Camping in Arizona is one of the best ways to get to know the desert. You’ll find every kind of accommodation you could hope for, whether you want to pitch a tent in one of our glorious state parks or set up your RV in a luxury resort. So grab your gear and go camping at these four best spots near Goodyear.

Destiny RV Resort

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Discover the Old West in a new way at Destiny RV Resort. Whether you’re camping for the first time or the thousandth, its convenient, nearby location makes it one of the best camping destinations the city has to offer. This large RV park offers 284 full hookup sites, and you can lease a standard, deluxe, or premium space, depending on the size of your camper. They have rates by the day, week, and even for a month, so plan to extend this family staycation near Goodyear for as long as possible.

You and the kids will love this park’s resort-like accommodations, including a heated pool and spa, shuffleboard, horseshoe pits, a pickleball court, a fitness center, billiards, and a pitch and putt area. There’s even free Wi-Fi so you can keep in touch with work or family, and a shaded dog park for your four-legged friend. You’ll also appreciate Destiny RV’s clean and well-maintained restrooms, complete with showers. Stop by the tourist information center and get tips on sightseeing adventures and other activities near Goodyear. This pick’s convenient location is close to world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.

• Location: 416 N. Citrus Road, Goodyear.
• Hours: Check-in is at 3 p.m., and check-out is at noon.

Margie’s Cove West Campground

If you’re on the lookout for a more primitive camping experience, get up close to nature at Margie’s Cove West Campground. This spot sits on a Bureau of Land Management plot next to Margie’s Cove West Trailhead. It offers three rustic and secluded campsites with picnic tables and steel fire rings, plus there’s also a vault toilet nearby. To access the site, follow the dirt road off Highway 85, just south of milepost 134. The way is rough going in some areas and may not be suitable for low-clearance vehicles.

Plan to explore Margie’s Cove Trail while you’re there. This nearly level route travels 9 miles through the heart of the  North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness. The landscape features long ridges, isolated peaks, and broad desert washes. You’ll spot all the usual desert flora, from saguaros and prickly pear cacti to palo verde and ironwood trees. There are also numerous opportunities to spot Arizona wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, coyote, javelina, lizards, and birds. Be cautious if you plan to explore the entire route, as there is no trail signage or directional markers, making it best for experienced hikers.

• Location: Near S. Woods Road, Buckeye.
• Hours: 24 hours daily.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park 

Maricopa County offers a beautiful regional park network that offers camping sites at various locations, including White Tank Mountain. This spot features 40 spaces for tents or RVs up to 45 feet long. Reserve a developed site with water and electrical hookups. There’s also a fire ring, picnic table, and barbeque for your use. If your camper isn’t equipped with a restroom, the park offers flush toilets and showers. Don’t forget to use the park’s dump station on your way out.

If a more secluded spot sounds right for your family, Willow Campground within White Tank Mountain Regional Park offers primitive campsites, including 11 tent-only walk-in areas and nine back-in sites for families with a van, small trailer, or class B camper up to 16 feet long. Explore the eco-friendly nature centers, then spend your evening star gazing. No matter where you are in the park, you can view the moon, other planets, and even deep space star clusters.

Another popular activity at White Tank is hiking. Approximately 30 miles of multi-use trails wind their way through the park. Paths range from 0.9 to 7.9 miles and from easy to strenuous and provide scenic views of the valley. If you’re pushing a stroller, there are two short, paved routes to explore, including the Waterfall and Black Rock trails. There’s also a 10-mile competitive track where mountain biking experts can practice their high-speed skills without encountering pedestrians along the route. 

• Campground Location: 13073-20685 W. Valley Vista Dr., Waddell.
• Hours: Check-in time is 1 p.m., and check-out is at noon.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

While Lake Pleasant Regional Park is 45 minutes from Goodyear, it’s well worth the trip. This 23,000-acre desert oasis has something that the White Tanks don’t: a 10,000-acre lake. This body of water is the largest in the Phoenix metro area, and it draws visitors from around the country. It’s a mecca for watercraft and camping enthusiasts of every age. In fact, you can even camp on your houseboat here if that’s your thing.

If you like camping the traditional way, spend the night in a tent or RV at one of 148 sites within the park’s two campgrounds: Desert Tortoise and Roadrunner. What’s more, nearly every site offers stunning views of the water. Each developed camping spot offers guest water, electricity, a covered ramada, a barbecue grill, a picnic table, and a fire ring. For your convenience, there’s also a dump station on site. There are also semi-developed sites that do not offer utilities. However, the park provides a restroom with shower facilities.

In addition to camping, Lake Pleasant offers visitors loads to do, from boating to picnicking. There are also plenty of hiking opportunities, with miles of trails that are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Other park activities include swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There’s also a terrific nature center and playground for the kids to explore.

• Location: 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown.
• Hours: Check-in time is 1 p.m., and check-out is at noon.

There are some terrific campgrounds near Goodyear, with options for every style, from rustic desert landscapes to luxury RV resorts and everything in between. So what kind of camping adventure does your family crave? Let the Crème de la Crème team know, and be sure to tell us about your best outdoor experience at any one of these spots.