Sheeps Bridge

Tonto National Forest

Nestled along the banks of a pristine river in Arizona's Tonto National Forest, Riverside Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. This hidden gem offers a serene escape where the gentle sounds of flowing water create nature's soundtrack, and towering trees form a natural canopy overhead. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring forest trails, or simply unwinding by the water's edge, Riverside provides an authentic wilderness experience just far enough from civilization to feel truly immersed in nature.

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Escape to Mesquite Campground, where ancient mesquite trees cast cooling shadows over your riverside retreat along the Verde River. This first-come, first-served gem offers an authentic camping experience with thoughtfully placed fire rings, grills, and picnic tables at each site, creating the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventures. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into the river's flowing waters, take a refreshing swim, or paddle quietly in non-motorized boats while the desert landscape watches over you. When you arrive, simply scan the Recreation.gov QR code or use the convenient fee machine to secure your spot in this natural sanctuary.

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Hidden beneath a canopy of ancient sycamore trees, Civilian Conservation Corps Campground beckons adventurers to discover one of Tonto National Forest's most intimate camping experiences. With just 10 thoughtfully spaced campsites, this tranquil retreat offers the perfect balance of solitude and accessibility. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings featuring cooking grates, while the majestic sycamores overhead create a natural cathedral of dappled sunlight and rustling leaves. Steps away, the Cave Creek Trailhead serves as your gateway to backcountry exploration, while the gentle murmur of Cave Creek itself provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Bird enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, as the riparian corridor attracts a stunning variety of winged visitors throughout the seasons.

40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Nestled beneath a canopy of majestic sycamore trees, Civilian Conservation Corps Campground invites you to experience the tranquil beauty of Arizona's high country. Each generously spaced campsite offers a perfect blend of shade and sunshine, where families gather around crackling firepits equipped with cooking grates, sharing stories under starlit skies. Just steps away, the Cave Creek Trailhead beckons adventurers to explore the vibrant riparian ecosystem, where birdsong fills the morning air and wildlife thrives along the creek's gentle waters. While you'll need to bring your own water supply, clean restroom facilities ensure comfort during your wilderness retreat.

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

Step back in time at Cave Creek Group Site, where the legacy of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps lives on in this remarkable desert sanctuary. Perfect for reunions, retreats, and celebrations, this historic campground welcomes groups of up to 150 people into a secluded valley oasis. Original stone ramadas provide welcome shade for picnic gatherings, while the spacious layout ensures everyone has room to spread out and enjoy the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

Nestled along the banks of the Verde River, Horseshoe Campground beckons with 12 intimate campsites where the gentle murmur of flowing water accompanies your outdoor adventure. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings under Arizona's star-filled sky. Savvy campers know to request sites 11 and 12, prized for their direct river access and generous canopy of shade. As morning mist rises from the water, keep your eyes skyward – majestic bald eagles frequently soar overhead, making this riverside retreat a wildlife enthusiast's dream.

40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Tucked away along the serene shores of Horseshoe Reservoir, Catfish Point beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Tonto National Forest's Cave Creek region. This dispersed camping gem rewards those who venture off the beaten path with pristine waters reserved exclusively for non-motorized vessels, creating a tranquil haven where the splash of paddles and gentle lapping of waves provide nature's soundtrack. Whether you're an angler casting lines at dawn or a soul seeking solitude beneath Arizona's vast skies, this remote sanctuary offers the perfect blend of waterfront camping and rugged desert beauty.

2100 Houston Mesa Rd

Escape to Houston Mesa Campground, a serene mountain retreat nestled in the northern reaches of Tonto National Forest, just a mile from the charming town of Payson, Arizona. This versatile outdoor haven welcomes everyone from families seeking adventure to equestrians exploring scenic trails and minimalist campers yearning for tent-only tranquility. Wind through hiking paths that reveal breathtaking vistas, saddle up for memorable horseback journeys, or simply lose yourself in the beauty of Arizona's stunning mixed forest landscape.

FR 502, near Verde River, 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde, AZ

Hidden within the rugged landscapes of Coconino National Forest, Childs Dispersed Camping Area offers adventurous souls a chance to camp wild and free along the banks of the Verde River. This undeveloped gem rewards those brave enough to navigate its challenging access roads with pristine riverside camping, mysterious historical ruins, and the legendary Verde Hot Springs. Your high-clearance vehicle becomes your ticket to this remote paradise where the echoes of Arizona's hydroelectric pioneering past mingle with the rushing waters of the Verde.

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 EAST HIGHWAY 260, CAMP VERDE, AZ 86322, USA

Nestled in the heart of Prescott National Forest, Sycamore Cabin stands as a testament to American craftsmanship and outdoor heritage. This lovingly restored 1938 Civilian Conservation Corps masterpiece seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern comfort, welcoming up to 8 guests into its historic walls. While the original builders could never have imagined air conditioning and running water gracing their creation, today's visitors enjoy the best of both worlds—authentic period architecture enhanced with electricity, climate control, and a traditional wood stove that crackles with the same warmth that has comforted travelers for over eight decades.

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024

Nestled among towering ponderosa pines on the legendary Mogollon Rim, Kehl Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into Arizona's high country. This hidden gem provides primitive camping for those who prefer their adventures unadorned—where the whisper of wind through pine needles and panoramic mountain vistas are the only amenities you'll need. Here, at the edge of the world, you'll discover why generations of outdoor enthusiasts have been drawn to this tranquil forest sanctuary.

40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

FR 502, near Verde River, 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde, AZ

Tonto National Forest

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

40202 N Cave Creek Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262

40202 N Cave Creek Rd

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 EAST HIGHWAY 260, CAMP VERDE, AZ 86322, USA

KP Cienega Campground, Alpine, Arizona

Perched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet in the Arizona high country, KP Cienega Campground offers an intimate escape into the clouds with just five secluded sites nestled among towering pines. This alpine sanctuary welcomes adventurers with tents, trailers, and motorhomes up to 16 feet, providing each site with its own picnic table and fire ring complete with cooking grill. As the gateway to the Blue Range Primitive Area via the adjacent KP Trailhead, this rustic retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world—there are no hookups or running water here, just pure mountain air and endless wilderness. Remember to keep your four-legged companions leashed as they explore this high-altitude haven with you.

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Escape to Rock Crossing Campground, where towering ponderosa pines and ancient oaks create a natural cathedral at 7,316 feet above sea level. Tucked within the vast Coconino National Forest, this beloved mountain retreat beckons adventurers with its promise of cool mountain air and endless recreation. Whether you're casting a line into crystal waters, paddling across the mirror-like surface of C.C. Cragin Reservoir, or setting out to explore the legendary Mogollon Rim, Rock Crossing serves as your perfect basecamp for Arizona's high country adventures.

Alamo Lake

Picture yourself camping right on the water's edge at Alamo Lake, where full hookups meet wild Arizona beauty. This hidden gem in the Sonoran Desert offers world-class bass fishing, endless boating, and night skies so dark that stargazing becomes an unforgettable experience.

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Tucked away in the heart of the Big Lake Recreation Area, Grayling Campground offers an intimate escape into Arizona's high country wilderness. Twenty-three thoughtfully spaced campsites wind along a single loop road, each one a private sanctuary where towering conifers frame glimpses of sparkling lake waters. Here, the morning mist rises through ancient aspens while the scent of pine fills the crisp mountain air, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking solitude far from the crowds.

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Discover the crown jewel of Big Lake Recreation Area at Rainbow Campground, where 165 thoughtfully arranged campsites across six distinct loops create a vibrant outdoor community beneath towering pines. This well-appointed basecamp combines the comforts of modern amenities—including flush toilets, convenient water spigots, and a nearby camp store—with the wild beauty of Arizona's high country. Friendly camp hosts stand ready to help you make the most of your mountain escape, ensuring every detail of your stay is as pristine as the surrounding wilderness.

1009 East Highway 260

Nestled along the babbling waters of a pristine spring-fed creek, Christopher Creek Campground invites you to experience the magic of Arizona's high country. With 43 thoughtfully placed campsites straddling both banks of the creek, this forest sanctuary creates the perfect backdrop for family adventures and peaceful retreats. Whether you're planning an intimate getaway or organizing a group gathering, the campground's versatile facilities and natural charm offer something special for every outdoor enthusiast.

HC 64 Box 65, Fredonia, AZ 86022, USA

Nestled deep within the Kaibab National Forest, DeMotte Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Grand Canyon North Rim. This hidden gem offers 38 intimate single-family campsites, each thoughtfully designed to welcome everything from cozy tents to compact motorhomes. Known throughout the camping community for its pristine conditions and tranquil atmosphere, DeMotte has earned a stellar reputation thanks to its meticulously maintained grounds and the warm hospitality of its dedicated hosts who treat every visitor like family.

10 Organ Pipe Dr.

Nestled within the stunning Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Twin Peaks Campground serves as your gateway to one of the Sonoran Desert's most spectacular landscapes. This thoughtfully designed campground welcomes adventurers with 208 well-appointed sites, ranging from intimate tent-only spots to spacious RV-friendly locations. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and grill, while solar-heated showers provide a refreshing end to dusty desert explorations. The careful spacing between sites ensures a sense of solitude, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding desert vegetation that creates natural privacy screens between neighbors.

12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA

Nestled within the otherworldly landscape of Chiricahua National Monument, Bonita Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape among towering stone spires and ancient hoodoos. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers seeking solitude beneath a canopy of shade trees, where winding nature trails beckon exploration and panoramic vistas reward every turn. The campground's thoughtfully designed sites accommodate both tent enthusiasts and those traveling with smaller RVs, creating the perfect basecamp for discovering one of Arizona's most dramatic geological wonders.

1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA

Nestled in Arizona's high country, Sharp Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with 28 thoughtfully positioned sites across three distinct loops. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers with 19 reservable sites for those who plan ahead and 9 first-come, first-served spots for spontaneous explorers. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear waters, setting off on scenic trails, or gathering around the campfire with loved ones, Sharp Creek provides the perfect basecamp. Each site comes fully equipped with your camping essentials: a sturdy picnic table for meals under towering pines, a fire pit and grill for evening cookouts, and a convenient lantern holder to light your way. For larger gatherings, spacious group sites can comfortably host up to 75 people, making it ideal for family reunions or outdoor celebrations.