Arizona State Parks by the numbers is a fun way to look at this diverse state and its cultural, natural, and recreational resources. There are 34 state parks – including state historic parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas – in Arizona. Of these, 15 offer camping adventures. What are you waiting for – adventure on!
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Arizona State Parks by the Numbers
When a state more commonly known as the “Grand Canyon State” – all else pales. Yes, Arizona does have Grand Canyon National Park – as well as Petrified Forest National Park and Saguaro National Park. But what a lot of people overlook at first glance are the close to three dozen state parks that cover this diverse landscape.
Here’s Arizona state parks by the numbers:
34 – number of state parks in Arizona in 2023.
1958 – year the first state park established (Tubac Presidio, officially dedicated on September 28, 1958)
2017 – year the newest state park land was purchased (Rocking River Ranch State Park is still closed to public at this time)
0 – no state parks north of Flagstaff in Arizona!
15 – number of Arizona state parks with campgrounds
15-50 – range of camping fees per night at parks where camping is available
12,000 – at 12,000 square feet, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is the smallest Arizona State Park
5,000 – acreage of Catalina State Park, the largest state park in Arizona.
75 – dollars it costs for an annual standard day use pass
4 – state parks not included in the annual standard day use pass (Lake Havasu, Cattail Cove, Buckskin Mountain, and River Island)
600 – over 600 miles (965 km) of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in Arizona’s state parks
List of Arizona’s State Parks
- Alamo Lake State Park
- Buckskin Mountain State Park
- Catalina State Park
- Cattail Cove State Park
- Colorado River State Historic Park
- Dankworth Pond State Park
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park
- Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
- Fort Verde State Historic Park
- Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
- Havasu Riviera State Park
- Homolovi State Park
- Jerome State Historic Park
- Kartchner Caverns State Park
- Lake Havasu State Park
- Lost Dutchman State Park
- Lyman Lake State Park
- McFarland State Historic Park
- Oracle State Park
- Patagonia Lake State Park
- Picacho Peak State Park
- Red Rock State Park
- Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
- River Island State Park
- Rockin’ River Ranch State Park
- Roper Lake State Park
- San Rafael State Natural Area
- Slide Rock State Park
- Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
- Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
- Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
- Verde River Greenway State Natural Area
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
How Many AZ State Parks have you visited?
We visited 22 of the 34 state parks in Arizona. Looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us for our next trip to area! How many have you visited?
Which Arizona State Parks have you camped in?
Of the 15 state parks in Arizona with campgrounds (Alamo Lake, Buckskin Mountain, Catalina, Cattail Cove, Dead Horse Ranch, Fool Hollow Lake Rec Area, Homolovi, Kartchner Caverns, Lake Havasu, Lost Dutchman, Lyman Lake, Patagonia Lake, Picacho Peak, River Island, and Roper Lake), we’ve stayed in 10.
Our top 5 favourite state parks with campgrounds are Buckskin Mountain, Catalina, Lost Dutchman, Patagonia Lake, and Picacho Peak.
How many state parks have you camped in? Which ones are your favourites?
Our Top Pick Arizona State Park for Outdoor Adventures
Patagonia Lake State Park tops the list simply for the variety of short walks, amazing birding opportunities including guided walks and boat trips, as well the opportunity to paddle the lake on your own.
Our Top Pick Arizona State Parks for Cultural/Human History Adventures
Homolovi State Park – did you know that this is Arizona’s only archaeological state park? We didn’t either until this year. Keep in mind that this park was designated for its archaeological resources – more than 300 sites identified within park boundaries – not necessarily for its immediate beauty.
No matter how you look at it, which park you think is the best, whether you want to hike, bike or paddle or enjoy cultural treasures – Arizona’s State Parks add up to amazing adventures!
Before You Go
There is only 1 more website you need to visit to get more information about fees, camping, hiking, biking, paddling and more – Arizona State Parks.
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