Beach Camping in Arizona

Discover the best beach camping across Arizona. Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: May - September

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Mallard Campground

Fool Hollow Lake

Pine-shaded campsites sit steps from Fool Hollow Lake's shoreline, where calm waters invite swimming, fishing, and kayaking beneath the White Mountains' stunning backdrop.

4.7(230 reviews)

Verified

Redhead Campground

Show Low, AZ · Fool Hollow Lake

Sites nestle beneath towering ponderosa pines with direct access to Fool Hollow Lake's shoreline, where you can launch kayaks steps from your morning campfire.

4.7(126 reviews)

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

Show Low · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Ponderosa pines frame a 150-acre mountain lake where anglers cast lines from sandy shores and boaters explore calm waters beneath cloud-swept skies. Canada geese glide past waterfront campsites while deer emerge at dusk to drink at the lake's edge, creating an intimate wildlife theater...

4.7(126 reviews)

Verified

About Beach Camping in Arizona

Beach camping Arizona offers a surprising desert oasis experience where mountain lakes and reservoirs create pristine waterfront camping opportunities across the state's diverse elevations. While Arizona may be known for its arid landscapes, the White Mountains, Coconino Plateau, and scattered desert lakes provide exceptional lakeside camping with sandy shores, clear waters, and comprehensive beach recreation.

Best Time

The best time for beach camping in Arizona depends heavily on elevation and geographic location, creating year-round opportunities across the state. White Mountains and Coconino Plateau lakes like Fool Hollow, Big Lake, and the Lake Mary complex shine from late May through September when high-elevation temperatures range from 70-85°F during the day, perfect for swimming, boating, and beach activities.

Scenery Highlights

Oceanfront and lakeside sites
Sandy beaches and swimming
Stunning sunrise and sunset views
Water sports and fishing

More Beach Camping in Arizona

Discover 17 additional top-rated beach camping in Arizona

Pinegrove

Flagstaff · Coconino National Forest Recreation

Towering ponderosa pines frame your gateway to five sparkling lakes where bald eagles soar and ospreys dive for their catch just steps from your campsite.

4.7(525)

Rainbow (Az)

Springerville · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

I appreciate your interest, but I need to clarify something important: Rainbow Campground in Arizona is actually a mountain lake campground at 9,000 feet elevation, not a beach/ocean campground.

4.7(402)

C Campground

Salome, AZ · Alamo Lake

Desert lake waters lap at your campsite doorstep, where secluded coves invite kayakers and anglers to chase legendary largemouth bass. When darkness falls over this remote Arizona reservoir, zero light pollution reveals the Milky Way stretching overhead in brilliant detail.

4.8(31)

Grayling

Springerville · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Twenty-three secluded campsites nestle among towering ponderosa pines and aspens with direct access to Big Lake's crystalline waters for trout fishing and boating.

4.8(210)

Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Happy Jack · Coconino National Forest Recreation

I cannot write a beach camping summary for Rock Crossing Campground because this is a mountain forest campground at 7,316 feet elevation in Arizona's Coconino National Forest, located near C.C.

4.8(256)

Christopher Creek

PAYSON · Tonto National Forest

Canyon Creek winds through pine-shaded campsites that serve as your basecamp for exploring nearby Woods Canyon Lake's sandy shores and boat-friendly waters.

4.7(372)

Bald Eagle Campground

Show Low, AZ · Fool Hollow Lake

Morning mist rises from Fool Hollow Lake as ponderosa pines tower above your waterfront campsite, creating a serene mountain oasis far from Arizona's desert stereotypes.

4.7(38)

Eagle Ridge Group Campground

Prescott · Prescott National Forest

This mountain campground sits high in Arizona's ponderosa pine forest—a quarter-mile from Lynx Lake's shoreline where ospreys hunt and a two-mile loop trail winds along the water's edge.

4.7(68)

Red-Tailed Hawk Campground

Cottonwood, AZ · Dead Horse Ranch

The Verde River creates shallow lagoons and sandy banks where you can wade, fish, and lounge beneath towering cottonwoods in this unexpected desert oasis.

4.7(38)

Explore Beach Camping in Arizona

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Popular Activities

Swimming and beach recreation at sandy lakeshoresFishing for trout, bass, and catfish from shore or boatKayaking and canoeing in calm morning watersMotorized boating and water skiing on larger lakesWildlife viewing including elk, deer, and waterfowlHiking lakeside trails and interpretive nature walks

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve lakeside sites well in advance through Recreation.gov for popular White Mountains and Coconino Plateau campgrounds, as waterfront spots at Fool Hollow Lake and Lake Mary fill quickly during summer months.
2Bring sun protection essentials including high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective clothing, as Arizona's high elevation and intense sunshine create rapid sunburn conditions even on cooler days.
3Pack layered clothing for mountain lake camping where temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees from afternoon to evening, especially at 8,000+ foot elevations around Big Lake and Rainbow Campground.
4Arizona requires fishing licenses for anyone 10 years and older, available online or at local sporting goods stores, with special regulations for certain lakes regarding bag limits and allowed tackle.

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Curated for Beach Camping in Arizona

Beach Camping in Arizona FAQ

We've ranked 20+ beach campgrounds in Arizona based on water access, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include oceanfront and lakeside sites with sandy beaches and swimming access.

Beach camping in Arizona is generally best from May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and milder weather.

For beach camping in Arizona, bring sun protection, beach chairs, water toys, and sand-friendly gear. Wind stakes for your tent are essential, and consider a shade structure for daytime comfort.

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