River, stream, or creek camping in Arizona

Enjoy year-round camping from the Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Park to Lake Powell and Havasu Falls in this Southwest state.

92% (993 reviews)
92% (993 reviews)

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Star Hosts in Arizona

12 top wheelchair-accessible river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Arizona

97%
(751)

Hawks Hideaway Camping, LLC

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Cottonwood, AZ
We offer various camping accommodations, as well as a teepee. See our different listings for info on each. A few choice examples of local activities to do on or very near to our campsite include: Bird watching, hiking, river rafting or tubing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, stargazing, and even rockhounding. This area conforms to the Arizona Dark Sky initiative, and while we are not dark-sky certified, we've had several guests compliment us on our location. When it comes to rockhounding, or amateur geology, this is a fantastic area for exploration and study.  The cliff walls of the Verde River offer clear and distinct sedimentary layers, and the frequent flooding of the massive sandy riverbed reveals countless undiscovered treasures.We gladly welcome pets, including horses, as long as the guests inform us of their presence, and takes care of all their needs, including cleaning up any mess. There is a professional horse-boarding field and stables adjacent to our property, and a long pleasant trail allows horseback riders to follow the Verde Greenway into Old Town Cottonwood if they so desire. Please remember that this is a natural and secluded spot located directly adjacent to the state-maintained Verde Ripparian Greenway and the Verde River. This means you may encounter wildlife and pests associated with being in such close connection to nature. Be prepared to tuck your food away and bring ample protection from the insects.
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$20
 / night
82%
(62)

Cactus Rose Ranch RV Sites

10 sites · RVs2 acres · Scottsdale, AZ
Cactus Rose Ranch is 11 acres in the north Scottsdale/ Rio Verde area of Arizona Agricultural desert ranch experience: Weekly and Monthly rates available. 360' awesome mountain views (sometimes purple, golden, or pink) with many activities in the area! Several restaurants near. 30-45 minutes into Scottsdale with all they have to offer! A perfect retreat for those that like to see Arizona off the beaten path. Check out stellar mountain views, spectacular desert sunrises, sunsets, star studded night skies! Wildlife and beautiful friendly birds. Listen to the quietness. It's agricultural. You'll be serenaded by coyotes, mules, roosters, horses, goats. No street lights. Stars are magnificent! There's dirt paths/roads/trails. Bring appropriate footwear. Located near some of the best hiking, biking, and horseback riding, in the state. Please note that we are down about 1/2 mile of dirt road; may be a bit challenging for XL 40 ft 5th wheels and very low riding RVs. Most RVs have no issues. Sometimes, the road might be too narrow for 2 vehicles; one will need to pull over in the plentiful wider areas... pls give the other vehicle a desert-rural-ranch- friendly "thank you" wave. ENJOY! Get that "Way-Out-West" feeling. Wrap yourself in western fun. Take time for enjoying a morning cup of coffee and taking in the mountain views. Bring appropriate footwear; dirt paths/roads/trails. Your comfort is important. If needed, wifi available for a fee. Some ranches offer goat holding, chicken egg gathering. Awesome hiking, mountain biking, horse trail riding, world-class golf course, exceptional places to eat, unique shopping. Great fun! (NO on site BATHROOM. NO TENT CAMPERS unless self contained) Check for events: https://www.experiencescottsdale.com COWBOY COLLEGE HORSEBACK RIDING & ADVENTURES: 480-471-3151 CAVECREEK OUTFITTERS HORSEBACK RIDING/EVENTS/ UTV/ATV RENT COWBOY COLLEGE HORSEBACK RIDING & ADVENTURES: 480-471-3151 BARRET JACKSON CLASSIC CAR; AUTO AUCTION SHOW: Jan WM PHOENIX OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT TPC, of SCOTTSDALE: FEB ARABIAN HORSE SHOW FEB
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$90
 / night
92%
(62)

The Otterlimits

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Camp Verde, AZ
Fire Ban is now in effect 5/14/2024 Notice: Beasley Flat Rec. Area is open again as of 4/20/23 The area is part of the National Wild and Scenic preserve on the Verde River. The river is one of the only few free flowing rivers in Arizona. Otters, Beaver, Blue Heron and a vast amount of migratory birds call it home. Once an inland water way to the Sea of Cortez, the river was part of the trade route during ancient times. Many Indian Ruins and archeological sites to visit in the area. Scenic boating, hiking and ATV trails right from your campsite. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent or a small camp trailer in a 1/2 acre Mesquite grove. Five minute stroll to the Verde River. Horse Back Tours and Boat rentals available locally within walking distance. National Forest recreation area (Beasley Flat) close by. Many Indian ruins, entertainment, wineries and mountain trail to explore in the area. Great wildlife viewing in the scenic Verde Valley of Arizona.
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$20
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93%
(160)

Desert Glamping

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Meadview, AZ
Meadview Arizona was founded in 1826 by Jedediah Smith on his Southwest Expedition in search for Beaver! Staying a small remote and quiet town it can feel like it would have in the Wild West. We obtained our campground from a couple that owned it for 20 years but just weren't able to do to it what they had originally planned.. So it was essentially a blank canvas for us to create!! We are the closest town to the Grand Canyon SKYWALK, which is just 40 minutes from us. Meadview, the town we are located, is the only place to obtain Free Entree to the Lake Mead Recreational Center.  Our Campground just 10 miles from Lake Mead and 17 Miles from the Colorado River.  We have outstanding Lookouts, Top notch Stargazing, Gold Prospecting, Bird Watching, Fishing, Off Roading etc. Some of the Best Desert Off-Roading through trails within the Joshua Tree National Forest, Please note you must bring your own OHV, horse, etc, there is currently no rentals available.  We do have Kayaks to rent upon arrival. There is a hidden water fall in the Grapevine Wash that you can get to with a 4 wheel vehicle and you hike in about 15 minutes in. Stunning views and gorgeous natural spring and waterfall. We are 45 minutes off the 93 Freeway Free WIFI provided at the office!..  The town doesn't always have a powerful signal, please keep that in mind in your travels.  However, if you have Verizon, it gets GREAT service! There are three restaurants in town, all just one mile from site... The Boathouse, Anchor Smokehouse and Fishermans Landing Bar.  We have a Bakery called Rosemary and Thyme that serves Delicious foods & Pastries and makes great coffees.  There is also a Gas n Grub that has ice, propane etc... 5 miles away is a Family Dollar store which we lovingly call the "Mall of Meadview"
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$20
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Rio Rancho Verde

7 sites · Lodging62 acres · Scottsdale, AZ
We're an Equestrian EcoRanch, committed to sustainability - reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose! Learn more about this land: LUX Magazine awarded us the "Most Serene Desert Accommodations and Horse Boarding Facility Southwest USA" in 2020 and 2023. Million Mile Magazine named Rio Rancho Verde as one of the top 10 locations to celebrate the top short term rental platform's 10th Anniversary.  We were also selected by the other top short term rental platform (one of 5 out of 3500 vacation rentals in Scottsdale) for a social media presentation and a cooking series was filmed at our outdoor kitchen.  This 62 acre exclusive equestrian eco-ranch is located on the border of the Tonto National Forest, and is 3/4 mile from the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve, yet only 20 minutes from North Scottsdale. We offer boarding for your horse and packages include either a hookup for your trailer, a luxury 2 bedroom suite with pool and outdoor kitchen, a brand new 36' travel trailer with 3 slide outs, fireplace, queen size bed, full kitchen and big screen TV, or a Western chic casita/bunkhouse that has been interior decorated with Southwestern and Western accents, complete with a private courtyard.   There's plenty of wide open spaces to ride your horse, bike or hike on the many trails right outside our gate. Or, simply stroll down to the barn and enjoy your morning coffee while the horses finish their breakfast. We're big on sustainability, so we reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose. We have an organic garden on site and you're free to help yourself to seasonal veggies. There's something for everyone at Rio Rancho Verde.  SORRY, WE DO NOT ALLOW TENT OR RV CAMPING UNLESS YOU ARE BOARDING YOUR HORSE(S) WITH US.
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$75
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100%
(85)

Yuma’s Own Little Campland

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Yuma, AZ
Our Little Campland has been enjoyed by many over the years. It is now pridefully owned by new owners who’s vision is to continue to provide an excellent place for long term, short term or passer-by’s can stay and now they can count on clean, well kept grounds. Offering full hook-ups, WiFi, laundry, ample parking and views of the Mountains for days. There are walking trails and plenty of Off-road trails to enjoy. We are near easy highway access and amenities. It’s the perfect stop for those wanting an overnight or winter stay. Check us out, you won’t regret it! Learn more about this land: Bring your RV and easily back in to a beautifully level spot, ready for you with full hook ups, including Water/Sewer, 50AMP Electric, complimentary WiFi, and laundry. Enjoy a concrete patio with privacy fencing to relax after long travel. Near walking trails, grocery and gas! Beautiful views! 29 miles away you have Picacho State Recreation Area.  This recreation area is about as remote as it gets. Visitors must drive 20 miles down a dirt road just to get to the entrance! That's pretty awesome if you ask us. Picacho truly calls to all hardy adventurers. It was a gold mining town with 100 citizens more than a century ago. This park offers rugged desert mountains, colorful canyons, and the Colorado River. Keep an eye out for beavertail cactus, wild burros, the famous bighorn sheep and thousands of migratory birds. Hike through the mountains to see great views from above. Dip your line in the Colorado River to catch your dinner. No Pop-up campers, Campervans, or Cars Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them.
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from 
$20
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping in Arizona guide

Overview

Arizona is full of natural wonders, from the Grand Canyon to Saguaro National Park, with ample outdoor fun ranging from mountain biking to horseback riding. Much of the state is occupied by the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts, but start exploring and you'll quickly discover that Arizona is more than just jackrabbits and cacti—there are lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and miles of hiking trails. It's also a great place for sleeping under the stars, and while parts of Arizona can get a bit too hot for comfort in summer, those same places offer pleasant camping weather throughout much of the year.

Where to go

​Northern Arizona

While northern Arizona's best-known attraction is the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, there’s plenty more to see and do, from visiting Lake Powell on the Colorado River to backcountry tent camping among the ponderosa pines in the Coconino National Forest, Prescott National Forest, and Kaibab National Forest. Sedona, just south of Flagstaff, also makes a great base for hiking among Arizona's Red Rocks or swimming in Oak Creek Canyon’s Slide Rock State Park.

Western Arizona

Dubbed Arizona's "West Coast," this part of the state offers all sorts of outdoor activities, much of which revolve around the Colorado River. The town of Yuma near the southern border is a popular spot, featuring an old Wild West prison and serving as a good base for visiting the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Attractions further north include Lake Havasu State Park, where you can swim, camp, or even check out the 19th-century London Bridge. Further north, the massive Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers year-round camping and easy access to two lakes.

Central Arizona

While it's easy to associate central Arizona with Phoenix sprawl, this region offers a lot for outdoorsy types, all within a short drive of the city. Popular spots for outdoors lovers include the Superstition Mountains in the Tonto National Forest, Lost Dutchman State Park, and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. If you're interested in archaeology, the Montezuma Castle National Monument is also worth a visit.

Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona is full of Wild West spirit, with a mix of historic ghost towns and scenic desert landscapes, plus plenty of forests, particularly in the Chiricahua Mountains. Must-visit parks include Saguaro National Park and Catalina State Park—both just outside Tucson. If it gets too hot, make like a local and head to Patagonia Lake State Park, a prime spot to swim and cool off from the Arizona heat.

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