The best star host campgrounds in Arizona

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.

99% (6.9K) • 266 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Arizona

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.

99% (6.9K) • 266 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Arizona

1. Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

97%

(250)

1 site · Lodging · Holbrook, AZ

ATTENTION: If you do not have a lifted, high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle with locking differentials, and prepared for self-rescue with a winch, shovel, and rigging DO NOT BOOK THIS CABIN. The cabin sits at the end of an unmaintained, unimproved, dirt road that becomes impassible during winter snow events and summer monsoon rains! The Painted Desert Ranger Cabin is a backcountry, off grid cabin acquired by Ranger Ross in 2011. Ranger Ross lived in the cabin while he worked as a resource protection ranger at the Petrified Forest National Park. The ranger cabin is a rustic off grid cabin that offers no amenities. There is no concierge, room service, or continental breakfast. There is no linen service or fancy little bottles of shampoo. It does however, offer beautiful views of the Painted Dessert wilderness, quiet serenity, and amazing star gazing opportunities. All from the comfort of a cozy one room cabin with a queen size bed and a flush toilet. The ranger cabin sits on the border of the north wilderness area of the Petrified Forest National Park. There are great hiking and exploration opportunities right out the back door of the cabin.

2. Kaibab Paiute RV Park

98%

(135)

76 sites · Tents, RVs · Kaibab, AZ

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

3. Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

98%

(199)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · Sonoita, AZ

This exceptional property lies surrounded by scenic mountains as far as the eye can see. Averages 13 degrees cooler than the lower desert of nearby Tucson because of its 5000ft elevation. When you ride out on the Empire Ranch you feel miles away from anything and a 100 years back in time.Learn more about this land:Rancho del Nido Stables RV Horse Camp & Boarding - this ranch will become your "Little Piece of Heaven"! This exceptional property lies surrounded by scenic mountains as far as the eye can see. Averages 13 degrees cooler than the lower desert of nearby Tucson because of its 5000ft elevation. When you ride out on the Empire Ranch, you will feel miles away from anything and a 100 years back in time.Beautiful views of high desert grasslands with mountains all around. Each RV site includes a pen for your horse. Arenas on-site. Endless trail riding on Empire Ranch.

4. Top of the World, rustic retreat

1 site · Lodging · Snowflake, AZ

Get away from it all at this beautiful, peaceful cabin on 40 acres with a pond, petroglyphs, an orchard, hiking trails and beautiful sunsets.

5. Ethel's Hideout

96%

(221)

11 sites · Tents, RVs · Fredonia, AZ

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Zach

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Incredible place, loved it! Road is as advertised but really manageable if it’s dry and you have the ground clearance.

J

Joan

November 2025

32 ft Class C

With kids

1 night at Kaibab Paiute RV Park

We enjoyed our stay with our RV at this camp. Clean and beautiful facilities. Wide spaces for RVs, full hookup, and fire ring. Stunning surrounding. Quiet, spacious, super friendly camp staff. Loved this place!

A

Andrew

November 2025

36 ft toy hauler

Weekend Trip to Rancho del Nido RV Horse Camp

Great stay at the ranch. Appreciated how close it was to sonoita for some tastings and also close to some pretty epic riding on the side by side. Thanks for being such a great host Kim. Hope to see you all again someday.

James

November 2025

34 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Kaibab Paiute RV Park

Great place, nice clean facilities, quiet, staff are super friendly and helpful in explaining everything and making suggestions for local travel. Would recommend 10-10. ✌️

S

Steven

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Kaibab Paiute RV Park

Great spot. Staff very friendly and accommodating. Hwy road noise a little louder than expected, but otherwise very quiet. Definitely would stay again.

Jessica

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

6 nights at Ethel's Hideout

Super easy to find this place and park the trailer! Pull through sites with water, hookups, and picnic tables. Super quiet!! and gorgeous. This is a great spot!! Smells a little like horses, but it didn't bother me. Kind of across the street from the Buckskin, but nearby every amenity you would need in Kanab.

Sue

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Ethel's Hideout

Convenient, easy-to-find spot right off the main road, yet minimal noise and access to several BLM trails. Can get hot in day with no shade, but temps nice at dusk. Good spot to stop between Grand Canyon and Zion. Super friendly host. Some flies because of horses, but not many. Will visit again!

L

Liviu

October 2025

23 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Kaibab Paiute RV Park

Really nice camp,clean showers,nice view and not far away

M

Maciek

September 2025

16 ft campervan

1 night at Kaibab Paiute RV Park

Really nice place with clean bathroom and showers, we were confused about turning the water in the showers

J

Josh

September 2025

Tent

6 nights at Kaibab Paiute RV Park

Perfect for a long stay! We stayed here for a week and the host was so accommodating and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and would recommend to anyone

G

Gary

September 2025

24 ft Class C

6 nights at Ethel's Hideout

Quiet peaceful stay with plenty to see and do. Close to shops and restaurants and within distance to Zion and Bryce NP's.

B

Billy

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Kaibab Paiute RV Park

Beautiful land on the Paiute Reservation. Great amenities and extremely peaceful. Our host Jess went above and beyond. Would definitely recommend this camping spot for anyone

s

sophie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Such a beautiful, peaceful stay!!! The property, ranger cabin and surrounding land is breathtaking and we are so grateful to Ranger Ross, Ranger Kip & previous people who stayed who helped make this place an amazing stop!

D

Demi

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Kaibab Paiute RV Park

This place is so great!! The host Jessica is super great about answering questions. I didn’t get to stay long but the bathrooms are as clean as home and I got the sense that there’s a great community for long term stays. I wish I could’ve enjoyed it more but the sunrise and stars here are gorgeous!!

K

Katrina

August 2025

32 ft Class C

With pets

6 nights at Kaibab Paiute RV Park

Staff was super helpful, responsive, and kind. Facilities are immaculate, shower is hot, and the dryers got my laundry all the way dry in one cycle. Site was GORGEOUS. You actually can't get better views of the Strip or of the Milky Way. Super convenient to everywhere, and no light pollution.

N

Nancy

July 2025

21 ft campervan

1 night at Ethel's Hideout

Stunning views stretching to the horizon, which unfortunately included smoke from the north rim Grand Canyon fire when we were there. Pull thru site was level and fresh gravel. Easy to find.

S

Samantha

July 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kaibab Paiute RV Park

We absolutely loved our stay at Kaibab Paiute RV park. The site was well maintained, peaceful & in the perfect setting. The facilities were amazing, including a complimentary coffee machine & wonderful showers. We spent the evenings star-gazing, & got to see the Milky Way. We stayed here on our way to Zion National Park & it was the perfect choice. We highly recommend it!

B

Bry

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Kaibab Paiute RV Park

I loved camping here and would gladly return the next time I'm in the area. I highly recommend downloading offline maps to get there, as service does cut out, but wifi on site worked seemlessly. The land is beautiful, located on the Kaibab Paiute reservation, and my stay was very peaceful. The amenities (laundry, showers, kitchen) in the clubhouse were great to have, and the staff were wonderful!

D

Dhanashree

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Kaibab Paiute RV Park

This is amazing place, I didn’t find the campsite at Zion that’s when I found this. well Maintained, I was even feeling like skipping the Zion and stay in the campsite itself 😄 shower and toilets were extra clean. Would recommend if anyone who doesn’t want to be in the crowd (at Zion) this is the best place. It’s an hr drive to Zion main entrance and almost 2 hrs to Zion visiting centre. Plan your days accordingly

Sam

July 2025

1 night at Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

My daughter and I are on an across the country roadtrip and stayed here for 1 night. The place is in an incredible location with complete solitude. However, even my Chevy Silverado bottomed out lightly in a few spots. The description is very clear that access is limited and that is very true, but it’s worth the visit. I wouldn’t recommend a visit in the summer because the building remains hot all night long (even with the garage door open), but it would seem perfect for spring and fall visits. We set up our cots outside for a relaxing night under the stars, but an unexpected storm rolled in and quickly cancelled those plans. Inside worked fine, but it was very warm. There’s a lot of space inside for a couple or small family. Would I or we return again, certainly. It’s truly a unique experience you’ll be unlikely to match. Thank you, Sam & Olivia Essex, VT

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping in Arizona 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.