Hi, my mom is coming in from Texas and we are wanting to go camping with the grandkids Where is a good place to take the kids? We are only doing tents and staying one night. I live in Gilbert and do not want to travel too far.
Thanks
We love camping in Sedona along the Oak Creek. It's only a few hours drive. http://www.dreamsedona.com/sedona-campgrounds.html
Hi there. We just got back from camping last weekend out east of Gilbert. It is in Tonto National Park and it's called Cholla Recreation Site. It's on a lake where you can fish. The have great playgrounds for kids (I have a 17 mos old) and we had a great time. The bathrooms are outhouses but they are the nicest ones I have ever seen. (they even have sinks). There isn';t a tonne of shade but it's behind 4 peaks mountain and the scenery is beautiful. There is also a main bathroom with showers. You don't need a reservation and the nice thing is that you just need a day pass for the park, the campsites are free!! So its like $6.00 a day! Can't beat that.
We really enjoyed it and it took us about 90 min to 2 hours to get there from our Gilbert home, (go through Globe, even if GPS says go a different way. Its easier, faster and better roads.
Have so much fun!
(Oh and there are big metal roof things over all the picnic tables. I am a big camper and I was really impressed with the park!)
Cave Creek has some fun areas to camp. You do need to purchase a pass, and can get them at local sporting goods stores. Another place that we liked is the Huston Mesa Campground up by Payson. Here is a link
http://www.camparizona.com/Campsites/PaysonCampsites/Hous...
It is far enough away to feel like camping with potties but close enough to Payson that if you forgot something you can run and get it with in 20 min.
You might even be able to go to Tonto National bridge. I am not sure if it is open but you can google it.
Have a great time!!!
Woods Canyon Lake is Gorgeous and only about 2 hours or so from here. You'll have to reserve a spot online and soon. They're a popular place. There are also a couple of other campgrounds around that area I'm just not as familiar with them.
I didn't know this until recently, but you can camp at the Riparian Preserve. I haven't done it yet, but it might be fun.
We went camping a couple years ago near Roosevelt Lake. They have running water, a playground, barbeque pits and it's relatively close. I live in Gilbert also and it only took us about an hour and a half to get there. My kids loved it and we will definitely go back.
You could try Usery National Park - about 15 minutes away from Gilbert. We're going to go camping there next month before it gets too hot. Good luck!
