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At Arizona State Parks and Trails, we know a vacation doesn't have to be complicated. That's why you can get away to one of the amazing state parks for a day, a weekend, or a week! And whether you have an RV, a tent, or just prefer to rough it on the ground with some blankets, we have a set up for you. Campgrounds and cabins are available all across Arizona, each site offering different views, activities, and amenities. Learn about winter activities in Arizona's state parks below, then plan your adventure at one (or more) of these hand-picked destinations throughout the state.
Central Arizona Destinations
From the Sonoran Desert metropolis of Phoenix, to the high deserts of the Verde River Valley and Sedona–Central Arizona’s parks offer a wide variety of scenery and unique experiences. Check out these great options below, but don’t forget about our other great parks in this region. Take a look below, explore your options, then plan a Central Arizona adventure…It’s that easy!
Lost Dutchman State Park
This gorgeous desert park is located near the Phoenix-metro area and gives both residents and area visitors a quick, easy escape from the city. Hiking is king here, and you’ll find everything from easy strolls to challenging, bucket-list hikes that will take your breath away! Arizona's mild winter weather makes it the perfect time to hike through the desert and get eagle's eye views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Wintering birds add splashes of color and song to your experience while hiking in and around the famed Superstition Mountains. Lost Dutchman offers spacious campgrounds and cozy cabins for adventurers that realize one day might not be enough. Book your spot today, then show up and make some Sonoran Desert memories!
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Amid the cottonwood and sycamore jungle of Arizona’s Verde River Valley, Dead Horse Ranch State Park gives a multitude of outdoor recreation options within a beautiful setting. A large network of shared use trails abounds here for all types of trail users. Explore the wide-open spaces of the high desert, or take a journey into the tangled world of the riparian zone by the river. The choice is yours! Three lagoons and the Verde River are stocked during the winter months with beautiful and delicious rainbow trout, so bring your poles and catch some memories! There’s just so much to explore at this park we suggest you stay for a while! Book a cabin or a spot in the huge campground and make the most of this central Arizona destination.
Red Rock State Park
Hike Sedona’s famous red rock country via aptly named Red Rock State Park! This conservation park is full of amazing trails to explore from the lowlands of Oak Creek’s riparian zone, to the juniper studded peak of Eagles Nest. It’s so easy to spend a day here you’ll forget where time has gone while lost in the natural wonder. Begin your day in the visitor center learning about the unique and beautiful area geology and wildlife, then set your sight on adventure! Will you be lucky enough to see some mule deer or javelina on your journey? Perhaps some hummingbirds will put on a show while hiking near Oak Creek…You won’t really know what type of unforgettable memories Red Rock will give you until you lace up and put one foot in front of the other atop the red dirt.
Southern Arizona Destinations
When we think of the perfect southern Arizona outdoor experience it involves cool weather hiking, tons of birds and wildlife, and a serene yet exciting setting. The parks we’ve included below have all of that plus a whole lot more! Explore your options, then book a trip to experience a Southern Arizona adventure!
Catalina State Park
Just outside of Tucson, AZ, Catalina State Park is there for you and your outdoor recreation needs! Hike deep into the Santa Catalina Mountains and explore where Mother Nature redesigned the landscape by fire in 2020. The charred landscape is hauntingly beautiful and extremely beneficial for area plant and animal communities. During your visit, it’s not uncommon to see javelina or Coues whitetail deer feeding on the new growth, or to experience a variety of bird species in this internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA). The spacious campgrounds are waiting for you and make a great place to call home as you explore this gorgeous slice of Sonoran Desert.
Picacho Peak State Park
Head south east from Phoenix on Interstate 10 and you'll see a striking, unique mountaintop in the distance - that you can climb! Picacho Peak State Park offers a variety of hikes and ample Sonoran Desert views that visitors can experience, and winter is the best time to tackle the trail in this beautiful park! Looking for a challenge? Bring your gloves (for climbing the cables), your boots, and a “can do” attitude for the Hunter Trail! Trust us…the panoramic desert views at the top are absolutely breathtaking! There’s plenty of trails to explore the base of the mountain too for those of you looking for a beautiful stroll through the desert without the hard work! The campground is clean, spacious, and within striking distance of every trail in the park. Plan a trip and you’ll have a deeper understanding of the Sonoran Desert and why we think it’s so special!
Oracle State Park
Another Tucson area park worth checking out is just east of Catalina via State Route 77. Oracle State Park is a nearly 5,000-acre wildlife sanctuary that’s also loaded with trails and rich Arizona ranching history. It’s not uncommon to spend a day touring the Kannally Ranch House while learning about the very artistic (and a little eccentric) Kannally family before hitting the network of high desert trails. Birds and animal species abound here and can easily be seen from any of the trails in the park. Common animal experiences involve javelina, coues whitetail deer, and a variety of resident and migratory bird species. Shared use trails are inviting to both hikers and mountain bikers and give all users a sense of distance while taking in the unique area beauty.
Western Arizona Destinations
Western Arizona is Colorado River Country where a laid-back vibe meets wonderous outdoor recreation possibilities! You don’t need a boat to have a good time on Arizona’s west coast, in addition to water sports, there’s plenty to do on shore too! Explore these great western Arizona options and find yourself lounging on a white sand beach, hiking desert trails, or hooking into some great fish this winter!
Cattail Cove State Park
A white sand beach, waves lapping on the shore, and a cool breeze whisking away the clouds with your worries. Cattail Cove State Park, just south of Lake Havasu City, AZ, is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural world around you. Hike a trail into the surrounding desert landscape for picturesque views of the Colorado River and then return to your campsite to grill up dinner while enjoying the beverage of your choice. There’s plenty of bass and catfish along the shoreline, and if you bring a boat, a convenient boat ramp will make it easy to launch and explore the nearly endless opportunities out on the water. Now, all that’s left to do is load up, drive west, and set forth on an unforgettable adventure into Colorado River country!
Buckskin Mountain State Park
Imagine camping so close to the mighty Colorado River that the waves gently caressing the shoreline soothes you to sleep. Wake up and it’s only a short walk to the rivers’ edge to sit in wonder as the sun brings another day, or to try your hand at catching a bass or catfish from the depths. A sizable network of trails is within easy reach from your campsite too, as is a two-lane boat ramp if you want to explore the river. Flocks of migratory birds and waterfowl, or other local wildlife might greet you as you emerge from your tent to take on a day of adventure. The only thing certain with a trip to Buckskin Mountain is the unforgettable memories, you just have to show up and make them.
