The best camping in Arizona with horseback riding

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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.

96% (4.3K) • 6,218 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Arizona

A Spark in the Dark Campground

1. A Spark in the Dark Campground

99%
(708)
Ash Fork, AZ · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The most important thing for me is that my guests leave this place with memories that will turn into nostalgia. 40 huge, PRIVATE acres in the country of northern Arizona, The Spark can host the single camper looking for a quiet and private retreat, or the sleepy traveler who simply needs a place to park and snooze in their vehicle - all the way up to your large group and event! I am only here to make sure you have a safe and private place to camp the way YOU want! Dazzling night sky with near zero light pollution! Fabulous sunset views! Warm, gorgeous sunrises! Potential for wildlife! Cool rocks! Cool plants! Cool bugs! Family friendly. Pet friendly. MJ and such friendly. Come spend the night outside!!!
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Hawks Hideaway Camping, LLC

2. Hawks Hideaway Camping, LLC

96%
(865)
Clarkdale, AZ · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Hawks Hideaway offers 8 campsites suitable for tents of all sizes, many of which can accommodate two or more tents (additional fees may apply). We also have a large, unfurnished teepee, and are working on a cozy, furnished country cottage. (ETA Sept 25). Large trailers and RVs are NOT allowed. Nearby activities include: bird watching, hiking, river rafting or tubing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, stargazing, and rockhounding. This area conforms to the Arizona Dark Sky initiative, and while we are not dark-sky certified, we've had several guests compliment us on our beautiful skys. When it comes to rockhounding, or amateur geology, this is a fantastic area for exploration and study. We gladly welcome pets, as long as you take care of all their needs, including cleaning up any mess and filling in any holes. Well mannered, friendly dogs may be unleashed from time to time. Please, PLEASE watch your small pets carefully. If you're traveling with cats, please keep them on a lead. There is a riding academy and boarding facility adjacent to our property, and a long pleasant trail allows horseback riders, hikers and cyclists to travel along the Verde Greenway into Old Town Cottonwood, a pleasant 30 minute walk through lush riparian area. Hawks Hideaway is a family owned property, occupied by a 3rd and 4th generation, mother-son team. Two generations have lived and died here before us and we are proud to be the custodians of this majestic property, full of old growth, gigantic cottonwood trees. A birdwatcher, or naturalists dream. Hawks Hideaway is a natural and secluded spot located directly adjacent to the state-maintained Verde River Greenway. This means you may encounter wildlife and pests associated with being in such close connection to nature. Hawks Hideaway is next to many miles of wilderness. You may see or encounter wildlife of all kinds, most are harmless, some are dangerous. It is your responsibility to know the difference. Be prepared to tuck your food away and bring ample protection from the insects. You are responsible for your own safety and are camping here at you own risk. Please do not interact with any wild animals. If you encounter something and need help, please reach out to us. We live on the property and are readily available.
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Rural Ranch & Petting Farm

3. Rural Ranch & Petting Farm

96%
(172)
Cornville, AZ · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Harmony Acres is a small, relaxed family farm in the high desert near the red rocks of Sedona, AZ. We love to host nature and animal loving people that want a taste of country life. Our guests often become our good friends. We have the friendliest farm animals that you can meet and greet, and you can help around the farm if you want to participate or learn. Our sunsets and night star-gazing are just spectacular and we're enough off the beaten path that there's no crowds or traffic to deal with, but you are close to dining and area attractions. This is a quiet, rural neighborhood and a peaceful farm that borders the National Forest for easy hiking and few neighbors. The farm animals do cluck, crow, whinny, neigh, baa, bleat, squeal, and oink at various times, including early morning. There is one mile of a somewhat bumpy gravel road with hills to reach our neighborhood, so please make sure you are ready for that and have adequate towing power. The nearest services and dining are 5 minutes away. We are about 25-30 minutes to Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, and the popular red rock hiking sites. There are many wineries and dining right down the road to enjoy. 1 hour to Flagstaff, 2 hours to Phoenix. Come enjoy a taste of rural Arizona!
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Full hookups
Coronado National Forest

4. Coronado National Forest

79%
(48)
National forest in Arizona · 479 sites
If you think southern Arizona is nothing but parched desert, think again.
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Electrical hookup
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Coconino National Forest

5. Coconino National Forest

96%
(73)
National forest in Arizona · 396 sites
Discover a wide range of landscapes in this national forest.
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Electrical hookup
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Beall's B&B

6. Beall's B&B

92%
(117)
Winslow, AZ · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: From the world-famous Standing on the corner to my place is 8.3 miles/22 minutes. Mchood City Park which is the landing area for Clear Creek is 3.8 miles. Beall’s B&B camp | Earth-Based Holistic Wellness & Sacred Rest Beall’s B&B camp is an off-grid, earth-based wellness campground rooted in respect for the land and the ancient ways of living in balance with nature. This space was created as a place of rest, remembrance, and reconnection, guided by indigenous-inspired values of stewardship, simplicity, and sacred relationship with the Earth. Our land is cared for with intention and gratitude. We honor natural rhythms, quiet living, and mindful presence. Guests are invited to slow down, unplug, and experience the grounding energy of the land — whether through stillness, ceremony, or simply listening to the wind and wildlife. We offer handcrafted, natural earth medicines made in small batches using plant wisdom, traditional techniques, and deep respect for the healing properties of nature. These offerings are available on-site for those who feel called to support their personal wellness journey. This is a CBD-friendly space with a discreet, respectful approach to THC-aware wellness, aligned with rustic, ceremonial, and nature-honoring values. We ask all guests to remain mindful, low-impact, and respectful of the shared sacred environment. Beall’s B&B camp welcomes those seeking sacred rest, soulful quiet, and a deeper connection to the land. This is not a party campground — it is a place to walk gently, rest deeply, and leave the land as you found it. May the land receive you kindly. May your rest be deep and your spirit steady. May you leave lighter than you arrived.
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Glamper Cabin in the Aspens & Pines

7. Glamper Cabin in the Aspens & Pines

99%
(72)
Flagstaff, AZ · 1 site
Learn more about this land: Darling and super cozy off-the-grid glamping cabin at 8200 feet elevation, perfect for creating special memories for you and your besties! Unbelievable views of the San Francisco Peaks, gorgeous glistening aspen groves, graceful pine trees, wildlife sightings, and good old fashioned eco-therapy will soothe your soul and ease away your tension. Close to the Grand Canyon! Just 1/2 mile off the Arizona Trail! Hike 6 miles to Snowbowl. This darling camper cabin has one bedroom with a queen sized bed (2 guests), and two pull out couches for up to four additional guests. The well stocked kitchen has all the cookware and utensils you'll need for cooking, a propane range, as well as a cooler for your use (bring ice). A gas barbecue is on site as well. The wood stove kicks out a ton of heat to keep you toasty while you sip on steamy hot chocolate that is provided for your enjoyment. Gather around the propane operated firepit in the backyard for some R&R. Bring a hammock 'cuz there are unlimited opportunities for stringing one up! Tons of activities will keep you occupied, including hiking and biking on the nearby Arizona Trail (just 1/2 mile away), or even sledding on your very own private 2 acre piece of paradise! What's even better is the property backs onto the National Forest, for unlimited enjoyment of nature. In the evening crack open a book, or start playing a game with your besties to close out a long day. The property is completely off the grid, making it very appealing to those travelers and adventurers who want to create a minimal carbon footprint on their vacation. The kitchen sink has a hand pump that draws water from under the sink from a 10 gallon water jug. You can refill the jug as needed from a hand pump located in the back yard. There is solar powered lighting and a USB phone charger station. There is no electrical power available. Cell service is available in the area depending on your carrier. The outdoor composting toilet is super clean with little or no odor. The cabin is located at 8200' in the San Francisco Peaks in the pines and aspens. Snowshoe or cross country ski, go sledding or snowmobiling, or just good old fashioned relaxation will make the time fly by. If that's not enough check this out:(a) it's just 5 miles to the Arizona Nordic Center for incredible cross country ski trails(b) it's just 18 miles to Snowbowl for chairlift rides or world class skiing(c) it's just 20 miles to the hip town of Flagstaff for fantastic restaurants, golfing, shopping, coffee shops and museums(d) it's just 60 miles to historic Williams with the Bearizona wildlife park and the popular Grand Canyon Railway(e) it's just 55 miles to the world famous Grand Canyon. (f) It's just 50 miles to gorgeous Sedona, making it a perfect day trip! (g) and last but not least, it's right next to the Kendrick Snowmobile Trails, which offers 54 miles of unbeatable snowmobile adventures! The property is located approximately 2.1 miles off the main highway down a forest service road. The road is in excellent shape during the summer months. During winter you MUST have a 4WD vehicle to access the property, particularly if there has been a significant snowfall recently. During a snowy period, access may require either cross country skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling to the property from the main highway (approx 2.1 miles). If you get stuck on the road it will be your own responsibility. Please check with the owner a couple days prior to your visit to check on road conditions during the winter! Pets must be well behaved and cleaned up after, including excessive animal hair. Leash laws apply to Coconino National Forest. Please do not book the Glamper Cabin if you plan to bring a pet which is known to be aggressive or unpredictable in nature, including breeds or mixed breeds such as pitbulls, rottweilers, bullmastiff and American Bulldog. We are not responsible for any interactions your pets may have with wildlife or other pets in the area.
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Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

8. Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

98%
(174)
Cave Creek, AZ · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Quiet slice of heaven under the stars on our homestead. We continue to have reduced our camping experience for our winter 2025 season to keep our site secluded and private. Please check back for open dates and sites Our space offers a tranquil setting with several camping options. Site # 1: Glamping Tent is Closed for 2025 season. We are offering tent campers at this site on a limited availability. Site #2: Saguaro Camp site. Bring your 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 RV, Pop Ups or Living Quarters with horses/mules Site # 5 Boarding for Horses or Mules We offer 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. Thank you for looking!
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Grand Sky Acres

9. Grand Sky Acres

95%
(47)
Williams, AZ · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This spacious land is over 4 acres of high desert with breathtaking 360 degree views. Only 48 minutes from Flagstaff, 30 minutes from the historic Grand Canyon, and only 36 minutes from Williams, this property is in the middle of it all. There is so much potential for amazing adventures. You could go fishing in Williams or have a snowball fight in Flagstaff. If you have never seen the Grand Canyon you are in for an ultimate life changing experience. The dark night skies in this area may just keep you at camp. You can see every star out here and enjoy the escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With wide open spaces you have so much room to play. The road to the property is about 0.8 miles and is considered dirt rugged. It will require you to so down under 5 miles an hour in a few places. You have the entire road to travel on and maneuver around the big bumps. I drive my car to the property ever time and don't have an issue if I slow down and go around large holes. If there is a recent storm in the area the road could be difficult to navigate.
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Prescott National Forest

10. Prescott National Forest

93%
(35)
National forest in Arizona · 306 sites
So much wilderness and so little time in this jewel of Arizona.
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Electrical hookup
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Kaibab National Forest

11. Kaibab National Forest

95%
(32)
National forest in Arizona · 291 sites
It’s time to get wild in the wild west! Head into the red rocks, pines, deserts, and canyons and sink your soul into some vast and untrammelled land that is beyond amazing. Kaibab National Forest has got what you need for a Northern Arizona getaway no matter what you are looking for. With three distinct areas: Williams, Tusayan, and North Kaibab, this diverse place will leave you with a perma-smile and a wild streak you didn’t know you had. Also, wait for it...this forest borders both the north and south side of Grand Canyon National Park! For all the epicness that the Grand Canyon offers (some of the trails actually follow the rim of the canyon!) without the tourists and crowds, come here and feel like you hit the jackpot. There’s really no other way to say it. You just gotta see it for yourself!
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Lost Dutchman State Park

12. Lost Dutchman State Park

100%
(13)
State park in Arizona · 134 sites
Trek through a desert landscape in this stunning hikers' paradise.
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Electrical hookup
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Chiricahua National Monument

13. Chiricahua National Monument

100%
(12)
National park in Arizona · 26 sites
An offbeat wonderland of hoodoos and balanced rocks in a seldom-visited corner of Arizona.
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Iron Quail Ranch

14. Iron Quail Ranch

99%
(91)
Picture Rocks, AZ · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience the Sonoran Desert from a quiet, private working goat ranch surrounded by wide-open desert and beautiful mountain views. Iron Quail Ranch offers just two campsites, giving guests plenty of space, privacy, dark skies, and a true desert camping experience while remaining within easy reach of Saguaro National Park West and Tucson-area attractions. Guests enjoy access to our clean ranch-style bathhouse with hot shower and flushing toilet, along with our newly renovated outdoor kitchen featuring a paver patio, shaded cooking and prep area, dishwashing station, barbecue grill, and smoker. Spend your days exploring Southern Arizona or simply slow down and enjoy the ranch, goats, wildlife, sunsets, and stars. Extended stays are welcome! Stay 7 nights or longer and automatically receive 15% off your campsite stay. Unpack once, slow down, and enjoy the desert for a while.
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Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch

15. Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch

100%
(318)
Huachuca City, AZ · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch! Check in after 10 am, check out by 10 am. My 8 acre private horse property is located in the Sky Islands area of South Eastern Arizona. This is my own little private horse ranch, pretty and clean, I live here and I am here working on premises every day. I do my best to make my guests comfortable and make sure they enjoy their stay. I prefer adult guests, however if your child is well behaved then I will make an exception. I have a clean indoor restroom and a nice breakfast area on a well maintained property? You are safe here and so is your stuff. Good well behaved dogs allowed on leash welcome, no Pit Bulls please. No loud music please. I offer 2 full hook-up spaces, one space is covered. Power is 50 AMPS! An RV must be under 12' to fit under the covered space. I offer 4 dry camping options. You can book the Tent Cabana-The Shady Rest- listing or you can dry camp by booking through my Tent and Vehicle Camping listing. There are no exact designated spaces for tent/vehicle camping. You can choose where you prefer to camp. An extra vehicle is OK as long as it's part of your one campsite. 2 groups with 2 camp vehicles is 2 campsites. I also have the Pool House, an indoor option with a power outlet, and it's close to the pool and restroom area. You can set up your bed or rent a full size bed which I will set up for you. This is my private property, you and your gear are safe and secure. You can leave your campsite and go exploring, no one will bother your stuff. I have WiFi and great cell service here. Please arrive by 10pm unless arrangements are made in advance. I meet with you and show you around. I will greet you personally and show you around. I close my gates at dark or once guests have arrived. Once you are here you may come and go as you please, I just ask that you shut the gates if you come in after dark. The gates will not be locked. I am located just over an hour away from Tucson and 25 minutes off the 10. Dry campers- Off the pool area there is a clean restroom in my back garage and a sink with hot water. There is a breakfast room with clean refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker and coffee w/sugar and creamers available for your use. There is a fire pit at the outside green cabana, and free mesquite firewood. Lots of local birds visit daily. You are welcome to visit and pet my horses and donkeys! All of my guests are my close friends coming for a visit!
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Marguerita Ranch

16. Marguerita Ranch

98%
(75)
Cave Creek, AZ · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Pitch your tent or park your camper among towering Saguaros with stunning mountain views in every direction. Bring your camera or your horses! This is the perfect spot for relaxing, stargazing, and soaking in those famous Arizona sunsets. You’ll have a spacious, private campsite all to yourself—I only allow one booking at a time to ensure a peaceful and personal experience. Please note: This is a working horse ranch, which means you'll see fencing, trailers, and occasional activity from people helping keep the ranch running. While your campsite is private, our property is just over two acres—so you'll also see neighboring homes. If you're looking for complete solitude with no sights, sounds, or smells of ranch life, I recommend dispersed camping elsewhere. My 2.2-acre private horse ranch is home to: • 8 rescue horses • 2 donkeys • 8 mini pigs and a few chickens! …all ready to meet and greet! Trail access? Absolutely. Hiking and horseback riding trails lead directly from the property into Spur Cross Conservation Area—or take a short 10-minute drive to a main trailhead. Black Mountain Hiking Trail is also nearby and offers panoramic views of the valley. You can even ride your horse into town and tie up at the local cowboy bars! ⸻ A few things to note: • The landscape varies with the season—there won’t be green grass in the summer • Please keep pets away from cactus—they bite! • We’re located in a desert neighborhood, so please respect the nearby homes. My house and neighbors house will be in view from your campsite. • A horse corral (50 ft round pen) is available to rent—message me if interested! ⸻ Looking for more adventure? Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake, Tonto National Forest, Seven Springs, and other scenic destinations are a short drive away. Need supplies? Walmart, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, and more are just 10 minutes down the road. Want to explore a truly unique cowboy town? Cave Creek is full of Old West charm, with saloons, quirky shops, live music, and horses sharing the road with motorcycles. Follow and tag us on Instagram: @margueritaranch
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Double H Hacienda

17. Double H Hacienda

99%
(51)
Tucson, AZ · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Unique new RV sites! Settle in at the Double H Hacienda, a gated ‘oasis in the desert’. We offer 5 star accommodations; breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Catalina mountains and sunset over the Tucson Mountains…Located in the heart of Northwest Tucson (Shannon/Overton) just north of the Omni National Golf Course. Property includes plenty of shade with Picnic areas and firepits! Watch the horses play or take advantage of our Equine Experience. Play area includes slide, swings, kid’s zipline and trampoline. Beautiful pool and hot tub included! Fenced dog area (aka " the Penalty Box") Electricity, water and dump station provided. Minimum of 3 nights, maximum 30 nights. Site 1: RV/Camping Trailer/5th wheels up to 32 ft. Site 2: RV/Camping Trailer/5th wheel pull through for larger rigs.
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Full hookups
Ethel's Hideout

18. Ethel's Hideout

96%
(160)
Fredonia, AZ · 11 sites · Tents, RVs
Our story begins with a little old lady, our grandma, who believed with all her heart that we were worth it. She passed a few years ago, and what better way to honor her belief in us than to create Ethel's Hideout. We came from a small ranching family, which has brought us closer than we ever imagined. Hard work and dedication were imprinted on us from a young age. On this land we have built an RV pull-through, camp sites, and horse stalls. One day we hope to have some small cabins to share with you all. Ethel's is your home away from home. We border agriculture and sate and public lands which provides an authentic western experience. Though tucked away to give the illusion of seclusion, we are located only 7 miles from downtown Kanab Utah. Kanab features many fun and exciting events throughout the year. Located right in the heart of several national parks, Zions, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell and many more fun things to tour. Hook ups include power and water. Our most unique feature is horse stalls on site. Bring your horses with you and reserve stalls for them as well. Our convenient location offers direct access to ride on public lands. Traveling with horses? We have just the spot with (8) 12′ x 14′ covered stall. Contact us to book stalls for your horses to stay over night with you.
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Show Low AZ GreatSky CampRanch

19. Show Low AZ GreatSky CampRanch

87%
(186)
Show Low, AZ · 22 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy the Junipers and see the stars fall over the Cedars! At 6000ft elevation the air is much cleaner and the weather is much cooler, especially in the summer time! We have plenty of space. A well house to fill up your water. There are also outdoor bathrooms, no shower yet, but working on that! We're just a short seven minute drive to the dump station at a local gas station down the road on the Deuce of Clubs and Penrod. We are 14 minutes from a large hospital, 10 minutes from major grocery stores, shopping and restaurants, and many other fun activities. Our location is in a perfect spot to enjoy the blue sky and great weather. Sunrise Ski area is a quick drive too! Pinetop Lakeside are within 10 minutes, Taylor and Snowflake are within 15 to 25 minutes. We hope you visit and continue to keep our environment clean and a chill spot to visit. We are home to a family-friendly honky-tonk, and microbrewery, now open. Please check our Instagram or Facebook @the4sbarn and @greatskycampranch_showlowaz for updates. Seasonal business may change our days/hours of operation. Spring/Summer: Wed-Sat 2-9pm Fall/Winter Thu-Sat-3:30-8:30pm Cheers! Please do not bring outside firewood. Please do not take the firewood on our property. There is a level 2 fire-ban in our county. No smoking outside of your vehicle. No campfires. No charcoal grills. Gas grills and gas firepits are approved. Thank you for your support!
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Full hookups
Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!

20. Front Row Seat! Petrified Forest!

78%
(74)
Sun Valley, AZ · 2 sites
Learn more about this land:This raw land property, right at the edge of the Petrified Forest National Park, gives you amazing views of and walking access into the park (with an already purchased entrance pass) to the ancient Puerco Pueblo and the stunning views of Newspaper Rock. Cell reception in the area is decent. I had access to TMobile data from the property the last time I was there though not all areas of the park have the same luxury. City folk (like it seems I have sadly become these days) often forget what a beautiful starry night sky can look like. One clear night here and you'll see a sky full of stars, the milky way, planets and maybe a shooting star. As a International Dark Sky Park, the parks nightscape falls on the Bortel scale of 3 (1 being darkest and 9 being brightest). For more info go to www.nps.gov/pefo/learn/nature/darkskies Outside of the Petrified Forest National Park in Holbrook, we recommend visiting Jim Gray's Petrified Wood Co. and the Navajo County Historical Society Museum. Nearest gas can be found at the Painted Desert Visitor Center or west down I-40 toward Holbrook at the Hopi Travel Plaza. In Holbrook, groceries can be found at Safeway and local restaurants include Camaleon Cafe, Butterfield Stage Co. Steak House and Mandarin Beauty and host of other Mexican and American restaurants. Trucks do come down Adamana Rd to the storage facility during the week though you probably won't hear or see them much. The train can be a bit loud and obnoxious for some (or a something exciting for the kids) depending on how frequently it passes through so ear plugs at night may be advised. I'm usually pretty accessible and close to my phone so feel free to message me with any questions you may have, before during or after your trip! ***Please read all rules and descriptions in the listing thoroughly before booking to make sure this listing is a good fit!*** We look forward to having you!
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Arizona camping guide

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field