Generator 500

The Jackery Solar Generator 500 is an incredibly convenient lithium rechargeable battery generator that is ideal for powering various appliances both at home and outdoors. With this package, you'll get the Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station and the SolarSaga 100W solar panels. This combination lets you tap into the sun's energy and transform it into usable electricity.    

An ideal battery backup for outdoor camping should be lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. Designed with a built-in handle and a compact design, the Jackery Explorer 500 is perfect for campers. The screen expertly displays the power input, output, and the state of charge. You can conveniently charge multiple devices simultaneously thanks to the numerous charging ports.  

With its impressive capacity of 518Wh, this power station offers extended power supply to a wide range of appliances, surpassing the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus capabilities. With the Explorer 500, you can charge a 60W portable speaker for 7.4 hours, whereas the Explorer 300 Plus charges short at only 3.8 hours.

Discover the Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel - a powerful tool that captures the sun's energy and transforms it into sustainable, clean power using advanced monocrystalline technology. Perfect for camping or any outdoor activities, this solar panel boasts an impressive conversion efficiency of 24.3%. The ETFE-laminated case greatly enhances the solar panel's durability.  

Camping in Arizona Tips

Arizona is a popular camping destination with its pleasant winters, and a few of our cities even claim to be the "RV Capital of the World." Here are some recommendations for the best camping in Arizona.  

• State parks might not provide full wilderness camping, but according to the webpage for state parks maintained by the Arizonan government, "showers are accessible at all parks with campsites." It is thus somewhat off the grid and has a few facilities.

• Keep camp in a national forest area outside city limits or too close to water sources used by wildlife.

• Do not set up "residence" in the forests. A 28-day term is only allowed for 14 days of wild camping. After that, you can change camp if you stay outside a 25-mile radius of your previous campsite.

• Verify any limits on campfires in the region where you intend to set camp. Backcountry campfires can have a long-lasting effect. Moreover, never leave it unattended.

• It severely ruins the landscape, making camping in or driving through vast meadowlands difficult.

Final Thoughts

Arizona is a great place to go camping since there are so many world-class locations, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor activities galore. There must be a campsite in Arizona that can meet your needs, whether camping in a tent, car, RV, or trailer. Here are the top ten best camping sites in Arizona, along with some advice and preparations on this page.  

A portable generator can enable you to live more comfortably outside when camping in Arizona. The Jackery Solar Generator converts solar energy into electrical power and stores it for later use. As a backup power source in case your electricity goes out for RVs and campers.