Arizona is one of the best states to explore for RV trips because of its diverse outdoor scenery. Contrary to an outsider’s belief, there is much more to look at than tumbleweeds in the desert. From red rock formations to lakes throughout, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite destinations and the best places for RV camping nearby.
Even if you’ve been a resident of the “Grand Canyon State” for years, we hope you find one or two amazing sights in our recommendations below to check off your RV trip bucket list in sunny Arizona!
1. Grand Canyon
Where to Stay: Grand Canyon Railway RV Park | Williams, AZ
Speaking of the Grand Canyon State, no “Top 10” list would be complete without mention of this Natural Wonder of the World. It’s no surprise that almost 6 million people visit the 277-mile natural red rock formation per year.
When visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is the ideal spot to stay to be a short distance away. Located just a couple blocks from the Grand Canyon Railway, you can take a break from driving and ride the historic train from Williams to the Grand Canyon. If you brought your furry friend, rest assured they can be cared for at the RV park’s on-site pet resort while you’re exploring.
After you’ve taken in all the majestic scenery you can handle there, the fun continues at the RV park that offers an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness trail, basketball courts, HDTV, Wi-Fi, and more.
2. Sedona
Where to Stay: Rancho Sedona RV Park | Sedona, AZ
Another must-see for both tourists and residents alike is the red rock town of Sedona. With more than three million visitors per year, including those escaping the heat from the Valley or sightseers stopping along the way to the Grand Canyon, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular location.
Worldwide it is known for being a spiritual Mecca, engulfed with the natural beauty of its signature red rock mountains. Year-round you can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, fishing, nearby vineyards, and sightseeing that never gets old.
So naturally there are many options of where to stay, but if you’re seeking an especially relaxing vacation, stay at the Rancho Sedona RV Park. Most sites offer full hookups, patios, and modern living amenities like cable TV and Wi-Fi.
3. Saguaro National Park
Where to Stay: Gilbert Ray Campground | Tucson, AZ
Sure, seeing cacti is no surprise in Arizona, but the Saguaro National Park is one worth noting for some of the tallest ones you’ll see! In fact, you will only see this type of cactus in the Sonoran Desert. However, its camping areas are not RV-friendly. So we highly recommend the Gilbert Ray Campground, located less than four miles from the national beauty on the west side of the Tucson Mountains.
Gilbert Ray has 130 RV sites with 30-amp electrical hookups and centrally located water, picnic tables, dumping station, and modern restrooms – all in the midst of the beautiful saguaro desert. So, take advantage of the many hiking trails that thousands of visitors come to enjoy every year.
Please note: Campsite reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. You can reserve your site here.
4. Lake Havasu
Where to Stay: Sam’s Beachcomber RV Resort | Lake Havasu City, AZ
The California-bordering town of Lake Havasu City is of course best known for its lake, for boating and water sports, but also offers an array of fun activities such as golfing, cycling, and off-roading. Lake Havasu is known as “Home of the London Bridge,” as it was actually relocated from London, England.
To match this magnificent lake, we recommend Sam’s Beachcomber RV Resort on the island where you can take advantage of the private lake access, private beaches, launch ramps, boat docks, horseshoe pits, billiards room, and more.
5. Tombstone
Where to Stay: Tombstone RV Park & Campground | Tombstone, AZ
This highly rated campground is located just minutes from the historic town of Tombstone, which is renowned for being the “most authentic western town left in the United States.” The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park features exhibits including a gallows replica, and the O.K. Corral outdoor theater re-enacts an 1881 cowboy gunfight on historic Allen Street.
The Tombstone RV Park & Campground offers spacious full hookup (30-50 amp) pull-through sites. Aside from its unique charm and character, what really sets it apart is its heated pool, campfire rings, Wi-Fi, and shuttle to Tombstone.
This family-fun experience is about an hour drive from the Tucson Ameripark Covered Storage facility.
6. Lake Pleasant
Where to Stay: Pleasant Harbor RV Resort | Peoria, AZ
You may think finding lakes in Arizona is like finding a mirage, but actually finding bodies of water to stay cool is not as rare as you think. In fact, did you know Arizona has 128 lakes and five major rivers for outdoor recreation and water sports practically year-round? The popular Lake Pleasant in Peoria, AZ features a 10-lane boat ramp and parking for about 200 vehicles. But where’s the best place to park your RV?
We recommend the Pleasant Harbor RV Resort for close access to the lake and over 250 full hook up sites, so you can spend optimal time enjoying the water. When you’ve had enough of the open waters, keep the fun times going at this resort that features a club house, pickleball, bocce ball, basketball, horseshoes, picnic grounds, and a pool with a jacuzzi.
Due to the high popularity of this lake that is less than an hour north of Phoenix, we highly recommend making your RV reservation at Pleasant Harbor in advance here.
7. Skyline Regional Park
Where to Stay: Leaf Verde RV Resort | Buckeye, AZ
Perhaps a lesser known mountain preserve is the breathtaking 8,700-acre Skyline Regional Park, which is located in the southern White Tank Mountains and has free park entry to explore its miles of trails. Some other local attractions to see while you’re there include the Historic Gillespie Dam Bridge and Wildlife World Zoo Aquarium & Safari Park.
Rated one of the best RV parks near Phoenix (with awards to back it up), Leaf Verde RV Resort is a popular homebase for RV enthusiasts to explore the southwest in a more central location. This is another large facility that has more than 350 RV sites, yet a peaceful quality from its serene surroundings, being outside of the major city by almost an hour. Some of its fun amenity offerings include a recreational hall to socialize, billiards lounge, shuffle boards, tennis and pickleball courts, heated pool, and dog run.
8. Schnepf Farms
Where to Stay: The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms | Queen Creek, AZ
Schnepf Farms is well-known for being the largest organic peach grower in Arizona, and it receives plenty of visitors year-round that enjoy its “U-Pick” gardens, country store, and farmhouse museum. Additionally, it offers community events, hay rides, tours, cooking classes, bakery, petting zoo, and train rides.
BONUS: You can also go across the street at the Queen Creek Olive Mill for a gourmet market and restaurant that features locally sourced oil, specialty foods, and tours.
As well-loved as the farm is, many might not even know that it actually has a hidden gem for camping at The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms. Meant for tent camping alternatives, its dirt and grass sites offer full hookups for water, power and sewer for a simple, yet considered more “glamping” experience. In fact, if you want to try a unique or vintage airstream out, you can review the options and reserve here.
9. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Where to Stay: Palm Creek Resort & Residences | Casa Grande, AZ
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is a must-see landmark in Arizona where you can experience an ancestral Sonoran Desert People’s farming community and irrigation canals. Often in the Spring, there are special tours offered such as backcountry archeology walks.
Located centrally in Casa Grande, the Palm Creek Resort & Residences is an expansive property that would create a staycation type of escape for when you only have time for a quick trip, but want to feel like you’re far enough for a change in scenery. For example, if there’s an event in downtown Phoenix you want to attend but not stay in the city for, this would be less than an hour drive away. Also, take note that it is halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, so there is plenty to see with this site as your vacation homebase.
When we say Palm Creek Resort & Residences is massive, we mean over 2,000 RV pads with abundant amenities to match. All of their RV rental sites allow for back-in and are a minimum of 40’ wide by 50’ deep. In addition to the usual amenities you can expect, this resort tops them by featuring patio pads and full hook ups including 50 amps and cable TV at every site.
Please note: This is an active 55+ resort. You can check the availability here.
10. Sonoran Desert National Monument
Where to Stay: Sonoran Desert RV Park | Gila Bend, AZ
Last but certainly not least is the Sonoran Desert National Monument, which is south of Buckeye and east of Gila Bend. The national park features picturesque desert landscape trails for hiking, horseback riding, target-shooting, and more.
Naturally, we would suggest you camp at the Sonoran Desert RV Park – not just for the nearby location, but also the fun activities to keep you entertained after you call it a day at the national monument.
Some of the winter activities the park is famous for include aquatic aerobics, water volleyball, game nights, crafts, line dancing, weekly coffee conversations, movie nights, and more. The unique amenities it offers are a recreational hall with a 2,500-foot veranda, outdoor kitchen and fireplace, heated pool, RV supplies, putting green, petanque court, and car wash station.
We hope you find a few destinations and recommendations for RV camping listed above to add to your RV trip bucket list. Or, even some that you’re due to revisit! There is so much beauty in the state of Arizona.
Call us at (520) 833-8016, or click here to reserve your spot for storage now!
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for recommendations or services provided by a licensed professional.