Are you planning a tent camping trip to Arizona this summer? It is a state that I have visited many times and there are five state parks that I think are perfect for tent camping. Here they are:
Lost Dutchman State Park
The Lost Dutchman State Park is located in Apache Junction. I love this park for its vistas, hiking trails and folk lore. Many of the tent sites are paved, located in the full sun and come with a grill and a picnic table. Others come with a fire pit. There are other sites available with water and electric hook-ups. Most have amazing views of Superstition Mountain. Rates start at $25 a night.
Kartchner Caverns
Kartchner Caverns is located in Benson and features level and paved tent sites. Some of the sites are shaded and come with water, electricity and a picnic table. I'd recommend selecting one near the Foothills Loop Trail. I'd also make it a point to tour the caverns while you're there. It will typically cost you $23 extra for the tour. Campsite rates start at $25 a night.
Cattail Cove State Park
Cattail Cove State Park is located in Lake Havasu City and features both drive-in and boat-in tent sites that come with a picnic table. Campsite rates start at $15 a night. Boat-in campers should be prepared to pay an additional $15 for parking. Some of the shady, drive-in sites come with a picnic table, a fire pit, water and electricity. Be sure to bring your fishing gear along.
Patagonia Lake State Park
Patagonia Lake State Park is located in Patagonia and offers boat-in and drive-in campsites. It is also connected to the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, which offers remote, hike-in tent sites that are located less than five miles from the hiking trails. Those sites come with a tent pad and a fire ring. Rates tend to start at $12 per site. I adore the park for its fishing. You can rent a boat onsite as well as pick up some bait and tackle.
Homolovi State Park
Homolovi State Park is located in Winslow and features an amazing series of archaeological sites. It is one of the things that I adore most about this park. It offers tent campers drive-in sites and five hiking trails that meander through the archaeological sites. The tent sites come with pads, a picnic table and a fire pit. Most also offer electric and water hook-ups. Rates tend to start at $23 a night.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys summer sports and recreation with her family. She has also traveled extensively.
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