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The fall weather is right around the corner, which means… it’s time to plan those camping trips! Goodbye, hellish heat (well, although it’s kinda hard to say that when we live in Phoenix), and hello, cool, breezy nature! We have created a list of the best spots for camping near Phoenix, AZ for your next adventure.
Featured image credit: Lost Dutchman State Park
Usery Mountain Regional Park
3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207
Located in the beautiful Mesa area, Usery Mountain Regional Park has always been a favorite for residents across Arizona. This campground near Phoenix, AZ was established in 1967 and it’s best known for Pass Mountain, a.k.a the “Scarface,” as its geological focal point. Another popular site, the Wind Cave hike, is right next to the campground.
Lost Dutchman State Park
6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Are you a wildflower lover? If so, the Lost Dutchman State Park will be your favorite destination to go camping. This state park is filled with colorful cactus blooms, including amazing saguaros blooms!
The park is named after a legendary gold mine and is only about 40 miles east of Phoenix. Located right next to the beautiful Superstition Mountains, you can easily turn your casual camping trip to the park into a full-on exploration journey.
Camp at Marshall Lake
Forest Service Rd 128, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Make it a weekend getaway at Marshall Lake with campground scattering around the area. There are plenty of trails nearby for hikers of all experience levels. Unlike the bigger lakes and rivers, Marshall lake is a small marshy area full of waterfowls and other wildlives.
When you’re done with the camping experience, you can also swing to Flagstaff for some fun.
Roosevelt Lake Overlook
State Hwy 188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
There is a beautiful campground near Phoenix, AZ that is kind of hidden on a flat outlook above Roosevelt Lake. The geographical location naturally provides a stunning birdview over the foot of the Sierra Ancha Mountains.
There are plenty of trails, and you can always enjoy a casual drive across the famous Roosevelt Bridge.
Monument Valley View Campground
Indian Rte 42, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536
Monument Valley has a handful of Wilderness campsites. There is also a big RV park for those of you are more into hard-core camping and glamping. This is the perfect place to get away from all modern traces and lose yourself in the mountains.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
41835 N Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown, AZ 85342
Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a famous camping spot near Phoenix. The park features breathtaking views and creative programming. For example, they have a Sunset and Full Moon Hike coming up on August 21, and history walk on August 28 that will take you through Lake Pleasant’s history.
