Arizona Camping Guide: Top Campgrounds for Family Adventures

You know that feeling when the alarm clock rings, and the only thing on your mind is the daily grind? What if you traded that sound for the gentle rustle of leaves, the scent of a crackling campfire, and the laughter of your family? Welcome to Arizona camping—a journey that will take you from the fiery red rocks of Sedona to the cool, pine-scented air of the high country, and from the saguaro-studded deserts to the mighty Grand Canyon. This isn't just another list of campgrounds. This is your personal roadmap to viral-worthy family memories, epic social media posts, and the kind of fun that has everyone asking, "Where did you go?!"

Your Arizona Camping Playbook: Know Before You Go

Before we explore the state's most incredible spots, here are the essential tips you need to know.

How to Book Your Trip: The Great Reservation Game

Securing a coveted Arizona campsite requires a little know-how, as popular spots fill up months in advance, especially in the cooler seasons. ArizonaStateParks.com: This is your go-to for all Arizona State Park campgrounds. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance for some locations. For the most popular spots, it's a good idea to book as early as possible. Recreation.gov: For national parks and national forests, this is your platform. Many sites operate on a rolling six-month reservation window. Hipcamp.com: A fantastic resource for finding unique, private land camping. If state and national parks are booked solid, Hipcamp is your best friend for last-minute or secluded gems.

Understanding the Cost: Pricing varies widely based on location and amenities.

Standard Campsites (State & National Parks): Typically range from $25 to $50 per night. These sites usually include a fire ring, picnic table, and access to restrooms and water. Campsites with Hookups: Expect to pay more, generally from $40 to $50 per night, for sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Cabins: Available at some state parks, with prices ranging from $85 to $149 per night.

Arizona's Most Epic Camping Hotspots, County by County

We've broken down Arizona's diverse landscape into can't-miss regions. Each one offers a unique adventure for your family.

1. The High Country: Coconino & Yavapai Counties

This is Arizona's escape from the summer heat, with towering pines, cooler temperatures, and stunning mountain scenery.

Best Campground: Manzanita Campground (Coconino County)

Why it's a family favorite: Located just north of Sedona in scenic Oak Creek Canyon, this small, tent-only campground is the perfect base camp for exploring the Red Rock Country. It’s right on Oak Creek, offering a tranquil setting. What to do in the area: Kids will love splashing in the clear, refreshing swimming holes along Oak Creek. Explore Slide Rock State Park, where you can slide down a natural rock water slide. The campground is also a short drive from Sedona's art galleries and restaurants.

Best Campground: Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Yavapai County)

Why it's a family favorite: Located near the charming town of Cottonwood, this park offers a variety of camping options. It's an ideal hub for exploring the Verde Valley. What to do in the area: The park has three lagoons stocked with bass and catfish. A short drive away, you can explore historic Old Town Cottonwood, a hub of restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

2. The Grand Canyon Region: Coconino County

Camping near the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list experience. For a less crowded option than the park's main campgrounds, head to the surrounding national forest.

Best Campground: Ten-X Campground

Why it's a family favorite: Located a few miles south of Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, Ten-X offers a quiet, forested alternative to the crowded park campgrounds. It's surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines. What to do in the area: You are a short drive from the South Rim's main viewpoints and trails. Catch a sunrise or sunset over the canyon for a truly unforgettable moment. Away from the lights of the park's villages, Ten-X offers an incredible view of the night sky.

3. The Desert: Maricopa & Pima Counties

Experience the magic of the Sonoran Desert. Camping here in the spring and fall is an unforgettable experience, with the cacti in full bloom and the desert coming alive.

Best Campground: Lost Dutchman State Park (Maricopa County)

Why it's a family favorite: Situated at the base of the majestic Superstition Mountains, this campground is pure desert gold. The views are incredible, and it's close enough to the Phoenix metro area for a quick getaway. What to do in the area: Explore the park's scenic trails. The park offers fun ranger-led activities, including guided nighttime scorpion hunts and star parties.

Best Campground: Catalina State Park (Pima County)

Why it's a family favorite: Located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, this park offers an oasis in the desert. The campground is surrounded by thousands of Saguaro cacti. What to do in the area: The park is a birdwatcher's paradise and a great spot to see desert wildlife like javelina and coyotes.

4. The Lake Life: Mohave & Gila Counties

For families who love the water, Arizona's lakes and rivers offer a refreshing escape from the heat.

Best Campground: Lake Havasu State Park (Mohave County)

Why it's a family favorite: Boasting white-sand beaches, sparkling blue water, and a wide array of activities, this is the perfect destination for water-loving families. What to do in the area: Go swimming, boating, jet skiing, or paddleboarding. Take a walk across the famous London Bridge, which was relocated here in the 1960s.

Best Campground: Roper Lake State Park (Gila County)

Why it's a family favorite: This is a hidden gem for a relaxing, low-key camping trip. The campground offers lakeside sites and cabins, and the small lake is perfect for family-friendly fishing and boating. What to do in the area: The 15-acre lake is stocked with bass, sunfish, and trout. Relax in the park’s natural hot spring, a perfect way to end a day of outdoor fun.

5. The White Mountains: Apache County

This region offers a remote, high-altitude experience with lush forests, alpine lakes, and cool, crisp air—a true escape from the summer sun.

Best Campground: Big Lake Recreation Area

Why it's a family favorite: Situated at over 9,000 feet, Big Lake is a fishing and boating paradise. The recreation area offers several campgrounds with stunning views and easy access to the lake. What to do in the area: Rent a boat, kayak, or canoe and explore the expansive lake. Fishing is a top activity here, with the lake well-stocked with trout. You can also hike or bike the trails around the lake.

6. Southern Arizona: Cochise County

Explore the rugged beauty and rich history of the state's southeastern corner, where the mountains rise dramatically from the desert floor.

Best Campground: Kartchner Caverns State Park

Why it's a family favorite: This is camping with a twist! The main draw here is a jaw-dropping "living" cave system, making it an educational and fascinating trip for all ages. What to do in the area: The highlight is the guided tour of the caverns, but there are also hiking trails and an excellent discovery center. You’re also a short drive from historic towns like Tombstone and Bisbee.

7. The Colorado River: La Paz County

For those who crave extreme heat and refreshing water, camping along the mighty Colorado River is an unmatched experience.

Best Campground: Buckskin Mountain State Park

Why it's a family favorite: Known as the "Jewel of the River," this park is a lush green space nestled between the river and rugged mountains. It's a fantastic spot for swimming and water sports. What to do in the area: The park has a swimming beach and boat ramps. Go tubing, water skiing, or fishing. The park also has hiking trails that offer stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.

Ready to Go On Your Own Arizona Adventure?

Camping in Arizona isn't just a trip; it's a journey into the heart of what makes this state so magical. The photos you'll take, the stories you'll tell, and the memories you'll create are guaranteed to be social media gold. So, pack up the car, tag your family, and get ready to trade "likes" for the real thing: sun-drenched days and starry nights.

Camping Gear & Supplies Store

Find all the top camping gear and supplies for your next adventure at the Mendenhall Outdoors Camping Gear & Tackle Store.

Fishing Guides and Charter Boats

There are many different fishing guides that offer guided fishing trips on your favorite fishing lake or other location. FishingBooker is a service of local guides that you can choose from and schedule your next guided fishing trip. Book a Fishing Guide today on Fishing Booker to catch some quality fish and learn about this excellent fishery.

Cottages and Vacation Home Rentals

Looking for place to stay on your favorite lake or any destination you wish to go? Expedia has vacation homes, hotels, motels, cabins, and cottages for many locations that would be great for your next family vacation, all at really great prices. Start your adventures today.

About The Author

Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Lunker Hunter. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase.