Top Arizona State Parks for RV Camping
Whether you’re looking for RV camping with views of mountains, deserts, or lakes, Arizona’s state parks have excellent campgrounds where you can enjoy the special beauty of the sunshine state.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Although its prestigious national parks often steal the spotlight (hello Grand Canyon!), Arizona’s state parks are perfect for RV camping with well-equipped, scenic, and convenient campgrounds.
Read on for our favorite highest-rated RV campgrounds (on Campendium) at Arizona state parks.
Lost Dutchman State Park
Credit: Lost Dutchman State Park Facebook Page
Location: 40 miles (46 min) east of Phoenix in Apache Junction, AZ.
Rating: 4/5
Why RVers Like It
Only one hour east of Phoenix, Lost Dutchman is a favorite camping spot among RVers because of its incredible desert scenery and plenty of hiking trails like the Siphon Draw.
Read our complete guide to Lost Dutchman State Park.
Campground Details
Hookups: Water and electric available (30/50/20 amp)
Site Types: Non-hookup sites are paved. Every site has a picnic table, fire ring/grill grate.
Site Size: No size restrictions
Amenities: Dump station, restrooms, showers, trails, hiking trails, visitor center
Reservations: Highly recommended in winter and spring
Picacho Peak State Park
Credit: Picacho Peak State Park Facebook Page
Location: 75 miles (1 hr 10 min) southeast of Phoenix in Picacho, AZ
Rating: 4/5
Why RVers Like It
Known for its iconic desert peak and wildflower displays, Picacho Peak State Park is a favorite spring destination. It’s quiet, scenic, and offers excellent hiking with a touch of solitude.
Campground Details
Hookups: No water or sewer hookups available.
Site Types: Gravel; both back-up and pull-through sites. Some sites have ramadas and some are handicap accessible.
Site Size Max: No size limit.
Amenities: Dump station, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire rings.
Reservations: Must book during spring wildflower season from February–April.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Location: 104 miles (1 hr 46 min) north of Phoenix in Cottonwood, AZ
Rating: 4/5
Why RVers Like It
Dead Horse Ranch is a high-desert gem. Just minutes from Old Town Cottonwood and just a short drive from Sedona. RVers love the spacious sites, birdwatching, hiking trails, and easy access to the Verde Valley’s wine country.
Campground Details
Hookups: Water and electric (30/50 amp)
Site Types: Paved and gravel pads
Site Size Max: Allows rigs up to 65 feet
Amenities: Dump station, restrooms, hot showers, trails, fishing
No Reservations: First-come, first-served; busy in spring and fall
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Credit: Kartchner Caverns State Park Facebook Page
Location: 166 miles (2.5 hr) southeast of Phoenix in Benson, AZ
Rating: 5/5
Why RVers Like It
Home to one of the most spectacular cave systems in the U.S., Kartchner Caverns also has a quiet and clean campground with beautiful desert views and interpretive programs.
Campground Details
Hookups: Water and electric (30/50 amp)
Site Types: Paved pads (some pull-through sites), each with a picnic table and fire ring
Max RV Size: Up to 60 feet
Amenities: Dump station, clean showers, visitor center, cave tours
Reservations: Recommended, especially if booking a cave tour
Explore Arizona’s State Parks in a Blacksford RV!
Patagonia Lake State Park
Location: 188 miles (3 hr) southeast of Phoenix in Nogales, AZ.
Rating: 4/5
Why RVers Like It
Patagonia Lake State Park is a favorite for birders, anglers, and paddlers. It’s a rare wetland oasis in the desert, with mountain views, wildlife, and plenty of shade trees.
Campground Details
Hookups: Water and electric (30/50 amp).
Site Type: Gravel; each site has a picnic table, fire ring/grill.
Max RV Length: No limit.
Amenities: Dump station, restrooms, showers, boat ramps, camp store.
Reservations: Suggested May–November when sites fill up quickly.
Combine a few of these state parks into a longer Arizona road trip, or use them as scenic stopovers on your way to Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, or the southern borderlands.
Blacksford RV’s Phoenix hub is the perfect spot to pick up your RV rental and hit the road to explore the beauty of Arizona.
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Credit: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Facebook Page
Location: 178 miles (3 hr 10 min) northeast of Phoenix in Show Low, AZ
Rating: 5/5
Why It’s Great for RVers
Fool Hollow is forested lake getaway at 6,300 feet elevation with year-round access and full hookups. Great for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and escaping the summer heat.
Campground Details
Hookups: Full hookups and 30 amp sites, with a few 50 amp sites
Site Types: Paved and gravel pads; fire ring and picnic table at each site. Some sites may be located near steep cliffs.
RV Max Length: Up to 40 feet
Amenities: Dump station, restrooms, showers, trails, lake access
Reservations: Recommended year round. A 2-night minimum stay is required for weekend camping April–October; a 3-night minimum is required for Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day weekends.
Seasonal Tips: Perfect in summer; open year-round with snowy winters
Roper Lake State Park
Credit: Roper Lake State Park Facebook Page
Location: 172 miles (3 hr 15 min) southeast of Phoenix in Safford, AZ
Rating: 4/5
Why RVers Like It
Roper Lake is a quiet lake park with hot springs, fishing, and stunning mountain views. It is popular with snowbirds and locals seeking a relaxing desert retreat.
Campground Details
Hookups: Water and electric (20/30/50 amp).
Site Type: Gravel; each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
Site Size: Up to 45 feet; a mix of back-in and pull-through sites.
Amenities: Dump station, restrooms, showers, trails, dog park.
Reservations: Booking during cooler months.
Lake Havasu State Park
Credit: Lake Havasu State Park Facebook Page
Location: 194 miles (3 hr 45 min) northwest of Phoenix in Lake Havasu City, AZ
Rating: 4/5
Why RVers Like It
With beachfront views and boat access, Lake Havasu State Park is a favorite for water-loving RVers. It’s close to the London Bridge and downtown Lake Havasu, making it a perfect base for boating, paddling, and desert exploring.
Campground Details
Hookups: Water and electric (50 amp)
Site Types: Gravel pads, each with picnic table and fire ring
Site Size Max: Some sites allow up to 45 feet, other sites can fit larger rigs
Amenities: Dump station, modern restrooms, boat ramps, sandy beach
Reservations: Book early during winter and spring (snowbird season). A 2-night minimum is required April through October.
Lyman Lake State Park
Credit: Lyman Lake State Park Facebook Page
Location: 238 miles (4 hr, 10 min.) northeast of Phoenix in St. Johns, AZ.
Rating: 4/5
Why RVers Like It
At 6,000 feet elevation, Lyman Lake is one of the few Arizona state parks with a lake and RV camping that stays cooler in summer. It’s remote and quiet with mountain views, boating, and fishing.
Campground Details
Hookups: Full hookups and partial (water/electric) available.
Site Types: Gravel and dirt pads.
Max RV Size: Up to 60 feet
Amenities: Dump station, restrooms, showers, camp store, hiking trails.
Reservations: Make during summer months.
Add one of Arizona’s 35 state parks to any Arizona road trip for off-the-beaten-path RV campgrounds and lesser-known adventures. Rent your Phoenix RV from Blacksford and get unlimited mileage to explore the sunshine state in comfort, at your own pace.