Arizona is wonderful for stepping off the beaten path with mile after mile of arid desert and dozens of state and national parks. One of the main reasons tourists flock to Arizona each year is to explore the majestic Grand Canyon National Park. Home to the 277-mile-long Grand Canyon, this national park is the second most popular in the US, with around 6 million visitors each year. Take in one of the most extraordinary natural views in North America and book a mule ride down the Grand Canyon's South or North Rim for the ultimate outdoor adventure. With so much to see, there's no doubt you'll want to spend the night at the Grand Canyon. You can find two rural year-round campgrounds with basic amenities in the park, as well as Trailer Village RV Park in Grand Canyon Village, which provides full hookups. Flagstaff is also only 80 miles away if you fancy a day trip instead.
If you're looking to see what else Arizona's vast countryside has to offer, pay a visit to Petrified Forest National Park. Situated to the east of Flagstaff, this national park features vibrant badlands and grasslands uniquely colored by deposits of petrified woodlands. Hiking is the top activity in this park, with trails that weave between mesas and past the ruins of pueblos that date back over 700 years. If you're camping with your canine companion, bring them along to Petrified Forest National Park for a much-needed stroll. Campers searching for somewhere to spend the night nearby should head to Holbrook. Holbrook is a small city just 20 minutes away, offering a few well-equipped campgrounds like Holbrook/ Petrified Forest KOA.
One of the best ways to experience the Sonoran Desert is to visit Saguaro National Park. This park is named after the iconic 40-foot-tall saguaro cacti, which are native to Southern Arizona. Plan a hike through the park to see these famous cacti and enjoy views of the Rincon Mountains in the backdrop. Bring along your binoculars to spot some of the rare bird species that inhabit the region, including great horned owls, greater roadrunners, and vermilion flycatchers. Saguaro National Park is just 20 minutes from Tucson and some of the best campgrounds in Arizona, like Sentinel Peak RV Park and Tucson/ Lazydays KOA.