The 15 Best State Parks in Arizona for Outdoor Adventures

Arizona is an astronomically beautiful place with a jaw-droppingly diverse landscape. What all too many people dismiss as “desert wasteland” couldn’t actually be further from the truth. The Copper State is jam-packed with absolutely amazing landscapes ranging from ponderosa pine forests, saguaro forests, and aspen stands to towering mountains, badlands, canyons, caves, red rocks, and everything in between, alongside plains, riparian zones, and wilderness. With over 100 lakes, eight major rivers, and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, swimming, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and more, it’s no secret as to why places like our state parks are so popular. Arizona’s an amazing place, and its 33 parks offer front-row seats to the amazement. To celebrate, let’s take a look at all the best state parks in Arizona, where adventure awaits.

Most Popular State Parks in Arizona

Fun fact: Arizona is, at the time of this writing, home to 33 state parks (and three official National Parks with 22 additional National Parks-managed destinations) — all of which are worthy of exploration. Some, however, are more popular than others, and for good reason: these parks go above and beyond in terms of beauty, wonder, and overall awesomeness, making them an excellent introduction to our parks as a whole. Check out the three most popular state parks in Arizona for a bucket list adventure.

1. Lake Havasu State Park

Location: Mohave County, Arizona

Closest town: Lake Havasu City

Wow Factor: Perhaps this is obvious, but Lake Havasu is at the center of this state park. This gorgeous, clean, and sparkling lake is Arizona’s favorite, thanks to its beauty and recreational opportunities, including boating, swimming, and camping.

Need To Know: Entry to Lake Havasu State Park is $25 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, and $20 per vehicle Monday through Thursday. Pedestrian and cyclist admission is just $5, though, so do keep that in mind! Lake Havasu City is home to the London Bridge (yes, the one from the nursery rhymes), so do check it out while you're in town for the state park. It spans across the Bridgewater Channel.

Located right along the impressive Colorado River, there are so many things to do in Lake Havasu State Park that it’s impossible to list them all, but rest assured: this Arizona state park is one of the most popular for a reason. With three boat ramps, 54 campsites, 13 beach cabins, swimming beaches galore, and all the hiking your heart could ever hope for, Lake Havasu offers an endless supply of good times and great weather. Even during Arizona’s monsoon season, Havasu has relatively good weather, to the chagrin of the locals. It’s gorgeous, though, and the London Bridge is the icing on the cake.

2. Slide Rock State Park

Location: Coconino County, Arizona

Closest town: Sedona

Need To Know: The entry fee is $20 per vehicle October through April and $30 per vehicle May through September. The entry fee includes 1 to 4 people; it's $5 per additional person. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. January 31 through November 21, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 22 through January 30; sometimes it closes in the winter due to excessive snowfall. There are NO walk-ins permitted; entry must be done by vehicle through the entry station on AZ-89A. Often, there will be an hour-long wait to get in, especially during the warm months. Be prepared and come VERY early to get in line.

Sedona is one of the state's most legendary photogenic towns, and as a result, it’s also one of its largest tourist attractions, at the top of anyone's Arizona bucket list. Oak Creek Canyon cuts from Sedona up to the Flagstaff area, and the drive between cities on the 89A is nothing short of incredible, often appearing in “Best of the USA” lists for scenic drives. Along this scenic stretch of road is Slide Rock State Park, so named for its naturally slippery rocks, which are commonly used as a natural waterslide by visitors.

Once upon a time, this beautiful area was an apple orchard, and to this day, fruit still grows throughout the canyon. Sedona is the quintessential state park for anyone and everyone interested in all things AZ. If you’re looking for the best state parks in Arizona during the summer, you’ve definitely found the one that deserves a spot at the top! Things to do at Slide Rock State Park include playing in the creek, hiking the trails, picnicking, and relaxing. You’ll love it — as long as you don’t mind a crowd, that is. Fun fact: Sedona isn’t terribly far from the Grand Canyon, so you might want to consider making a pit stop for a day or two.

3. Catalina State Park

Location: Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Pima County

Closest city: Tucson

Wow Factor: There are several mountain ranges in the state of Arizona, and they’re all gorgeous — but the Santa Catalinas are something else entirely. Catalina State Park is home to more than 5,000 saguaro cacti, breathtaking foothills, abundant wildlife, epic views, and so much more. It’s a multifaceted beauty, for sure, and well worth a spot on the old bucket list.

Need to Know: Catalina State Park is interesting because it experiences extreme temperature fluctuations between summer and winter, so be sure to check the weather before you go. Entrance fees for the park are $10-$20 per vehicle (depending on occupancy, up to four people), or $5 for folks on foot or riding bicycles.

Catalina State Park is the largest of the Arizona state parks at 5,500 acres, and ranks as the third most popular state park. There are plenty of delightful and refreshing things to do at Catalina State Park, including world-class birdwatching, equestrian trails, hiking trails, biking trails, and so much more. The park also has 120 campsites with electric and water hook-ups, and is home to fascinating geology, with awe-inspiring rock formations throughout, as well as evidence of prehistoric farms and pueblo sites. This one is great for everyone, especially nature lovers, history buffs, and geologists.

Best Arizona State Parks for Camping

Camping in Arizona is one of the state’s most popular pastimes by far. There is no such thing as a weekend without camping in the Copper State, and often campgrounds are full before you even get a chance to book a site (so make reservations well in advance!). Arizona’s state parks are amazing year-round, and many of them offer the best campgrounds in the entire southwest. That being said, there are so many that it’s tough to choose which ones to go for; here are a few of the downright best state parks in Arizona to camp.

4. Roper Lake State Park

Location: Graham County, Arizona

Closest town: Safford

Wow Factor: This state park is nestled at the base of Mt. Graham, one of Arizona’s stunning “sky islands,” thanks to its high elevation and rapid biome changes on the way up, and similar to Mt. Lemmon in Tucson. The mountains are breathtaking, the lake is spectacular, and it is highly underrated.

Need To Know: Park entry fees are $10 for a vehicle with 1 person, $20 for a vehicle with 2-4 people, and $5 for a walk-in or bike. Fees for campsites start at $25 for non-electric sites, $50 for electric sites, and $129 for a cabin at Roper Lake State Park. It gets very cold here in the winter, so prepare your visit accordingly.

Roper Lake State Park is as beautiful as the surrounding landscape. This little nook in southeast-central Arizona is a paradise for nature lovers and especially wonderful for campers. With three lakeside campgrounds — Gila, Cottonwood, and Hacienda Campgrounds — you'll have water views during your overnight tent or RV stay. Additionally, you can book one of eight cozy cabins that pepper the lakeshore at the Gila Campground.

Fishing is popular at Roper Lake State Park in the summer — it's easy to see why this could easily be on the list of best parks in Arizona in spring and summer. While many other parks are crowded, this one tends to be on the lower-key side for those seeking a more serene nature experience. Things to do at Roper Lake State Park other than camping include hiking, fishing, bird watching, and so much more. This is a getaway within a getaway, as Safford and nearby Willcox are part of Arizona wine country.

5. Cattail Cove State Park

Location: Mohave County, Arizona

Closest town: Lake Havasu City

Wow Factor: All too often overlooked in favor of the significantly more popular and well-known Lake Havasu State Park, Cattail Cove is just as beautiful as the former, with significantly less crowding and significantly more relaxing. This is the pick for lovers of Lake Havasu who would rather have a more low-key time, and it’s gorgeous — a genuine beach paradise in the Sonoran Desert (and/or the Mohave Desert — it's a transition zone between the two).

Need To Know: Entry fees are $10-$20 per vehicle, and $5 per walk-in or cyclist. Additionally, camping fees start at $50 and include one vehicle per site, plus $15 for each additional vehicle. Primitive boat-in sites are also available.

Cattail Cove State Park is just a stone’s throw away from Lake Havasu State Park, and it’s awesome for those of us who are introverts and would prefer a more peaceful experience. Indeed, Cattail Cove is an excellent place for relaxing on or in the lake, and its two beaches are just as perfectly sandy as the others at more popular Havasu destinations. With 139 amazing campsites and RV sites with water and electric hook-ups to pick from, you’re sure to find whatever’s perfect for you. If you have a boat, there are boat-in campsites as well, each with its own picnic table, BBQ grill, and access to a pit toilet. Things to do at Cattail Cove State Park include some of the best fishing in the state, boating, camping, hiking, and, of course, watching the amazing sunsets (and sunrises!).

6. Alamo Lake State Park

Location: La Paz County, Arizona

Nearest town: Wenden

Wow Factor: Alamo Lake is gorgeous, especially when the water level is normal or slightly above normal. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is still and calm, with excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. It’s a desert oasis unlike its surrounding landscape, offering a lovely escape for anyone open to adventure.

Need To Know: Park entry fees are $10-$20 per vehicle and $5 per walk-in or bike. Campsites range from $25 to $50 per night, and an additional $15 fee applies for a second vehicle at the site. Cabins start at $85 per night. Reservations are strongly recommended, and a $3.60 online reservation fee applies. The nearest source of fuel and/or propane is in Salome, which is a bit of a drive (about 45 minutes), so prepare accordingly. It’s better to have too much than not enough!

With many more things to do at Alamo State Park than might initially meet the eye, it’s easy to see why this park is a favorite among campers in the Copper State. Camping here is second to none, with awesome lake views, boating and recreation opportunities, and more. It’s home to some of the best stargazing in Arizona, with incredibly dark skies that seem to go on forever. Of all the state parks on this list, this one might be one of the most impressively rural. It’s open year-round for day use from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m, with reduced hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas. This Alamo Lake State Park is worth a trip out at least once, especially for those who enjoy beautiful Arizona camping destinations.

Best Arizona State Parks for RV Travelers

Speaking of camping, Arizona’s state parks are absolutely legendary for those who enjoy RV camping (or “glamping”, as we’re calling it now). RVers, especially snowbirds who flock to Arizona during the winter, will find that there are state parks in Arizona with amenities aplenty, and many of these state parks have RV-centric campgrounds with everything you’ll need for your hookups, electricity, water, and waste. Check out some of the best state parks in Arizona for RVing, and start planning your escape ASAP. Don’t have an RV? No worries — you can always rent one from RVshare just for the occasion.

7. Kartchner Caverns State Park

Location: Cochise County, Arizona

Nearest town: Benson

Wow Factor: If we’re being honest here, there isn’t anything about this utterly incredible state park that isn't a “wow” factor. Explore the most incredible cave in southern Arizona — if not the whole state (and if not the entire region of the country). Often called the “Best Cave in the US”, camping here is like waking up in some other world where the soul of the planet is right at your tent-step.

Need To Know: Entry fees to Kartchner Caverns State Park are just $10-$20 per vehicle and $5 per walk-in or bicycle. Camping fees range from $50 to $129, with $129 as the rate for the on-site cabins.

On top of all the incredible things to do at Kartchner Caverns State Park, you can also have one of the best Arizona RV camping experiences in the state. Truly, this one’s a delight; every campsite has electric hookups and water. Each site is single-width as well, so keep that in mind. So, what are some of those things to do at the park? First and foremost, we suggest you take a guided tour of the cave, either the Big Cave Room or the Rotunda/Throne Room, or the more extensive Cavern Tour, which requires safety gear (helmets and headlamps are provided). These tours require an extra fee, and advance reservations are suggested; however, they are experiences you won't soon forget. There’s also hiking, biking, and so much more — so get up early and stay up late! Besides, what’s cooler than getting to see stalactites and stalagmites in real life? The town of Tombstone isn’t terribly far away, either, so you might want to check it out while you’re here.

8. Patagonia Lake State Park

Location: Santa Cruz County, Arizona

Nearest town: Nogales

Wow Factor: This sparkling, 250-acre lake is a stone’s throw away from the Arizona/Mexico International Border, and it’s ever so stunning. On sunny days, the lake reflects a shining blue right back up at the sky. Campsites are, in some places, right up on the water, and the views are to die for.

Need To Know: The entry fee for Patagonia Lake State Park is $20 per vehicle (1-4 adults) Monday through Thursday and $25 per vehicle on weekends and holidays. There's a $5 entry fee for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as overnight parking. Cabin rentals are $129 per night. Campsites range from $25 to $50, with occasional higher rates for group sites and other amenities. Boat-in campsites start at $25 per night.

When people think of the word “Patagonia”, they often think of paradise, and that seems accurate about this remote park in Arizona. There are plenty of things to do at Patagonia Lake State Park, so you’ll never get bored; with 105 developed campsites available — many of which are right on the water — you'll never tire of the views, nor will you get sick of waking up to them. This area is located in the heart of Southern Arizona’s wine country, and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the town of Sonoita, one of the distinct wine regions of Arizona. Popular lakeside activities include fishing, camping, water skiing, and hiking, and if you book your campsite well enough in advance, you’ll find that you have the pick of almost all the best places. This is one of the best Arizona parks for camping, and one you won’t soon forget!

9. Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Location: Yavapai County, Arizona

Nearest town: Cottonwood

Wow Factor: Surrounded by foliage and gorgeous old cottonwood trees, Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a place as beautiful as its name is unsettling. But don’t let that fool you: this is one of the best state parks in Arizona in the fall (and all the other seasons, too, but autumn is especially breathtaking). Let the postcard-esque landscape at one of the most gorgeous Arizona state parks transport you back to the Wild West... before everything was developed, anyway.

Need To Know: This one is popular, so reserve early (which is good advice for any park on this list if you plan to go camping). Camping fees range from $25 to $50 per night for electric sites, and $70 a night for a cabin. As with many of our other state parks, this is in addition to the entry fee of $10-$20 per vehicle or $5 per walk-in or bike.

With more than 100 nicely spaced-out, large campsites perfect for RVs, this little place between Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Jerome is excellent for getting away from it all without going too far. Like all the state parks in Arizona, there is seemingly no end to the list of things to do at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Among the lengthy list of things to do are delights such as camping, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Nestled right along the Verde River within the Verde River Valley Corridor, this gorgeous paradise is like stepping into a whole other world right in our backyards (especially if you live in Jerome, Cottonwood, or even Flagstaff).

Best Arizona State Parks for Hiking

Hikers, rejoice: not only is Arizona wonderful for RVing and camping, but it's also absolutely perfect for hikers of all skill levels and ages to come out and test their prowess. Hiking has been a human thing for millions of years, be it for necessity, pleasure, or something in between, and with more than 600 trails to choose from across the Copper State, we’re pretty sure you’ll never get bored. Start with the easiest of hikes and work your way up to the most challenging – just be safe about it and have fun! Arizona’s state parks are ideal for hikers; check out a few of the best Arizona hiking parks!

10. Picacho Peak State Park

Location: Pinal County, Arizona. Closest town: Picacho

Wow Factor: Picacho Peak, a uniquely shaped mountain, is the main star of the show here, with a highly unusual appearance due to its volcanic origins. This alone is enough to make anyone say “wow," especially in the spring when the whole area is covered in wildflowers. Thanks to the flowers, this is one of the best state parks in Arizona in the spring. You can’t miss it!

Need To Know: It gets HOT in the summer, so plan accordingly. Picacho Peak State Park is close to Casa Grande, Phoenix, and Tucson, and experiences extremely high temperatures during the warmest months. As with many of our state parks, entry costs $10-$20 per vehicle or $5 for on-foot or bicycle entry. Bring water regardless of the time of year —with the dry climate, you'll need it.

The list of fun things to do at Picacho Peak State Park doesn’t begin or end with climbing the mountain at the center of it all, but it’s definitely on the list somewhere. This park offers some of the best Arizona hiking, thanks to its numerous picturesque trails with truly awesome views everywhere you turn. Once upon a time, this was the site of the only Civil War battle this far west — the Battle of Picacho Pass. Now, it’s a hiker’s haven, with the Hunter Trail being the most challenging. Pack water, wear sunscreen, and have fun — this one’s all about the views and the unique history. This is one of the coolest places to see wildflowers like Mexican poppies in America, and it’s all ours!

11. Red Rock State Park

Location: Coconino County, Arizona

Closest town: Sedona

Wow Factor: The world-famous red rocks, mesas, and cliffs of Sedona, Arizona, are one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. This state park rolls up every bit of Sedona's beauty into one neat little park (which isn’t actually all that little). For the views and hikes of a lifetime, Sedona and the Coconino National Forest are the places to be.

Need to Know: The entrance fees to Red Rock State Park are $10 per adult (ages 14 and older), $5 for youth (ages 7-13), and free for children six and younger. For those traveling on foot or by bike, there's a $5 entry fee.

Things to do at Red Rock State Park is a shorter list than you might expect, but every single item on that list is 100 percent worth doing here. Hiking, in particular, is an otherworldly experience unlike any other in the Southwest, or in the nation. The views are a photographer’s dream, the colors are like something out of a painting, and the intense natural beauty is truly captivating and something you'll always remember. From creek crossings to footbridges, scrambles, and more, hikers of every skill level are about to find their new favorite places to go hiking in Northern Arizona, and they’re all in Red Rock State Park.

12. Lost Dutchman State Park

Location: Pinal County, Arizona

Nearest town: Apache Junction

Wow Factor: The views are absolutely incredible, no matter which trail you set out on. The view from the base of the Superstition Mountains is just as awe-inspiring as the view from the top of them (though the view from the top is a bit more rewarding). It’s no wonder that this mountain formation has been the subject of lore for thousands of years: it’s something to behold in all its majesty.

Need To Know: The entry fee per vehicle is $10-$20. Walk-ins and bike-ins are $5. This is another Arizona state park that gets incredibly hot in the summer, making it one of the best state parks in Arizona in the winter, thanks to significantly cooler, safer temperatures. Pack water and wear sunscreen. Do not attempt expert-level climbs or trails unless you are an expert-level hiker.

They say there’s gold in these here hills, but many a person’s died trying to find it (seriously), so maybe you should stick to the more realistic things to do at Lost Dutchman State Park... at least for now. Some of the hikes at Lost Dutchman are ideal for beginners, while others are best left to the pros. This sheer diversity of hiking trails is awesome, and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful backdrop to accompany it all. This place is the Sonoran Desert at its best. This historic state park is a must-visit for any local history enthusiasts. Check out the visitor center at Lost Dutchman State Park to learn more while you're there.

Hidden Gem Parks in Arizona

Sometimes, we all want to tread a little off the beaten path. With as many state parks in Arizona as there are, it’s easy to see how some might slip through the cracks, and oftentimes these lesser-known parks are the place you want to be if avoiding the crowds is on your agenda. Let’s take a moment to examine some of the best little-known state parks in Arizona; you never know what you’ll discover out here, and these parks offer something that the others may not: peace and quiet.

13. Oracle State Park

Location: Pinal County, Arizona

Nearest town: Oracle

Wow Factor: This 4,000-acre refuge is easily one of southern Arizona’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Need To Know: The entry fee for vehicles is $10-$20, and on foot or by bike is $5. As another desert park, you’ll definitely want to bring water along year-round, as well as sunblock — there aren’t a lot of shady places at this one. If you find the desert beautiful, this is the park for you — and it’s so quiet!

The 4,000-acre Oracle State Park is a way-too-hidden gem for our liking, deserving so much more than the small number of visitors it receives every year. It's everything we could ever hope for in a state park: there’s a little history, a little geology, a little geography, a little wonder, and a lot of awesomeness all packed into one place. There are plenty of things to do at Oracle State Park, but perhaps one of the best things is stargazing. As a dark-sky park, this place is amazing; you’ve probably never seen so many stars in your life until now. Hiking, camping, birdwatching, exploring the old historic Kannally Ranch House, and lots of other stuff belong at the top of your Oracle State Park to-do list. Amazingly, there are more than 10 awesome hikes throughout the park, so you'd better get started! While you're here, spend some time exploring the small historic town of Oracle.

14. Lyman Lake State Park

Location: Apache County, Arizona

Nearest town: St. Johns

Wow Factor: What is it about a lake against a desert backdrop that’s so beautiful? We don’t know, but we’re here for it, and it’s at Lyman Lake. Sunsets are especially wonderful here.

Need To Know: Entry is $10-$20 per vehicle and $5 for walk-in or bike-in. Welcome to one of Arizona’s least-known lakes! On weekdays during the cooler months, you might even have it almost to yourself.

Hidden away in rural St. Johns, Arizona, is Lyman Lake — and around Lyman Lake is the Lyman Lake State Park. This Arizona state park is amazingly overlooked, especially considering it’s not super large (just about 1,200 acres of park surrounding a 1,500-acre reservoir). With so much shoreline to go around, there are loads of fun things to do at Lyman Lake State Park, like boating, swimming, fishing, and even simply lounging on the beach. Fun fact: this is one of the only lakes in the state with NO size restrictions for boats — so do with that information what you will. We’re pretty sure that cruising around in a huge boat is one of the most fun things to do here, and the lake is one of the most underrated Arizona swimming holes, featuring a designated swimming beach.

15. Dankworth Pond State Park

Location: Graham County, Arizona

Nearest town: Safford

Wow Factor: This small park is so tranquil that you’ll feel like you’re on vacation far away, somewhere other than the desert southwest. Quiet and peaceful, the little pond here is everything you didn’t know your soul needed today.

Need To Know: This park is right up the road from Roper Lake State Park, so you could make a whole trip by visiting both in one day (or one week). Entry fees are $10-$20 per vehicle and $5 per walk-in or bike-in.

Much-beloved among birders, Dankworth Pond State Park is a wonderful place for anyone who loves nature at its most beautiful. Of all the things to do at Dankworth Pond State Park, birdwatching might just be one of the most popular activities, followed closely by fishing. Among the species of fish you can catch here are rainbow trout and largemouth bass. You may develop a newfound love for the desert's beauty at this hidden gem park, which is just waiting to be discovered. Hiking is another popular activity, and we think you’ll love the front-row seat simply walking around affords you. Best of all, many Arizonans don’t even know this little recreation area exists... so there are seldom, if ever, any crowds.

Arizona is truly one of the most amazingly diverse states in the country when it comes to its landscapes. What all too many people dismiss as a “desert wasteland” is actually an incredibly beautiful, completely breathtaking little world that’s 100 percent worth traveling to experience. Arizona — and Arizona’s state parks – are the perfect place for any nature lover to be. It’s a veritable playground of natural wonders, natural beauty, epic hikes, incredible views, and so much more. Come on out and see them all for yourself! You could put together a wonderful road trip to visit them all; it could be fun. Think about it!

While you can pay an individual fee at each park, consider purchasing an Arizona State Parks Annual Day Use Pass instead. This pass allows entry for up to four people to each of the 33 state parks, and the fees go back into operating the parks.

For more outdoor adventures across the state, discover the best hikes in Arizona, many of which are located in our state and national parks.