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Arizona

Looking for the best camping in Arizona? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Arizona. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Camping Spots in and near Arizona

  • North Rim, Arizona

    Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trailhead

    5.0
    17.57 mi / 4521 ft gain
    Although this hike can feasibly done in a day, it is highly recommended that you spend more than one day in this area and visit the falls as a side trip on a larger trip. The closest campsites to Ribbon Falls are Cottonwood Campground and the Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch.  Ribbon Fal...
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  • Oljato-Monument Valley, Arizona

    Camp at The View Campground in Monument Valley

    4.4
    3.2 mi / 0 ft gain
    Other than the spectacular landscape, the park really doesn't possess any of the attributes one would associate with the "wild west." Rather, an introduction to the Navajo culture is what awaits visitors. Located on the Navajo Reservation, a vast parcel of land spanning portions of Western New Me...
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  • Flagstaff, Arizona

    SP Crater

    1.96 mi / 341 ft gain
    Off of the 89, just north of Flagstaff AZ, there is an unmarked dirt road just before a gas station. It leads out to privately owned land that's open to the public. Some friends and I went out there to get away from our day jobs. As we headed down the road, the land opened up in vast expanses of ...
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  • Winkelman, Arizona

    Hike Aravaipa Canyon

    5.0
    8 mi / 200 ft gain
    Welcome to the beauty of wilderness and serenity! Within the boundaries of Aravaipa Canyon, you will not find any designated trails, campsites, or facilities. This canyon is one of Arizona’s hidden gems, and it is not mentioned in many travel books or in international travel magazines – yet. ...
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  • Morristown, Arizona

    Explore Lake Pleasant, AZ

    5.0
    Located just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Phoenix, AZ lies a 10,000 acre desert oasis known as Pleasant Lake Regional Park. This expansive body of water serves as a great opportunity to beat the heat of the central Arizona sun, while taking in the beauty of the vivid blue waters and surroundi...
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  • Prescott, Arizona

    Camp at Watson Lake in Prescott

    3.0
    Camping sites are only available in the summer months but the park is explorable year round! Watson Lake is a very unique place, in a state primarily made up of sandstone lies a lake surrounded by uniquely shaped Granite Boulders, excellent for hiking, rock climbing and photographing! Be sure to ...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    White Rock Springs Camp Loop via First Water Trailhead

    4.7
    24.18 mi / 3635 ft gain
    The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. This adventure offers a three day/ two night backpacking trip cover...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Backpack the Grand Canyon's South Rim

    5.0
    30.1 mi / 4541 ft gain
    If you want to see the real Grand Canyon, this is it. The 3 day backpacking will take you down into the canyon to where few people visit. Although the South Kaibab trail is steep, has no shade cover and water and the views are gorgeous. It is best to start from the South Kaibab, hike down to the ...
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  • Marble Canyon, Arizona

    Hike to the White Pocket

    5.0
    4 mi
    White Pocket is extremely difficult to access due to the road leading to it. There are sections with very deep, soft sand going uphill! You must have a high clearance 4WD vehicle and air down your tires to have any hope of making it here. Do not take this lightly, a tow bill will cost you a minim...
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  • Roosevelt, Arizona

    Camp At Burnt Corral Campground On Apache Lake

    5.0
    Located in the Superstition Wilderness about 65 miles northeast of Phoenix, AZ, Apache Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in Arizona because it has something for everyone: hiking, boating, fishing, water skiing, camping, swimming, and more! The Burnt Corral Campground is located o...
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  • Chinle, Arizona

    Camp at Canyon de Chelly

    5.0
    3 mi
    Canyon de Chelly has been inhabited for over 6,000 years by both the Navajo peoples and the Anasazi peoples. The ruins through the walls of the canyon are from the Anasazi people date back to almost 7,000 years ago. Due to the significance and sacred nature of this area, hiking and backpacking wi...
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  • Flagstaff, Arizona

    Camp at Pine Grove Campground

    Pine Grove Campground in Flagstaff Arizona is a hidden gem. Upper and Lower Lake Mary, Ashurst, Marshall and Kinnikinick lakes are nearby and can provide ample recreational activities.The campsites are clean and have all the luxurious amenities (Coin-operated showers, tables, fire rings and cooki...
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  • Rio Rico, Arizona

    Camp at Patagonia Lake State Park

    5.0
    Patagonia Lake State Park is located about 70 miles southeast of Tucson on State Route 82, 7 miles south of Patagonia, Arizona. Coming from the north, the drive to Patagonia Lake State Park is very scenic; the road winds through rolling hills and countryside with the looming Santa Rita Mountains ...
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  • Apache County, Arizona

    Hike the Thompson Trail

    5.0
    6 mi / 250 ft gain
    As you travel down Forest Road 116, approximately 200 yards before the trailhead, you will see the remains of the old Thompson Cattle Ranch - hence, Thompson Trail  #629. The trail begins atop an old railroad grade, a reminder of the very successful logging days that went on for many years. The r...
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  • Payson, Arizona

    Mogollon Rim via Washington Park

    4.0
    4.32 mi / 1138 ft gain
    This trail begins at the Washington Park Trailhead which meets up with passage #27 of the AZT. You begin traveling northbound as you ascend the great Mogollon Rim. The trail takes you through a gorgeous forest and rewards you with an awesome cliff side view at the summit. 2.25 miles into the tra...
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  • Flagstaff, Arizona

    Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop

    5.0
    7.04 mi / 2031 ft gain
    This trail is slightly more hidden on the northern slope of the San Francisco Peaks, but well worth the drive just outside of Flagstaff. Do it during the last week of September, when summer gives it’s last wave goodbye in a spectacle of electric yellow aspen groves. With the exception of occasion...
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