Top 10 Best Campgrounds in Arizona | 2026 Guide
Explore Arizona's best campgrounds from desert floors to alpine forests. Camp at the Grand Canyon, discover hidden lakes, and experience diverse desert camping adventures.
Arizona camping catches people off guard. Most expect endless sand and saguaros, but we’ve found ponderosa forests, alpine lakes, and canyon rim sunsets that rival anywhere in the country. From the depths of the Grand Canyon to the high country near Flagstaff, here are our top 10 picks.
1. Mather Campground
Location: Grand Canyon South Rim
The flagship Grand Canyon experience. We’re talking canyon rim access within a short walk from your tent, and sunrises that make the early alarm worth it every single time.
Best for: First-time Grand Canyon visitors who want convenience without sacrificing the view.
Pro tip: Book six months out. Seriously. This place fills up faster than you can refresh the page.
2. Desert View Campground
Location: Grand Canyon South Rim (East Entrance)
Quieter than Mather and closer to the Watchtower. The views here stretch toward the Painted Desert, and the crowd thins out considerably. We prefer this one for a more relaxed vibe.
Best for: Campers who want Grand Canyon access without the circus.
Pro tip: First-come, first-served. Arrive by early afternoon to snag a spot.
3. Havasupai Campground
Location: Supai Village, Havasupai Reservation
The famous turquoise waterfalls. Getting here requires a 10-mile hike (or a mule), and permits are notoriously hard to score, but this is bucket-list camping. We’ve never seen water that blue anywhere else in the Southwest.
Best for: Adventurous campers willing to earn their views.
Pro tip: Permits drop on February 1st each year. Have multiple devices ready and patience in reserve.
4. Lockett Meadow
Location: Near Flagstaff, Coconino National Forest
Fall colors that could fool you into thinking you’re in New England. Aspens surround this small campground at 8,500 feet, and when they turn gold in late September, it’s absolute magic.
Best for: Fall foliage chasers and photographers.
Pro tip: Weekdays are your friend here. Weekend crowds can overwhelm the small lot.
5. Patagonia Lake State Park
Location: Patagonia, Southern Arizona
A genuine lake in the desert. We’ve spent lazy afternoons here kayaking, fishing, and watching the sun set over the water. The bird-watching is exceptional too.
Best for: Water lovers and families who want activities beyond hiking.
Pro tip: Sites right on the water go fast. Reserve early for lakefront camping.
6. Lost Dutchman State Park
Location: Apache Junction (Phoenix Area)
The Superstition Mountains at your doorstep. These jagged peaks are steeped in gold-mining legends, and the hiking trails deliver views without the altitude. We love this one for winter escapes when everywhere else is frozen.
Best for: Phoenix-area weekend warriors and winter camping.
Pro tip: Combine your trip with a sunset hike on Siphon Draw Trail.
7. Catalina State Park
Location: Tucson
The Santa Catalina Mountains rise dramatically from the Sonoran Desert floor. Saguaros everywhere, great trails, and easy access from Tucson make this a reliable year-round option.
Best for: Desert landscape photography and accessible backcountry trails.
Pro tip: Spring brings wildflower blooms. Time your visit for March or April.
8. Lynx Lake Recreation Area
Location: Prescott National Forest
Ponderosa pines and a peaceful lake just outside Prescott. We’ve kayaked, fished, and hiked here without seeing a crowd. The elevation keeps summers cool when the Phoenix valley becomes unbearable.
Best for: Fishing enthusiasts and campers escaping the heat.
Pro tip: The campground on the north shore offers the best lake access.
9. Chiricahua National Monument
Location: Southeastern Arizona
Rock spires that look like they belong on another planet. This remote corner of Arizona doesn’t get the traffic it deserves. We spent a full day hiking through the hoodoos and had trails almost entirely to ourselves.
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path explorers and geology nerds.
Pro tip: Bonita Canyon Campground is small. Arrive early or have a backup plan.
10. White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Location: West Phoenix
Petroglyphs, Sonoran Desert trails, and surprisingly good campsites within the Phoenix metro sprawl. When we need a quick overnight without the drive, this delivers.
Best for: Local weeknight camping and desert hiking without the commitment.
Pro tip: The Waterfall Trail is short but rewarding after a good rain.
Final Thoughts
Arizona rewards campers who look beyond the stereotypes. Yes, there’s desert. But there’s also forest, canyons, lakes, and everything in between. Pack layers (desert nights get cold), bring plenty of water, and expect to be surprised.
Happy trails.