A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CAMPING IN ARIZONA BY ELIZABETH EXLINE BASECAMP Lyman Lake State Park, St. Johns Patagonia Lake State Park, Nogales 3 1 Rim to Rim hike, Grand Canyon PICK UP SKILLS Discover your inner adventurer with an Arizona Family Campout. Facilitated by Arizona State Parks and Trails, this one-night adventure for beginners demystifies the experience. Learn skills like how to pitch a tent and manage your water while hiking, plus fishing and geocaching at some of the state’s most iconic destinations including Catalina and Patagonia Lake State Parks. Be sure to book early, as spots fill up quickly. See upcoming dates at azstateparks.com/family-camp . 2 SELECT YOUR SITE Arizona State Parks and Trails has taken the guesswork out of deciding where to camp. Its website offers details like the number of campsites and available amenities at parks across the state. Browse parks by interest (horse trails, hiking, swimming), explore what makes each park unique and reserve a cabin or campsite at azstateparks.com/reserve or 1-877-MY-PARKS. 4 GET YOUR GEAR Not ready to invest in a tent just yet? No problem. This and other camping essentials are available for rent at places like Peace Surplus in Flagstaff, Arizona Hiking Shack in Phoenix and LowerGear Outdoors in Tempe. Sites to Suit Your Style NATURE NEWBIE BY THE WATER LAKE HAVASU STATE PARK, Lake Havasu City If the London Bridge of Lake Havasu City isn’t reason enough to visit, the beachfront campsites, boating and nature trails are. Fishing, boating and swimming are all available along with 450 miles of shoreline. DESERT WONDERS The focal point of any camping trip is the scenery. And whether you prefer the splendor of the desert, the tranquility of the woods or the mystery of the water, Arizona offers up plenty of options for your perfect backdrop. LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK CAMPGROUND, Apache Junction Located just 40 miles east of Phoenix, this park offers the seclusion of the Sonoran Desert and the convenience of nearby civilization. Go in the spring to see a bounty of wildflowers, or go anytime to explore the park’s trails and geocaching treasures. IN THE WOODS Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction PINE GROVE CAMPGROUND, Flagstaff Nestled in the Coconino National Forest just south of Flagstaff, this campground is shaded by pine trees and offers access to the Arizona Trail, a border-to-border trail from Utah to Mexico. Look for elk, mule deer and, in winter, bald eagles. 10 VISITARIZONA.COM CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND TRAILS (3 PHOTOS); SIERA WHITTEN PACK & PREPARE In addition to the basics (think shelter, layered clothing, food and water, sunscreen, toiletries and bug repellant), you’ll need to bring essentials like a headlamp or flashlight, map/GPS system, first-aid supplies, fire starters, a towel and soap, toilet paper and cookware.
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2021-22: Page 10
