Arizona is a beautiful state with many natural wonders.
The Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and the Sonoran Desert are all popular destinations for tourists. Flagstaff is a major gateway to the Grand Canyon and Tucson is home to the University of Arizona.
One way that you can explore these natural treasures is by visiting one of the many State Parks located throughout this desert region. Today we’re going to talk about 15 different parks that are perfect for family vacations or solo travelers looking for a taste of adventure!
Come visit Arizona! You won’t regret it! There are so many wonderful things to see here that you will never want to leave. From our amazing national parks to our friendly people, there’s something for everyone in this great state!
1. Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake State Park is a state park in Arizona, the USA that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The 38 miles (61 km) drive to the remote location can be accessed from U.S Route 60 or 93 in case you are looking for some quiet during your vacation away from it all!
It is hard to find this place if you do not know where it is. The remoteness makes it hard for people to come across it by accident too. There is much fish in the area and there are over 200 species of fish including bass, sunfish, crappies, and catfishes!
Camping and Lodging: Dry camping is the best way to camp. You can camp with a lot of people and they have tables and fire rings. Guests can also enjoy vault toilets throughout the site! In total there are 19 full hook-up sites with 50 amp electric, water, and sewer located in Main Campground each boasting a fire ring for nighttime enjoyment as well! There’s an additional section just for those who want 30/50 amp electric at their site too.
Pets: Alamo Lake State Park is the perfect place to go camping with your dog. The park has a leash-free area for dogs, and you can go on walks or take boats on the water.
Things to do: Alamo Lake is a state park near Dallas. It has a big lake and other things to do too. You can go hiking in the woods or visit caves. You might see deer, rabbits, raccoons, and armadillos there!
Entrance Fee: You can spend a lot of time enjoying the natural beauty at Alamo Lake State Park for just $7. too!
Opening Hour: Alamo Lake State Park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but it closes at 6:00 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays!
2. Buckskin Mountain State Park
Buckskin Mountain State Park is a state park located near Parker, Arizona. The landscape features stunning views of the Buckskin Mountains and shorelines on the Colorado River where you can camp or enjoy water recreation.
The Park is a place where you can go hiking or fishing. It is 18 miles long and goes between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam. There are mountains on both the Arizona side and the California side of the river. Some trails overlook this area, so you can go to see wildlife too!
Camping and Lodging: Buckskin you can camp on lakeside grounds and enjoy water recreation with your family or friends while experiencing some of the most scenic vistas around!
Pets: Pets are welcome to explore the many trails, enjoy our campground or get some exercise on leash in certain areas like at Dog Beach where they can swim with their human friends!
Things to do: Buckskin Mountain State Park is a place to go for outdoor fun. You can swim in the lake, hike a trail, or camp out. You can also do other things like play in the water or go boating.
Entrance Fee: Buckskin Mountain State Park’s entrance fee is only $10 for a family of 4, making it one of the most affordable state parks in Arizona.
Opening Hour: Visitors are welcomed 24 hours a day to explore Buckskin Mountain State Park, with its stunning vistas topping out over 8400 feet high!
3. Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park is a beautiful place. It has hiking and biking trails that go into the mountains. They are high up, over 3000 feet high. There are lots of birds there too. They have more than 150 types of birds!
This park is near beautiful mountains. You can go horseback riding here. The horses ride on the trails in this park. People can ride on the trail and see the wildlife, too. This is a great place to go for horseback riding!
Camping and Lodging: Camping enthusiasts will find themselves right at home here as well; there are 5500 acres just waiting for you to enjoy them all!
Pets: In Catalina State Park, visitors can take their pets on the many available trails. This means you can enjoy a walk with your furry friend no matter what trail you choose to explore!
Things to do: Catalina State Park is a great place to go on an adventure. This park has everything from camping, hiking, and picnics. Make sure you check out the trails!
Entrance Fee: Catalina State Park is a popular attraction for tourists because it’s only $7 to park your car with 4 people.
Opening Hour: Catalina State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can come and go as they please, with hours of operation beginning at 8 am until 10 pm every day.
4. Cattail Cove State Park
Cattail Cove State Park, conveniently located in Lake Havasu City Arizona where the Colorado River meets the clear blue waters of Lake Mohave at an elevation of 1,271 feet. Cattail Cove is a place where you can play, swim, and fish. You can relax on your picnic blanket, or have fun in the water. The beach is open all the time for your enjoyment.
The park has been operated by Arizona state parks since 1970. Back then, it was only 61 campsites and no pets allowed. Now there are 145 spots with pets.
Camping and Lodging: There are 61 camping and RV sites here. You can stay for 2 weeks at one site, but people go first-come-first-serve. If you want to use water, bring it with you because there isn’t any here.
Pets: Cattail Cove Park is the perfect place for a dog-lover! Let your pup explore everything from ponds to playgrounds. They’ll be sure to have fun and meet other like-minded pups in this off-leash park, all while you relax on benches or picnic tables overlooking our scenic pond.
Things to do: Cattail Cove Park is a great place to spend the day outdoors! The park has plenty of water-based activities, but it’s also perfect for campers and picnickers. Fishing buffs can reel in some dinner with their rod or net while swimmers cool off on hot days.
Entrance Fee: Cattail Cove Park is a hidden gem on the outskirts of town, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. A $10 and $15 park-entrance fee will grant you access to an expansive hiking trail with views overlooking Puget Sound as well as spectacular mountain vistas in all directions.
Opening Hour: The Cattail Cove Park is both beautiful and open 24 hours. Visitors can enjoy the scenery by day or have a romantic walk at night.
5. Dead Horse Ranch State Park
The Dead Horse Ranch State Park is the only place in Arizona where visitors can walk for miles on a stretch of river and see different animals throughout the seasons.
The developed portion of Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers 423 acres, but its natural areas cover thousands of more square feet – including what’s called Verde River Greenway which stretches six miles long through cottonwood trees dense with willow branches and other unique species. As you explore this area along one section of riverside, life changes: from moderate bird populations to an abundance during migration season; early morning sightings change into night owls as evening approaches; mammals shift their activities between daytime (coyotes) or nighttime hunting excursions after dark (owls).
Camping and Lodging: Dead Horse Ranch State Park has over 100 RV campsites. All sites have potable water and 30 amp electrical access, with 40-foot motor homes able to fit on most pull-through campgrounds while larger rigs can take up 65 feet in size! Non-electric camping is also available if you do not have power.
Pets: Pets are not allowed to enter the buildings at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, but they can explore all of the other natural wonders this park has to offer.
Things to do: Dead Horse Ranch State Park has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor recreation such as camping, boating trips, or kayaking adventures down their peaceful rivers.
Entrance Fee: The drive to Dead Horse Ranch State Park is worth the $7 entrance fee, even if it’s just for a day.
Opening Hour: Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a spectacular place to visit when the sun goes down. It’s open from 8 am-10 pm so be sure you plan your day accordingly!
6. Kartchner Caverns State Park
This is a live cave in southeastern Arizona. The water comes from the surface and makes formations that grow. It has stalactites that drip down like icicles, and stalagmites that are big and come up from the ground.
Caves are a good place to be safe from danger. Animals, plants, and humans have seen caves as a place to escape. Caves are not just safe, but they can also be pretty!
Camping and Lodging: Two loops of the Campground are located on the southwest end of the park past the Discovery Center. It is important to arrive before 6 pm for campers not to be locked out!
Pets: Pets are allowed in Kartchner State Park! They should be on a leash and they can’t go into the buildings. Pets should not miss out on any of the cave tours, so make sure they have their tags with them.
Things to do: Kartchner Caverns State Park is a hidden gem in the Arizona desert. You can go on various tours of its unique ecosystem, enjoy hiking trails, and camping by lantern light at night with your friends or family.
Entrance Fee: Kartchner Caverns State Park is one of the most popular attractions in Tucson. For just $7 you can explore these natural wonders for yourself!
Opening Hour: Kartchner Caverns State Park is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
7. Lake Havasu State Park
The shores of Lake Havasu State Park are a perfect place to enjoy beautiful beaches, nature trails, and boat ramps. Located near the famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, this spot is truly a watersport haven that offers convenient campsites as well.
A walk through the Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden is a lesson in life for all who visit. In this small corner of the desert, you can see everything from lizards to birds and rabbits.
Camping and Lodging: Campers and RV’ers alike will find a perfect place to rest their heads or park their vehicle at the campground. Sites have access to potable water, shade ramadas, fire rings, and picnic tables for great outdoor entertainment of all kinds!
Pets: Dogs are required to be leashed at all times and cannot roam freely on the beach.
Things to do: Lake Havasu State Park has a variety of water activities for all ages. You can swim, boat, camp, and fish from the shores or take to the sky on an aerial adventure with our new zip line!
Entrance Fee: There is a $15 entrance fee for every vehicle entering Lake Havasu State Park.
Opening Hour: Lake Havasu State Park is open 24 hours and offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, swimming beach access, boating rentals, and other water sports.
8. Lost Dutchman State Park
Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in Arizona’s the Sonoran Desert.
Along with trails into Superstition Wilderness and Tonto National Forest, there are various challenging hikes for those who want a little more adventure. The Native Plant Trail or Siphon Draw Trail might be your best bet if you’re looking to explore all day long!
Camping and Lodging: This campground has 70 great campsites that are perfect for any camper who wants to stay close to nature. Each of the sites offers open space, a picnic table, and a grill so you can make your own meals in a beautiful forest setting.
Pets: The Lost Dutchman State Park is a beautiful place for your pets to explore! Visitors are allowed on the trails with their leashed dogs and cats.
Things to do: The Lost Dutchman State Park is a beautiful place for your pets to explore! Visitors are allowed on the trails with their leashed dogs and cats.
Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Lost Dutchman State Park is $7 per day.
Opening Hour: The Lost Dutchman State Park is open from 6 am to 8 pm, with the last entry at 7:30.
9. Lyman Lake State Park
Lyman Lake State Park is filled with icy water from Mount Baldy and Escudilla Mountain, the second-highest mountain in Arizona.
This reservoir at an elevation of 6,000 feet provides irrigation for surrounding agriculture by damming a nearby river to create 1,200 acres worth of land called Lyman Lake State Park which features 12 miles of shoreline that spans across one thousand five hundred acres.
Camping and Lodging: Camping Group Building: 1,128 sq. ft., fully enclosed building with two restrooms and a storage room – lights up for when the sun goes down!
Pets: Lyman Lake State Park is the perfect place for furry friends to roam. Pets are allowed and must be leashed at all times, so they don’t get lost or scare away wildlife!
Things to do: Lyman Lake State Park is a great place to spend the day with your family. You can swim at your own risk, camp, and go boating!
Entrance Fee: The fee for entry into Lyman Lake State Park is a reasonable $7 per vehicle.
Opening Hour: Lyman Lake State Park is open 24 hours and it’s a great place for swimming, fishing, or canoeing.
10. Patagonia Lake State Park
Tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona is a hidden treasure. Patagonia Lake State Park was established as a state park and provides an ideal place to find whitetail deer roaming the hills, great blue herons walking along its shoreline, or other wildlife including a wild turkey that can be spotted with careful observation!
Patagonia Lake State Park offers visitors some peace and tranquility away from everyday life with all it has to offer- including beautiful natural scenery, great outdoor activities.
Camping and Lodging: campgrounds that are overlooking the 265-acre man-made lake where anglers catch crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Pets: Patagonia Lake State Park is a magical place to explore with your canine companion! Dogs are allowed on the trails if they can stay within six feet of their humans, but there’s plenty of room for Fido and his friends (and you!) because it covers over 4,000 acres.
Things to do: Patagonia Lake State Park is the perfect place for a day trip with family and friends. You can bond by fishing, swimming, or just relaxing on a boat ride across its crystal clear water.
Entrance Fee: Patagonia Lake State Park entrance fee is $15 to $20 per vehicle but it could be worth the cost if you like fishing, boating, and swimming.
Opening Hour: Patagonia Lake State Park is a great place to spend your day or evening. Open from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm, the park has beautiful scenic views and picturesque trails for hiking enthusiasts of all levels.
11. Picacho Peak State Park
There is a desert peak in the southern part of Arizona that has been used as an important landmark for centuries. Many people who have visited this area can’t help but notice its outstanding size and shape, which often catches visitors’ eyes during their journey along I-10 on either side if they’re not paying attention to what’s ahead.
When you climb up Picacho Peak State Park and look out over it from the top, many will be able to see why this particular mountain was chosen by so many travelers throughout history; with views of wildflowers blooming below or across miles and other landmarks dotted around them like stars against a deep blue sky at night.
Camping and Lodging: Picacho Peak State Park is a nature-lovers paradise, with pristine desert landscapes and 85 sites to choose from for tent or RV camping. The campground itself has level ground and paved accessways which make it easy for on-site visitors of all ages.
Pets: Picacho Peak State Park is the perfect place to take your dog for a nice walk with beautiful scenery and fresh air. Bring along some tennis balls or other toys as a bonus!
Things to do: Picacho Peak State Park is the perfect place for an adventure. You can go camping, take trails to find your way through the forest, and skydiving!
Entrance Fee: Picacho Peak State Park is a beautiful, serene state park with wondrous views and plenty of hiking trails. Visitors are greeted by an awe-inspiring entrance fee of $7 per vehicle!
Opening Hour: Picacho Peak State Park is open from 8 am to sunset and spans 12,000 acres in size. As a state park, it offers many activities including hiking trails with breathtaking views of the valley floor below or scenic drives for those who enjoy taking in their surroundings at leisurely speeds.
12. Red Rock State Park
The Red Rock State Park in Arizona is a stunning and diverse nature preserve that offers environmental education for visitors. The park consists of 286 acres, winding trails through manzanita bushes and juniper trees to reach the rich banks of Oak Creek.
Visitors can explore green meadows framed by native vegetation with hills covered in red rock as they enjoy walks on scenic paths along Green Meadow’s edge or training up steep inclines at one of many gorgeous viewpoints!
Camping and Lodging:
Pets: Pets are not allowed at this conservation park, but they’re welcome to visit the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Things to do: In the Red Rocks State Park you will find picnicking, camping, biking, and some beautiful hiking trails that take in all the incredible scenic views this park has to offer including amazing soaring boulders with deep crevices.
Entrance Fee: The beautiful scenery, and the many activities for people to do in Red Rock Country are enough of a reason for anyone to visit. If you’re looking for someplace relaxing or want an adventure then this is the perfect spot!
Opening Hour: Red Rock Country is a treasure trove of beautiful rock formations, hiking trails and historic sites that are open from 8 am to 5 pm.
13. Roper Lake State Park
The natural hot springs at Roper Lake State Park are perfect for those looking to relax after a long day of hiking or driving. The park has desert vegetation, an accessible fishing dock with stunning views of Mount Graham and it is stocked with Largemouth bass and Rainbow trout making it great for kids to catch their first fish.
Boats in the lake have small electric motors that create ideal conditions if you’re interested in sailing boards or canoes on nearby Dankworth Pond which also offers five miles worth of trails where visitors can explore as they please!
Camping and Lodging: Roper Lake State Park has a Gila Group Area Campground with 15 campsites surrounding a large group Ramada with BBQ grills, and picnic tables. No electricity in this area.
Pets: Roper Lake State Park is one of the best places in Texas for your four-legged friend to enjoy a day. Dogs are allowed at no additional fee and they’re welcome on all trails, but not inside any buildings or near the beach.
Things to do: Roper Lake State Park is a beautiful and serene retreat for many people. You can go boating, swimming in the lake water, or explore its popular hot springs that are widely considered to be therapeutic.
Entrance Fee: Roper Lake State Park is a great place to spend the day. For only $10, you can enjoy beautiful nature views and explore all of its recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking trails or go for a swim in their pool!
Opening Hour: Roper Lake State Park is open from sunrise until 10 pm which means visitors have plenty of time to spend exploring this vast forested area by foot on any number of hiking trails before day turns into night!
14. Slide Rock State Park
The Pendley Homestead is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. In 1907, Frank L. Pendley arrived and formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act of 1910 with his pioneering innovation – an irrigation system still used to this day by visitors at the park today.
There he planted his first orchard that same year which was followed up by garden produce as well as some livestock for those who visited him from far away from towns like Flagstaff and Sedona on their way through town while traveling along Route 66 during its heyday years when it ran right past where The Browns stand now!
Camping and Lodging: The Slide Rock State Park is a place where visitors can explore nature and have fun without the hassle of setting up camp.
Pets: Dogs are invited to explore a park from their four-legged perspective at Slide Rock State Park. With over 750 acres, it’s the perfect place for humans and dogs alike.
Things to do: Slide Rock State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. You can go fishing at your leisure, take on trails for some fresh air and exercise or set up camp where you find yourself comfortable. The park offers plenty of opportunities for exploration!
Entrance Fee: Slide Rock State Park is a great destination for any thrill-seeker with a $3 admission.
Opening Hour: Slide Rock State Park is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm and offers visitors a plethora of beautiful trails, scenic vistas, and challenging hikes.
15. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is home to a natural travertine bridge that stands 183 feet high. The 400-foot long tunnel has the widest point of 150 ft and it spans over 2,000 acres of land in East Texas.
Spanning for thousands of years, this park was created by water seeping through limestone from an underground source which made its way out just below ground level as calcium carbonate until eventually becoming solid rock known as calcite or “travertine”. You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn about nature’s secrets when visiting TOTONO!
Camping and Lodging: Camping is prohibited at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, but there are several camping spots in the area that cater specifically to RVs.
Pets: Pets are allowed in the park as long as they are on a leash; however, some areas of our parks like trails and viewpoints will not allow pets.
Things to do: Go to the Rocky Mountain National Park and explore it from its four observation points. The bridge is 400 feet long, full of travertine rocks that you can stand on as well as a tunnel running through the center!
There are also hiking trails descending into Pine Canyon where you will find more stunning geologic wonders like this one. You won’t want to miss out on swimming in any of their pools either since they have waterfalls too!
Entrance Fee: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park entrance fee is $7 per day, or you can purchase a yearly pass for only an additional $2. The annual price of the state park’s entry will save visitors up to four dollars over the course of 12 months!
Opening Hour: The mysterious Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is open from 9 am to 5 pm. With its gazebo and eternal spring, it’s a place where you can find peace of mind for yourself or with others.
If there’s a state that has it all, Arizona is the one. From awesome natural wonders to culinary treats, this beautiful place has something for everyone and then some. Whether you’re looking to get away from it all or enjoy your time with friends and family, take advantage of everything Arizona has to offer by booking an unforgettable vacation today!
