Discover the best mountainous campgrounds in Arizona

United States
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Arizona

91% (4550 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Arizona

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top mountainous campgrounds in Arizona

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GoldBar Ranch Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Wilhoit, AZ

Our campground has been operating for years, This is a NEW listing with the same management! CAMPFIRES ARE ALLOWED IN FIRE PITS PENDING ITS NOT TOO WINDY FISHING IS CATCH AND RELEASE! BARBLESS HOOKS We do shut fires down if the county restricts them on a county wide basis but currently it’s allowed! Retreat at The Goldbar Ranch is nestled in the heart of the Wild West, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and connection. This beautiful campground offers endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Take a dip in the refreshing water, cast for huge fish in the stocked pond (catch and release, Barbless hooks please!), or enjoy a peaceful evening roasting marshmallows by the campfire with friends and family. If you're feeling more adventurous, take your stand-up paddleboard out for a spin, hike to nearby ruins, or try your hand at panning for gold. For those looking for an extra thrill, you can sign up for horseback rides (coming soon), as well as adventure trails for guests with jeeps and side-by-sides. The stunning natural surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for all your outdoor activities, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. The entire lake is also available for private parties including; business mixers, retreats, and weddings. The onsite partner vendors offer tables, chairs, and catering to make your event planning as stress-free as possible. Visit to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature and sunshine. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there is something for you at Retreat at The Goldbar Ranch. Book your stay today and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Grand Canyon Farms

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Valle, AZ

The property is made up of Piñon and Juniper Trees along with sage brush. There is incredible views from camping area . The Natives say this was an ancient hunting grounds and I can see why There is tons of wildlife around. It’s very quiet and peaceful out except when the coyotes are howling at night lol. The forest entrance is just down the rd and on the nw side of me is all public land although the only thing you will see on it is a few cows and wildlife. The sunsets are amazing. Follow us on IG @grandcanyonfarms Learn more about this land: We are approx 22 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.. We have great Views of the San Francisco PeakS and Red Butte. This is located right in the middle of unit 9 if you’re a hunter. Our closest neighbor is about Mile away. We have a 1 mile hiking trail. There is plenty of wildlife around Deer Elk and many more . You can access the forest just down the rd from us. This is a true off grid experience we have lived out here for 7 years now and just love it. We can provide you with firewood for your camp spots when u arrive you will have enough wood for the night if you stay longer let us know and we can get you some more. There is a lot of Native American History in the area and have found many arrowheads. There is very little traffic once you go past first two miles so it’s nice and quiet out here. We look forward to meeting you and thank you for considering. There is a few rough spots so just take it slow.

A Spark in the Dark Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Ash Fork, AZ

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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Sacred Springs

5 sites · Lodging, Tents8 acres · Lake Montezuma, AZ

SimpleLife Campsites @ Dreamcatcher

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Fredonia, AZ

Set up for minimalist-types.... certainly not primitive but not fancy either... spacious sites (with cool shade cloths and picnic tables) respectful of your personal experience with an eye for contemporary design. Fast Wifi. Clean modern bathrooms. Hang out with like-minded adventurers who prefer Tents, Vans, Class B's and small trailers (like teardrops, pods and popups) - we do not permit ATV's or trailers over 26' SimpleLife gives dogs room to roam (and you as well) on our 15 private acres attached to hundreds more of beautiful public land. SimpleLife is only 2 miles from Kanab's conveniences -- in a country setting providing easy access to Grand Canyon, Escalante, Bryce, Zion and thousands of one of a kind square miles of desert adventures.

GLAMP CAMP STAY at INFINITY RANCH

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Tucson, AZ

🌵 Escape to a 300 acre Private Nature Preserve: Exclusive Private Camping in Tucson, Arizona 🌄 Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Sonoran Desert with our exclusive Private Nature Camping Sites at Infinity Ranch. Rediscovered after 34 years this gated wonderland stood untouched for 3 decades now open for you to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Sierrta Mountain Chain, where rugged landscapes meet starlit skies, and the serenity of nature becomes your personal sanctuary. 🏕️ Secluded Oasis Hidden Yet Close To City Life Discover the magic of our carefully curated private camping sites, nestled behind 7000 acres of Arizona State Trust Land in the outskirts of Tucson . Yet, just 30 to 50 minutes from major tourist venues like: Old Tucson Studios, Pima Air and Space Museum, Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Casino Del Sol, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and many others. This hidden gem offers an intimate escape for those seeking solace in nature's embrace without trekking to far from access to modern amenities. Settle into your campsite surrounded by the enchanting saguaros and mesquite trees that paint the landscape. 🌅 Sunrise Serenity, Sunset Spectacle Awaken to the gentle hues of the sunrise as the desert comes alive with a symphony of colors. Your private camping experience allows you to savor the tranquility of the morning, sipping a steaming cup of coffee or tea while the desert flora welcomes a new day. As the sun begins its descent, witness the breathtaking transformation of the horizon and create in harmony your own personal exclusive sunset ceremony, painting the sky in hues of pink, orange, and gold. Get your camera ready for that Insta Pic. Oh and no worries High Speed Data Cellular Service is available from your preferred carrier.... YEP IN THE MIDDLE OF A SECLUDED PRIVATE NATURE PRESERVE YOUR PHONE WORKS! 🔥 Campfire Tales and Stargazing Delight As the evening unfolds, gather around a your crackling campfire to share stories under the vast desert sky, lose yourself in a mesmerizing stargazing experience. With minimal light pollution, Infinity Ranch's night sky becomes a canvas of celestial wonders, inviting you to marvel at the cosmos like never before. Rated between a Class 2 Truly Dark Sky and a Class 3 Rual Dark Sky on the Bortle Scale 🚀 Tailored Adventures and Guided Exploration Customize your camping adventure with a range of outdoor activities, from hiking through saguaro-studded trails, challenging mountain biking, small off-road ATVs allowed, birdwatching, desert survival skills, history and mining tours, nature photography and STAR GAZING. Our experienced guides are on hand to ensure you make the most of your desert expedition, providing insights into the unique flora, fauna, geological and massive mineral diversity (Fluorite, 3 Types Of Quartz and more) that call Infinity Ranch home. 🌟 Unplug and Reconnect Escape the demands of modern life and embrace the simplicity of nature. Our private camping sites at Infinity Ranch provide you a unique private opportunity to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the desert, where each moment is a precious gift waiting to be discovered. 🌿 Book Your Private Nature Camping Experience Today Launch on your adventure with our exclusive private camping sites in Tucson, Arizona at Infinity Ranch. Limited 4 slots available for Tent, Primative or Self Contained Camper/RV (Up To 24 Ft) Power can be provided for an extra fee of $ 25.00 per day. Potable Water Can Be Provided for a $10 fee. Reserve your spot now and create memories that will last a lifetime. Nature is calling – will you answer?

Pinnacle Farms South

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Laveen, AZ

Pinnacle Farms is a diverse orchard with over 1200 fruit trees on 7 acres nestled at the base of South Mountain in Phoenix's old agriculturally diverse Laveen area. A well kept secret, Laveen is only about 10 minutes by car to downtown restaurants and events, while having a rural feel, and the mountain preserves are within walking or biking distance.

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Verde River Vortex

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Clarkdale, AZ

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.

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Gateway to the Grand Canyon

9 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Williams, AZ

Quiet and off grid. No light pollution and amazing mountain views and night sky.

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Sun & Moon Geo Dome Retreat

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Dewey, AZ

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 4 people. Inside there's a queen bed, futon, clean linens, table w/chairs, portable a/c, electric heater; propane heater, lamps, microwave (for indoor cooking), ice maker, Keurig coffee maker, mini-fridge, USB & outlets for small devices (light electrical usage only), and WIFI is available. Plus a yoga mat, books, & a binder with food and sightseeing recommendations for the area. Outside there's a picnic table, propane grill with side burner, propane firepit with comfortable seating surrounding. The clear dome windows are showing signs of aging, so the best star and sunset/sunrise viewing is outside. The outhouse building is equipped with a camping toilet, pump sink, and a camping shower (now heated!). 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!

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The Otterlimits

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Camp Verde, AZ

Notice: Beasley Flat Rec. Area is open again as of 4/20/23 The area is part of the National Wild and Scenic preserve on the Verde River. The river is one of the only few free flowing rivers in Arizona. Otters, Beaver, Blue Heron and a vast amount of migratory birds call it home. Once an inland water way to the Sea of Cortez, the river was part of the trade route during ancient times. Many Indian Ruins and archeological sites to visit in the area. Scenic boating, hiking and ATV trails right from your campsite. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent or a small camp trailer in a 1/2 acre Mesquite grove. Five minute stroll to the Verde River. Horse Back Tours and Boat rentals available locally within walking distance. National Forest recreation area (Beasley Flat) close by. Many Indian ruins, entertainment, wineries and mountain trail to explore in the area. Great wildlife viewing in the scenic Verde Valley of Arizona.

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Show Low AZ GreatSky CampRanch

38 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · White Mountain Lake, AZ

Learn more about this land: 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. Cheers! We also offer a few extras at check-out... We have our 4S free range, nest run eggs for $5.44/dozen. Start your trip off right with a bundle of our premium firewood. Mostly juniper, nicely dried and bagged. Just remind us at check-in with your receipt. This is not the cheap wood they sell at the gas station. Please always check for our fire bans that are regulated by the county and state. Always have a bucket of water next to your campfire and make sure it's completely out before you leave it. Please do not bring outside firewood. Please do not take the firewood on our property.

Mountainous camping in Arizona guide

Overview

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.