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Story by Monica Enriquez Photos Courtesy Arizona State Parks
As you cruise through Arizona in your RV, discover camping in wide-open spaces with scenic mountain backdrops on lakes with sandy beaches. Bring your furry friends with you and take advantage of dog play areas and free Wi-Fi at some of the parks, guided hikes, walks and other events that are perfect for people of all ages. Stay for up to 14 days in a safe environment and find daily adventures that can only be found in Arizona.
At Patagonia Lake State Park near Nogales, Ariz., campsites come with a picnic table, fire ring, 50-amp hookups and accommodate any size RV. Boat-in campsites are also available and have a picnic table, fire ring, are accessible by boat only and a few sites have portable restrooms. You can also come out and rent a boat or canoe and often there is a pontoon boat tour around the lake. The campground overlooks the 100 ha (265 ac) lake where you can catch crappie, bass, bluegill and catfish. Take a stroll with your binoculars along the meandering creek trail and watch for the famous trogons, Inca dove, vermilion flycatcher, black vulture, and several species of hummingbirds.
Many people know that Kartchner Caverns State Park is a stunning limestone cave near Benson, Ariz. but the park also offers camping sites with full electric hookups. The camping sites have amenities including showers/restroom, water and dump station facilities. There are back-in and pull through sites with up to 50-amp hookups that can accommodate up to 20 m (60 ft) in length with plenty of room for slide out units. The restroom buildings have bottled water vending machines and dishwashing sinks. While camping at the park, take one of the three guided tours inside the cave, and/or explore the Discovery Center. There are also nearly seven miles of hiking and walking trails and a hummingbird garden.
Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, 65 km (40 mi) east of Phoenix. Camping sites have up to 50-amp hookups with water, a picnic table, barbeque grill, and a fire pit. There are no size restrictions on RVs and pets on leashes are welcome. The park also has a gift shop with camping supplies, ice, water, sports drinks, and snacks so you can stock up while on the road. There are nearly 24 km (15 mi) of hiking trails within the park and 6.5 km (4 mi) of mountain biking trails. Several of the hiking trails lead from the park into the Superstition Wilderness and the surrounding Tonto National Forest.
The majestic Santa Catalina Mountains are the backdrop while staying at Catalina State Park near Tucson, Ariz. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. Take advantage of the many hiking trails and you may also go backpacking, bicycling, picnicking and bird watching. The 2,225 ha (5,500 ac) of foothills, canyons and streams invite more than 150 species of birds. There is also an equestrian center that provides a staging area for trail riders with ample trailer parking. This park has stargazing events because of the dark skies, but you can also bring your own binoculars or a telescope and a constellation map. Binoculars are important for watching wildlife as well.
Stop by the office in Phoenix or call us at (602) 542-4174 for a free State highway map, park brochures, and information about all of Arizona's campgrounds. Find out where to hike, fish, hold reunions, weddings, special events and business retreats. When you decide on a location, reservations for camping and cave tours can be made 24-hours-a-day at AZStateParks.com or by calling (520) 586-2283 between 8am and 5pm seven days a week. There is a $5 non-refundable reservation fee per site. See you at Arizona’s State Parks!