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Hosted Camping Locations

"We Know Where to Go"

Our goal is to make going camping easy by providing a platform for you to create an enjoyable and memorable camping experience.

Below is a list of dispersed camping locations that we recommend for your camping trip with AZ Places. Locations are accessible by a standard vehicle and are within 1 to 3 hours surrounding Phoenix, Arizona.

Check our recommended locations by season below for a location that fits your interest. If this is not enough, you can browse our complete directory of AtoZ places for additional options.

Do note, some locations may have a entrance or use fee and locations beyond 150 miles require an additional fee.

Partial Image from U.S. Geological Survey, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Arizona Countys Image

Spring

Mid February through Late April

Spring in Arizona brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers across deserts and plateaus. It's a perfect time for hiking and exploring as the landscape comes alive after winter's chill.

Bear Flat

Bear Flat

1 hour 45 minutes

100 miles

Bear Flat

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

2 hours 20 minutes

127 miles

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Mogollon Rim - FR 95 & 513

Mogollon Rim - FR 95 & 513

2 Hours 30 Minutes

137 miles

Mogollon Rim - FR 95 & 513

Chevelon Canyon Lake

Chevelon Canyon Lake

3 hours

160 miles

Chevelon Canyon Lake

Bradshaw City Ghost Town

Bradshaw City Ghost Town

2 hours 40 minutes

104 miles

Bradshaw City Ghost Town

Bear Canyon Lake

Bear Canyon Lake

2 hours 30 minutes

134 miles

Bear Canyon Lake

Coconino National Forest: Happy Jack

Coconino National Forest: Happy Jack

2 hours 30 minutes

140 miles

Coconino National Forest: Happy Jack

Alamo Lake Wildlife Area

Alamo Lake Wildlife Area

2 hours 45 minutes

160 miles

Alamo Lake Wildlife Area

Apache Lake

Apache Lake

2 hours

105 miles

Apache Lake

Blue Ridge Reservoir

Blue Ridge Reservoir

2 hours 35 minutes

136 miles

Blue Ridge Reservoir

Heber-Overgaard FR 124

Heber-Overgaard FR  124

2 hours 45 minutes

153 miles

Heber-Overgaard FR  124

Ironwood Forest National Monument

Ironwood Forest National Monument

1 hour 30 minutes

80 miles

Ironwood Forest National Monument
Cost.png

Additional Fee for entry and/or camping.

+ Time & Distance from Downtown

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Dry Summer

May and June

The dry summer is characterized by intense heat and clear skies. With low humidity and scorching temperatures, desert regions can be challenging, but cooler mountain escapes provide a refreshing retreat.

Bear Flat

1 hour 45 minutes

100 miles

Blue Ridge Reservoir

2 hours 35 minutes

136 miles

Heber-Overgaard FR 124

2 hours 45 minutes

153 miles

West Fork

4 hours 45 minutes

231 miles

Verde Hot Springs

3 Hours

125 miles

Mogollon Rim - FR 95 & 513

2 Hours 30 Minutes

137 miles

Chevelon Canyon Lake

3 hours

160 miles

Bear Canyon Lake

2 hours 30 minutes

134 miles

Coconino National Forest: Happy Jack

2 hours 30 minutes

140 miles

Lava River Cave

3 hours

195 miles

Cost.png

Additional Fee for entry and/or camping.

+ Time & Distance from Downtown

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Wet Summer

July through September

The wet summer, or monsoon season, brings the year’s heaviest rains, transforming the arid landscape with sudden, dramatic thunderstorms. These storms can quickly produce heavy rainfall, leading to flooded roads, washes, and dangerous flash floods. The much-needed moisture brings cooler temperatures and lush greenery to deserts and mountain ranges.

Verde Hot Springs

3 Hours

125 miles

Mogollon Rim - FR 95 & 513

2 Hours 30 Minutes

137 miles

Heber-Overgaard FR 124

2 hours 45 minutes

153 miles

West Fork

4 hours 45 minutes

231 miles

Bear Canyon Lake

2 hours 30 minutes

134 miles

Coconino National Forest: Happy Jack

2 hours 30 minutes

140 miles

Lava River Cave

3 hours

195 miles

Cost.png

Additional Fee for entry and/or camping.

+ Time & Distance from Downtown

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Fall

October through Mid December

In the fall, Arizona offers a range of camping experiences, from near the warmer Phoenix Valley to the cooler elevations around Payson. The Payson area, with its crisp air and scenic landscapes, becomes a popular destination during this season.

When planning a camping trip in the fall, it's essential to prepare for variable weather. While daytime temperatures are often comfortable, evenings and early mornings in higher elevations can be quite chilly. Packing layers and appropriate gear ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

In Phoenix, average high temperatures in September are around 98°F (37°C), decreasing to approximately 88°F (31°C) in October and 75°F (24°C) in November. In contrast, Payson experiences milder conditions, with September highs averaging 84°F (29°C), October around 74°F (23°C), and November approximately 62°F (17°C). In Flagstaff, average high temperatures in September are around 70°F (21°C), decreasing to approximately 50°F (10°C) by November. The significant temperature swings between day and night make planning and preparation key for fall camping adventures.

Bear Flat

1 hour 45 minutes

100 miles

Blue Ridge Reservoir

2 hours 35 minutes

136 miles

Heber-Overgaard FR 124

2 hours 45 minutes

153 miles

West Fork

4 hours 45 minutes

231 miles

Verde Hot Springs

3 Hours

125 miles

Mogollon Rim - FR 95 & 513

2 Hours 30 Minutes

137 miles

Chevelon Canyon Lake

3 hours

160 miles

Bear Canyon Lake

2 hours 30 minutes

134 miles

Coconino National Forest: Happy Jack

2 hours 30 minutes

140 miles

Lava River Cave

3 hours

195 miles

Cost.png

Additional Fee for entry and/or camping.

+ Time & Distance from Downtown

Arizona-city-of-chandler-logo2.png

AZ Places provides everything needed 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.

For Your AZ Places Camping Trip

What is Provided

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