But, Handle With Care

1,300 Campsites To Enjoy In Arizona

It’s that time of year, and campers are encouraged to use only propane stoves and heaters this summer while they are camping to prevent wildfires from escaped campfires.  Remember in Arizona, especially during this drought, fire can burn slowly along dry roots and duff and come from underground in the forest far from a campsite.

The 27 State Parks in Arizona provide many opportunities for campers, and State Parks such as Lyman Lake near Springerville, Roper Lake in Safford and Alamo Lake State Park will probably be campgrounds that will not fill to capacity. 

Day-use and historic parks have plenty of room for daytrippers, and Kartchner Caverns State Park always has 100 walk-up tickets each day and good camping opportunities (book cave tours in advance by phone or online if possible).

There are some fire restrictions around the state so if you are planning to build a campfire in a park, be sure to check our Web site at www.azstateparks.com.

Remember if you cause a fire under fire restrictions, it may result in substantial fines and jail time.  To keep your family and public lands safe while camping please follow these precautionary tips:

• Bring propane stove for cooking/heating rather than using a campfire.
• Carry a shovel in your car and use dirt and FIVE gallons of water for putting out campfires if they are permitted.
• Make small campfires.
• Only smoke in vehicles or designed campsite and not while hiking.

State Parks Campgrounds In Northern Arizona (Call Ahead)

Dead Horse Ranch State Park: (928) 634-5283 — Cottonwood —150 campsites — fishing, boating (canoes/rowboats only), access to the Verde River and three lagoons, hiking and mountain biking. Campfires in designated areas only. No smoking while hiking.

Fool Hollow Lake State Park: (928) 537-3680 — 92 hookup sites, 31 campsites, great fishing and swimming. Fire restrictions during windy days.  Call ahead regarding campfires.

Lyman Lake State Park: (928) 337-4441 — 61 campsites and four yurts / four cabins, fishing, waterskiing . No fire restrictions at this time.

Homolovi Ruins State Historic Park: (928) 289-4106 — 53 camp sites, Hopi Ruins, hiking. Campfires/smoking in developed areas only. No smoking while hiking.

Slide Rock State Park: (928) 282-3034 —  natural rock slide in the river, hiking. No smoking except in vehicles. No fires, including charcoal and gas.

Red Rock State Park: (928) 282-6907 — No camping, lots of hiking opportunities. No smoking except in vehicles.

State Parks Campgrounds In Southern Arizona (Call Ahead)

Catalina State Park: (520) 628-5798 — 48 campsites, hiking, corrals for horses. Charcoal and propane fires only; wood campfires not allowed.

Kartchner Caverns State Park: (520) 586-2283 — 62 campsites — cave tours. Propane fires only, smoking in camp area or vehicle. No smoking while hiking.

Lost Dutchman State Park: (480) 982-4485 — 70 campsites, hiking into Superstitions. Charcoal and propane fires only; wood campfires not allowed. No smoking while hiking.

Patagonia Lake State Park: (520) 287-6965 — 107 campsites, boats to rent, fishing, beach. Campfires okay in designated grills; smoking in camp areas only; no smoking while hiking.

Picacho Peak State Park: (520) 466-3183 — 85 campsites — fantastic walking trails. No restrictions at press time, except no smoking while hiking.

Roper Lake State Park: (928) 428-6760 — 71 campsites — hot tub, fishing. Campfires and smoking restricted to developed areas only; no smoking while hiking.

State Parks Campgrounds In Western Arizona (Call Ahead)

Alamo Lake State Park: (928) 669-2088 — 250 campsites, excellent bass fishing, water skiing, swimming. Campfires and smoking in designated areas only.

Buckskin Mountain State Park & River Island: (928) 667-3231 — 126 campsites, watersports, cabanas, beach. Campfires in designated grills, no smoking while hiking.

Cattail Cove State Park: (928) 855-1223 — 61 campsites. No wood fires, charcoal for cooking within a campsite or on a grill on the beach. Smoking in campsites and on beach only.

Lake Havasu State Park: (928) 855-2784 — 47 campsites — boat launches, great park areas. and swimming beach. Campfires in fire-rings; call for details. Smoking in camp areas, and no hiking while smoking.