The best star host camping in Arizona

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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.

99% (7.3K) 279 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Arizona

Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch

1. Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch

100%
(331)
Huachuca City, AZ · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch! My 8 acre private horse property is located in the Sky Islands area of South Eastern Arizona. Are you grown ups who don't want to be next to kids yelling and running around dropping trash and throwing rocks, or barking pit bulls chained up, or loud music and generators? Do you like a clean restroom and a nice breakfast area on a well maintained property? Do you want to feel safe, enjoy beautiful views and know your stuff won't be stolen while you are in Tombstone? Then my place is for you! 18 and over. NO PIT BULLS. Good well behaved dogs allowed on leash welcome. If you want to bring a properly raised young person you can make your case to me and I will consider. 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 8pm unless arrangements are made in advance. I meet with you and show you around. I will greet you and show you around. I close my gates at dark. Once you are here you may come and go as you please. 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 available for your use. Lots of local birds visit daily. You are welcome to visit and pet my horses and donkeys!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Mesquite Haven

2. Mesquite Haven

96%
(13)
Marana, AZ · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape to Mesquite Haven, a peaceful off-grid campground nestled on five scenic acres on Tucson’s west side. Surrounded by mesquite trees, stunning desert sunsets, and incredible stargazing skies (we’re part of the Dark Sky program), this is the perfect place to unwind, explore, or simply breathe. You can see Picture Rocks from the property! We’re just 15 minutes from Saguaro National Park, the Desert Museum, and Old Tucson Theme Park, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, caving, and even skiing on Mt. Lemmon. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a quiet retreat, we’re happy to help plan your perfect stay. What You’ll Find: Our campground sits on half of our property—designed for comfort while staying close to nature. Choose from spacious pull-through sites with raised pads for tents, van camping, pop-ups, or Class B trailers up to 16 feet. Prefer something cozier? Book one of our two bunkhouses (full/twin or twin/twin beds) or enjoy our unique glamping tent furnished with late-1800s pieces. The campground is off-grid. What that entails: Rain water catchment with filtered water pumps for the shower and sink. Solar power for the charging stations to charge your phones or laptop. Propane usage: hot water heater for the shower, BBQ and firepits. Nature All Around: Listen to horses, ducks, peacocks, owls, and coyotes as you relax under the stars. Spot rabbits, hawks, eagles, lizards, and more. This is true desert living—beautiful, wild, and serene. Good to Know: The final ¼ mile to the property is a dirt road that can be bumpy or muddy after rain. Some areas have uneven ground, so bring sturdy shoes. Pets are welcome—just keep them leashed and off the furniture. Bring a cooler with ice for your food and drinks. Nearby Essentials: • Gas: Speedway – 11 miles • Dollar General: 4.3 miles • Safeway (Silverbell): 16.5 miles We’re also working on adding a small on-site shop for forgotten items. Mesquite Haven offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and simple comfort. Whether you’re here to explore Tucson or gaze at the stars, we can’t wait to welcome you. P.S. You can also check out our website MESQUITEHAVEN.COM for other useful information, like, things to do, photos and a blog. See you soon.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night
Petrified Forest Hideaway

3. Petrified Forest Hideaway

100%
(7)
Sun Valley, AZ · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful setting near Route 66 and Petrified Forest National Park, just 10 minutes from the entrance. About 1/4 mile from The Plotz Plot. Enjoy the Painted Desert landscape with wide-open views and distant mountains. It’s a great place to stargaze, watch meteor showers, and simply relax. Park anywhere within the white square; PVC markers outline the designated area. Whether you’re staying for a night or settling in for a longer visit, this spot offers a comfortable home-away-from-home feel. Explore the nearby national park or check out the classic roadside gift shops just down the road. New amenities are being added, with additional campsites and fire rings coming soon.
Pets
from 
$10
 / night
Top of the World, rustic retreat

4. Top of the World, rustic retreat

Snowflake, AZ · 1 site
Get away from it all at this beautiful, peaceful cabin on 40 acres with a pond, petroglyphs, an orchard, hiking trails and beautiful sunsets.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$115
 / night
Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

5. Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

100%
(390)
Patagonia, AZ · 4 sites
Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek was created as a place to enjoy the unique treasures of Patagonia, AZ. We wanted to provide a haven for people who value the outdoors to gather and take advantage of the recreational opportunities in our area. We offer three RV full hookup RV sites. We also have two vintage trailers that are available through Airbnb. We're walking distance to the Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds and the Sonoita Creek Nature Conservancy. We're also walking distance to restaurants and shopping in the Town of Patagonia. Patagonia Lake is only 8 miles away.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night

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% (7.3K) 279 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Arizona

Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch

1. Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch

100%
(331)
Huachuca City, AZ · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Karla's Hummingbird Guest Ranch! My 8 acre private horse property is located in the Sky Islands area of South Eastern Arizona. Are you grown ups who don't want to be next to kids yelling and running around dropping trash and throwing rocks, or barking pit bulls chained up, or loud music and generators? Do you like a clean restroom and a nice breakfast area on a well maintained property? Do you want to feel safe, enjoy beautiful views and know your stuff won't be stolen while you are in Tombstone? Then my place is for you! 18 and over. NO PIT BULLS. Good well behaved dogs allowed on leash welcome. If you want to bring a properly raised young person you can make your case to me and I will consider. 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 8pm unless arrangements are made in advance. I meet with you and show you around. I will greet you and show you around. I close my gates at dark. Once you are here you may come and go as you please. 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 available for your use. Lots of local birds visit daily. You are welcome to visit and pet my horses and donkeys!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Mesquite Haven

2. Mesquite Haven

96%
(13)
Marana, AZ · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape to Mesquite Haven, a peaceful off-grid campground nestled on five scenic acres on Tucson’s west side. Surrounded by mesquite trees, stunning desert sunsets, and incredible stargazing skies (we’re part of the Dark Sky program), this is the perfect place to unwind, explore, or simply breathe. You can see Picture Rocks from the property! We’re just 15 minutes from Saguaro National Park, the Desert Museum, and Old Tucson Theme Park, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, caving, and even skiing on Mt. Lemmon. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a quiet retreat, we’re happy to help plan your perfect stay. What You’ll Find: Our campground sits on half of our property—designed for comfort while staying close to nature. Choose from spacious pull-through sites with raised pads for tents, van camping, pop-ups, or Class B trailers up to 16 feet. Prefer something cozier? Book one of our two bunkhouses (full/twin or twin/twin beds) or enjoy our unique glamping tent furnished with late-1800s pieces. The campground is off-grid. What that entails: Rain water catchment with filtered water pumps for the shower and sink. Solar power for the charging stations to charge your phones or laptop. Propane usage: hot water heater for the shower, BBQ and firepits. Nature All Around: Listen to horses, ducks, peacocks, owls, and coyotes as you relax under the stars. Spot rabbits, hawks, eagles, lizards, and more. This is true desert living—beautiful, wild, and serene. Good to Know: The final ¼ mile to the property is a dirt road that can be bumpy or muddy after rain. Some areas have uneven ground, so bring sturdy shoes. Pets are welcome—just keep them leashed and off the furniture. Bring a cooler with ice for your food and drinks. Nearby Essentials: • Gas: Speedway – 11 miles • Dollar General: 4.3 miles • Safeway (Silverbell): 16.5 miles We’re also working on adding a small on-site shop for forgotten items. Mesquite Haven offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and simple comfort. Whether you’re here to explore Tucson or gaze at the stars, we can’t wait to welcome you. P.S. You can also check out our website MESQUITEHAVEN.COM for other useful information, like, things to do, photos and a blog. See you soon.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night
Petrified Forest Hideaway

3. Petrified Forest Hideaway

100%
(7)
Sun Valley, AZ · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful setting near Route 66 and Petrified Forest National Park, just 10 minutes from the entrance. About 1/4 mile from The Plotz Plot. Enjoy the Painted Desert landscape with wide-open views and distant mountains. It’s a great place to stargaze, watch meteor showers, and simply relax. Park anywhere within the white square; PVC markers outline the designated area. Whether you’re staying for a night or settling in for a longer visit, this spot offers a comfortable home-away-from-home feel. Explore the nearby national park or check out the classic roadside gift shops just down the road. New amenities are being added, with additional campsites and fire rings coming soon.
Pets
from 
$10
 / night
Top of the World, rustic retreat

4. Top of the World, rustic retreat

Snowflake, AZ · 1 site
Get away from it all at this beautiful, peaceful cabin on 40 acres with a pond, petroglyphs, an orchard, hiking trails and beautiful sunsets.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$115
 / night
Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

5. Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

100%
(390)
Patagonia, AZ · 4 sites
Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek was created as a place to enjoy the unique treasures of Patagonia, AZ. We wanted to provide a haven for people who value the outdoors to gather and take advantage of the recreational opportunities in our area. We offer three RV full hookup RV sites. We also have two vintage trailers that are available through Airbnb. We're walking distance to the Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds and the Sonoita Creek Nature Conservancy. We're also walking distance to restaurants and shopping in the Town of Patagonia. Patagonia Lake is only 8 miles away.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night

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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.