Snowbirds unite! It’s time for the annual migration south to the lovely deserts of the American South West. For our money, it’s hard to beat the Phoenix, AZ area for the title of best winter RV camping city. The mild winter weather, natural beauty, and plenty of city activities make Phoenix a great choice for your next winter RV campsite.

Here at DCS Outdoor, we love using thedyrt.com to find campsites. Here are a few of the top RV sites in the Phoenix, AZ area listed on thedyrt.com.

The Best RV Camping Near Phoenix AZ

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

The Lake Pleasant Regional Park campground is a short 45-minute drive from downtown Phoenix, located on Lake Plesant. There are two options for campers at this park, one for tents and one for RV’s. Both campgrounds accept reservations. This park offers electric hookups, showers, flush toilets, fire rings, and a dump station. Boaters will love the ramp giving access to the lake and weary travelers will love the full laundry and general store. This park is great for fishing, hiking on the parks trail system, or watching out for the local wildlife. This park is a great choice if you’re looking for a relaxing stop by the water. 

“Wanted a place not too far from home and Lake Pleasant is the perfect quick getaway. The campsite had the most beautiful view at night and during the day. At night we were able to see so many constellations. Our campsite wasn’t a spot with a direct walk to the lake but the drive wasn’t long at all. Definitely bring a floatie or life jacket if you want to hang out in the lake. There is a little market by the marina that has water, ice, and snacks of sorts.” – Lacee

Campground Details:

• Price: $15-45
• Number of sites: 148
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

Lost Dutchman State Park

The Lost Dutchman State Park campground sits in the shadows of the Superstition Mountains just under an hour from Phonix. There are hook-ups for tents and RVs of all sizes. Campers enjoy electric hookups, flush toilets, fire rings, a dump station, and showers. The Lost Dutchman State Park has a great selection of trails for those looking to hike or bike as well as a unique opportunity to explore the history of the Lost Dutchman, a legendary gold mine with plenty of local legend behind it. This state park is a great place to combine history and beautiful desert landscapes.

“Lost Dutchman State Park – what an amazing place. Campgrounds are really well maintained, easy to navigate, level and all of the services worked flawlessly. Hiking was amazing and there were trails to last weeks for people at all levels. The Superstitions make a beautiful backyard from which to relax and appreciate the beauty. The camp hosts were friendly and attentive. All amenities were kept up beautifully.” – Bob L.

Campground Details:

• Price: $25-35
• Number of sites: 138
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

Usery Mountain Regional Park

The Usery Mountain Regional Park campground is located right next to the Tonto National Forest and has campsites available for RVs up to 45 feed and tents. With over 30 miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking, this park offers plenty of opportunities to get in touch with the local landscape. Don’t miss the popular Wind Cave Trail. the Ussery Mountain Regional Park also features an archery range, known as one of the best in the western US. If bow and arrows aren’t your thing, you can take advantage of the outdoor workout station, and plenty of ranger-led education programs. You won’t want to miss the beautiful scenery in this park

“We stayed here two nights and this place is very well laid out and maintained. Sites all seemed to have ample space- we were in 65. There were others around but it felt private. It was fully packed when we were there, and given how nice it is and the proximity to the greater Phoenix area, I can see why it would be popular. Facilities were clean and convenient. Water and electric hookups at site. There are a ton of hiking trails in the park, and ample places to bike. I highly recommend!” – Allison B.

Campground Details:

• Price: $15-40
• Number of sites: 73
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

The McDowell Mountain Regional Park campground is just an hour from Phoenix in the lower Verde River basin. With campsites available for tents and RVs up to 45 feet, this regional park is a great basecamp to explore this beautiful desert region. There are over 50 miles of trails in the park, most of which are easily accessible from the campground. This park has stunning views of the area’s mountains during the day, and great star gazing at night. History lovers should connect with a ranger to take advantage of park events exploring the history and landscape of the wild Verde River. Amenities include water and electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station.

“Very quiet! Lots of hiking and bike riding trails with a bike course! Playground. Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town. Close to town but very much felt like you were away on vacation no hustle bustle in the desert! The views were fantastic. Sites were clean and spacious a lot of space between each site for privacy! Will definitely be back!” – Robin

Campground Details:

• Price: $15-40
• Number of sites: 76
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping

The Bulldog Canyon dispersed camping area is a 100% free campsite just 45 minutes from the city within the boundaries of Tonto National Forest. There is plenty of room in this area for tents and large RVs. As will all dispersed camping on federal lands there are no amenities. You’ll need to bring all the food and water you need, have no electrical hookups, and need to plan for your bathroom needs. (Check this list of our favorite portable toilets). While there are no campground offices in this remote boondocking spot, you’ll still need to get a dispersed camping permit online. As of the winter of 2021, this was a $6 charge. Bulldog Canyon is well known in the off-roading community. The broad valleys and plenty of mountain peaks, part of the Goldfield Mountains are worth exploring on four wheels, two wheels, or two feet.

“This is a nice area if you like to off-road. We take our trailer out for the weekend to get out of the city. It’s an hour from Tempe/ Phoenix. Nice and quiet except for an occasional rider passing by. Awesome area to catch a sunset. Stores are about 15 mins away if you needed something. Permit system is online now. Super cheap and easy. The area is gated off and you need to permit to open the gate.” – Christina R.

Campground Details:

• Price: $6
• Number of sites: n/a
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

White Tank Mountain

The White Tank Mountain campground is 40 minutes west of Phoenix,is a glorious desert campground set in a 30,000 acre desert. Campsites can be reserved for tents and RVs up to 45 feet. There are 30 miles of trails that give visitors access to petroglyphs, waterfalls, and some of the best views you can imagine. There are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities in this park and the nature center is a great place to start learning about the local plants and animals. There are plenty of events led by park rangers if you’re looking to have a more immersive experience.There are electric hookups, showers, and toilets available at this campground.

“This park is so close to town, but far enough that you feel like you are way out. There are standard campsites (water and electric) as well as a tent camping area. The sites can fit good-sized rigs. There is a ton of trails for hiking, biking, and horses. Brand new showers, restrooms, and a dishwashing area. Dogs are allowed, but please keep them on a leash and pick up after them so we don’t lose the privilege!” – Patti S.

Campground Details:

• Price: $15-40
• Number of sites: 40
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

Coon Bluff Recreation Site

Coon Bluff Recreation Site is a small primitive camping area with room for RVs up to 40 feet and tents. Located on the Lower Salt River, this campsight has limited ammenities with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. In exchange for creature comforts, visitors often run into herst of the area’s wild horse population. The Lower Salt is also well known for its trout fishing. If you’re needing a slow afternoon a nice long innertube float is a great idea.

“We arrived late but had no problem finding a spot. There was a good amount of people out there but it’s sooo spread out you barely notice the other people. Lots of soft sand since it’s next to the river so you have good ground to sleep on. If you’re lucky you’ll see the wild horses!!” – Brandon D.

Campground Details:

• Price: $8-12
• Number of sites: 5
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes