All bias aside, Arizona is definitely one of the country's best-kept secrets when it comes to natural beauty. Those unfamiliar with our diamond-in-the-rough slice of the American West might picture it as all desert, sand, and cactus - but that couldn't be further from the truth! Canyons, craters, secret waterfalls, incredible rock formations, gorgeous sandy beach lakes, and thousands of years of ancient history are all hiding within our sunny state. But while Arizona's gorgeous national parks have garnered a reputation of their own, our state parks are just as impressive - and fortunately, we can boast nearly three dozen to choose from.
If you're looking for places to stay in Arizona that are as close to nature as possible - or even better, a cozy state park cabin rental with an incredible view - The Grand Canyon State has got you covered! Arizona has eight state parks with family cabin rentals, and we're going to walk you through each of them. Here they are:
1. Alamo Lake State Park
As far as waterfront views go, Alamo's shorefront varies from year to year based on rainfall. But that doesn't mean it's short on beauty! Iconic southwest landscapes shine here, boasting vibrant colors throughout spring and fall in particular. Alamo Lake (technically a reservoir) was formed when the Alamo Dam was built, and each of the four cabins available here are within easy walking distance of the water. The fishing here is excellent, as are the trails! The cute covered porch is the perfect place to catch one of Arizona's incredible sun displays. Restrooms and showers are a short jaunt away.
Book your Alamo Lake State Park cabin or get more info here.
2. Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Eight secluded one-room cabins are available in this special state park on the Verde River, blissfully air-conditioned and separated from the nearly 100 camping and RV sites that share the park as well. Here you'll find something marvelous as far as camping retreats go: a refreshing mid-elevation ecosystem that boasts a river greenway, mild temperatures, a riparian forest setting, mountain views, and vibrant wildlife. Add in the extensive trail system and nabbing a cabin here might just make for the perfect summer vacay! But do keep in mind that swimming is only allowed in the river - not the lagoons.
Reserve a cabin at Dead Horse Ranch State Park or get more info here.
3. Kartchner State Park
One of Arizona's most unique state parks isn't just hiding a fantastically cool limestone cave system, it's also home to some incredible views of the Dragoon Mountains. The cabin rentals here are larger than some of the others on this list, boasting two rooms and bunkbeds for the kiddos. You'll even find a Discovery Center just a few steps away. But you'll want to reserve these scenic abodes quickly! Only four are available.
Book a cabin at Kartchner State Park or get more info here.
4. Lake Havasu State Park
Sandy white beaches and sparkling lake waters make this gorgeous park an absolute dream in the heat of the day. Fortunately, the 13 cabins here have excellent views of the beauty and AC to boot! Sitting on the shores of the Colorado River, these modern, solar-powered cabins have the relaxing scenery you've been craving with a little more glam than pitching a tent. Amenities are just a short walk away, along with non-motorized docks and grassy park areas.
Book your camping cabin at Lake Havasu or get additional info here.
5. Lost Dutchman State Park
Jaw-dropping dramatic landscapes are the focal point of this stunning state park. Well over 100 campsites fill the park's 320 acres, but the sweeping views offered at each of the five cabins at the base of the Superstition Mountains are undoubtably some of the best. These gorgeous two and three room options are relatively new additions to the park, and are just steps away from trails and breathtaking beauty.
Reserve a cabin at Lost Dutchman State Park or get additional details here.
6. Lyman Lake State Park
One of Arizona's top boating destinations is also home to some delightfully unique trails, some of which are lined with ancient petroglyphs. But for easy access to these view-filled trails and refreshing activities on the water, the cabins here are hard to beat! Lyman Lake has eight rustic cabins to choose from, each with bunk beds, electricity and water hookups, and easy access to all of Lyman's amenities.
Reserve a cabin at Lyman Lake or get more details here.
7. Patagonia Lake State Park
The gorgeous waters of Patagonia Lake look especially vibrant and enticing from the porch of your own private waterfront camping cabin. A sweet pedestrian bridge, a trail to Sonoita Creek, and over 260 acres of room to play, splash, and enjoy the beauty of the southern Arizona sunshine all add up to an incredible vacation destination. The cabins here are some of the newest in the state and offer extra sleeping room and amenities, although facilities are still located up the trail a bit. With only seven cabins available, you'll want to book as soon as possible!
Book a Patagonia Lake State Park camping cabin or get more info here.
8. Roper Lake State Park
This little out-of-the-way state park is delightfully overlooked, despite its gorgeous mountain views and scenic shoreline. Eight waterfront log cabins offer plentiful views of the water and Pinaleno Mountains, and large open spaces offer extra room to enjoy the scenery when not enjoying the water. Hop on a trail in the morning to catch a fantastic sunrise!
Reserve a cabin at Roper Lake State Park or get more details here.
We're not too humble to boast that we're home to some of America's most incredible landscapes! A cabin in one of Arizona's fantastic state parks might just be the best way to experience the beauty up close an personal. Whether you stayed in a cabin or slept under the stars, what are some of your favorite memories in AZ's parks?
Looking for more beautiful places to stay in Arizona? Here are some of the most unique AirBnb's in the state: a rugged cave in Sedona, a secluded cliffside dwelling, a vintage plane , and a unique silo... although there are plenty more to choose from!
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