Great Fall Camping Near Phoenix

Oct 31, 2013

Arizona is one of the few states that allows for year round camping with great weather.  While most outdoor adventure seekers prefer the pines and high altitude of the Mogollon Rim, White Mountains or Flagstaff, many still enjoy getting out for getting out’s sake. Here are a few places to enjoy near Phoenix that should whet your appetite for the great outdoors.  All while having great nighttime temps in the 50’s or 60’s, what many of us would call the perfect nighttime temperature for a camping trip.

Boat in Sites – Bagley Flat on Saguaro Lake and The Point Campground at Canyon Lake

Two campgrounds are wonderful choices for getting out and having that wonderful  outdoor feel.  Bagley Flat and The Point.  Both require a boat to get there and are well worth the trip.

Bagley Flat on Saguaro Lake is located “upriver” from the dock.  This campground is complete with restroom and emergency phone.
Glass containers are not allowed and it is a pack it in pack it out campground.  Stay limit is 14 days.  There are 30 campsites.  No water is available so make sure to bring your own.   The boat ramp is outstanding and allows for numerous boats to dock. 

The Point on Canyon Lake is similar to Bagley Flat yet there are only 3 sites.  There is a boat dock available which is about 30 yards from the campsites.  The campsites all have covered tables and grills.  Water is not available. Check out the Google Map here.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

There are two developed campgrounds at Lake Pleasant, Desert Tortoise and Roadrunner.  The two are both located near the south entrance on the west side of the lake. 

Roadrunner is just east of the boat ramp and some sites have outstanding views of the lake.  This campground if a popular place for RV’s during the winter months.

Desert Tortoise is a sprawling campground just to the east of the main entrance. There are lower areas with a few campsites on Scute Loop that back up against the lake at Sunset Cove when the water level is high (campsites 116 - 127)  or at the end of Bajada Loop (sites 134 – 146). Most campsites have a decent view of the water and are set a bit farther away, albeit within 50 yards or so.

White Tanks Regional Park Campground

Located just west of Phoenix is the White Tanks.  Hiking and mountain biking are the highlights here. 40 campsites with flush toilets and potable water are available as well as fire rings, grills and picnic tables.  There are playground near the campsites too so the kids can burn off a bit of energy.

Coon Bluff Campground on the Lower Salt River

Trout fishing is the highlight at Coon Bluff Campground during the fall/winter months as the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks trout starting Nov 11th and then every other Monday after that through March 17th.  You can also fish the Lower Salt River for largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish and other occasional species. Bring water as it is not available in the campground. There are five campsites here.

Cave Creek Regional Park

Hiking and horseback riding take the cake here, Cave Creek Regional Park is an ideal place to explore during the fall.  There are over 11 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult.
This is a great place to hook up the RV as each site has electric and water hookups.  Fire rings, grills and picnic tables are also standard amenities. Located just north of 32nd street and Carefree Highway.

Of course this is just a sample of the camping opportunities in central Arizona. See more about other possibilities for camping around central Arizona here.