From the southern sandy deserts, to the high, pine-filled mountains of the north, the sunny state of Arizona has campgrounds to please just about everyone. While many visitors think Arizona is simply synonymous with rattlesnakes and sunburn, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find it is incredibly varied, and the following camping areas are some of the best this state has to offer.
Oak Creek Canyon:
Sheer cliffs of ancient red rocks surround you in this canyon located just outside of Sedona. Approximately 2.5 hours north of Phoenix, the Sedona canyon area offers several campgrounds to choose from. With Oak Creek running through the middle of it, the canyon is a beautiful place to camp. Peaceful, yet close to shopping and tourism opportunities, you will find unlimited scenery to feast your eyes on. Be sure to check out Slide Rock, a natural waterslide sure to delight the kids…but be aware that the rocks can be a bit rough. Shorts worn over a bathing suit is highly advisable.
Homolovi Ruins State Park:
Situated near Winslow, the Homolovi Ruins State Park offers an amazing opportunity to step back in time and learn about Native American history in an up- close and personal way. Opened in 1993 with the support of the Hopi people, the park now protects the ruins that date back to the fourteenth century. In addition to the ruins and campsites available, there is a visitor center, bookstore and exhibits.
The Superstition Mountains:
Here, then, is the beautiful desert area most people picture when thinking of Arizona. Incredibly clear skies, majestic purple mountains, striking blooms and towering cacti all weave together to form an eco-system that should be experienced. The Superstition Mountains are steeped in history, with artifacts and ruins of Native American tribes scattered throughout. There are legends of lost gold still widely circulated today.
In this area you will find many different camping opportunities, with a focus on hiking the many breathtaking trails. Summers will be extremely hot in this region; water is your best friend.
Lake Havasu region:
Sitting on the western side of the state, the Lake Havasu area shows off a different kind of beauty. With water recreation (including boat ramps), beaches, and the famous London Bridge, Lake Havasu is the place to go if you enjoy being on the water. There are many campgrounds to choose from in this region, with hiking, shopping and museums located nearby. Spring break times and summers can be crowded, so look into reservations where available.
The Show Low area:
Soft breezes, cool lakes and the smell of pine trees await you in the eastern region of Arizona. Located in the White Mountains, there are numerous campgrounds and activities here. Fishing and hiking are popular activities in the White Mountains, and Arizona’s only covered bridge is located in this vicinity as well. There are also four Native American reservations close by. The Hopi, Navajo, Apache and Zuni tribes have called this area home for many years.
You will find Arizona incredibly diverse; these suggestions on great places to camp are just the beginning. It is advised that you check into reservations whenever available, and be sure to do a little research on expected weather at the region of your choice, as Arizona can and does experience rapidly changing conditions. Be prepared for everything, disturb nothing, and remember: you play a part in preserving Arizona’s rich history, especially in regards to Native American ruins. Once these pieces of the past are gone, they are gone forever. Read and follow the posted rules not only to ensure that others will be able to share in the experience, but also to avoid going to jail or paying a hefty fine. It is a serious matter, so be careful. Take pictures; take nothing else.
