Desert camping in Arizona with hiking

Enjoy year-round camping from the Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Park to Lake Powell and Havasu Falls in this Southwest state.

90% (4924 reviews)

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Under $50

12 top desert campgrounds in Arizona with hiking

100%
(16)

Camp Saguaro

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Tucson, Pima
Camp Saguaro is nestled in a unique and rural area on the west side of Tucson, Arizona. With the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center, Tucson Mountain Park, and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum all within four miles, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors. Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park boast hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and non-motorized mountain bikes are permitted on the trails in Tucson Mountain Park. Let us be your base camp for desert exploration whether it's hiking, riding, birdwatching, and learning. Come to Camp Saguaro and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. What to expect: We are in a rural neighborhood where most parcels are 1-3 acres, we have seven acres. It's quiet around here but along with the natural sounds of the desert like yipping coyotes, and woodpeckers pecking, you may hear a horse, dog, or chicken. While we are on the outskirts of Tucson, we are not completely remote. Camp Saguaro is tobacco-free. Local attractions: Saguaro National Park- 2.3 miles or 2.6 miles to an entrance, 3.7 miles to the visitor center Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum-3.9 miles Tucson Mountain Park-2.5 miles Old Tucson Studios (over 400 movies have been filmed here)-7.1 miles International Wildlife Museum-11 miles King's Canyon Trailhead-3.8 miles Necessities: Gasoline-Speedway 5.7 miles Propane-Wagon Wheel 5.8 miles, West Ajo Feeds 12 miles Hardware-Picture Rocks Hardware 5.6 miles Groceries-Fry's Cortaro Road 14 miles
from 
$25
 / night
99%
(187)

Sun & Moon Retreat

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Dewey, Yavapai
It seems like nearly everyone who comes here says this is a peaceful place!  It's like being out in the country whilst still being close enough to so many things, halfway between Sedona and Prescott, in a neighborhood with dirt roads and farm animals in which horses have the right away. The mountains are hypnotic. The air is clean. The stars are breathtaking. You can see the Milky Way on a clear night. The sunsets and sunrises are gorgeous and we see a lot of double rainbows here. The dome is fully furnished for 3 adults or if you have two small children, we can count 2 kids as 1 adult (just let me know). Inside there's a queen bed, futon, clean linens, table w/chairs, portable a/c, electric & propane heaters, lamps, kitchenette, one USB and one two prong outlet for small devices (light electrical usage only), and WIFI is available. Plus a yoga mat and books. Outside there's a picnic table, propane grill, propane firepit with comfortable seating surrounding. The outhouse building is equipped with a camping toilet, handwashing sink, and a camping shower (now heated!). There's also a separate dishwashing station. One towel per guest, grill utensils, cups, and plate ware provided. Bring disposables if you do not want to wash your own dishes. Most of the time guests are able to park next to the dome but sometimes, weather depending, it will be necessary to park and walk in about a hundred feet away from the dome. Also on the property you'll find a walking path carved out through the trees behind the dome with a medicine wheel and labyrinth. The property is located in a rural neighborhood so there are other houses around, but at a far distance, with still plenty of privacy.  There are lots of animals like cardinals, hawks, owls, blue jays, roadrunners, hummingbirds, jackrabbits, cottontails, coyotes, and mule deer.  Farm animals like donkeys make sounds in the distance which is pretty comical at times. There are occasional sightings of beer, wolves, and mountain lions. The location is central to so many incredible places to explore. Within an hour each direction, there is distinctly different natural terrain to discover. Our local Mortimer Farm is 7 miles away and has a bakery (breakfast/sandwiches/treats), seasonal activities including pick your own food, farm dancing, and monthly farm to table dinners. We also have a local winery, golf course, café, pizzeria, subway and BBQ restaurant.  Here are some of the sight seeing possibilities you could use this location to launch from, just to get your mind percolating: Grand Canyon (2.5 hours)Devil’s Bridge (Sedona) Cathedral rock (Sedona) Bell Rock (Sedona) Oak Creek Canyon (Sedona) Bumblebee Giant Saguaros (North Phoenix) Watson’s Lake (Prescott) Granite Dels (Prescott) Ghost Town Tour (Jerome) Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff) Wupatki National Monument (Flagstaff) Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (Flagstaff) Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff) Antelope Canyon (Page) Lake Powell (Page) Horseshoe Bend (Page) Petrified Forest National Park (2.75 hours) Meteor Crater National Landmark (2 hours) Walnut Canyon National Monument (Flagstaff) Montezuma Castle National Monument and Well (Camp Verde) Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Camp Verde) Desert Botanical Gardens (Phoenix) Wine Tasting (Page Springs) It's my intention that anyone who stays here, leaves more nourished in spirit, more firmly planted in their true selves and more deeply in alignment with nature's rhythm. Looking forward to your visit!
from 
$111
 / night
93%
(52)

Geo Dome Campsite, I-17 Access

8 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Phoenix, Maricopa
Currently looking for long term winter RV and Vanlife guests to round out our tight little community! Come visit and see what makes every one who has stayed here fall in love with this amazing little slice of heaven in the desert. My description: This is a convenient spot in the city of Phoenix, but it feels like you are camping in the country. Closest neighbors are 150 feet away. I've got 2.3 acres, 5 minutes to Walmart, movie theater, 100's of dining choices in Norterra shopping complex. You'll be behind tall fence/block wall on a full acre to spread out on. (Bring an extension cord for prime spots if applicable) There is some light highway and minimal residential noise if that matters to you. You will hear birds nesting in our cacti, see tons or dove, finches, numerous species of hummingbirds or even hear some coyotes yipping at nighttime. We are about a 4 minute drive from a nice hiking area. 3 30 amp and 2 50 amp power added September 2022. Full time campsite manager on site now. Laundry has free large capacity machines. Water pressure and quality is great. The campfire has tree shade with table and chairs. Extension cord power (when available). Water hose for water. Septic system with tap at campsite. Quiet generators are fine for summer A/C. If you need 30 or 50 amp power you'll have to park closer to the domes or have an extension. Electric hookups...contact for availability. There is an acre to choose your perfect spot, but power and water might not be exactly where you want it. Please be respectful of the property and all of our neighbors as we are surrounded by residential housing. Please drive slow inside the property and keep the gate closed when not in use as there are coyotes in the area. Please do let us know ahead of time if you are afraid of dogs or have allergies. My manager has a small pup and there are others here depending who is staying. I have perfect drinkable amazing deep-well zero particulate well water. Inside my extra geo dome I have a shower, sink, and toilet. While 40 years old and ugly, they are functional. You are welcome to camp or relax inside the 40 foot dome, BUT THERE ARE NO BEDS OR BEDDING. This Hipcamp listing is for camp and RV sites only, not a bed in a geo dome. Please message with arrival time so we can meet you at the gate.
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$30
 / night
Booked 3 times

Petrified Forest/Nick’s Place

57 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Sun Valley, Navajo
⭐️Raw land⭐️ Pack in pack out please! No utilities for now. Great for camping,glamping,long term or short term. 2.38 acres. Near historic Route 66. As well as the city of Holbrook where the movie ‘Cars’ took inspiration from. Lots to see,Petrified Forest just right down the road as well! Have a great stay! 🌵
from 
$10
 / night
100%
(233)

Verde River Vortex

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Clarkdale, Yavapai
Learn more about this land: Greetings fellow adventure lovers! Welcome to Verde River Vortex where we have Comfy Cabin Camping with access to tons of outdoor activities just out the back door. The Cabins are nestled around a patch of Bamboo and other high desert vegetation as well as a very rich cultural history with many Ruins and Other Native American Sights in the surrounding areas. The Verde River is one of Arizona's only two Wild and Scenic Rivers, yet it remains relatively undiscovered as a recreational resource is within walking distance and offers endless exploration and water fun in the Spring and Summer Months! The road to reach us is breathtaking in itself with ancient Sinaguan Ruins and strangely beautifully sculpted landscapes along the River drive. Enjoy miles of forests, rivers, lakes, swimming, hiking, mtb, all near by and all while being comfy and cozy for a nights recharge to do it all again after a hot shower or Jacuzzi or our Absolutely AWESOME wood fired Sauna with Cold water dipping pool under the stars. Each Cabin is fully equipt (hot water/appliances/kitchen/bathroom/dishes) as an Adventure base during your stay providing a comfortable, cozy and unique location for couples or small groups/families to enjoy while adventuring and creating memories in the area. We provide various suggestions on local activities for our guests to enjoy as well as helpful tips to get the most out of their stay. TWO CABINS AVAILABLE: Crystal Cabin Loft With Outdoor Jacuzzi - 1-4 ppl Great For Couples Juniper Cabin 1-4+ ppl Better for families or larger groups needing more space. More details on the spaces can be viewed in the individual cabin pictures/description. approx times to various points of interest from VRV: The Grand Canyon - 2.5hrs Cottonwood - 10-20 Sedona - 30-45 min Flagstaff - 1hr Prescott - 1hr Bryce Canyon - 6hrs Zion Nat Park - 5hrs Mexico - 6-7hrs **It should be noted that this is a Rural Area in which case you might hear Farm Animals, Dogs, Critters like Cayotes ! We are located on a Dirt Road, 4x4 is not needed unless we are having very stormy weather** Safe Adventuring to all and feel free to reach out with any questions.
from 
$132
 / night
100%
(36)

Kaibab Paiute RV Park

75 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Kaibab, Mohave
For discounted prices please give us a call at (928) 643-6601 The Kaibab Paiute RV Park and Campgound is located between Fredonia and Colorado City Arizona on the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation. We are settled right in the middle of everywhere you want to see in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, Zion National park, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon North Rim are just a few National parks that are easy day trips from our location. We offer a beautiful backdrop and wonderful amenities to your relaxing stay with us as you take a break from your daily adventures in our breathtaking land that we are so blessed to call home. For discounted prices please give us a call at (928) 643-6601
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$12.50
 / night
100%
(144)

Dark Sky Camping and Glamping

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents763 acres · Tucson, Pima
We moved to this property after a year of searching for the perfect piece of land. We wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. The more we fell in love with the peace and quiet of the desert, the fresh air, and the breathtaking view of the stars at night, the more we wanted to share our oasis with others. We love camping and wanted to be surrounded by others who love it as much as we do! We know some people prefer pitching a tent and complete solitude while others prefer a getaway with a really comfy bed and all the comforts of home! Whether you prefer to camp and would like hundreds of acres to yourselves or you would prefer to glamp in our private 80-acre tiny house village, we are here for you! Choose your adventure! Learn more about this land: Our land is surrounded by gorgeous mountain views and natural desert landscape. With plenty of surrounding vacant land and walking paths to explore, you will never get bored of the scenery.  Get away from neighbors and stretch out as you'll have acres all to yourself. As if the daytime views aren't breathtaking enough, the sunsets light up the sky in cotton candy to bright tangerine hues and magnify the beauty of the mountains. The night sky sparkles with stars and constellations as we are a dark sky community with very minimal light pollution for miles. The sounds of the desert and wildlife help you to get the deepest sleep as there is very little man made noise in our area. You can hike, dirt bike, bring your off-road vehicles, explore our property and rock hound for as many quartz as you can carry! You may even catch a glimpse of some wild horses, cows, bulls, birds, hawks, jackrabbits, and roadrunners! Nearby attractions include Keeylocko Cowtown (self proclaimed historic town just acres away with a old western vibe and bar), Kitt Peak Observatory, Saguaro National Park, Old Tucson, and Downtown Tucson. If you are new to camping, we can also help provide you with some of the necessities you may have forgotten for a small additional fee (chairs, water, tents, blankets etc). We encourage you to ditch your phone and enjoy nature while you are here. You wont want to miss these views! ** Please let us know if you do not have 4-wheel drive and will be towing a trailer, if you have large RV, or a car that doesn’t manage well on dirt roads. We have multiple campsites with different accessibility and want to help you find the perfect spot for your vehicle!
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$35
 / night
81%
(57)

Cactus Rose Ranch RV Sites

9 sites · RVs11 acres · Scottsdale, Maricopa
Cactus Rose Ranch is 11 acres in the north Scottsdale/ Rio Verde area of Arizona. This special area is surrounded by the Tonto National forest on the north & east, the McDowell Mountain park on the south, Fraisfield Preserve on the west. Several mountain trails nearby, of varied challenge. It is home to 360' awesome mountain views (sometimes purple, golden, or pink too), scenic desert vistas, and the best sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights in the world! Plenty of places nearby to hike, horseback ride, mountain bike, and explore Enjoy staying on our desert ranch located in rural North Scottsdale/ Rio Verde AZ! Several restaurants near, and 30-45 minutes into Scottsdale and all they have to offer! (NO on site BATHROOM FACILITIES...NO TENT CAMPERS unless you are self contained) The perfect retreat for those that like to see Arizona off the beaten path. Check out stellar mountain views, spectacular desert sunrises, sunsets, and star studded night skies! Wildlife and beautiful friendly birds. Listen to the quietness...and perhaps a night time coyote unique serenade. Located near some of the best hiking, biking, and horseback riding, in the state. Please note that we are down about 1/2 mile of dirt road which sometimes might be a bit challenging for XL 40 ft 5th wheels and other very low riding RVs. Most RVs have no issues. (Sometimes, the road might be too narrow for 2 vehicles... so someone will need to pull over in the plentiful wider areas... pls give the other vehicle a desert rural ranch friendly thank you "wave".) ENJOY!
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$65
 / night
98%
(122)

Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Cave Creek, Maricopa
Quiet slice of heaven under the stars on our homestead. Our space offers a tranquil setting with several camping options. Site # 1: Glamping Tent with Queen sized mattress all set to relax! Site #2: Cozy Saguaro camp site. Bring your own tent or rent one of ours. Site # 3: RV Glamping. Queen size bed with a dinette that can be used as an extra bed for the little ones. Site # 4 LQ or Tent Space for Horse Campers/Boarders Site # 5 Boarding for Horses or Mules Sites 1-3 have their own personal space with seating area, small fire-pit ring and two chairs. Communal spaces with restroom, grill, table, other seating with larger fire-pit. Feel free to visit our horses, chickens or hike our beautiful trails right from the property. Enjoy the horses, the stars at night and our neighboring coyotes sing if you are lucky. Our home is close by, the little white farmhouse on the hill. Please let us know if we can help you enjoy your time here! Check out our extras like firewood, eggs or rent a horse stall during your stay. :) Thank you for looking!
from 
$22
 / night
94%
(36)

Sunrise camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Oljato Monument Valley, San Juan
It's not only a camp ground it has background scenic view an also a walking trail an you can build a fire by ur camping site :)) Sunrise walk or sunset walk an picture view our campground has shower an trashcan an table an shade for our guests an restroom women an men's separate also we have 2 dogs an 2 horses
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$32
 / night
97%
(16)

Cardinal’s Grove

1 site · RV1 acre · Cornville, Yavapai
This property is surrounded by Mesquite trees boasting beautiful country views located in a picturesque green belt of Arizona. The graveled site includes a paver patio, table and chairs, a chiminea for fires and roasting marshmallows, and bird feeders with many active birds 🦅. It is situated on a one acre property which includes our home. Take a stroll around the country neighborhood, explore trails, grab a hamburger at the local burger place! A 10 minute drive to gorgeous wine country of Page Springs where you can enjoy a glass of wine and take in Oak Creek. Wonderful restaurants and shopping to enjoy in nearby Cottonwood and Jerome.
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$45
 / night
100%
(1)

The Invisible Home |Grand Canyon|

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Williams, Coconino
Welcome to our off-grid tiny home near the Grand Canyon, where nature takes center stage! ☀ Pets Welcome ☀This unique 100 sqft retreat boasts mirror sides, seamlessly blending into its surroundings ☀Only a 30 minute drive from the Grand Canyon entrance ☀Beautiful Stargazing It is highly recommended to come with an SUV/ car that has 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive
from 
$199
 / night

Available this weekend

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Desert camping in Arizona with hiking guide

Arizona is full of natural wonders, from the Grand Canyon to Saguaro National Park, with ample outdoor fun ranging from mountain biking to horseback riding. Much of the state is occupied by the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts, but start exploring and you'll quickly discover that Arizona is more than just jackrabbits and cacti—there are lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and miles of hiking trails. It's also a great place for sleeping under the stars, and while parts of Arizona can get a bit too hot for comfort in summer, those same places offer pleasant camping weather throughout much of the year.

Where to Go

​Northern Arizona

While northern Arizona's best-known attraction is the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, there’s plenty more to see and do, from visiting Lake Powell on the Colorado River to backcountry tent camping among the ponderosa pines in the Coconino National Forest, Prescott National Forest, and Kaibab National Forest. Sedona, just south of Flagstaff, also makes a great base for hiking among Arizona's Red Rocks or swimming in Oak Creek Canyon’s Slide Rock State Park.

Western Arizona

Dubbed Arizona's "West Coast," this part of the state offers all sorts of outdoor activities, much of which revolve around the Colorado River. The town of Yuma near the southern border is a popular spot, featuring an old Wild West prison and serving as a good base for visiting the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Attractions further north include Lake Havasu State Park, where you can swim, camp, or even check out the 19th-century London Bridge. Further north, the massive Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers year-round camping and easy access to two lakes.

Central Arizona

While it's easy to associate central Arizona with Phoenix sprawl, this region offers a lot for outdoorsy types, all within a short drive of the city. Popular spots for outdoors lovers include the Superstition Mountains in the Tonto National Forest, Lost Dutchman State Park, and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. If you're interested in archaeology, the Montezuma Castle National Monument is also worth a visit.

Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona is full of Wild West spirit, with a mix of historic ghost towns and scenic desert landscapes, plus plenty of forests, particularly in the Chiricahua Mountains. Must-visit parks include Saguaro National Park and Catalina State Park—both just outside Tucson. If it gets too hot, make like a local and head to Patagonia Lake State Park, a prime spot to swim and cool off from the Arizona heat.

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