Any Explorer Should Visit These 8 Phenomenal Camping Spots In Arizona
If you’ve been wanting to enjoy a night or more camping in our vast wilderness, here are a few suggestions of the best camping spots in Arizona to get started. These sites not only are accessible and great for newbies, but they also offer some beautiful views. Actually, is there anywhere in Arizona you can’t find an incredible view?
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A pretty view outside of Flagstaff, this spot is great for camping, fishing, and bird watching. The facilities here are basic with just toilets and drinking water but the sights make up for it. Camping starts at $20 per night. From Flagstaff, take Forest Highway 3 for 19 miles, then turn left onto Forest Road 82E. Learn more about Ashurst Lake Campground.
Another great site for beginner campers, this place is located about 35 miles east of Payson via Highway 260. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, potable water, and plenty of spaces to cook your food over a fire. It’s a huge camping site and very popular, so we recommend making reservations to make sure you don’t have to turn around. Overnight camping starts at $28. Learn more about Canyon Point Campground.
If the possibility of getting eaten by wild animals has prevented you from trying out camping--in addition to not having a shower for a few days--this may be a good place to start. You can enjoy the forest scenery of the White Mountains within a huge campsite that offers flush toilets, showers, potable water, grills, and other nearby amenities. This area is a popular site so the constant human presence may be enough to keep animals at a distance. Also, if the kids get bored, there are two playgrounds within the site as well. To get here from Show Low, drive westbound on Highway 260, then turn right onto Old Linden Road. From here, drive a little more than a half mile to Fool Hollow Lake Road to the entrance of the recreation area. Learn more about Fool Hollow Lake Campground.
Located in eastern Arizona, a little more than 67 miles north of the mining town Morenci, this area is routinely referred to by campers and journalists as the prime recreation area in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. It sits a short distance from US-191 and doesn't require a camping fee, although they do accept donations. In this area, you’ll probably have a high chance of spotting wildlife and the trails are plentiful but arrive early! Campsites are first come, first served and the amenities are basic--they have toilets but water is limited. Learn more about Hannagan Meadow Campground.
You’ll find plenty of beautiful sights here and there’s the benefit of some recent renovations at this campground. Among the on-site amenities are drinkable water, toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. You can reserve a spot and camping fees start at $26. To get here from the 40, exit north onto AZ-64 and drive about 1 mile to the campground entrance. Learn more about Kaibab Lake Campground.
When the weather cools down a bit, this is a great location for desert camping. The park has 134 sites plus flush toilets, showers, and grills to help make your stay a little more comfortable. To get here from Phoenix, take the US-60 eastbound then exit at Idaho Road. Drive north then turn right onto Apache Trail. Learn more about Lost Dutchman State Park camping.
Just fifteen minutes from Prescott, this area is a beautiful escape from urban life. This place is popular though, so you will want to reserve your spot at $18 per night. There are toilets and drinking water available on-site, plus plenty of spots to cook up a fish or two for dinner. From Prescott, head east on US-69 then turn south onto Walker Road. The campground will be on your left. Learn more about Lynx Lake Campground.
If you’re looking for a good beginner experience to camping, this may be a good place to start. Not only are you staying on-site at the Grand Canyon but there are plenty of amenities, including flush toilets, showers, grills, and a general store. Reservations are required here and start at $18 per night. The drive is about four hours from Flagstaff; drive north on US-89 to US-89A, then exit left onto AZ-67. From here, you’ll drive south approximately 42 miles and the campgrounds will be to the right.
Address: Forest Service Rd 82E, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Address: 260 Highway, Forest Lakes Estates, AZ 85931, USA
Address: Show Low, AZ 85901, USA
Address: Clifton, AZ 85533, USA
Address: Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Address: 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
Address: Lynx Lake, Arizona 86303, USA
Address: North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Camping Spots In Arizona
October 09, 2020
Leah
What is the most beautiful campground in Arizona?
When comparing the best campgrounds in Arizona, one big factor is the scenery. Going out into nature for the night can be fun on its own, but it’s taken to the next level when you do it among some of the prettiest scenery. One of the most beautiful campgrounds in the Grand Canyon State is barely a campground at all, actually, but a place where people camp and are blown away by their experience. It’s called End of the World, a secluded camping spot in the Coconino National Forest. You’ll overlook some spectacular sights and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Though there are not established campgrounds, camping is allowed.
What are the most unique places to spend the night in Arizona?
Camping in Arizona is not the only way to spend a memorable night away from home. There are many unique places to stay in the state. You can get an unforgettable view and stay in the town of Bisbee, Arizona when you stay at Eldorado Suites Hotel. Other than the luxurious accommodations, the view from your room is gorgeous. If you’re visiting Lake Powell, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Lake Powell Resort. It has everything you need for a relaxing getaway and then some, plus great lake views.
Can I camp right on the water in Arizona?
If you’re trying to decide where to camp in Arizona, you might not think of camping on the water since the state is primarily desert. You might be surprised to know that there are quite a few spots where you can camp right on the beach or lakeside. Cattail Cove offers camping with sandy beaches just feet away. Patagonia Lake State Park, located in southeastern Arizona, has campsites right along the shore of the lake. The views are gorgeous and you are steps away from taking a swim. If you enjoy riverside views, try River Island State Park. Scenically located the Colorado River, it’s picturesque and peaceful, resulting in a great experience.
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at [email protected]
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