My husband and I plan on spending the winter in Arizona in our 32' class A motor home. This will be a first for us, as we've never camped in AZ. I've been researching many campgrounds and it seems like most have very small, cramped spots with little to no privacy. Often they are nothing but glorified parking lots (full of but concrete and gravel). We'd like to find somewhere quiet, with trees and larger sites. Not sure what part of the state to look in, want to avoid snow (we are from the midwest!) so I assume northern AZ would be out. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Fly girl and welcome to the forum. I take it you will spending the winter months in the southern part of AZ as the winter months in the northern part can be cold and snowy. So with that in mind do check out Gilbert Ray Campground located just southwest of Tucson. There is a listing and reviews for it over in the other section of this website. We usually spend a week or more there in Feb. each year. Located out in the desert but close to shopping and other activities if and when needed, it offers electrical hookup and water provided by a series of of spigots conveniently located throughout the park and easily reached with a 50-75 hose from each site. No sewer hookup but a convenient dump station withing the park.. The sites are situated between cactus and various other Sonoran desert brush and plants, etc. and have enough space between them so you aren't cramped in, etc. Only problem is that you can only stay for a maximum of 7 days and then you have to leave for a week and can then return for another 7 days. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular and it's is quiet and peaceful at night. A short drive down the road to the old Tuscon Movie Studios if you care to check them out. Several desert museums within a short drive also. Overall just a really nice desert camping place that offers peace and quiet withing a stone's throw of civilization. As for other places there are many in the area that can be checked out by going to the reviews section and pulling up Tuscon or even Phoenix if that area is of interest. Another spot you may want to check out is just south of Benson called Kartchner Caverns RV park. Interesting area with guided tours thru several caverns and a nice RV area to spend some additional beautiful evenings at. Anyway, just a couple of spots to check out, there are many others that will no doubt serve your needs over the winter months. Sounds like a fun time for you, enjoy the wonderful winter weather while us mountain folk enjoy digging out from under the snow............... BankShot..............(aka Terry)
Thanks so much, Terry! I will check those campgrounds out right away! As I've lived in the midwest my entire life, I know all about digging out of the snow Speaking of snow, does the Sedona area get any in the winter months? Thanks again for your help, I appreciate your suggestions! Donna
Sedona can and does get snow at times during the winter months as it is further north and just south of Flagstaff where it snows regularly during winter. Usually it's just a light snowfall that burns off fairly quickly due to the desert sun during the day. Beautiful when it does snow in Sedona however. Hey, one more place you might want to check out is Copper Mountain RV park in Tacna. Right off of Interstate 8 about 40 miles east of Yuma it affords a desert camping area with full hookups, good spacing between sites and once again breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Friendly owners and affordable as well. And by the way Camp Gilbert Ray is only $20 a night so a week's stay there won't break the old piggy bank either............... Terry..............(aka BankShot)
One more suggestion if I may. If you do visit and stay in the Sedona area there is a really nice park right in Sedona but you have to book way in advance to reserve a space. A great alternative is Distant Drums RV Resort in Camp Verde which is just down the road from Sedona. We've stayed there and it a really nice park with lots of amenities and right across the highway from a Indian Casino. The park gives you a coupon good for $10 to use if you are in a gambling frame of mind. And the food ain't too shabby either plus they have a shuttle that picks you up and takes you back to the RV park for free. Check it out also if you will be in the general Sedona area.................. Terry................(aka BankShot)
Thanks for all the great tips, Terry! I suppose I could deal with a light dusting of snow that melted right away As you say, I'm sure it's beautiful to see the red rock and mountains covered in snow!
On your way to Sedona don't forget to stop in Winslow to get your picture taken "Standin on a Corner". The drive to Sedona from Flagstaff is beautiful although I'm not so sure I would like to tackle it with a light dusting of snow. I can tell you that BankShot is dead on recommending Gilbert Ray. FYI, it is a popular spot. We got lucky and were able to get in right away. Lots of folks waited until they could get a spot by staying at the casino and arriving back at Gilbert Ray early in the morning. Good luck. Darrell
Thank you, Darrell! Not sure about driving thru the mountains in the snow either! I appreciate all your tips
