The Best Hiking and Camping Spots Near Phoenix and How To Store Your Gear

Phoenix, AZ, is an excellent place for people who love the outdoors. With its beautiful deserts, tall mountains, and many sunny days, it’s easy to see why hiking and camping are so popular for locals and visitors. Our guide will show you where to hike, how to find the best campsites near Phoenix, AZ, and give you smart tips for packing your gear for your next trip.
Why Phoenix, AZ, Is a Haven for Hikers and Campers
Because the winters are mild and the sun shines almost always, hiking in Phoenix is something you can do all year long. There are many Phoenix hikes and hikes close to Phoenix, from rugged mountain climbs to short nature walks. More people are also starting to enjoy RV camping in Phoenix, AZ, with various RV parks and camping sites in Arizona that are perfect for weekend trips.
Best Hiking Trails Near Phoenix
There are many awesome Phoenix, Arizona hiking trails where you can see beautiful views, enjoy nature, and have fun experiencing the outdoors.
Superstition Mountains
The Superstition Mountains, found east of Phoenix, are a favorite spot for hikers who like a challenge. Trails like the Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail are very steep but give you amazing views when you reach the top. As for the Peralta Trail, it takes you through beautiful desert canyons full of plants and rocks.
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is one of the most famous places to hike in Phoenix. It has steep, rocky trails that are tough to climb. The two main trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, are both very hard, so they are popular with people who love a good challenge.
Top Camping Spots Near Phoenix

There are many great places to go camping near Phoenix to enjoy the outdoors, find new trails, and have fun under the stars.
Cave Creek Regional Park
Just north of Phoenix, Cave Creek Regional Park is another excellent place for the best camping in Arizona, as it’s in the desert. It has nice amenities like showers and places for RVs to hook up. It’s one of the best spots for camping near Phoenix because it’s close to the city, but you can still get a feel of nature as it’s close by.
Other Must-See Camping Sites in Arizona
There are a few more incredible places you should check out for camping sites with some must-see views. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is great for water fun like boating and lakeside camping, and it’s not far from Phoenix.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park has big open desert areas perfect for mountain biking and hiking. And, as for Tonto National Forest, it is one of the country’s biggest forests, with all kinds of landscapes from a dry desert to cool pine forests.
Essential Gear for Hiking and Camping Near Phoenix
Before you head out on your next adventure, make sure you have the right gear to stay safe, comfortable, and ready for anything.
Best Camping Gear You Should Always Have
When you go camping, having the right gear makes everything easier and more fun. You’ll need a good tent that is light to carry but strong enough to handle the weather, like one from the MSR Hubba Hubba™ series or Big Agnes.
A warm sleeping bag made for desert nights, like the ones from REI, will help you stay cozy when the temperature drops. You should also bring cooking supplies, like a small stove from Jetboil and a set of pots and pans that are easy to pack.
Must-Have Hiking Equipment
The right hiking equipment can make your hike much easier and more fun. A strong backpack from brands like Osprey, Deuter, or Gregory can carry everything you need for a short or long hike.
As for staying hydrated, a hydration pack, like the ones from CamelBak, is vital when you’re hiking in Phoenix because it helps you carry plenty of water. Trekking poles, like the ones from Black Diamond, can help you keep your balance when climbing over rocks.
Tips for Choosing the Best Camping Equipment for Arizona Adventures

When picking out your camping equipment for Arizona trips, it’s essential to think about the weather. Phoenix has very hot days, cool nights, and dry air. Choose a tent that can handle strong sunlight, like an ultraviolet-resistant one. Wear clothes made from moisture-wicking, breathable fabric to stay cool and dry. Also, pick gear that is both lightweight and tough, so it can handle the rough desert land without slowing you down.
How To Store Your Camping and Hiking Gear
After your trip, it’s important to store your camping and hiking gear correctly to stay clean and ready for your next adventure.
Smart Camping Gear Storage Ideas
Taking care of your camping gear after a trip helps it last longer. You can use labeled bins and shelves in your garage or closet to keep everything organized. Hang up your backpacks and hydration packs so they keep their shape. And when you put away your tent, don’t pack it too tightly so it doesn’t get moldy.
How To Protect Your Hiking Equipment
Phoenix’s hot sun and dusty air can be harsh on your camping and hiking gear. If you want your gear to last a long time, it’s a good idea to store it the right way. A climate-controlled storage unit can help keep your gear from getting hot, wet, or moldy by maintaining a steady temperature inside all year.
RV Storage Solutions in Phoenix
If you enjoy RV camping in Phoenix, AZ, finding a place to store your RV when you’re not using it is crucial. Storage facilities near popular RV parks in Phoenix, AZ, can offer covered parking spaces for your RV to keep it from the sizzling sun and bad weather. When choosing a storage facility, look for one with extended access hours and good storage unit features.
Make Every Outdoor Adventure Count With Advantage Storage
Advantage Storage has many great options for storing camping gear, storing camping equipment, and even keeping your RV. Our clean and easy-to-find storage facilities in Arizona are here to help you keep the items you need for your trips.
Ready to get ready for your next big adventure? Contact us online today and find the perfect place for all your gear.