7 of the Best Campgrounds in Arizona
Arizona’s natural beauty offers no shortage of memorable camping spots. Whether you’re looking to cool off by a creek, relax beside a lake, or enjoy crisp pine-scented mornings in the forest, there’s a campground for every style.
If you’re ready to unplug and soak up some nature without straying too far from comfort, here are some of our favorite campgrounds in Arizona.
Personally, we love sites near water there’s something about falling asleep to the sound of a creek or exploring trails by a lake that can’t be duplicated.
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Arizona Campgrounds
- Desert Tortoise & Roadrunner Camp at Lake Pleasant
- Christopher Creek
- Houston Mesa
- Chavez Crossing
- Manzanita
- Cave Springs
- Mather
Camp at Lake Pleasant
There are several hiking trails and two campgrounds. Both campgrounds have a desert setting.
Need a nature fix close to the city? Lake Pleasant is just under an hour from Phoenix, and it checks all the boxes for a weekend escape tent or RV-friendly, hiking trails, boat ramps, and lake views.
There are two main campgrounds here:
- Desert Tortoise Campground is closer to the boat ramp and has sites just a short walk from the water. Each site has a ramada for shade, plus restrooms, showers, and a dump station for RVs.
- Roadrunner Campground sits a bit higher up near the Visitor Center. You’ll still have lake views, and all sites here are developed with water and electric hookups. There is a playground for kids and clean restrooms with showers.
The desert scenery here is beautiful especially at sunset when the sky turns gold and the donkeys come out to graze. Bring a kayak or paddleboard if you have one.
Christopher Creek | Arizona Campground
Cool mountain air and family fun
When Arizona’s summer heat kicks in, we head to Christopher Creek. Nestled beneath tall pines along a gentle creek, this campground is much cooler than Phoenix. It’s shaded, peaceful, and close enough to the water to dip your toes in before breakfast.
The campsite are spacious enough for two tents, and most are just a short walk from the creek. The water’s shallow and perfect for kids to splash around or try their luck catching crayfish. You’ll also find a few deeper spots for swimming.
Houston Mesa Campground
Wooded hideaway near trails and town
Houston Mesa Campground is one of our favorite forest escapes. Tucked inside Tonto National Forest, this peaceful site is surrounded by brush and pine trees and still just a 10-minute drive from Payson for gas, snacks, or coffee.
Even though the campground isn’t right on the water, you’re close to the Verde River and some fun hikes, like:
- Shoofly Indian Ruins
- Water Wheel Falls
- First and Second Crossing
We stayed at campsite #25, which had room for two tents, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash.
Things to know:
- The campsites are surrounded by trees and brush, so it feels very secluded. Bathrooms have flush toilets and running water. There are several stations for drinking water.
- The campsite is divided into three parts: tents, RVs, and campsites that allow horses are across the street.
- Some of the sites are close to 87, so you may be able to hear some traffic. Downtown is less than 10 minute drive, so you are close to stores. Houston Mesa Campground is convenient to many popular hikes.
How to Get Here? From Phoenix take 87 through Payson and turn right on Houston Mesa Road (just past Home Depot) The campground is off of Houston Mesa Road in the Tonto National Forest.
Nearby Attractions:
- Water Wheel (7 miles)
- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (12 miles)
- Strawberry (17 miles)
- Christopher Creek (35 miles)
Find out more things to do in our post on Payson: Explore Nature in the Heart of Arizona
Chavez Crossing – Group Campground in Arizona
Creekside camping with red rock views
Chavez Crossing might feel close to Sedona at first, but step down into the campground and you’re greeted by tall trees, grassy patches, and the soft rush of Oak Creek.
This campground in Arizona is ideal if you’re camping with friends or extended family. Reservations at this campground are for groups of 30–100 people.
Our tent site was just steps from the creek, and I loved waking up to the sound of the water. Follow the creek a bit and you’ll reach the red rock ledges that offer panoramic views over Sedona. It’s a peaceful basecamp for swimming, hiking, fishing, or just soaking up the natural beauty.
It’s a peaceful basecamp for swimming, hiking, or soaking up Sedona’s natural beauty.
- Reserve Chavez campsite
- Amenities: toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and firepits
- Fun Things to Do: Swim, Hike, Fish
- Directons: 2 miles East of the 179/89A intersection in Sedona. Turn Right on Oak Creek Cliffes Drive right by The Radisson Hotel
Manzanita Campground Oak Creek
A tucked-away favorite for fall camping
If I had to choose a favorite campground in Arizona, it would be Manzanita. It’s small, quiet, and tucked away in the trees right next to Oak Creek. This is a tent-only campground and fills up fast, especially in the fall when the leaves start to turn golden.
Sites are close together, but we still managed to fit two tents. Each spot comes with a fire pit and picnic table, and the creek is just a few feet away. It’s a perfect place to relax, read a book, and listen to the wind in the trees.
Expect to make reservations several months in advance. We stayed here several times in the month of October and it was beautiful.
The campground is on the banks of Oak Creek and has plenty of towering trees for shade. There are plenty of places to explore within a short walking distance from your tent.
Amenities: Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit. Bathrooms and water are available. Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash.
To find out more about this campground or to Reserve Camp Site Now Manzanita Campground
Cave Springs Campground – Oak Creek
Larger sites with creek side hikes
A little further north from Manzanita is Cave Springs Campground. Sites are also situated in beautiful oak creek canyon. From the campground you can take some fun hikes to view the creek .
First Time Visitor to Sedona? Check out our Essential Guide to Sedona, Arizona
Mather Campground in Arizona
Camp among the pines at the South Rim
No Arizona camping list is complete without Mather Campground at the Grand Canyon. It’s located in the South Rim near Grand Canyon Village, so you’re close to amenities but far enough away for quiet nights under the stars.
If you’re looking for a tent campsite away from the main road we like the Pine Loop in Mather Campground. It is close enough to walk to the Grand Canyon Village Marketplace, but still off the beaten path so it is quieter.
The shuttle stop is within walking distance, making it easy to explore the park without needing to drive.
The site is large enough to have two tents. As the name of the loop infers you’re surrounded by pine trees. It is also an easy walk to the shuttle stop. We enjoyed camping at the Grand Canyon. Elk were a common sight.
Amenities: Restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits. Elk sightings are common!
Best for: National park lovers, families, and first-time Grand Canyon campers.
Whether you’ve only got a weekend or you’re taking your time on the road, there are campgrounds in Arizona that fit your style.
