These are Arizona 10 most popular state parks. Here's why you should visit them
Shelby SladeThe Grand Canyon State is home to 29 state parks that showcase Arizona's natural beauty, historic moments and favorite recreation spots.
While Grand Canyon National Park often overshadows other lesser-known parks, Arizona state parks saw more than 3 million visitors in 2023, which was 2% more than the year before.
With so many different places to check out, it can be tough to narrow down which state park to road trip to next. There's also the newly designated Rockin' River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde.
Here's everything to know about Arizona's most popular state parks and how to visit them.
10 most visited Arizona state parks
These were the 10 most visited state parks in Arizona in 2023, according to the Arizona Office of Tourism.
- Lake Havasu State Park: 484,716 visitors
- Slide Rock State Park: 430,476 visitors
- Catalina State Park: 270,482 visitors
- Patagonia Lake State Park: 243,147 visitors
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park: 219,439 visitors
- Lost Dutchman State Park: 213,311 visitors
- Picacho Peak State Park: 167,142 visitors
- Kartchner Caverns State Park: 133,728 visitors
- Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area: 129,360 visitors
- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: 121,755 visitors
Lake Havasu State Park
Located near the famed spring break city, Lake Havasu State Park is known for its tranquil beachside camping. The park also gives visitors boat access to the lake for water sports.
Details: 699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. $15-$20 per car (up to four people). azstateparks.com/lake-havasu
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Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park, near Sedona, lets visitors cool off in the refreshing waters of Oak Creek. The state park, which was originally the Pendley Homestead, is known for its slippery rocks that create a natural slip-and-slide of sorts. Slide Rock is 80 feet long and features a 7% decline from top to bottom. Combined with the algae on the rocks, visitors are in for a treat.
Details: 6871 State Route 89A, Sedona. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily from March to November; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from December to February. $10-$30 per car (up to four people). azstateparks.com/slide-rock
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Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park is tucked at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson. The 5,500-acre park is a nature lover's paradise with more than 5,000 saguaros and plenty of trails for animal spotting.
Details: 11570 N. Oracle Road, Tucson. 5 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. $7 per car (up to four people). azstateparks.com/catalina
Patagonia Lake State Park
Patagonia Lake State Park is an oasis in southern Arizona. The lake is perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. The sheltered shoreline and trails offer visitors glimpses at deer and many varieties of birds.
Details: 400 Patagonia Lake Road, south of Patagonia. Open daily; gates close from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. $15-$20 per car (up to four people). azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
About 105 miles north of central Phoenix, Dead Horse Ranch State Park is nestled in the soft bends of the Verde River in Cottonwood. The park is perfect for hiking, camping and seeing wildlife in the cool weather.
Details: 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road, Cottonwood. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. $7 per car (up to four people). azstateparks.com/dead-horse
