Top Camping Spots Near Lancaster, AZ: Explore Nature's Best in the Desert
Nestled in the scenic Sonoran Desert, Lancaster, AZ, offers an array of camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all types, with breathtaking landscapes and a rich array of local wildlife. For RV campers, the nearby Buckeye Hills Regional Park provides well-maintained spaces, complete with essential amenities and stunning views of the rugged mountain ranges that define the area. Tent campers can explore the picturesque Alamo Lake State Park, known for its tranquil waters and opportunities for fishing and hiking along nature trails that meander through colorful desert flora. Adventurous souls seeking solitude will appreciate the dispersed camping options available in the adjacent Tonto National Forest, where numerous primitive sites can be found among the towering saguaros and sprawling vistas. Lancaster's geographical setting, characterized by its warm, arid climate, makes it an ideal spot for year-round camping and outdoor recreation. No matter your preference, camping near Lancaster offers a unique way to immerse yourself in Arizona's natural beauty while enjoying a range of activities from stargazing to wildlife watching.
Clear Creek Group is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (48 min east of Prescott Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 3,241 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $95.00 per night.
Sycamore Cabin is located in the Verde Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (58 min southeast of Prescott Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $125.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Houston Mesa Campground is located in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 46 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 5,069 feet. There are a total of 80 campsites including 17 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 31 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 1 site has electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $170.00. Some amenities include flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Cave Creek Group Site is located in the Cave Creek Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 4 min north of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 3,432 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Apache Maid Cabin is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (56 min south of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 6,400 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of November. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Verde Valley Fairground in Yavapai County is located 58 min northeast of Prescott Valley, AZ with an elevation of 3,232 feet. The site is open all year on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees range from $20.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include drinking water, dump station, 50 amp hookup.
Turney Gulch Group is located in the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (2 hrs 32 min north of Peoria, AZ) with an elevation of 6,042 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Ponderosa Campground is located in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 56 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 5,677 feet. There are a total of 48 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $22.00 to $100.00. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Horsethief Cabin is located in the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (2 hrs 27 min north of Peoria, AZ) with an elevation of 5,995 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of November. Prices start at $100.00 per night. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Dead Horse Ranch Campground is part of Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Arizona (1 hr 1 min northeast of Prescott Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 3,300 feet. There are a total of 129 campsites including 8 cabins. The campground is open all year. 104 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 150 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 102 sites have electric and water hookups. 9 sites have electric hookups. 1 site has water hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $60.00. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include hiking trails.
Crescent Moon Ranch House is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (1 hr 6 min southwest of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 4,002 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $200.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Playground Group is located in the Verde Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (just 28 min northeast of Prescott Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 7,521 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October. Prices start at $75.00 per night.
Chavez Crossing Campground is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (52 min southwest of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 4,126 feet. There are a total of 3 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $95.00 to $120.00.
Potato Patch Campground is located in the Chino Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (just 26 min northeast of Prescott Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 6,981 feet. There are a total of 41 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October. 40 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 12 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $28.00.
Christopher Creek Campground is located in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (2 hrs 2 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 5,706 feet. There are a total of 41 campsites including 2 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. 39 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 22 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $24.00 to $80.00.
Hilltop Campground is located in the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (just 16 min southeast of Prescott, AZ) with an elevation of 5,704 feet. There are a total of 26 campsites including 1 tent-only site. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the end of October. 25 sites can accommodate RVs between 26 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $18.00 to $36.00. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports, rock climbing.
Eagle Ridge Group Campground is located in the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (just 21 min southeast of Prescott, AZ) with an elevation of 5,633 feet. There are a total of 2 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $50.00 to $75.00. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Sharp Creek Campground is located in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (2 hrs 6 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 5,946 feet. There are a total of 20 campsites including 3 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. 17 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 120 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $29.00 to $150.00. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Lynx Campground is located in the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (just 14 min southeast of Prescott, AZ) with an elevation of 5,631 feet. There are a total of 35 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 38 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $18.00 to $36.00. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, floating sports.
Ironwood Campground at McDowell Mtn. Regional Park in Maricopa County is located 47 min east of Scottsdale, AZ with an elevation of 1,778 feet. There are a total of 16 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 16 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $22.00 per night. Some amenities include drinking water, restroom, trash dumpster. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Groom Creek Horse Camp is located in the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (just 21 min south of Prescott, AZ) with an elevation of 6,398 feet. There are a total of 37 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the end of October. Max equipment length is 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $18.00 per night. Activities include horseback riding.
Rowland Campground at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Maricopa County is located 41 min east of Scottsdale, AZ with an elevation of 1,640 feet. There are a total of 74 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 46 and 116 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric and water hookups. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, sewer hookup, playground, restroom, trash dumpster, flush toilets. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Manzanita Campground is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (34 min southwest of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 6,065 feet. There are a total of 14 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. Max equipment length is 18 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $26.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming, restroom. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Upper Wolf Creek Group is located in the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (just 26 min south of Prescott, AZ) with an elevation of 6,140 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Mogollon Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 17 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,650 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 32 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $18.00 per night.
Aspen Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 20 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,618 feet. There are a total of 132 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 36 and 72 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $34.00 per night. Some amenities include dump station, amphitheater. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Crook Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 16 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,621 feet. There are a total of 2 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $315.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Woods Canyon Lake Group Area is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 18 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,592 feet. The site is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Prices start at $250.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Spillway Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 19 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,519 feet. There are a total of 24 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 23 and 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $34.00 to $185.00. Some amenities include amphitheater. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
White Spar Campground is located in the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (just 17 min south of Prescott, AZ) with an elevation of 5,630 feet. There are a total of 41 campsites including 10 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 23 sites can accommodate RVs between 28 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $14.00 to $28.00. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports, rock climbing.
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