Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Arizona

Arizona is an astronomically beautiful place with a jaw-droppingly diverse landscape. What all too many people dismiss as “desert wasteland” couldn’t actually be further from the truth – the Copper State is jam-packed with absolutely amazing landscapes ranging from pine forests to saguaro forests, aspen stands, and everything in between alongside plains and wilderness mixed in for fun. With 128 lakes, five major rivers, and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, it’s no secret as to why places like our state parks are so popular: Arizona’s an amazing place and said parks offer front-row seats to the amazement. To celebrate, let’s take a look at all the best state parks in Arizona. Adventure awaits!

Most Popular State Parks In Arizona

Fun fact: Arizona is, at the time of this writing, home to 33 state parks (and three official National Parks with 22 additional National Parks-managed destinations) – all of which are worthy of exploration (they ARE state parks for a reason, after all). Some, however, are more popular than others, and that too is for a reason: these parks go above and beyond in terms of beauty, wonder, and overall awesomeness, and they make for an excellent introduction to our parks as a whole. Check out the three most popular state parks in Arizona for a bucket list adventure!

Lake Havasu State Park, 699 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, USA

Eduard Marmet/Flickr

Location: Mohave County, Arizona. Closest town: Lake Havasu City.

Wow Factor: Perhaps this is obvious, but Lake Havasu! This gorgeous, clean, sparkling lake is Arizona’s favorite thanks to all its beauty and opportunity.

Need To Know: Entry to Lake Havasu State Park is $20 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, and $15 per vehicle Monday through Thursday. On-foot admission is just $3, though, so do keep that in mind! This park is home to the London Bridge – yes, the one from the nursery rhymes. THAT London Bridge.

Located right along the impressive Colorado River, there are so many things to do in Lake Havasu State Park that it’s impossible to list them all in a short paragraph, but rest assured: this Arizona state park is the #1 most popular for a reason (perhaps many reasons). With three boat ramps, 54 campsites, 13 beach cabins (seriously!), swimming beaches galore and all the hiking your heart could ever hope for, Lake Havasu is an endless supply of good times and great weather. Even during Arizona’s monsoon season, Havasu has relatively good weather, to the chagrin of the locals. It’s gorgeous, though, and the London Bridge is the icing on the cake.

Slide Rock State Park, Arizona 86336, USA

Yin Zhou/Flickr

Location: Coconino County, Arizona. Closest town: Sedona.

Wow Factor: The “wow” factor that is Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona is tough to overstate; no doubt, this region is what folks are imagining when people think of red rock country. Oak Creek is refreshing, and the general store onsite makes everything a lot more convenient than they used to be!

Need To Know: The entry fee is $20 per vehicle Monday through Thursday, and $30 per vehicle Friday through Sunday. The park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM in the summer, and often closes in the winter thanks to excessive snowfall (don’t worry – we need the water). There are NO walk-ins permitted; entry must be done by vehicle through the entry station on AZ-89A. Often, there will be an hours-long wait to get in, especially during the warm months. Be prepared and come VERY early to get in line.

Sedona is one of Arizona’s most legendarily photogenic towns, and as a result, it’s also one of its largest tourist attractions. Oak Creek Canyon cuts from Sedona up to the Flagstaff area, and the drive between cities on the 89A is nothing short of incredible, often appearing in “Best of the USA” lists for scenic drives. Along this scenic stretch of road is Slide Rock State Park, so named for its naturally slippery rocks commonly used as a natural waterslide by guests. Once upon a time, this beautiful area was an apple orchard, and to this day, fruit still grows throughout the canyon. Sedona is THE quintessential state park for anyone and everyone interested in all things AZ. If you’re looking for the best state parks in Arizona during the summer, you’ve definitely found the one that deserves a spot at the top! Things to do at Slide Rock State Park include playing in the creek, hiking trails, picnicking, and plenty of relaxing. You’ll love it, we promise – as long as you don’t mind a crowd. Fun fact: Sedona isn’t terribly far from the Grand Canyon, so you might want to consider making a pit stop for a day or two!

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Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737, USA

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Location: Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Pima County. Closest city: Tucson.

Wow Factor: There are several mountain ranges in the state of Arizona, and they’re all gorgeous – but the Santa Catalinas are something else entirely. It’s home to more than 5,000 saguaro cacti, breathtaking foothills, abundant wildlife, epic views, and so much more. It’s a multi-faceted beauty for sure and well worth a spot on the old bucket list.

Need To Know: Catalina State Park is interesting because it gets very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter, so be sure to check the weather before you go. Entrance fees for the park are $7 per vehicle, or $3 for folks on foot or on bikes.

Catalina State Park is the single largest state park in Arizona, and its position as the third most popular state park in AZ probably has a lot to credit for that. There are a number of delightful and refreshing things to do at Catalina State Park, like world-class birdwatching, equestrian trails, hiking trails, biking trails, and so much more. This park is definitely home to some fascinating geology, too, with fascinating rock formations in several locations throughout, as well as evidence of prehistoric farms and pueblo sites. This one’s great for everyone: nature lovers, history buffs, and geologists alike. Have fun!

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Best State Parks In Arizona To Camp

Camping in Arizona is one of the state’s most popular pastimes by far. There is no such thing as a weekend without camping in the Copper State, and many times, campgrounds are full before you even get a chance to book yours (so reserve well in advance!). Arizona’s state parks are amazing year-round, and many of them offer the best campgrounds in the entire southwest. That being said, there are so many that it’s tough to choose which ones to go for; here are a few of the downright best state parks in Arizona to camp.

Roper Lake State Park, Arizona 85546, USA

Mrs. Munoz/TripAdvisor

Location: Graham County, Arizona. Closest town: Safford.

Wow Factor: This state park is nestled at the base of Mt. Graham, which is one of Arizona’s utterly gorgeous “sky islands” thanks to it high elevation and rapid biome changes on the way up, similar to Mt. Lemmon in Tucson. The mountains are breathtaking, the lake is spectacular, and it’s really too bad that so few Arizonans even know it’s here. Sleeping here? Yes please.

Need To Know: Park entry fees are $10 per vehicle and $3 per walk-in or bike. Fees for campsites range from $20 for non-electric sites to $60 for a cabin. It gets very cold here in the winter, so prepare accordingly.

Roper Lake State Park is as beautiful as the landscape that surrounds it, and that’s saying a lot. This little nook in southeast-central Arizona is a paradise for nature lovers and especially wonderful for campers. As mentioned, you can book one of the several adorable, cozy cabins that pepper the lakeshore, and fishing is popular in the summer – it's easy to see why this could easily be on the list of best state parks in Arizona in spring and summer. While many other parks are crowded, this one tends to be on the lower-key side, and we love it all the more for that. Things to do at Roper Lake State Park other than camping include hiking, fishing, bird watching, and so much more. This is a getaway within a getaway, as Safford and nearby Willcox are part of AZ wine country.

Cattail Cove State Park, AZ-95, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406, USA

William L/TripAdvisor

Location: Mohave County, Arizona. Closest town: Lake Havasu City.

Wow Factor: All too often overlooked in favor of the significantly more popular and well-known Lake Havasu State Park, Cattail Cove is just as beautiful as the former with significantly less crowding and significantly more relaxing. This is the pick for lovers of Lake Havasu who would rather have a more low-key time, and it’s gorgeous – a genuine beach paradise in the Sonoran Desert (and/or the Mohave Desert – it's a transition zone between the two).

Need To Know: Entry fees are $10 per day Monday through Thursday, and $15 per day Friday through Sunday and holidays. In addition to this, there’s a camping fee of $15 per site, up to six people Monday through Thursday, $20 per site up to six people Friday through Sundays, and $10 for each additional person.

Cattail Cove State Park is just a stone’s throw away from Lake Havasu State Park, and it’s awesome for those of us who are introverts and would prefer less party, more chilly, and not in the “shivery” sense. Indeed, Cattail Cove is an excellent place for relaxing on or in the lake, and the beaches here are just as perfectly sandy as the others at more popular Havasu destinations. With 61 amazing campsites to pick from, you’re sure to find whatever’s perfect for you. Things to do at Cattail Cove State Park include some of the best fishing in the state, boating, camping, hiking, and, of course, watching the amazing sunsets (and sunrises!).

Alamo Lake State Park, Arizona, USA

Tori Jane/Author Photo

Location: La Paz County, Arizona. Nearest town: Wenden.

Wow Factor: Alamo Lake is gorgeous, especially when the water level is normal or even a little higher than usual. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is still and calm, with excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. It’s a desert oasis unlike its surrounding landscape, and it provides a lovely escape for anyone open to adventure.

Need To Know: Park entry fees are $10 per vehicle and $3 per walk-in or bike. Campsites range from $15–$30 per night, and there’s an additional $15 fee for a second vehicle at a site. Reservations are strongly recommended, and there’s an online reservation fee of $3.20. The nearest source of fuel and/or propane is in Salome, which is a bit of a drive (about 45 minutes), so prepare accordingly. It’s better to have too much than not enough!

With many more things to do at Alamo State Park than might initially meet the eye, it’s easy to see why this park is a favorite among campers in the Copper State. Camping here is second to none, with awesome lake views, boating and recreation opportunities, and more. It’s home to some of the best stargazing in Arizona, with incredibly dark skies that seem to go on forever. Of all the state parks on this list, this one might be one of the most impressively rural. It’s open year-round, 24 hours a day, and it’s worth a trip out at least once – especially if you’re camping!

Best State Parks In Arizona To RV

Speaking of camping, Arizona’s state parks are absolutely legendary for those who enjoy RV camping (or “glamping”, as we’re calling it now). RVers will find that there are state parks in Arizona with amenities aplenty, and lots of these state parks have RV-centric campgrounds with everything you’ll need for your hookups, electricity, water, and waste. Check out some of the best state parks in Arizona to RV in and start planning your escape ASAP. Don’t have an RV? No worries – you can always rent one just for the occasion! Our friends at RVshare specialize in exactly that.

Kartchner Caverns State Park, 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA

Mike Lewis/Wikimedia

Location: Cochise County, Arizona. Nearest town: Benson.

Wow Factor: If we’re being honest here, there isn’t anything about this utterly incredible state park that ISN’T a “wow” factor. Explore the most incredible cave in southern Arizona – if not the whole state (and if not the entire region of the country... seriously). Often called the “Best Cave in the US”, camping here is like waking up in some other world where the soul of the planet is right at your tent-step.

Need To Know: Despite the insane amount of awesomeness, entry fees to Kartchner Caverns State Park is just $7 per vehicle and $3 per walk-in. Camping fees range from $30 to $99 – the $99 being the beginning rate for the cabins onsite.

As if there weren’t already enough cool things to do at Karchner Caverns State Park, they had to go and make sure it has one of the best RV camping experiences in the nation, too. Truly, this one’s a delight; every campsite has electric hookups and water, placing this one leaps and bounds ahead of many others. Every site is single-width, so keep that in mind. So, what are some of those things to do at the park? First and foremost, do a guided tour of the cave – you will never, ever regret it. It’s an experience unlike any other on this planet, and you’ll be so glad you did. There’s also hiking, biking, and so much more – so get up early and stay up late! Besides, what’s cooler than getting to see stalactites and stalagmites in real life? Nothing, that’s what. The town of Tombstone isn’t terribly far away, either - you might want to check it out while you’re here.

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Patagonia Lake State Park, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA

ALAN SCHMIERER/Flickr

Location: Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Nearest town: Nogales.

Wow Factor: This sparkling, 250-acre lake is a stone’s throw away from the Arizona/Mexico International Border, and it’s ever so stunning. On sunny days, the lake reflects a shining blue right back up at the sky. Campsites are, in some places, right up on the water, and the views are to die for.

Need To Know: The entry fee for Patagonia Lake State Park is $15 per vehicle (1-4 adults) Monday through Friday and $20 per vehicle on weekends and holidays. Cabin rentals are $119 per night. Campsites range from $25 to $30 and occasionally higher for group sites and other amenities.

When people think of the word “Patagonia”, they often think of paradise – and, you know, that’s about accurate. There are plenty of things to do at Patagonia Lake State Park, so you’ll never get bored; with 105 campsites available – many of which are right on the water – you'll never tire of the views, nor will you get sick of waking up to them. This area is located in the heart of Southern Arizona’s wine country, being just a hop, skip and a jump away from the town of Sonoita, which is the wine capital of Arizona. Popular lakeside activities include fishing, camping, water skiing, and hiking, and if you book your campsite well enough in advance, you’ll find that you have pick of almost all the best places. This is one you won’t soon forget!

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Dead Horse Ranch State Park, 675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA

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Location: Yavapai County, Arizona. Nearest town: Cottonwood.

Wow Factor: Surrounded by foliage and gorgeous old cottonwood trees is Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a place as beautiful as its name is unsettling. But don’t let that fool you: this is one of the best state parks in Arizona in the fall (and all the other seasons too, but autumn is especially breathtaking). Let the postcard-esque landscape at DHRSP transport you back to the Wild West... before everything was developed, anyway.

Need To Know: This one is popular – so reserve early (which is honestly good advice for EVERY park on this list if you plan to go camping). Camping fees range from $30 to $35 per night for electric sites, and $20 a night for sites without electric hookups. As with many of our other state parks, this is on top of the entry fee of $7 per vehicle or $3 per walk-in or bike.

With more than 100 nicely spaced-out, large campsites perfect for RVs, this little place between Cottonwood, Camp Verde and Jerome is awesome for getting away from it all without going too far. Like all the state parks in Arizona, there is seemingly no end to the list of things to do at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Among the lengthy list of things to do are delights like camping, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Nestled right along the Verde River within the Verde River Valley Corridor, this gorgeous paradise is like stepping into a whole other world right in our backyards (especially if you live in Jerome, Cottonwood, or even Flagstaff).

Best State Parks In Arizona For Hiking

Hikers, rejoice: not only is Arizona wonderful for RVing and camping – it’s also absolutely perfect for hikers of all skill levels and ages to come out and test their prowess. Hiking has been a human thing for millions of years, be it for necessity, pleasure, or something in between, and with more than 600 trails to choose from across the Copper State, we’re pretty sure you’ll never get bored. Start with the easiest of hikes and work your way up to the most challenging – just be safe about it and have fun! Arizona’s state parks are ideal for hikers; check out a few of the best state parks in Arizona for hiking!

Picacho Peak State Park, 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141, USA

Robert Shea/Flickr

Location: Pinal County, Arizona. Closest town: Picacho.

Wow Factor: The odd-looking mountain that is Picacho Peak is the main star of the show here, with a highly unusual appearance thanks to its volcanic origins. This alone is enough to make anyone say “wow” - especially in the spring when the whole area is covered in wildflowers. Thanks to the flowers, this is one of the best state parks in Arizona in spring. You can’t miss it!

Need To Know: It gets HOT in the summer, so plan accordingly. This park is in close proximity to Casa Grande, Phoenix, and Tucson – and it’s in a place that sees very high temperatures in the warmest months. As with many of our state parks, entry is $7 per vehicle or $3 per on-foot entry. Bring water, no matter what time of year it is.

The list of fun things to do at Picacho Peak State Park doesn’t begin or end with “climb that weird-looking mountain”, but it’s definitely on the list somewhere. This is one of the best state parks in Arizona for hiking thanks to its numerous unique trails with truly awesome views everywhere you turn. Once upon a time, this was the site of the only Civil War battle this far west – the Battle of Picacho Pass. Now, it’s a hiker’s haven, with the Hunter Trail being the most challenging. Pack water, wear sunscreen, and have fun – this one’s all about the views AND the unique history. This is one of the coolest places to see wildflowers like Mexican poppies in America, and it’s all ours!

Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

Wendy/Flickr

Location: Coconino County, Arizona. Closest town: Sedona.

Wow Factor: The world-famous red rocks, mesas, and cliffs of Sedona, Arizona, are one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. This state park rolls up every little bit of awesomeness that is Sedona into one neat little park (which isn’t actually very little). For the views and hikes of a lifetime, Sedona is THE place to be. Really, all of Coconino National Forest is. Enjoy!

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Things to do at Red Rock State Park is a shorter list than you might expect – full of the usual camping, hiking, etc. - but every single item on that list is 100% worth doing here. Hiking in particular is an otherworldly experience unlike any other in the Southwest, or in the nation. The views are a photographer’s dream, the colors are like something out of a painting, and the intense natural beauty is truly something to remember forever. From creek crossings to footbridges, scrambles, and more, hikers of every skill level are about to find their new favorite places to go hiking in Northern AZ: and they’re all in Red Rock State Park.

Lost Dutchman State Park, 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA

Jeremy Wilburn/Flickr

Location: Pinal County, Arizona. Nearest town: Apache Junction.

Wow Factor: The views are absolutely incredible, no matter which trail you set out on. The view from the base of the Superstition Mountains is just as awe-inspiring as the view from the top of them (though the view from the top is a bit more rewarding). It’s no wonder why this mountain formation has been the subject of lore for thousands of years: it’s something to behold in all its majesty.

Need To Know: Entry fee per vehicle is $10. Walk-ins and bike-ins are $3. This is another Arizona state park that gets incredibly hot in the summer, making it one of the best state parks in Arizona in winter thanks to the significantly safer... well, everything. Pack water, and wear sunscreen. Do not attempt expert-level climbs or trails unless you are an expert-level hiker.

They say there’s gold in these here hills, but many a person’s died trying to find it (seriously), so maybe you should stick to the more realistic things to do at Lost Dutchman State Park... at least for now. Some of the hikes at Lost Dutchman are great for beginners, while others are best left to the pros. This sheer diversity in hiking trails is awesome, and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful backdrop to accompany all of it. This place is the Sonoran Desert at its best. This old state historic park is a must-do for any local history geeks, too. Check out the visitor center to learn more.

Little-Known State Parks In Arizona

Sometimes, we all want to tread a little off the beaten path. With as many state parks in Arizona as there are, it’s easy to see how some might slip through the cracks, and oftentimes these lesser-known parks are the place you want to be if avoiding the crowds is on your agenda. Let’s take a moment to examine some of the best little-known state parks in Arizona; you never know what you’ll discover out here, and these parks offer something that the others may not: peace and quiet.

Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr, Oracle, AZ 85623, USA

C D Tucker/AllTrails

Location: Pinal County, Arizona. Nearest town: Oracle.

Wow Factor: This 4,000-acre refuge is easily one of southern Arizona’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Need To Know: The entry fee for vehicles is $7, and on foot/bikes are $3. As another desert park, you’ll definitely want to bring water along year-round, as well as sunblock – there aren’t a lot of shady places at this one. If you find the desert beautiful, this is the park for you – and it’s so quiet!

Oracle State Park is way, WAY too hidden a gem for our liking. Honestly, it deserves so much more than the sliver of visitors it gets every year. It's everything we could ever hope for in a state park: there’s a little history, a little geology, a little geography, a little wonder, and a lot of awesomeness all packed into one place. There are plenty of things to do at Oracle State Park, but perhaps one of the best things is stargazing. As a dark-sky park, this place is amazing; you’ve probably never seen so many stars in your life until now. Hiking, camping, birdwatching, exploring the old historic Kannally Ranch House, and lots of other stuff belong at the top of your Oracle State Park to-do list. Amazingly, there are more than 10 awesome hikes throughout the park... better get started!

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Lyman Lake State Park, 11 US-180, St Johns, AZ 85936, USA

Management/TripAdvisor

Location: Apache County, Arizona. Nearest town: St. Johns.

Wow Factor: What is it about a lake against a desert backdrop that’s so beautiful? We don’t know, but we’re here for it, and it’s at Lyman Lake. Sunsets are especially wonderful – so much so that we decided to make one the representative photo.

Need To Know: Entry is $10 per vehicle, and $3 per walk or bike-in. Welcome to one of Arizona’s least-known lakes! On weekdays during the cooler months, you might even have it almost to yourself.

Hidden away in rural St. Johns, Arizona, is Lyman Lake – and around Lyman Lake is Lyman Lake State Park. This AZ state park is amazingly overlooked, especially considering it’s not super large (just about 1200 acres of park around a 1,500-acre reservoir). With so much shoreline to go around, there are loads of fun things to do at Lyman Lake State Park, like boating, swimming, fishing, and even simply lounging on the beach. Fun fact: this is one of the only lakes in the state with NO size restrictions for boats – so do with that information what you will. We’re pretty sure tootin’ around in a huge boat is about as American as it gets, though - in the funnest way possible.

Dankworth Pond State Park, Dankworth Lake Rd, Safford, AZ 85546, USA

Janet Fraser/Google Local

Location: Graham County, Arizona. Nearest town: Safford.

Wow Factor: This little park is so outrageously tranquil that you’ll feel like you’re on vacation far away, somewhere other than the desert southwest. Quiet and tranquil, this little pond is everything you didn’t know your soul needed today.

Need To Know: This park is right up the road from Roper Lake State Park, so you could make a whole thing out of doing both in one day trip (or one week). Entry fees are $10 per vehicle and $3 per walk-in or bike-in.

Much-beloved among birders, Dankworth Pond State Park is a wonderful place for anyone who loves nature at its most beautiful. Of all the things to do at Dankworth Pond State Park, birdwatching might just be one of the most popular activities, followed closely by fishing. Some of the fish caught from the pond are enormous! You’ll develop a whole, new-found love for the beauty of the desert at this little park, which is just waiting to be discovered. Hiking is another popular activity, and we think you’ll love the front-row seat simply walking around affords you. Best of all, most Arizonans don’t even know this little recreation area exists... so there are seldom, if ever, any crowds.

Arizona is, truly, one of the most amazingly diverse states in the country when it comes to its landscapes. What all too many people dismiss as a “desert wasteland” is actually an incredibly beautiful, completely breathtaking little world that’s 100% worth traveling to experience. Arizona – and Arizona’s state parks – are the perfect place for any nature lover to be. It’s a veritable playground of natural wonders, natural beauty, epic hikes, incredible views, and so much more. Come on out and see for yourself! You could put together quite a wonderful road trip in an effort to visit them all; it could be fun. Think about it!