If you’ve been wanting to enjoy a night or more camping in our vast wilderness, here are a few suggestions of the best camping spots in Arizona to get started. These sites not only are accessible and great for newbies, but they also offer some beautiful views. Actually, is there anywhere in Arizona you can’t find an incredible view? Here are eight of the best camping spots in Arizona:

1. Ashurst Lake Campground
Alan Levine/Flickr
Ashurst Lake Campgrounds, Forest Service Rd 82E, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Teague O’Mara/Flickr
A pretty view outside of Flagstaff, this spot is great for camping, fishing, and bird watching. The facilities here are basic with just toilets and drinking water but the sights make up for it. Camping starts at $20 per night. From Flagstaff, take Forest Highway 3 for 19 miles, then turn left onto Forest Road 82E. One stay here and you'll learn quickly why we think it's one of the best campgrounds in Arizona. Learn more about Ashurst Lake Campground.
2. Canyon Point Campground
Canyon Point Campground, 260 Highway, Forest Lakes Estates, AZ 85931, USA
Devin/Flickr
Another great site for beginner campers, this place is located about 35 miles east of Payson via Highway 260. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, potable water, and plenty of spaces to cook your food over a fire. It’s a huge camping site and very popular, so we recommend making reservations to make sure you don’t have to turn around. Overnight camping starts at $34. Learn more about Canyon Point Campground.
3. Fool Hollow Lake Campground
theobine/Flickr
If the possibility of getting eaten by wild animals has prevented you from trying out camping -- in addition to not having a shower for a few days -- this may be a good place to start. You can enjoy the forest scenery of the White Mountains within a huge campsite that offers flush toilets, showers, potable water, grills, and other nearby amenities.
30 Chiricahua Dr, Springerville, AZ 85938, USA
Rufus M./Flickr
This area is a popular site so the constant human presence may be enough to keep animals at a distance. Also, if the kids get bored, there are two playgrounds within the site as well. To get here from Show Low, drive westbound on Highway 260, then turn right onto Old Linden Road. From here, drive a little more than a half mile to Fool Hollow Lake Road to the entrance of the recreation area.

The lake is beautiful, even in the evenings. Learn more about Fool Hollow Lake Campground

4. Hannagan Meadow Campground
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest/Flickr
Located in eastern Arizona, a little more than 67 miles north of the mining town Morenci, this area is routinely referred to by campers and journalists as the prime recreation area in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. It sits a short distance from US-191 and doesn't require a camping fee, although they do accept donations. In this area, you’ll probably have a high chance of spotting wildlife and the trails are plentiful but arrive early! Campsites are first come, first served and the amenities are basic -- they have toilets but water is limited. Learn more about Hannagan Meadow Campground, one of the best places for camping in Arizona.

Related Stories

The River Campground In Arizona Where You’ll Have An Unforgettable Tubing Adventure

The River Campground In Arizona Where You’ll Have An Unforgettable Tubing Adventure

 Pine Flat Campground Might Be The Most Beautiful Campground In The Entire State Of Arizona

Pine Flat Campground Might Be The Most Beautiful Campground In The Entire State Of Arizona

 With Only 10 Campsites, The Blue Ridge Campground In Arizona Offers A Remote Forest Escape

With Only 10 Campsites, The Blue Ridge Campground In Arizona Offers A Remote Forest Escape
5. Kaibab Lake Campground
US Forest Service, Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest/Flickr
Kaibab Lake Campground, Forest Service Rd 47, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
US Forest Service, Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest/Flickr
You’ll find plenty of beautiful sights here and there’s the benefit of some recent renovations at this campground. Among the on-site amenities are drinkable water, toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. You can reserve a spot and camping fees start at $28. To get here from the 40, exit north onto AZ-64 and drive about one mile to the campground entrance. Learn more about Kaibab Lake Campground
6. Lost Dutchman State Park
Lost Dutchman State Park, 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
K e v i n/Flickr
When the weather cools down a bit, this is a great location for desert camping in Arizona. The park has 134 sites plus flush toilets, showers, and grills to help make your stay a little more comfortable. To get here from Phoenix, take the US-60 eastbound then exit at Idaho Road. Drive north then turn right onto Apache Trail. Learn more about Lost Dutchman State Park camping.
7. Lynx Lake Campground
Lynx Lake, Arizona 86303, USA
Michael Ruiz/Flickr
Just fifteen minutes from Prescott, this area is a beautiful escape from urban life. This place is popular though, so you will want to reserve your spot at $18 per night. There are toilets and drinking water available on-site, plus plenty of spots to cook up a fish or two for dinner. From Prescott, head east on US-69 then turn south onto Walker Road. The campground will be on your left. Learn more about Lynx Lake Campground.

8. North Rim Campground
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
If you’re looking for a good beginner experience with camping, this may be a good place to start. Not only are you staying on-site at the Grand Canyon but there are plenty of amenities, including flush toilets, showers, grills, and a general store. Reservations are required here and start at $18 per night. The drive is about four hours from Flagstaff; drive north on US-89 to US-89A, then exit left onto AZ-67. From here, you’ll drive south approximately 42 miles and the campgrounds will be to the right.
North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
The store on-site has plenty of the basics in stock that you may need for a comfortable stay. And this is one of the most amazing Arizona campgrounds because you're at the Grand Canyon! Learn more about the North Rim Campground.

Do you agree that these are among the best camping spots in Arizona? Where is your favorite place to camp in Arizona? Here are more of Arizona’s best parks that offer camping, trails, and more.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Camping In Arizona

Leah | October 09, 2020

What is the most beautiful campground in Arizona?

One of the most beautiful campgrounds in Arizona is barely a campground at all, actually, but a place where people camp and are blown away by their experience. End of the World is a secluded camping spot in the Coconino National Forest. You'll overlook some spectacular sights and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Though there are no established campgrounds, camping is allowed.

What are the most unique places to spend the night in Arizona?

Aside from camping, here are some of the most unique places to spend the night in Arizona:

  • In the town of Bisbee, Arizona when you stay at Eldorado Suites Hotel. Other than the luxurious accommodations, the view from your room is gorgeous.
  • For those visiting Lake Powell, stay at Lake Powell Resort. It has everything you need for a relaxing getaway and then some, plus great lake views.

 

Check out some of the best hotels in Arizona for a memorable stay.

Can I camp right on the water in Arizona?

Yes, there are quite a few places where you can camp right on the water in Arizona. Here are a few of those camping spots:

  • Cattail Cove offers camping with sandy beaches just feet away.
  • Patagonia Lake State Park, located in southeastern Arizona, has campsites right along the shore of the lake. The views are gorgeous and you are steps away from taking a swim.
  • For those who enjoy riverside views, try River Island State Park. Scenically located on the Colorado River, it's picturesque and peaceful, resulting in a great experience.

Related Articles

Explore Arizona