RV'ing in Arizona 2021

Arizona offers some incredible spots for winter RVing, with mild temperatures, scenic landscapes, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are some of the best places to consider:

1. Quartzsite

  • Why: Known as the RV capital in winter, Quartzsite is a top choice for RVers. It hosts the famous Quartzsite RV Show and Swap Meet, where thousands of RVers gather.
  • Activities: Fossil hunting, off-roading, and visiting rock and gem shows.
  • Camping: Plenty of BLM land offers free or low-cost camping options with a vibrant RV community.

2. Lake Havasu City

  • Why: With waterfront views and mild winter temperatures, Lake Havasu is perfect for water lovers and sunseekers.
  • Activities: Boating, fishing, visiting the London Bridge, and enjoying nearby trails.
  • Camping: The area has several RV parks with amenities as well as BLM land for boondocking nearby.

3. Tucson

  • Why: Tucson offers a balance of urban and natural experiences, with warm winters and plenty of sunshine.
  • Activities: Hiking in Saguaro National Park, exploring the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and discovering the city’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Camping: Many RV parks cater to snowbirds with full amenities, and there are also nearby state parks and BLM areas.

4. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

  • Why: This lesser-known national monument near the Mexican border is a desert gem with unique cactus landscapes.
  • Activities: Hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring the scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert.
  • Camping: Twin Peaks Campground offers RV spaces with a remote, quiet atmosphere and no hookups, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat.

5. Yuma

  • Why: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Yuma is a favorite among winter RVers seeking warmth.
  • Activities: Historic sites like the Yuma Territorial Prison, date farm tours, and scenic views along the Colorado River.
  • Camping: Yuma has numerous RV parks with full hookups, along with BLM land nearby for boondocking options.

6. Sedona (Lower Elevations)

  • Why: Though it’s a bit cooler, Sedona offers stunning red rock scenery that makes winter RVing here unforgettable.
  • Activities: Hiking, jeep tours, and exploring art galleries and vortex sites.
  • Camping: Several RV parks in the area provide good amenities, but it’s recommended to check conditions as some higher-elevation areas may get snow.

7. Phoenix and Surrounding Areas

  • Why: With an abundance of RV resorts and plenty of golf courses, Phoenix is ideal for those who enjoy winter warmth without sacrificing city amenities.
  • Activities: Golfing, visiting Desert Botanical Garden, hiking Camelback Mountain, and cultural events.
  • Camping: Many RV resorts cater to snowbirds, along with state parks like Lost Dutchman for a more natural setting.

These locations cater to different types of RV’ers, from those seeking peace and nature to those who enjoy more social or urban experiences. Each offers a unique way to enjoy Arizona’s mild winter climate.

In Northern Arizona!

Winter RVing in Northern Arizona can be a magical experience, offering stunning landscapes with fewer crowds. While Northern Arizona generally has cooler temperatures and sometimes snow in winter, certain areas remain accessible and are well-suited for an RV adventure. Here are some of the best places to consider:

1. Sedona (Lower Elevations)

  • Why: Sedona’s iconic red rock formations provide incredible winter views, and lower-elevation spots offer milder weather than higher-up areas.
  • Activities: Hiking, off-roading, visiting art galleries, and enjoying the town’s vibrant food and wellness scene.
  • Camping: Campgrounds like Rancho Sedona RV Park and boondocking areas nearby cater to RVs, though some spots may have limited services during winter.

2. Lake Powell (Page)

  • Why: Lake Powell’s beauty is striking in winter, with fewer crowds and open access to the lake and its sandstone formations.
  • Activities: Boating (weather permitting), hiking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and exploring Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
  • Camping: Wahweap RV & Campground offers full hookups, and Lone Rock Beach provides primitive camping with lakefront views.

3. Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

  • Why: The Grand Canyon in winter offers a quieter, more peaceful experience, and the South Rim remains open year-round with milder temperatures than the North Rim.
  • Activities: Sightseeing along the South Rim, winter hiking (with precautions), and taking the scenic drive with breathtaking canyon views.
  • Camping: Mather Campground (no hookups) is open year-round, and Trailer Village RV Park offers full hookups. Be prepared for cold nights and occasional snow.

4. Prescott

  • Why: With a charming historic downtown and mild winter temperatures, Prescott is ideal for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities and local culture without extreme winter cold.
  • Activities: Exploring Prescott National Forest, hiking Watson Lake, and enjoying the town’s museums and antique shops.
  • Camping: Point of Rocks RV Campground offers scenic spots among the boulders, and there are dispersed camping options in the surrounding national forest.

5. Verde Valley (Cottonwood and Clarkdale)

  • Why: Verde Valley provides a milder winter climate with unique geological features and proximity to historic sites and wineries.
  • Activities: Touring the historic towns of Jerome and Clarkdale, wine tasting, hiking, and visiting Montezuma Castle.
  • Camping: Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort and Dead Horse Ranch State Park offer excellent RV amenities, with beautiful scenery and access to the river.

6. Flagstaff (Lower Elevations)

  • Why: While Flagstaff itself can be quite snowy, the surrounding lower-elevation areas offer a range of camping options and beautiful landscapes.
  • Activities: Exploring Lava River Cave, Walnut Canyon, and the town’s unique shops and restaurants.
  • Camping: Fort Tuthill County Park provides RV camping, and some dispersed camping is available in nearby areas with accessible roads, depending on weather.

7. Winslow

  • Why: Known for the “Standin’ on the Corner” park, Winslow offers milder winter temperatures compared to higher elevations and proximity to geological wonders.
  • Activities: Day trips to Meteor Crater, Petrified Forest National Park, and Homolovi State Park for petroglyphs.
  • Camping: Homolovi State Park offers RV camping with some hookups, and Meteor Crater RV Park provides full hookups with desert views.

8. Tonto National Monument and Roosevelt Lake

  • Why: Though technically in the northern transition zone, this area stays relatively warm in winter and has stunning lake and desert views.
  • Activities: Exploring the cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument, hiking around Roosevelt Lake, and fishing.
  • Camping: Several campgrounds around Roosevelt Lake offer RV-friendly sites with hookups and beautiful lake views.

Winter RVing in Northern Arizona offers a mix of mild climates in certain areas and beautiful winter scenery elsewhere, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty.

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