Escape to Gold Canyon for desert-based camping in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun.
Camp amid the sheer rocky cliffs surrounding Gold Canyon and revel in dramatic, out-of-this-world landscapes. Named for legendary tales of a fabled gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is just north of town. Hikers can try the challenging Flatiron Trail, which offers panoramic views of the rugged Superstition Mountains. Tent and RV camping is available on-site and includes amenities like 50-amp electrical service, shower buildings, picnic tables, firepits, and large RV sites suitable for big rigs. History buffs may enjoy exploring nearby ghost towns or taking gold-mine tours through the region’s 19th-century Old West history. Ready to leave civilization behind? Tonto National Forest boasts nearly 600,000 acres of wilderness, ranging from 1,300 to 7,900 feet in altitude. The vast and varied natural playground has something for everyone. Anglers can reel in largemouth bass in Saguaro Lake, backpackers can head to dispersed camping areas with minimal amenities, and every camper can gaze up at desert stars and ponderosa pines on this wild escape into the American Southwest.