The best campgrounds near Gold Canyon, Arizona with wildlife watching

Looking to immerse yourself in nature and get up close with wildlife? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 360 options near Gold Canyon, Arizona, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for wildlife watching. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin, a rustic tent, or a spacious RV, there's an accommodation option for every style of camper. Check out top-rated campsites like Pinnacle Farms South (468 reviews), Beaver Creek Oasis (191 reviews), and Sun & Moon Retreat (129 reviews) to get a sense of the incredible experiences other campers have had. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, pet-friendly sites, and potable water. And when you're ready to explore beyond your campsite, go biking, off-roading, or visit nearby historic sites. Average price per night is $35, with options as low as $13, so you can plan an affordable and memorable wildlife watching adventure.

94% (346)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to immerse yourself in nature and get up close with wildlife? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 360 options near Gold Canyon, Arizona, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for wildlife watching. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin, a rustic tent, or a spacious RV, there's an accommodation option for every style of camper. Check out top-rated campsites like Pinnacle Farms South (468 reviews), Beaver Creek Oasis (191 reviews), and Sun & Moon Retreat (129 reviews) to get a sense of the incredible experiences other campers have had. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, pet-friendly sites, and potable water. And when you're ready to explore beyond your campsite, go biking, off-roading, or visit nearby historic sites. Average price per night is $35, with options as low as $13, so you can plan an affordable and memorable wildlife watching adventure.

94% (346)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Marguerita Ranch

98%

(69)

44mi from Gold Canyon · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cave Creek, AZ

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

2. Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

98%

(163)

44mi from Gold Canyon · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cave Creek, AZ

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!

3. “Field of Dreams” Mesa AZ

98%

(55)

13mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · RV · Mesa, AZ

We are Kevin and Tammii. We moved to Mesa in 2019 to build our own “Field of Dreams”. In developing our property we added a Hip-Camp site to our vision. We’ve enjoyed hosting people from all around the country. We’re can accommodate guests for up to three weeks and unable to offer monthly rates. We welcome families with up to two children. Pets are welcome, two or less, and we have a designated pet area for their use. There are two nice sitting areas, a laundry shed with washer, dryer, and drying rack. Internet access is also available. More about the “Field of Dreams”: Our site has a paved level concrete pad with 50 amp service, water, and septic. RVs are required to come with empty holding tanks because of the septic system. We can accommodate up to 43 feet in length RVs. There is a nice landscaped patio area with table, chairs, umbrella, and a privacy screen. There is also a propane fire pit available. Our site is close to Costco, Starbucks, local restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and a mall. There is nearby mountain biking, hiking, and site seeing. We are 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix in a quiet residential area.

4. Top of the World Haven

26mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · Miami, AZ

Top of the World Haven is a 2 plus acre at elevation 4600 near Miami, AZ. It is 8 miles east of Superior, AZ and 8 miles west of Miami, AZ. It is known for the lower temperatures than most of the hot, airy weather of the rest of Arizona. The nights can drop to much cooler temperatures, which makes it perfect for sleeping !!! This property is drycamping ONLY !!! RV, van, motorhome or travel trailer.

5. Nelles Ranch

95%

(11)

40mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · RV · Carefree, AZ

We have a beautiful 2 acre fully gravelled area to easily park your rig, up to 45 ft RV recommended. Access to home in residential property is a dirt road, but easily accessible. Property is quiet, safe and peaceful. It’s like being in the country but you still have fantastic cell service! We have room to store up to 4 horses with our mare motels as well as an 100x300 arena right on the property. Fully fenced. Outhouse on sight if you are spending the day working with your horses and don’t want to dirty your RV. Furry friends are welcome as long as you don’t leave them unattended as we have coyotes roaming as well. Close to all amenities, 15 min to Cave Creek, 30 min to Scottsdale, 40 min to Phoenix. Come and enjoy a slice of heaven at Nelles Ranch.

6. Boulder hideout

100%

(26)

33mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Lodging · Cactus Forest, AZ

In the middle of the vast Florence desert lies the most beautiful, enormous granite boulders that you have ever seen! This majestic place has also been home to the Hohokam indian tribe thousands of years ago, with pottery and arrowheads scattered throughout the property to carved out holes in rocks used for cooking, The Boulders is rich with history. We welcome you to an unforgettable glamping experience right in the middle of these granite giants!

7. Santan Mountain Views

100%

(43)

17mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · RV · Queen Creek, AZ

We are happy to announce that we have upgraded our front gate. It is now set back farther off of the road and is 20 feet wide. Extra large rig friendly! We do short term bookings 29 days or less. No monthly rates, sorry! We are dog friendly, but PLEASE do not show up with dogs without indicating in your booking that you are bringing them. They MUST be kept on a leash at all times while here due to farm animals and wildlife on the property. Please respect and follow these requests so that others can enjoy bringing their dogs here in the future. :) Peaceful desert escape with beautiful views of the Santan Mountains on 3.5 acre mini-ranch. We are in a quiet residential neighborhood with dark starry skies at night. Flat, private area behind main residence with a large cover. You will have about 1 acre of space to yourself. Quiet, rural feel yet less than 5 minutes from shopping, dining and conveniences. Full hookups-- Filtered water, 50 amp electric, and septic. Room to set up temporary horse panels. Walking distance to Santan regional park for miles of hiking, biking or horseback riding. 2 miles from Horseshoe park. Less than a mile to Santan flats.

8. Pop-Inn Parking

100%

(4)

11mi from Gold Canyon · 3 sites · RVs · Apache Junction, AZ

RV pad with WATER and ELECTRIC available: Size: 12’x 45’ pad Water-connects to house faucet. Electric-50 amp, lower amps requires adapter NO DUMP ACCESS NO WIFI This RV pad is in a blocked off backyard that is adjacent an alleyway. The only entrance is through the alleyway, and RV resident parking available by pad in an enclosed area. Please message with any questions! 5 mile away from Chase Field/Downtown Phoenix 3 miles away from South Mountain Park

9. Gila River View

100%

(4)

47mi from Gold Canyon · 2 sites · Lodging · Dripping Springs, AZ

Savor the sounds of nature along the Gila River without your phone distracting you! This is a hidden retreat behind a locked gate where you can relax and reset away from technology and people. Your main visitors will be our cattle, horses, and wildlife. Feel free to fish or swim at the Gila River 300 yards from the campsite. Enjoy a mesquite fire to sit around or even cook on! Wood is provided! Enjoy a beautiful overlooking view of the river! Escape from the hustle and bustle and recharge! We do currently have a rented camper on location but you won’t even notice each other. it’s away from the site and there’s plenty of space to enjoy.

10. Palo Verde Basecamp

48mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ak Chin Village, AZ

Back to BLM land with 360-degree mountain views and access! This level 1.5 acre parcel is nestled in Hidden Valley Estates at the base of the Palo Verde Mountains and soon to be home to The Palo Verde Regional Park. Gorgeous mountain views, and sunsets, close to paved roads, and close enough to Maricopa and Casa Grande for convenience but far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life. Plenty of room for horses and toys. No utilities, raw land, leave it as you found it. Nearby Skydiving - 5 min Downtown Maricopa - 15 min Harrahs Ak Chin Casino - 10 min Dwarf Car Museum - 15 min PHX airport - 60 min

Camper favorites near Gold Canyon

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top of the World Haven

26mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · Miami, AZ

Top of the World Haven is a 2 plus acre at elevation 4600 near Miami, AZ. It is 8 miles east of Superior, AZ and 8 miles west of Miami, AZ. It is known for the lower temperatures than most of the hot, airy weather of the rest of Arizona. The nights can drop to much cooler temperatures, which makes it perfect for sleeping !!! This property is drycamping ONLY !!! RV, van, motorhome or travel trailer.

Nelles Ranch

95%

(11)

40mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · RV · Carefree, AZ

We have a beautiful 2 acre fully gravelled area to easily park your rig, up to 45 ft RV recommended. Access to home in residential property is a dirt road, but easily accessible. Property is quiet, safe and peaceful. It’s like being in the country but you still have fantastic cell service! We have room to store up to 4 horses with our mare motels as well as an 100x300 arena right on the property. Fully fenced. Outhouse on sight if you are spending the day working with your horses and don’t want to dirty your RV. Furry friends are welcome as long as you don’t leave them unattended as we have coyotes roaming as well. Close to all amenities, 15 min to Cave Creek, 30 min to Scottsdale, 40 min to Phoenix. Come and enjoy a slice of heaven at Nelles Ranch.

Boulder hideout

100%

(26)

33mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Lodging · Cactus Forest, AZ

In the middle of the vast Florence desert lies the most beautiful, enormous granite boulders that you have ever seen! This majestic place has also been home to the Hohokam indian tribe thousands of years ago, with pottery and arrowheads scattered throughout the property to carved out holes in rocks used for cooking, The Boulders is rich with history. We welcome you to an unforgettable glamping experience right in the middle of these granite giants!

Santan Mountain Views

100%

(43)

17mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · RV · Queen Creek, AZ

We are happy to announce that we have upgraded our front gate. It is now set back farther off of the road and is 20 feet wide. Extra large rig friendly! We do short term bookings 29 days or less. No monthly rates, sorry! We are dog friendly, but PLEASE do not show up with dogs without indicating in your booking that you are bringing them. They MUST be kept on a leash at all times while here due to farm animals and wildlife on the property. Please respect and follow these requests so that others can enjoy bringing their dogs here in the future. :) Peaceful desert escape with beautiful views of the Santan Mountains on 3.5 acre mini-ranch. We are in a quiet residential neighborhood with dark starry skies at night. Flat, private area behind main residence with a large cover. You will have about 1 acre of space to yourself. Quiet, rural feel yet less than 5 minutes from shopping, dining and conveniences. Full hookups-- Filtered water, 50 amp electric, and septic. Room to set up temporary horse panels. Walking distance to Santan regional park for miles of hiking, biking or horseback riding. 2 miles from Horseshoe park. Less than a mile to Santan flats.

Pop-Inn Parking

100%

(4)

11mi from Gold Canyon · 3 sites · RVs · Apache Junction, AZ

RV pad with WATER and ELECTRIC available: Size: 12’x 45’ pad Water-connects to house faucet. Electric-50 amp, lower amps requires adapter NO DUMP ACCESS NO WIFI This RV pad is in a blocked off backyard that is adjacent an alleyway. The only entrance is through the alleyway, and RV resident parking available by pad in an enclosed area. Please message with any questions! 5 mile away from Chase Field/Downtown Phoenix 3 miles away from South Mountain Park

Gila River View

100%

(4)

47mi from Gold Canyon · 2 sites · Lodging · Dripping Springs, AZ

Savor the sounds of nature along the Gila River without your phone distracting you! This is a hidden retreat behind a locked gate where you can relax and reset away from technology and people. Your main visitors will be our cattle, horses, and wildlife. Feel free to fish or swim at the Gila River 300 yards from the campsite. Enjoy a mesquite fire to sit around or even cook on! Wood is provided! Enjoy a beautiful overlooking view of the river! Escape from the hustle and bustle and recharge! We do currently have a rented camper on location but you won’t even notice each other. it’s away from the site and there’s plenty of space to enjoy.

Palo Verde Basecamp

48mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ak Chin Village, AZ

Back to BLM land with 360-degree mountain views and access! This level 1.5 acre parcel is nestled in Hidden Valley Estates at the base of the Palo Verde Mountains and soon to be home to The Palo Verde Regional Park. Gorgeous mountain views, and sunsets, close to paved roads, and close enough to Maricopa and Casa Grande for convenience but far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life. Plenty of room for horses and toys. No utilities, raw land, leave it as you found it. Nearby Skydiving - 5 min Downtown Maricopa - 15 min Harrahs Ak Chin Casino - 10 min Dwarf Car Museum - 15 min PHX airport - 60 min

Public campgrounds near Gold Canyon

100%

(1)

Tortilla Campground

4.5mi from Gold Canyon · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

Superstition Ridgeline Trail. Accessible from campground.

100%

(13)

Lost Dutchman Campground

6.4mi from Gold Canyon · 134 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lost Dutchman State Park

The Point Campground

13mi from Gold Canyon · 3 sites · in Tonto National Forest

Bulldog Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area Campground

13mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

Bagley Flat Campground

14mi from Gold Canyon · 30 sites · in Tonto National Forest

100%

(1)

Crabtree Wash Campground

17mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

The drive to Davis Wash is very amazing and scenic.

Davis Wash Campground

20mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

If you like water mixed with your desert - Burnt Corral. If you like solitude and windy dirt roads to reach your home for the night - Burnt Corral. If you don't mind hanging with fisherman - Burnt Corral.

100%

(1)

Burnt Corral Campground

22mi from Gold Canyon · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

100%

(1)

Upper Burnt Corral Campground

22mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

Oak Flat Campground

22mi from Gold Canyon · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

Three Mile Wash Campground

24mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

100%

(1)

Frazier Group Campground

27mi from Gold Canyon · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

Stories from the community

C

Christina

5 days ago

25 ft travel trailer

With kids

6 nights at Santan Mountain Views

This spot was fantastic!! Nice and private on our part and the hosts part. We did not feel like we were intruding on her space and she kept her distance making us feel like it was our own private spot. The views were beautiful. It was nice being in town and close to everything but not feeling like we were in the middle of the city! The animals were a huge bonus. Our boys loved seeing them and hearing them every morning. The communication was fantastic. The rules/expectations were very clear and reasonable. We will definitely keep this in mind for future travels.

C

Chris

1 week ago

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santan Mountain Views

It was perfect. Beautiful sunrises amazing neighbors and a hostess with the mostest.

K

Kara

2 weeks ago

25 ft Class C

With pets

6 nights at Santan Mountain Views

We loved our stay here. So quiet, centrally located, views are stunning and waking up to horse faces and goat stomps is just the best. Will defintely be back!!

A

Amanda

3 weeks ago

With kids

1 night at Boulder hideout

Super private and beautiful location. It was awesome to be able to see all the stars at night. The place was clean and cozy and perfect for what we needed. I do recommend bringing extra lighting, if you want to move around at night. Thankfully we did. I would return

J

James

3 weeks ago

26 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

This most recent stay was our 4th time at Shantel’s. Convenient to local restaurants and hiking parks. After a full day, returning to our site really allows us to unwind. We can’t wait to go back

Dawn

3 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

2 nights at Marguerita Ranch

Great stop and a great location! The animals are all so friendly and the spot is perfect, quiet but still near town and lots of activities. Make sure you order some eggs!!

s

sharon

October 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at Santan Mountain Views

We loved camping here. The host, Julie gave clear directions. There were nice views and bunnies to watch. There was a shelter to keep the area shady. Would camp here again.

Morning view from tent of beautiful Sonoran desert

K

Katherine

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

We arrived at night, so everything was even more pretty in the morning. The toilet was clean, the spot was so cute and quiet. We loved everything!

C

Cody

October 2025

With pets

3 nights at Gila River View

Huge open, peaceful ranch along the river made for an amazing stay for my family of 5 with 2 dogs in tow. Amber was very responsive and welcoming, would definitely recommend!

G

Greg

October 2025

31 ft fifth wheel

12 nights at Santan Mountain Views

If you want a beautiful and private stay with an awesome and super friendly host....this is your place. Some very friendly horses to talk with as well. Farm fresh eggs available too! Stay at Julie's for a fabulous desert scenery stay.

r

rkymtn

September 2025

20 ft Class B

1 night at Nelles Ranch

Your camping in the backyard of a house on a 2 acre plot. Although it appears to be suburban and the lot is walled/fenced on three sides there is an astonishing amount of wildlife here. Flocks of doves, coveys of quail, tons of rabbits, other birds and we could hear coyotes every morning. The Suarouro (sp?) Cactus are really impressive if you've never been right up close to one. Our stay was quiet and peaceful, and Louise let me park the sprinter under the shade next to the corral... That was huge for keeping the van cool in 105 Phoenix weather. Thank you for that. The place is 20min from Mayo Clinc so we will definitely be back. And yes... we got a fantastic loaf of homemade bread.

T

Tony

May 2025

1 night at Boulder hideout

Cabin and Land were Amazing... Loved the Peace and Tranquility! Good break from the daily routine in a unique surreal atmosphere.. Cole was a great host! As described and then some... Thanks again for Sharing your property!

J

James

May 2025

26 ft travel trailer

1 night at Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

Not our first visit nor will it be our last. A nice quiet spot located minutes from the town centers of Cave Creek and Carefree.

K

Kristi

April 2025

30 ft fifth wheel

With pets

5 nights at Santan Mountain Views

The privacy, spaciousness, and quiet were exactly what I had hoped for. The shade was an amazing assist to my air conditioner. A respectful and accommodating host made our stay just wonderful. Would stay again!

Cool view atop a boulder about 3 minutes away from the cabin

J

Josh

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Boulder hideout

We absolutely loved our stay! The location was beautiful and unique, surrounded by scenic views and huge boulders that made the whole experience feel extra special. The cabin itself was cozy and perfect for a peaceful overnight getaway with my wife and our dogs. Cole, the host, went above and beyond by providing thoughtful amenities like fresh well water in a barrel, firewood, a lighter, a grill with propane, and even small but super helpful items like paper towels and dishes. It’s clear that a lot of care was put into making the place comfortable and welcoming. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking to relax and enjoy nature with a few comforts included.

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Tom

April 2025

13 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at Marguerita Ranch

We loved camping at Macy’s land. It was in a great location, peaceful, and we loved seeing all the animals. She was great to work with and we would definitely go back an again. Highly recommended.

K

Keith

April 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santan Mountain Views

This is one of the most wonderful places I have ever stayed! Julie is a super host, so kind and checks in to be sure everything is in order. Great facility, private area separated from the house. Nothing else is available anywhere in the Santan Valley. Fenced area, great for dogs.

I

Ian

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gila River View

Our family absolutely loved staying here. This will be one we look forward to staying at frequently. Everything was clean, and provided. It was a good stay at the ranch. We enjoyed seeing the animals and sitting in the creek even though it was pretty cold! Don’t think twice about booking this place ! Our host went above and beyond and the experience was great.

E

E.

April 2025

25 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Nelles Ranch

Very welcoming reception. Louise has got a big terrain. It is quiet and fully hook up is available. Louise is a very good host, respects your privacy. As a welcome gift she brought us home made cheese cake, so nice. Would definitely stay again.

M

Mark

April 2025

27 ft toy hauler

13 nights at Santan Mountain Views

We enjoyed our time on Julie's land. It was very quiet and beautiful. 0