Campgrounds and RV parks near Eloy, AZ

Picacho Peak State Park is a draw for hikers, with the peak rising roughly 1,500 feet above the surrounding desert and trails including the challenging Hunter Trail that leads to the summit. In spring, wildflower displays are a major attraction. Eloy is best known for aviation sports. Skydive Arizona operates one of the largest skydiving centers anywhere, drawing jumpers from around the world to freefall over the Sonoran Desert. An adjacent indoor wind tunnel lets visitors experience simulated freefall without leaving the ground. Ironwood Forest National Monument southwest of town protects a diverse array of plant and animal life, including the iconic ironwood tree, with a scenic drive and hiking trails through the desert landscape. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch are within an easy drive for a half-day family outing.

The Eloy area operates on a classic Sonoran Desert calendar: cool, dry winters bring peak visitation, and blazing summers push most tent campers away. Temperatures are most moderate from late fall through early to mid-spring, and because of the wildflower displays and pleasant temperatures, late February through mid-April is the busiest time of the year at Picacho Peak State Park. Picacho Peak State Park's campground operates seasonally from September through May, closing during summer months when desert temperatures become extreme. Snowbird resorts along the I-10 corridor fill from roughly November through March, and reserving full-hookup sites eight to twelve weeks ahead is advisable during that window. It gets very hot in the park in late spring and summer. Starting in May, daytime temperatures begin to surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and by June daily highs are consistently over 100 degrees with overnight lows in the 70s. Summer also brings the North American Monsoon, with afternoon thunderstorms, flash-flood risk in desert washes, and dust storms along I-10.

Sites near Eloy are open, flat, and desert-exposed, with saguaros, creosote, and mountain views rather than shade trees. At Picacho Peak State Park no water or sewer hookups are available, access to all sites is paved, and sites are fairly level in a natural Sonoran Desert setting. All sites offer a picnic table and a barbeque/fire ring. Many sites also offer ramadas, and some of the sites are handicapped-accessible. Generator use is not permitted. A dump station is available at the campground entrance. Private resorts near the I-10 corridor run larger and flatter, with full 30/50-amp hookups, pools and spas, pickleball and shuffleboard courts, and clubhouses geared toward long winter stays. Summer travelers should confirm shade, electrical service capacity, and pool hours before arrival.