Towering saguaro cacti and quiet, star-filled night skies are a prerequisite to any memorable outdoor experience in Arizona. All the hustle and bustle around the city might lead you to believe getting to primo campsites requires lofty efforts and long distances—but in actuality, campgrounds near Phoenix are perfectly in reach for a spur of the moment weekend trip.
If you’re looking for a quick escape into arid excellence but don’t have the gusto to drive all the way to the Grand Canyon, look no further than these 5 spots within 2 hours of Phoenix:
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
Photo credit: @arizlenz
Distance from Phoenix: 41 miles
Travel time from the city: 45 min
Coyotes, jackrabbits, and mule deer are your fellow campers at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, a wildlife lover’s paradise nestled in the Sonoran desert. Pass your time walking among contrastingly bright wildflowers along the Native Plant Trail, or cycle the four mile mountain bike loop track for a bit of adrenaline (and killer views, of course). Craggy, burnt orange mountains paint a postcard-worthy backdrop for when you’re ready to rest your feet after a day’s worth of roaming the park, offering much needed relaxation. Name a better way to unwind—we’ll wait.
Fast facts:
138 campsites total
Reservations can be made online
Entrance fee: $7 per vehicle
Pets on leashes are welcome
Lynx Lake Campground
Photo credit: @cw50must
Distance from Phoenix: 95 miles
Travel time from the city: 1 hr 35 min
Our home state of Minnesota claims the title for the land of 10,000 lakes—so we’re picky—and we know a good body of water when we see one. Get your lake fix at Lynx by trout fishing, boating, swimming, or cruisily floating around on your favorite inflatable device with a beer in hand. This recreational area draws over 90,000 visitors a year, and luckily, there’s plenty of space for everyone with 55 glorious acres of water. Here, you have everything you’ve ever wanted in a lake getaway, minus the midwest mosquitos.
Fast facts:
35 campsites, both regular and double
Reservations can be made online
Regular campsites are $18/night
Double campsites are $36/night
Pets are allowed but must be on leashes
Drinking water available
Pine Flat Campground
Photo credit: @travisosborn
Distance from Phoenix: 128 miles
Travel time from the city: 2 hours
Sprawling masses of ponderosa pine trees help Pine Flat Campground live up to its namesake, a serene forest gem known for irresistibly refreshing swimming holes and fishing that’ll make you feel like a seasoned pro. In fact, oodles of freshwater trout have put Pine Flat on the map as a fisherman’s favorite. For those who would rather slide off rocks than fish from them, fear not, an 11-minute drive from the site will take you to Slide Rock State Park. Fun is an understatement here, with a naturally formed rock slide that offers a perfect spot to jump in, catch some rays, or have a picnic.
Fast facts:
56 campsites, only 18 can be reserved
For reservations, call 1-877-444-6777
Campsites are $22/night
Pets are allowed but must be on leashes
Usery Mountain Regional Park Campground
Photo credit: @viz_pic_annemarie_comes
Distance from Phoenix: 33 miles
Travel time from the city: 35 min
Most would never believe Usery Mountain Regional Park’s campground is only a breezy 35-minute drive from Phoenix. Really, it almost feels good to be true. Close proximity to the Goldfield Mountains and Tonto National Forest makes it easy to feel like you’ve driven far from the city, and supreme stargazing at night seals the deal. Spend your days exploring and whip up some delicious campsite recipes once the sun goes down. Not only can you hike, bike, and hop on the back of a horse, you can also try your hand at the in-park archery range—something we can’t say we’ve encountered with many other campsites.
Fast facts:
73 campsites total
Reservations can be made online
Entrance fee: $7 per vehicle
Campsites are $32/night
Burnt Corral Campground
Photo credit: @nadia.flying.professor
Distance from Phoenix: 74 miles
Travel time from the city: 2 hours
Hang your hat among the canyon walls of Apache Lake at Burnt Corral Campground, rubbing shoulders with the Roosevelt Dam by a ten minute drive. Rolling bluffs shroud the perimeter of the lake, providing scenic views and abundant volumes of trails to hike or bike. Motorized and non-motorized boating are permitted, along with fishing, should you feel the urge to become buoyant during your stay.
Fast facts:
82 campsites, both regular and double
Reservations can be made online
Regular campsites are $20/night
Double campsites are $40/night
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