Arizona has sweeping desert landscapes, natural wonders, and some of the Southwest’s most beautiful monuments. It's no surprise that the state that's home to iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, and Monument Valley has become a hotspot for RV camping. 

While campgrounds around the most famous spots are already pretty well-known, there are several other top campgrounds in Arizona that might not have come across your radar yet. Here are nine gems that you should add to your road trip itinerary ASAP.

9 Top Campgrounds in Arizona to Check Out

While campers are drawn to Arizona for its postcard-worthy scenery, this area is also steeped in rich culture and history. The state has many preserved Native American settlements and archeological sites, and some campgrounds are actually located on reservations. So not only can you explore the dramatic desert landscape and all of its natural beauty, but you can also take a deep dive into centuries of history, too.

RV camping is a fun and convenient way to camp as it lets you enjoy all the benefits of being out in nature while still having some of the comforts of home. And if you’re out in the Arizona desert, you’re going to want to have a comfy place to come back to after a full day of exploring. If you’re looking to get away from it all and explore some campgrounds off the beaten path, here’s where you need to go.

1. Mission View RV Park

For seniors who want to camp in style, Mission View RV Park in Tucson is just the place. This luxury RV campground caters to adults 55 and older and offers a wide range of amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Besides the usual campground facilities, Mission Views guests can enjoy clubhouse activities like billiards, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and more. There’s also a library, indoor pool, and hot tub.

As this campground is in Tucson, you can take a ride into town for shopping and dining or head to Saguaro National Park or Tucson Mountain Park to get in touch with nature.

 

Sites: 

• 152 extra large sites with gravel

• Daily rates start at $36, with weekly and monthly rates available

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Patios 

• Sewer, electric, and water hookups

• Sanitary dump

• Showers

• Drinking water

• Toilets

• Laundry 

• Clubhouse activities 

2. Sentinel Peak RV Park

Also, in Tucson, Sentinel Peak RV Park gives families a chance to try urban camping in the heart of the city. It’s the only RV park in downtown Tucson, so there are plenty of options when it comes to things to do. Explore the city or hit the road to discover nearby bike trails and parks. The campground is close to the Santa Cruz River and a quick drive to Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park. If you want to go a little further, Catalina State Park is about half an hour away in the opposite direction.

 

Sites: 

• 23 sites

• $73 per night; weekly and monthly rates are also available

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Fire rings

• Electric, sewer, and water hookups

• Sanitary dump

• Toilets

• Drinking water

• Laundry room

• Community area

• Swimming pool

3. Chavez Crossing Group Campground

Chavez Crossing Group Campground is located in Sedona, a city known for its natural beauty and vibrant arts scene. Here, you’ll find breathtaking red rock formations and stunning sunsets, as well as sycamore and cypress groves along Oak Creek. 

The creek is perfect for fishing and swimming, while Oak Creek Canyon offers endless opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and snapping pictures. Nearby, there are plenty of trails and swimming holes, as well as the picturesque Munds Mountain Wilderness.

 

Sites: 

• Three group sites

• Prices range from $95 to $120 a night

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Vault toilets

• Drinking water

• Fire rings

4. Bonita Canyon Campground

Chiricahua National Monument, the “Wonderland of Rocks,” is home to Bonita Canyon Campground, located in a pine and oak grove in the Bonita Canyon Wash. Chiricahua has 17 miles of trails to explore as you glimpse valleys, mountains, pinnacles, and spires. The camp’s location offers ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. Note that large RVs are not permitted.

 

Sites: 

• 25 sites for small RVs, campers, or tents

• Rates not listed

Amenities:

• Flush toilets

• Drinking water

• Picnic table

• Grill

• Food storage locker 

• No hookups, showers, or dump stations

5. Knoll Lake Campground

Knoll Lake Campground is a secluded forest campground in the Coconino National Forest. Knoll Lake is great for those who enjoy water sports like fishing, boating, paddling, and swimming. On land, campers can visit Mogollon Rim, an escarpment with unbeatable views that provide trails for hiking, biking, and horse riding. These two features make Knoll Lake Campground an easy choice for those looking for outdoor adventures.

This campground is first-come, first-served.

 

Sites: 

• 33 sites

• $20 for a single; $40 for a double

Amenities:

• Sanitary dump

• Picnic tables

• Drinking water

• Fire rings

• Vault toilets

• No hookups

6. Christopher Creek Campground

Christopher Creek Campground is named after the banks of the creek it’s situated on, which is right below the Mogollon Rim. Even though this campground is in the desert, the refreshing creek and shady Tonto National Forest provide relief from the heat.

The camp’s location means there are lots of activities for families to enjoy together, such as horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, and offroading. If you need a break from the heat, take a dip in the creek or swimming hole, or try your hand at paddling or fishing. In the spring, the creek is stocked with rainbow trout, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to catch your dinner.

 

Sites:

• 43 sites

• Rates start at $24 per night

Amenities:

• Water and electric hookups

• Sanitary dump

• Showers

• Toilets

• Drinking water

• Picnics tables

• Fire rings

7. Havasupai Campground

The Havasupai Tribe welcomes campers by reservation only to enjoy the natural wonder and scenery of its lands. The Havasupai Campground is on tribal land featuring beautiful waterfalls that are the pride of the people. In fact, the tribe’s name means “People of the Blue Green Water.” The reservation sits on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and is not accessible by road.

This campground is not recommended for families with young kids since the weather and terrain can be quite challenging, and the location is very remote. Day hiking is not allowed for tourists who aren’t staying, but campers with a reservation can explore the lands and connect with nature in a peaceful way.

 

Sites: 

• Not specified

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Drinking water

• Sanitary dump

• No hookups

• No alcohol allowed

8. Cave Creek Regional Park Campgrounds

Cave Creek Regional Park is a family-friendly park north of Phoenix. This desert oasis has 11 miles of trails ranging in difficulty that campers can explore on foot, bike, or horse. These trails offer incredible views of the surrounding desert with varying elevations and vantage points.

Remnants of the past can be found all around the park. As you explore, you’ll come across carved petroglyphs, stone huts, and irrigation ditches that were left behind by the Hohokam Native Americans, who inhabited the area from 800 to 1400 A.D.

 

Sites: 

• 55 sites

• Rates start at $32 per night

Amenities:

• Water and electrical hookups

• Picnic tables

• Fire pits

• Toilets

• Showers

•  

• Sanitary dump

• Drinking water

9. Kehl Springs Campground

Another campground worth visiting around the Mogollon Rim is Kehl Springs Campground in the Coconino National Forest. Located between Flagstaff and Phoenix, the grounds here really make you feel like you’re getting away from it all. The campground’s geological features offer campers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and desert vegetation. You can try hiking or biking trails around the campground or try boating, paddling, or fishing in the streams and lakes nearby. The area is excellent for wildlife viewing. 

This campsite is pretty rustic, so you should come prepared. There are no hookups, water spigots, or showers on site, but there are toilets. RV and tent camping are accepted. There are no places to throw trash away, either, so make sure to clean up and dispose of your trash when you leave.

 

Sites: 

• Eight single-unit sites

• Rates not listed

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Fire rings

• Vault toilets

• No hookups, drinking water, or hot showers

See Arizona in an RV Rental from Cruise America

Arizona’s beautiful desert landscape is something that has to be seen to be believed, from Lake Havasu State Park to Lake Powell to Slide Rock State Park. RV camping gives you the perfect opportunity to see painted rock formations, towering saguaros, and all kinds of desert forests. Not only that, but you also have the freedom to visit different parks in one area all in one trip. 

Cruise America’s RVs, available either to buy or rent, are ready for any adventure that you want to have in Arizona. Our vehicles range in size and have all the amenities you want so that you can have a camping trip that’s tailored to your needs. We can answer any questions you may have along the way when it comes to picking out your vehicle, as we love hitting the road as much as you do. 

Reach out to us now and let your Arizona RV adventure begin!