Camping in Arizona is a necessity. It’s an experience everyone should have at least once in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the diverse wilderness that still exists. Most people opt to stick to the forests and some venture out to the desert but did you know there are campgrounds on the beach in Arizona? You’ll have to stretch your definition of a beach to a shore but it can be done! Here are a few suggestions that we think are great options for the best camping in Arizona near water:

1. Cattail Cove
Cattail Cove State Park, AZ-95, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406, USA
Arizona State Parks/Facebook
Sandy shores sit just feet from this campground and it’s a nice place that’s easily hidden away from sight. Cattail Cove is unlike any other place in Arizona, and it's just waiting to be experienced.
2. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, 1500 Fools Hollow Rd, Show Low, AZ 85901, USA
Jason Thompson/Flickr
Sitting on the edges of Show Low, Fool Hollow Lake is a huge camping area with sites along the shore and just a short drive from town (in case you forgot any supplies). You’ll find plenty to do here and areas are available for RV and tent campers.
3. Hawley Lake
Hawley Lake, Arizona 85930, USA
Alisa Cooper/Flickr
This campground known as Hawley Lake is located on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, about 17 miles east of McNary. It sits along the lake, just opposite rustic cabins, and it has plenty of areas for fishing, boating, and just enjoying the mountain air.

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4. Lee’s Ferry
Lees Ferry, Spencer Trail, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, USA
NPS Cultural Landscapes/Flickr
Located down in the Grand Canyon, Lee's Ferry has quite the camping history as it welcomed thousands of travelers through the decades. If you have any bucket list camping areas, this place definitely needs to be on that list.

Check out this stunning hike in Lee's Ferry on the Cathedral Wash Trail:
5. Lyman Lake State Park
Lyman Lake State Park/Facebook
Located on the highway between St. Johns and Springerville in eastern Arizona, Lyman Lake State Park sits in a mountainous area with comfortable day temperatures and cool nights in the spring and summer. While the campsites aren’t directly on the beach, it is a short walk and, if you wake up early enough in the morning, you can catch the sun rising above the mountains.
6. Patagonia Lake State Park
Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia Lake Road, Nogales, AZ, USA
Mia & Steve Mestdagh/Flickr
Southeastern Arizona often goes ignored when it comes to camping but Patagonia Lake State Park is simply gorgeous! You’ll find quite a few camping areas along the shore, meaning you can go for a quick swim within minutes of waking up in the morning. Can you think of anything more invigorating?
7. River Island State Park
Milagr O./Yelp
Located along the Colorado River near Parker, River Island State Park is a nice retreat in the spring months before the temperatures get too hot. A quick walk down the ramp and you’re right at the north-facing beach in a cove.

Enjoy this walking and driving tour of River Island State Park in beautiful 4K:

Want to see more great camping suggestions? Where would you say has the best camping in Arizona near water?

Read about some amazing locations around Arizona in these rustic spots in Arizona that are extraordinary for camping.

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Best Camping In Arizona Near Water

Leah | December 18, 2020

What are the best beaches in Arizona?

If you enjoyed this list of beachfront camping in Arizona, here are a few more beaches you can visit within the state. In Lake Havasu City, a popular beach is London Bridge Beach. Named for its proximity to the beautiful London Bridge of Lake Havasu, this beach is great for a day trip. The amenities at this sandy spot include multiple playgrounds, swimming areas, sand volleyball courts, a dog park, and so much more. Another great beach destination is Redwall Cavern. Not quite as accessible as these other beaches, but so worth getting to. You'll need to take a raft with a guide to get to this hidden alcove in the Grand Canyon.

Which state parks should I visit in Arizona?

If you're looking for some truly scenic camping in Arizona, take a look at some of the many state parks that offer exactly that. The Red Rock State Park is an easy must-do if you're visiting the state. The gorgeous, vivid-colored landscape surrounding Sedona, Arizona is best experienced within this park. The trails there are especially stunning, so bring your hiking boots. Not far from there is Slide Rock State Park, another popular destination - and for good reason. Cool off by taking a trip down this natural rock water slide and enjoy the scenery of the area.

What are the best campgrounds in Arizona?

Spend the night under the desert sky when you camp at one of these amazing campgrounds in the Grand Canyon State. The Kaibab Lake Campground offers all the amenities you'll need for a fun camping trip, and you'll be in the gorgeous Kaibab National Forest. If you enjoy seeing stunning, towering rock walls, visit the Lost Dutchman State Park. Although more known for its strenuous hikes across the rugged terrain, it also has a campground with over 130 campsites. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, and more. You'll be able to appreciate the stunning desert landscape surrounding you while spending the night under the stars.

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