The best desert camping near Rio Verde

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Set up camp in Rio Verde’s desert, where over 190 sites put you right up against saguaro forests, rocky washes, and wide-open sky. The landscape here means red sunsets and quiet nights—pairs well with a campfire. You’ll find sites like Cave Creek Quiet Homestead (126 reviews), where the trails start at your door, Mountain View Retreat (124 reviews) for sunrise vistas, and Saguaro Forrest @ Dragonfly Ranch (123 reviews) for a real taste of Sonoran solitude. Prices run from $25 to an average of $50 a night. Most sites allow pets, campfires, and come with a basic toilet. Hike dusty trails, ride horseback under mesquite branches, or cool off with a swim—this patch of Arizona’s desert doesn’t waste your time.

93% (790)

Top-rated campgrounds

North Sunset

1. Marguerita Ranch

98%
(69)
18mi from Rio Verde · 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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$43
 / night
Saguaro Forrest @ Dragonfly Ranch

2. Saguaro Forrest @ Dragonfly Ranch

97%
(173)
27mi from Rio Verde · 5 sites · RVs · New River, AZ
*EASY ACCESS WITH LARGE TRAILERS* We invite you to come enjoy our sliver of the Sonoran Desert here in New River. We are situated adjacent to state land that displays a majestic Saguaro forest in the mountains (where our small rural community meets the wilderness). Enjoy easy access to endless mountain trails as you roam through the this densely populated region of saguaros (hike or bring 4WD) . The local wildlife entails a variety of beautiful creatures of varying sizes. All three Saguaro sites provide full RV services (water, electrical, and 30/50 amp hookups) with plenty of space between for enjoyment of the views. Boondocker sites are great for easy in-out dry camping, making for an early start for your trip out of town. Driving paths are covered with gravel throughout the property. Boondocker 2 is by currently closed for renovations. We are just 10 minutes from the I-17 (Lake Pleasant is just a 30-45 minute drive). Phoenix is a close commute, where you will find many more amenities. Rent an off-road vehicle, boat for the lake (or bring yours!), or plan a tour and ENJOY YOUR STAY! We are more than happy to help facilitate your time here. We welcome pets, but do note there are occasional encounters with neighborhood dogs and plenty of wildlife. For their safety, best to keep them leashed or bring an enclosure. In the future, we plan to provide an enclosure for dogs to safely play and run off-leash. Daytime arrival highly recommended! We understand though how travels go, so keep us informed of your ETA and we will help guide you in.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
Glamping tent at night

3. Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

98%
(163)
18mi from Rio Verde · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Red Rock Roping Entrance!

10. Red Rock Roping, LLC

100%
(36)
16mi from Rio Verde · 6 sites · RVs, Lodging · Cave Creek, AZ
Welcome to Red Rock Roping! Where you will be a close 3 mile drive to old town Cave Creek restaurants, bars, and shopping strip. But far enough to enjoy a quiet and peaceful scenery of mountains, sunsets and sunrises. Don’t forget to kick your feet up, and end your night to enjoy a wide open view of the stars! Also, keep your eyes open for desert critters such as rattlesnakes, tarantulas, scorpions, deer, road runners, bob cats, and coyotes. We ask please do not pet, catch, feed or leave any food out that will attract them. Enjoy them from a picture away :) Our 2 accessible acres will give you 360 view of mountains, our Red Rock Roping arena, and a Saloon to gather under to enjoy cool refreshments, and a meal with your friends/family. Right outside our entrance going North on 80th Street you can hike over to the Grapevine Wash which is a short walk away from the Cave Creek Town Trail System for hiking and horseback riding, and if you’re adventurous you can hike up 2 miles of a 800’ climb on a gravel road/trails to “Mexican Hat” for an even more incredible view! We are a 30 amp full hook up (sewer, water & electrical) for 33’ RV’s and living quarters horse trailers. You will also have access to our community laundry area, with a large garbage can to dump a bag if needed. Some suggestions for town; Grab some quick delicous breakfast and coffee at Janey’s. Or American cuisine lunch at The Horny Toad, a Mexican cuisine dinner while watching the turtles in the pond at El Encanto! Ofrenda, right at the end of the road, also has great authentic Mexican cuisine. Many restaurants to choose from all within a short drive. Bashas, Safeway, Target, and Walmart and Sprouts are all within a 3-6 mile drive too! We have two turnout pens for horses. That are located right behind where you will park your trailer. They both have a cover that provides some shade, as well as running water. We do not provide any feed, so please make sure you bring some! We ask that you please do not feed any horses that do not belong to you. Or go into any pen that your horse is not in. For safety and respect :) Thank you in advance. (Horse turnouts are an extra $25 each/per night)
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$25
 / night
Santan Mountain Views

15. Santan Mountain Views

100%
(43)
36mi from Rio Verde · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$72
 / night
Mountain View Retreat

16. Mountain View Retreat

96%
(158)
26mi from Rio Verde · 8 sites · RVs · New River, AZ
Experience the ambiance of a boutique resort as you escape to our beautifully landscaped and immaculately maintained private 10 acre property in the North Valley. We have several primitive campsites that can accommodate campervans and tents as well as several full hook-up sites (30 amp electric, water and sewer). You will be welcomed into a peaceful, desert oasis with luxurious amenities and find yourself immersed in a tranquil, serene setting surrounded by breathtaking views. Not only will you experience warm hospitality from your hosts, but our friendly farm animals will give you a warm welcome too! Guests are welcome to interact with all of our animals during our afternoon chores. In addition to your personal, spacious campsite you are sure to enjoy all the amenities we offer, including shared access to our entire property with many seating areas, hammocks, covered patios, water fountains, outdoor kitchen, horseshoe pit, games and hot tub. NON-SMOKING adult guests ONLY! Please review entire listing and house rules prior to booking. ……..Discounts offered for long term stays……….
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Kokosky Homestead Camp

17. Kokosky Homestead Camp

100%
(8)
38mi from Rio Verde · 4 sites · RVs · Queen Creek, AZ
Welcome to Kokosky Homestead Camp — a quiet family-oriented mini-homestead in Queen Creek, AZ. We offer a peaceful desert setting with plenty of space, friendly hosts, and a warm, down-to-earth feel. Our property sits in a safe residential neighborhood just minutes from San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Queen Creek Marketplace, Schnepf Farms, and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. Guests enjoy watching Arizona sunsets, having fast Starlink WiFi when needed, and relaxing in a quiet environment that still feels close to everything. We also have a small egg stand at the front of the property where guests can purchase fresh eggs during their stay. 🐐 Homestead Animals (Backyard Only) Our animals live in the backyard area, separate from the camping sites, so guests don’t have to worry about them approaching their RV. You’re welcome to say hello if you’d like. Animals on the property include: Gentle goats Chickens & roosters Turkeys Guinea fowl Tiny the tortoise Daisy Boots, our energetic Australian Shepherd who loves greeting visitors 🌄 Location Highlights Quiet, safe neighborhood with large lots Minutes to hiking and desert trails Quick drive to restaurants, shopping, groceries, and fuel Easy access for large RVs and trucks Stargazing and open desert skies Kokosky Homestead Camp is a simple, friendly place where guests can unwind, meet a few animals if they want to, and enjoy a relaxing base camp while exploring Queen Creek and the surrounding area.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

Set up camp in Rio Verde’s desert, where over 190 sites put you right up against saguaro forests, rocky washes, and wide-open sky. The landscape here means red sunsets and quiet nights—pairs well with a campfire. You’ll find sites like Cave Creek Quiet Homestead (126 reviews), where the trails start at your door, Mountain View Retreat (124 reviews) for sunrise vistas, and Saguaro Forrest @ Dragonfly Ranch (123 reviews) for a real taste of Sonoran solitude. Prices run from $25 to an average of $50 a night. Most sites allow pets, campfires, and come with a basic toilet. Hike dusty trails, ride horseback under mesquite branches, or cool off with a swim—this patch of Arizona’s desert doesn’t waste your time.

93% (790)

Top-rated campgrounds

North Sunset

1. Marguerita Ranch

98%
(69)
18mi from Rio Verde · 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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$43
 / night
Saguaro Forrest @ Dragonfly Ranch

2. Saguaro Forrest @ Dragonfly Ranch

97%
(173)
27mi from Rio Verde · 5 sites · RVs · New River, AZ
*EASY ACCESS WITH LARGE TRAILERS* We invite you to come enjoy our sliver of the Sonoran Desert here in New River. We are situated adjacent to state land that displays a majestic Saguaro forest in the mountains (where our small rural community meets the wilderness). Enjoy easy access to endless mountain trails as you roam through the this densely populated region of saguaros (hike or bring 4WD) . The local wildlife entails a variety of beautiful creatures of varying sizes. All three Saguaro sites provide full RV services (water, electrical, and 30/50 amp hookups) with plenty of space between for enjoyment of the views. Boondocker sites are great for easy in-out dry camping, making for an early start for your trip out of town. Driving paths are covered with gravel throughout the property. Boondocker 2 is by currently closed for renovations. We are just 10 minutes from the I-17 (Lake Pleasant is just a 30-45 minute drive). Phoenix is a close commute, where you will find many more amenities. Rent an off-road vehicle, boat for the lake (or bring yours!), or plan a tour and ENJOY YOUR STAY! We are more than happy to help facilitate your time here. We welcome pets, but do note there are occasional encounters with neighborhood dogs and plenty of wildlife. For their safety, best to keep them leashed or bring an enclosure. In the future, we plan to provide an enclosure for dogs to safely play and run off-leash. Daytime arrival highly recommended! We understand though how travels go, so keep us informed of your ETA and we will help guide you in.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
Glamping tent at night

3. Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

98%
(163)
18mi from Rio Verde · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Red Rock Roping Entrance!

10. Red Rock Roping, LLC

100%
(36)
16mi from Rio Verde · 6 sites · RVs, Lodging · Cave Creek, AZ
Welcome to Red Rock Roping! Where you will be a close 3 mile drive to old town Cave Creek restaurants, bars, and shopping strip. But far enough to enjoy a quiet and peaceful scenery of mountains, sunsets and sunrises. Don’t forget to kick your feet up, and end your night to enjoy a wide open view of the stars! Also, keep your eyes open for desert critters such as rattlesnakes, tarantulas, scorpions, deer, road runners, bob cats, and coyotes. We ask please do not pet, catch, feed or leave any food out that will attract them. Enjoy them from a picture away :) Our 2 accessible acres will give you 360 view of mountains, our Red Rock Roping arena, and a Saloon to gather under to enjoy cool refreshments, and a meal with your friends/family. Right outside our entrance going North on 80th Street you can hike over to the Grapevine Wash which is a short walk away from the Cave Creek Town Trail System for hiking and horseback riding, and if you’re adventurous you can hike up 2 miles of a 800’ climb on a gravel road/trails to “Mexican Hat” for an even more incredible view! We are a 30 amp full hook up (sewer, water & electrical) for 33’ RV’s and living quarters horse trailers. You will also have access to our community laundry area, with a large garbage can to dump a bag if needed. Some suggestions for town; Grab some quick delicous breakfast and coffee at Janey’s. Or American cuisine lunch at The Horny Toad, a Mexican cuisine dinner while watching the turtles in the pond at El Encanto! Ofrenda, right at the end of the road, also has great authentic Mexican cuisine. Many restaurants to choose from all within a short drive. Bashas, Safeway, Target, and Walmart and Sprouts are all within a 3-6 mile drive too! We have two turnout pens for horses. That are located right behind where you will park your trailer. They both have a cover that provides some shade, as well as running water. We do not provide any feed, so please make sure you bring some! We ask that you please do not feed any horses that do not belong to you. Or go into any pen that your horse is not in. For safety and respect :) Thank you in advance. (Horse turnouts are an extra $25 each/per night)
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$25
 / night
Santan Mountain Views

15. Santan Mountain Views

100%
(43)
36mi from Rio Verde · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$72
 / night
Mountain View Retreat

16. Mountain View Retreat

96%
(158)
26mi from Rio Verde · 8 sites · RVs · New River, AZ
Experience the ambiance of a boutique resort as you escape to our beautifully landscaped and immaculately maintained private 10 acre property in the North Valley. We have several primitive campsites that can accommodate campervans and tents as well as several full hook-up sites (30 amp electric, water and sewer). You will be welcomed into a peaceful, desert oasis with luxurious amenities and find yourself immersed in a tranquil, serene setting surrounded by breathtaking views. Not only will you experience warm hospitality from your hosts, but our friendly farm animals will give you a warm welcome too! Guests are welcome to interact with all of our animals during our afternoon chores. In addition to your personal, spacious campsite you are sure to enjoy all the amenities we offer, including shared access to our entire property with many seating areas, hammocks, covered patios, water fountains, outdoor kitchen, horseshoe pit, games and hot tub. NON-SMOKING adult guests ONLY! Please review entire listing and house rules prior to booking. ……..Discounts offered for long term stays……….
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Kokosky Homestead Camp

17. Kokosky Homestead Camp

100%
(8)
38mi from Rio Verde · 4 sites · RVs · Queen Creek, AZ
Welcome to Kokosky Homestead Camp — a quiet family-oriented mini-homestead in Queen Creek, AZ. We offer a peaceful desert setting with plenty of space, friendly hosts, and a warm, down-to-earth feel. Our property sits in a safe residential neighborhood just minutes from San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Queen Creek Marketplace, Schnepf Farms, and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. Guests enjoy watching Arizona sunsets, having fast Starlink WiFi when needed, and relaxing in a quiet environment that still feels close to everything. We also have a small egg stand at the front of the property where guests can purchase fresh eggs during their stay. 🐐 Homestead Animals (Backyard Only) Our animals live in the backyard area, separate from the camping sites, so guests don’t have to worry about them approaching their RV. You’re welcome to say hello if you’d like. Animals on the property include: Gentle goats Chickens & roosters Turkeys Guinea fowl Tiny the tortoise Daisy Boots, our energetic Australian Shepherd who loves greeting visitors 🌄 Location Highlights Quiet, safe neighborhood with large lots Minutes to hiking and desert trails Quick drive to restaurants, shopping, groceries, and fuel Easy access for large RVs and trucks Stargazing and open desert skies Kokosky Homestead Camp is a simple, friendly place where guests can unwind, meet a few animals if they want to, and enjoy a relaxing base camp while exploring Queen Creek and the surrounding area.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

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