BLACK FRIDAY

Arizona Camping by Region

Arizona camping choices change by elevation, season, and site rules.

North: Grand Canyon, Flagstaff

Choose the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff from late spring into summer, when high elevation weather is the main draw. At Grand Canyon, the June average high is 80°F, and Flagstaff has forest campgrounds and cabins.

Central: Sedona, Prescott

Plan Sedona, Prescott, and Dead Horse Ranch for spring or fall, when warm days suit dispersed sites, lake time, and state park bases. At Sedona, the April average high is 75°F, and Dead Horse Ranch is open all year.

South and West: Tucson, Phoenix, Havasu

Use Tucson, Phoenix, and Lake Havasu in winter or shoulder seasons, with Tucson's January average high at 66°F. Catalina and Lost Dutchman are open all year, and Patagonia Lake adds a campground, beach, boat ramps, and marina.

Arizona Destination Guides

Fifteen destinations, grouped by region. Each strip shows the average daytime high by month, so you can read down a column to see where to go in any month.

ColdCoolIdealHotVery hotThis month

North

Rim country and high forest

Grand CanyonMather Campground has 327 campsites one mile from the rim, with flush toilets, drinking water spigots, and no hookups.May-SepFlagstaffCoconino National Forest has designated campsites and rental cabins, with a 14-day camping limit in a consecutive 30-day period.May-Sep
HavasupaiHavasupai Campground sites are first come first serve, with no campfires and no water available along the trail.Mar-Apr, Oct-NovGuide coming soon
Lees FerryLees Ferry sits at 3,603 ft, and with a July average high of 102°F it is a spring and fall stop.Mar-Apr, OctGuide coming soon

Central

Red rock, granite and the Verde Valley

SedonaCreekside Forest Service campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon, a state park in the Verde Valley and roughly 200 free sites in eight areas west of town.Mar-May, Oct-NovLost Dutchman State ParkLost Dutchman State Park campground has 134 sites with picnic tables, barbeque grills, and fire pits at the base of the Superstition Mountains.Nov-Mar
PrescottPine-country camping at 5,358 ft, where the July average high is 90°F, well below the 106°F in Phoenix.Apr-May, Sep-OctGuide coming soon
Dead Horse Ranch State ParkDead Horse Ranch State Park campground has over 100 campsites in four loops, with RV hookups and cabins available.Mar-Apr, Oct-NovGuide coming soon
PhoenixUsery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa is a 3,648-acre county park on the east side of the Valley with campsites you can reserve online.Nov-MarGuide coming soon

South & West

Desert and river camping for winter

TucsonGilbert Ray Campground has RV sites with electrical hookups, tent-only sites without utilities, loop restrooms, and no showers.Nov-AprLake HavasuLake Havasu State Park has 54 campsites, 13 beachside cabins, boat ramps, picnic areas, and beach areas near London Bridge.Nov, Jan-Mar
Catalina State ParkCatalina State Park has 120 campsites with electric and water hookups, plus equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails.Nov-AprGuide coming soon
Patagonia Lake State ParkPatagonia Lake State Park campground has over 100 campsites, boat-in campsites, RV hookups, boat ramps, and a marina.Oct-AprGuide coming soon

East

Lakes and forest in the White Mountains

White MountainsWhite Mountains camping includes Alpine Divide Campground and Apache Trout Campground, with individual campsite reservations available six months in advance.May-OctGuide coming soon
Petrified Forest National ParkPetrified Forest National Park allows overnight stays only by backpacking or hiking into the designated Wilderness, with free permits in person.Apr-May, OctGuide coming soon

Gear That Matters in Arizona

Camping fansCamping fans matter when Lake Havasu's July average high is 109°F.Water filtersWest Sedona dispersed camping has no drinking water, so carry water and bring a filter.Tent heatersTent heaters fit cold high country where Flagstaff's December average low is 17°F.

Arizona Camping FAQ

What is the best time to camp in Arizona?

Spring and fall are the easiest seasons for camping in Arizona. Sedona has an average high of 68°F in March and 79°F in October. At Grand Canyon, the average high is 52°F in March and 63°F in October.

Where can I camp for free in Arizona?

You can camp free at the West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping Area. It is first-come, first-served, with roughly 200 total campsites and a 14-day stay limit. On most BLM lands, dispersed camping is allowed unless the area is posted closed or has specific restrictions.

How far ahead can I book an Arizona campsite?

Recreation.gov individual campsites can be reserved six months in advance. They must be booked at least four days ahead of time, and group campground reservations can be made one year in advance. Arizona State Parks reservations, such as Catalina State Park, can be made by phone or online.

What Arizona sites work best in summer heat?

For summer heat, pick higher elevation Arizona campgrounds such as Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, or the White Mountains. Flagstaff is at 6,903 ft, and the average high is 82°F in July. White Mountains is at 6,799 ft, with an average high of 82°F in July.

Camping in Other States

← Where to camp in the US: all state guides

Sources