Camping Spots in Arizona
Desert Wolf Tours Arizona’s diverse landscapes offer camping enthusiasts a plethora of options, from desert oases to alpine forests and everything in between. Whether you’re seeking a rustic retreat or a family-friendly campground with modern amenities, Arizona has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top 15 camping spots in the Grand Canyon State, showcasing the best of its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Grand Canyon National Park: Camping at the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Several campgrounds within the park offer stunning views of the canyon, including Mather Campground on the South Rim and North Rim Campground on the North Rim. Be sure to book your campsite well in advance, as these popular campgrounds fill up quickly.
Sedona: Immerse yourself in Sedona’s red rock landscapes by camping in the Coconino National Forest. Popular campgrounds include Manzanita Campground and Cave Springs Campground, both offering scenic views, hiking trails, and opportunities for stargazing.
Flagstaff: Escape the summer heat in Flagstaff’s cool mountain air. Numerous campgrounds surround the city, including the Lockett Meadow Campground and Bonito Campground in the Coconino National Forest. These campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, fishing lakes, and stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks.
Lake Powell: Camp along the shores of Lake Powell for a unique desert camping experience. Wahweap Campground and Lone Rock Beach Campground offer lakeside camping with opportunities for swimming, boating, and exploring the nearby slot canyons.
Tonto National Forest: Explore the diverse landscapes of Tonto National Forest, which encompasses rugged desert terrain, lush forests, and picturesque lakes. Popular campgrounds include Houston Mesa Campground and Christopher Creek Campground, offering access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest: Discover the beauty of Arizona’s White Mountains by camping in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Big Lake Campground and Luna Lake Campground are popular choices for camping near pristine mountain lakes, offering fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Petrified Forest National Park: Experience the otherworldly landscapes of Petrified Forest National Park by camping at the park’s designated campgrounds. The park offers both developed and backcountry camping options, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s unique geology and rich history.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: Camp amidst towering cacti in the Sonoran Desert at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Twin Peaks Campground offers a serene desert camping experience, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Catalina State Park: Escape to the Catalina Mountains for a camping getaway at Catalina State Park. The park’s campground offers spacious campsites with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and access to hiking trails, equestrian facilities, and wildlife viewing areas.
Chiricahua National Monument: Camp in the heart of the Chiricahua Mountains at Bonita Canyon Campground in Chiricahua National Monument. This picturesque campground offers easy access to the park’s hiking trails, rock formations, and scenic overlooks.
Kaibab National Forest: Experience the tranquility of the Kaibab National Forest by camping at Jacob Lake Campground. Situated near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, this campground offers a peaceful setting surrounded by pine forests and meadows.
Prescott National Forest: Escape to the cool pines of Prescott National Forest for a camping adventure at Lynx Lake Campground. This popular campground offers lakeside camping with opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking along scenic trails.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Camp along the shores of Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Wahweap RV & Campground and Bullfrog RV & Campground offer lakeside camping with access to marinas, boat rentals, and guided tours of nearby attractions.
White Mountains: Explore the White Mountains of eastern Arizona by camping in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Hannagan Meadow Campground and Big Lake Recreation Area offer camping in a serene mountain setting, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Coronado National Forest: Discover the beauty of the Santa Catalina Mountains by camping in the Coronado National Forest. Rose Canyon Campground and Spencer Canyon Campground offer camping amidst towering pine forests, with access to hiking trails, fishing lakes, and scenic vistas.