Recommended Camping Places
"We Provide What You Need: Lets Go Camping"
Partial Image from U.S. Geological Survey, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Here are our recommended locations by season for your camping trip with AZ Places. Sites are accessible by a standard vehicle and are within 1 to 3 hours surrounding Phoenix, Arizona.
Note: Some locations have a entrance or use fee. Locations beyond 150 miles require an additional travel fee by AZ Places.
Our goal is to make going outdoors easy by providing a platform for you to create an enjoyable and memorable camping experience.
Winter
December, January, February
Winter in Arizona brings snow to the northern mountains and mild, sunny days to the desert valleys. In southern Arizona, temperatures can range from 19°F in the early morning to 80°F by afternoon, though more common swings are 32°F in the morning and 70°F later in the day. From late December through February, occasional rainfall and windy storms add variety to the season. Whether skiing in the White Mountains or hiking desert trails, winter offers diverse outdoor adventures.
Additional Fee for entry and/or camping.
+ Time & Distance from Downtown
Arizona
Gila County
Apache Lake, Tonto National Forest, Gila County, AZ
33°37'32.4"N 111°12'11.6"W
2 hours
105 miles
Apache Lake, located in the Tonto National Forest, is a scenic reservoir offering both developed and dispersed camping options. Surrounded by steep canyon walls and accessible via the historic Apache Trail, it’s a hidden gem perfect for camping, boating, and outdoor adventures. The Burnt Corral Campground provides 76 campsites, and visitors can also enjoy secluded dispersed campsites with stunning views of the lake and desert landscape.
Apache Lake
Arizona
Pima County & Pinal County
Ironwood Forest National Monument, Marana, AZ 85653, United States
FG8G+X2 Red Rock, Arizona
1 hour 30 minutes
80 Miles
Ironwood Forest National Monument is a protected area located in southern Arizona, United States. It was established in 2000 and covers approximately 129,000 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape. The monument is named after the iconic ironwood trees (Olneya tesota) that grow within its boundaries.
Ironwood Forest National Monument
Arizona
Pima County
Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321
31°57'17.0"N 112°48'05.0"W
2 hours 20 minutes
127 miles
Explore the rugged beauty of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, a UNESCO biosphere reserve where vast desert landscapes meet striking mountain ranges. Discover rare flora, hike scenic trails, and experience the vibrant biodiversity of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Arizona
Maricopa County
FW3V+7W Tonopah, Arizona
1 hour 25 minutes
87.5 miles
Discover Saddle Mountain in Tonopah, Arizona, a hidden gem for rock hounds, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. This stunning desert landscape offers chalcedony and quartz hunting, vibrant sunsets, petroglyph exploration—perfect for a unique desert adventure.
Saddle Mountain
AZ Places provides everything needed for your camping trip from the location, food, activities, equipment for the base camp, kitchen, tents, sleeping bags, bathroom and more; all available for your use. A camp host is also included at your camp location to provided and assist.