Explore Arizona's Best Camping Spots

Lockett Meadow, Flagstaff, AZ

Lockett Meadow is located 7,000 feet high on top of the San Francisco Peaks and is a beloved camping ground for hikers. The grassy meadow and diverse wildlife are added attractions.

Catalina State Park, Tucson, AZ

Set in Tucson, the Catalina State Park in the Sonoran Desert is among the state’s best known camping grounds. Check out the hiking trails and craggy rocks along the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Toroweap, Littlefield, AZ

Located in the Grand Canyon National Park, this campsite offers a marvelous view of the Colorado River. You can also indulge in the many adventure sports activities such as river rafting and bungee jumping. 

Camino El Diablo, AZ

The Camino El Diablo is perhaps the only uninterrupted stretch of wilderness along southern Arizona in the U.S., and though there are no official camping sites here, hikers are allowed to set up camp along the highway.

Kaibab National Forest, Williams, AZ

The shady and huge campsite of East Rim Overlook is set very near to the Marble Canyons. A major attraction spot for bird watchers, this place is often frequented by hawks, falcons, and bald eagles.

Marble Canyon, Coconino County, AZ

The Marble Canyon is a majestic chasm that ultimately falls into the Grand Canyon. Enjoy the magnificent scenery, wildlife (bison, mountain lion if you’re lucky or unlucky!) and complete isolation from the urban life. 

Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon, AZ

Set near the Colorado River, Lees Ferry is an ideal camp site for hikers to rest after a trip down to the Grand Canyon. You can get glimpses of the Colorado River and Vermillion Cliffs from here as well. 

Woods Canyon Lake, AZ

Woods Canyon is a small and peaceful mountain lake set on the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The spacious and shady campground is surrounded by pine trees and the cool lake perfect to beat the Arizona summers.

Theodore Roosevelt Lake, AZ

Set in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, Lake Roosevelt is the perfect camping spot offering the steepest canyons for adventurers and professional hikers. 

Workman Creek, Young AZ

Among the lesser known camping sites of Arizona, the Workman Creek set in the Sierra Ancha is clear water stream running along the beautiful pine forests. 

Burro Creek, Wikieup, AZ

Set northwest of the Joshua Forest, Burro Creek is near to the mining grounds of Big Sandy River. The place is usually frequented by miners or and geologists. This campground is famous for its opals, agate, and apache tears.

Temple Bar, Temple Bar Marina, AZ

Set in Lake Mead, the Temple Bar is a desert lake where camp dwellers can enjoy the cool springs and other water sports such as boating, swimming, jet skiing, and sailing. 

Alamo Lake State Park, Wenden, AZ

Considered to be among the top locations for spotting bald eagles, coyotes, herons, and more the Alamo Lake State Park offers excellent camping facilities to hikers.

Hannagan Meadow, Alpine, AZ

The spacious Hannagan Meadow is the perfect campground set in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona. Set in the thick pine groves, this shaded place is also frequented by wild animals such as elk, deer, wild turkeys, and bears. The panoramic view is sensational.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Lockett Meadow, Flagstaff: High-altitude campsite on San Francisco Peaks with grassy meadow, diverse wildlife, and scenic views.
• Catalina State Park, Tucson: Located in the Sonoran Desert; popular for hiking trails and rocky Santa Catalina Mountains.
• Toroweap, Littlefield: Offers breathtaking Colorado River views in Grand Canyon National Park, with options for river rafting and adventure activities.
• Camino El Diablo: Uninterrupted wilderness along southern Arizona; primitive camping allowed along the highway.
• Kaibab National Forest, Williams: East Rim Overlook near Marble Canyons; popular for bird-watching with frequent hawk and eagle sightings.
• Marble Canyon, Coconino County: Remote chasm leading into the Grand Canyon; isolated, scenic camping with potential for bison and mountain lion sightings.
• Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon: Campsite near Colorado River, ideal for Grand Canyon hikers; scenic views of the river and Vermillion Cliffs.
• Woods Canyon Lake: Mountain lake with shady pine forest campground; cool lake for summer relaxation.
• Theodore Roosevelt Lake: Located in Sierra Ancha Wilderness; known for challenging canyons for seasoned hikers.
• Workman Creek, Young: Remote site in Sierra Ancha with a clear stream and pine forest surroundings.
• Burro Creek, Wikieup Near mining area; famous for unique minerals like opals, agate, and apache tears.
• Temple Bar, Lake Mead: Desert lake for camping with water activities including boating, jet skiing, and swimming.
• Alamo Lake State Park, Wenden: Excellent for wildlife spotting, especially bald eagles and coyotes, with well-equipped camping facilities.
• Hannagan Meadow, Alpine: Located in the White Mountains, surrounded by pine forests; frequented by elk, deer, wild turkeys, and bears with expansive views.