Campsites & Group Campsites

CAMPING

With camping sites available at almost every park, the Maricopa County park system is home to thousands of visitors every year. Visitors come with their recreation vehicles (RV) from all over the country to stay at a Maricopa County park. Tent campsites are also available, many with a picnic table and fire pit. – maricopacountyparks.org

To learn more about the Terms and Conditions for camping in a County park, please review the information below.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

CAMPSITE OCCUPANCY

Check-in time is 1 pm. Check-out time is 12 noon. If a camper wants to extend their stay, they must notify park staff before 9 a.m. The extension may be accommodated depending on the following:
(a) extend only if the site is available;
(b) move to another site; or
(c) go to overflow.

Camping equipment or personal property may not be placed on site until the camper has checked in. New campers may not place any equipment on any site until the party leaving has vacated. All equipment must be kept in the camping area, not stored in the bushes or parking area.

No more than 8 people per site. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Audio equipment must not disturb other campers.

ADDITIONAL VEHICLES:

All camping reservations and fees cover ONLY the approved number of camping units per site (no more than one RV/trailer and a tent or two tents). Coverage also includes ONE of the following: the vehicle pulling the camping unit; OR one vehicle in tow.

Additional vehicles, including watercraft and vehicles not in tow, will be assessed the appropriate fee(s). All visitors to the campsite must pay the park entrance fee to enter the park and campground, no exceptions.

RESERVATION POLICIES

Individual reservations can be made six (6) month in advance of your arrival date using the on-line reservation system (www.maricopacountyparks.org/) or by calling the reservation line at 1-833-505-0779, open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Arizona time zone). Payment in full is required at the time of reservation and each reservation requires a reservation fee.

  • Group and youth camping reservations will be accepted one (1) year prior to the arrival date. Groups must call the park to make reservations.
  • Reservations can be made from one (1) night to fourteen (14) nights.
  • Campers can only reserve a specific campsite within a campground for 14 nights within any 28-day period. Campers can remain within the campground but must move to a different campsite after 14 days.
  • Campsites not reserved become available on a first-come, first-served basis or until the next scheduled reservation for that site.
  • Overflow: If the campground is full, the camper may stay in the designated overflow area taking a position at the end of the line. If the campground is not full, campers must go into the campground.
  • Minimum Stay Requirement: The Department may impose a minimum stay requirement for dates of high use during holidays and special events. Specific holidays include Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Labor Day.

CAMPING RESERVATION ACCESS DURING A TEMPORARY PARK CLOSURE AT LAKE PLEASANT REGIONAL PARK:

  • During a temporary park closure, individuals with a camping reservation who are checking in may enter the park by using Lane Three (3). 
    • Upon check-in, a hang tag is issued and is REQUIRED to regain park entry.
    • Guests VISITING reserved campsites during a temporary park closure will NOT be allowed to enter the park.
    • If MCSO closes an area or road due to law enforcement or public safety situation, individuals with camping reservations may not be allowed entry until MCSO reopens the area.
    • If a day-use visitor who has entered the park leaves before or during the closure, they will not be allowed re-entry into the park, even with a receipt, until after the closure is lifted. 
    • No day-use refunds will be provided.
  • When the park is not in temporary park closure status, registered campers are required to wait in the regular open entry lines - even with a reservation confirmation/hangtag.
  • From 9 pm to 5 am,  individuals with camping reservations will use the assigned gate code to enter through the main park gate and into the campground.
    • The gate code on the reservation confirmation notice does not allow entry through the Scorpion Bay Marina gate (Lane Three) unless there is a temporary park closure, or the gate is staffed.

REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS

Refunds will not be given for bugs, bad weather, campfire bans, low lake water, wildlife, or general dissatisfaction with the facilities. Refunds will only be approved for malfunctioning facilities/camping sites, medical emergencies, or other extreme conditions.

If the reservation is canceled at any time prior to your scheduled arrival, the camping fee will be refunded less the reservation fee ($8) and a cancellation fee ($10).  For group and youth camping, the reservation fee ($45) is forfeited.

CANCELLATIONS made within 24 hours of arrival require you to call the central reservations phone line at 602-506-2930 on weekdays or the park where your reservation is located.  Failure to contact the park or central reservations directly will result in forfeiture of additional fees.

GROUP AND YOUTH CAMPING

For group and youth camping, a non-refundable $45 reservation fee is required and each overnight camping unit will be charged the $22.00/night semi-developed camping rate. A 50% discount off the per-night costs is available for youth groups (contact park for information). Visitors to group and youth sites that are not spending the night must pay the day-use vehicle park entrance fee. Park staff will provide a sign-in roster and collect camping fees upon arrival.

Please visit the fee page for a complete listing of fees.

HOUSEKEEPING

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 ft at all times. Pets are not allowed in restrooms or left outside unattended (RVs included). Pets must not disturb other campers and park staff. Pet waste must be picked up and disposed of into trash containers.

The dump station is a free service for use by registered campers. On occasion, the dump station may be closed due to maintenance activities. All black and gray water must be disposed of in the dump station.

No wood gathering. No picking of wildflowers. All native plants, animals, minerals, alive or dead, are protected and must not be removed or collected.

Sites must be kept clean and orderly at all times. Full trash bags are to be disposed of in the dumpsters; do not leave trash bags or garbage in restrooms or stockpiled at the site.

Clotheslines, lanterns, pet leashes, wiring, and other articles may not be strung across or secured to vegetation or other park property.

Washing and/or maintenance of vehicles, RVs, or trailers is prohibited.

Electrical outlets are not designed to handle electrical loads that exceed ampage. Park staff reserve the right to ask you to disconnect the equipment.