Where to camp on the water in Arizona this fall

Crunching leaves, a roaring fire, and a cozy tent near cooling waters: the perfect way to welcome fall. Make it happen at one of these 11 Arizona campgrounds.

So, you’ve invested in a tent, a sleeping bag, and some s’mores kits (don’t forget the sticks!). Fall is the perfect time to cozy up around the fire with your loved ones for a mellow weekend of roasting marshmallows, gazing at the stars, and breathing in the crisp, fresh air—a stark difference from the warm summer gusts that feel like walking past an oversized hair dryer. Fortunately, fall is prime time for camping in the Grand Canyon State. Whether you live in a populated city or a desert-lined small town, pack the vehicle and start driving to one of these 11 forest and water camping retreats, where you can enjoy the color-changing leaves that are all too rare in the cities, cooling waters during the high-sun afternoon, and peaceful nights complete with cool autumn air.

11 campgrounds perfect for fall camping

Roper Lake State Park

101 E. Roper Lake Road, Safford, AZ

Camp on the shores of rippling Roper Lake with views of Mount Graham at Roper Lake State Park. With over 5 miles of trails to hike and a lake to swim, boat, and fish in, this Safford sanctuary offers outdoor recreation year-round. While the temperatures in Tucson and Phoenix continue to reach hellish heights in the fall, Safford experiences temperature shifts indicative of the season, offering cooler daytime temperatures that are still warm enough for you to want to hit the water, and breezy 50℉ nights that are perfect for stargazing and blanket sharing. Roper Lake is a great fall getaway for anyone craving the change of season while also wanting to enjoy the outdoor recreation that State 48 is known for.

Tent sites: $25+

RV sites: $50+

Cabins: $129+

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

675 Dead Horse Ranch Road, Cottonwood, AZ

Nestled between Jerome and Sedona, Cottonwood is a gem of a town that offers whimsy, art, and other amazing amenities for a fraction of the price that you would expect in an area so rich in beauty. Don’t let the name of the campsite fool you, Dead Horse Ranch is a lively must for anyone seeking fall camping in a fascinating area. With access to the Verde River for swimming, several lagoons for fishing, trails for equestrian adventure, play structures for kiddos of all ages, and campsites aplenty, this State Park will have you counting down the days until your next return. Sites offer full restrooms, fire pits, and more. Open year-round, Dead Horse Ranch may make it on your list of places to visit in every season.

Tent sites: $25+

RV sites: $50+

Cabins: $70+

Rose Canyon Campground

Catalina Hwy, Mt. Lemmon, AZ

Appreciate deciduous Gambel oak trees and perennial ponderosa pines in the majestic campground known as Rose Canyon. Each site is complete with a fire pit, a grill, and a bear box, offering restroom access and a short, tree-lined walk to Rose Canyon Lake. The lake is surrounded by a canopy of trees, making it ideal for walks, relaxing recreation, or trout fishing. While this campground is a stunning fall getaway, be sure to reserve your spot before November, when the season typically ends, weather dependent.

Tent sites: $31+

RV sites: $51+

Cabins: N/A

Shannon Campground

Safford, AZ

The Pinaleño Mountains surround Mount Graham and include the stunning Shannon Campground. Shannon Campground is a whimsical wonder, tucked away along the upper reaches of Marijilda Creek, which winds through the campground to provide just enough water feature to feel magical. The campsites find shade from spruce and Douglas-fir trees, which also provide an undeniably refreshing scent for campers seeking an experience that appeals to all senses. With a short hike, you can also explore history dating back to the Apache Wars of the 1880s, now commemorated by a Forest Service Lookout tower with panoramic views of southeastern Arizona. If you are feeling extra energetic, relax at Shannon Campground before braving a full exploration of the Pinaleño Mountains. According to the Forest Service, ascending this mountain is the ecological equivalent of traveling from Mexico to Canada in just a few short hours. Sounds like the perfect energetic escape for this fall.

Note: This is a notorious black bear area, so come prepared with bear-proof containers and a strong will.

Tent sites: $15+

RV sites: N/A

Cabins: N/A

Brookchar Campgrounds

Greer, AZ

With 12 walk-up, first-come, first-served tent-only sites, Brookchar Campgrounds sits in the White Mountains right next to Big Lake, AKA a trout fisher’s dream with access to rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache trout. Even if you aren’t a fisherperson, this campground boasts the beauty of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which is full of fir, aspen, spruce, and ponderosa pine trees. At an elevation of over 9,000 feet, this getaway beckons some of the thicker sweaters, cozier blankets, and roaring campfires. Breathe in the cool air while making memories here this fall. If you’re feeling daring, check out the alpine coaster at Sunrise Apache Park Resort nearby—my husband, his parents, and I went here for a screaming good time during a heat wave and still needed sweaters.

Tent sites: $20

RV sites: N/A

Cabins: N/A

Show Low Lake Campground

5800 Show Low Lake Road, Lakeside, AZ

If you like to fish among the pines, Show Low Lake Campground is inexpensive, unassuming, and full of wonder. A visitor’s center with limited hours sits at the entrance. Here you will find clean restrooms, a shop complete with firewood and some bait, and nominal entrance fees. Right across from the campsite is Show Low Lake, which is stocked and an excellent spot to catch trout, catfish, and bass. Wake up early and walk across the road without worry—the locals are friendly, and catching the first fish summons the luck for others. You can also swim and play in this lake, so be sure to bring the fam.

Tent sites: $24+

RV sites: $34+

Cabins: N/A

Forked Pine Campground

Forest Road 82E, Flagstaff, AZ

Sitting on Ashurst Lake and surrounded by juniper trees and pinyon pines, Forked Pine Campground is the perfect fall destination to enjoy a fresh-air camping jaunt by mid-October. Drop a line in the water, gather around the campfire, and appreciate the stars in this forest haven. The campsite is surrounded by views of the San Francisco Peaks, a glimpse at the volcanic past of the area—which also hints at some fabulous rockhounding. Here, you can breathe in some high-quality oxygen while appreciating a lake noted for its exceptional water retention, even during heavy droughts. Bring your mountain bikes or hiking shoes to appreciate one of the many gravel-paved paths.

Tent sites: $27

RV sites: N/A

Cabins: N/A

Patagonia Lake State Park 

400 Patagonia Lake Road, Nogales, AZ

Birds in this area shift with the seasons, flying from one color-changing tree to another, making for a fun camp day of water play and bird spotting. It’s part of what makes camping at Patagonia Lake State Park a fall-time must. Alongside your camping gear and binoculars, be sure to also bring paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and motorboats, as well as fishing gear, for well-rounded play. With an elevation of over 4,000 ft., be sure to bring a jacket too, as night temperatures can drop and sudden storms may roll in. How refreshing!

Tent sites: $25+

RV sites: $50+

Cabins: $129+

Hilltop Campground

Walker Road, Prescott, AZ

Enjoy Lynx Lake and ponderosa pine trees at the fairly primitive Hilltop Campground located in the Prescott National Forest. The 36 campsites are large enough for 40-foot vehicles, though electricity and hook-ups are not available. In fact, the amenities here include fire pits and pit toilets, and that is it. Tread on down to the marina to buy firewood, snacks, and rent watercraft for a fun day of play. With primitive setups comes a close connection to nature and a restoration few can ever find.

Tent sites: $18

RV sites: $18 (non-electric)

Cabins: N/A

Kaibab Lake Campground

Forest Service Road 47, Williams, AZ

The Kaibab Lake Campground has a short window for autumn camping, but it is worth the September rush to experience the cooler temperatures of the Mogollon Rim. Surrounded by pine trees, trails, and a lake for fishing, there are countless recreational activities to enjoy with a weekend stay. It also happens to be located about 60 miles from the South Entrance of the Grand Canyon, offering a short drive for Arizonans who are finally ready to check this natural wonder off of their long-overdue bucket list. So gather the family, as the Kaibab Lake Campground is calling for a much-needed break as the first quarter for the kiddos comes to a close.

Tent sites: $32+

RV sites: N/A

Cabins: N/A

Tséyi’ Diné Heritage Cottonwood Campground

Chinle, AZ

This one may lack a body of water, but it is one worth exploring, especially after the worst of the summer heat has passed (think after Halloween). Situated near the entrance of Canyon De Chelly in the Navajo Nation, staying at the Tséyi’ Diné Heritage Cottonwood Campground, especially when enhanced with a visit to the Canyon, will result in an unforgettable adventure. Full of views, history, trees, and dark skies to take in the stars, this should be high on the bucket list for every Arizonan.

Tent sites: $20+

RV sites: N/A

Cabins: N/A

Packing list

Packing lists can vary depending on individual needs, but it is always helpful to have one on hand. If you don’t have your own—and even if you do—you are welcome to borrow mine:

• Tent(s)
• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag/pillow
• Lantern & flashlight
• Shovel (this is super handy if you are camping primitively)
• Extra big water jug
• Camp stove with gas
• Camp stove cooking utensils, such as a pan, a pot, and a spatula
• Snacks
• Can of beans with an opener or pull tab
• Basic spices such as salt and pepper
• Knife
• Basic dishes of fork/spoon and plate
• Ice chest
• Coffee supplies, such as ground-up beans with a percolator, instant coffee packs, or canned cold brew
• Wet wipes/baby wipes for basic cleaning
• Towels
• Pack of cards
• Solar-powered battery pack
• A rain jacket
• A pull-over sweatshirt for warmth

Happy camping!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

RELATED: 13 hidden-gem campgrounds in Arizona where you can always find a spot