San Tan Valley, nestled in Arizona's Southeast Valley, is surrounded by rugged mountain backdrops and open skies. Its proximity to Phoenix offers big-city conveniences, while its distance from the bustling metro makes it feel like the start of something wilder. San Tan Valley is a perfect launching pad for RV journeys into Arizona's Sonoran Desert, alpine peaks, and beyond, ensuring a stress-free start to your trip.

The state's six national forests, including Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Coronado, Kaibab, Prescott, and Tonto, offer a range of outdoor sports and unique adventures. There are approximately 21 state parks, natural preserves, and wilderness areas to explore in Arizona, including the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Saguaro, Organ Pipe Cactus, and Canyon de Chelly.

San Tan Valley is located between several well-known cities and geographic landmarks, including Mesa and Phoenix, and north of the small town of Florence, Arizona. The community borders the Sonoran Desert terrain and is near the foothills of the San Tan Mountains. So whether you're after desert canyons, pine forests, or high-country lakes, these three routes offer the best of the state's landscapes, all within a day's drive or less.

Tonto National Forest

Distance from San Tan Valley: 40–60 miles northwest

Drive time: 1–1.5 hours

Best Season: Fall through spring for cooler temps.

At 2.9 million acres, Tonto National Forest is the largest national forest in Arizona. And the closest to San Tan Valley. It stretches from Arizona’s Upland region of the Sonoran desert near the Superstition Mountains to alpine peaks near Payson. The drive from San Tan Valley to the forest takes you through Queen Creek and Apache Junction, gateway towns to the Superstition Wilderness.

You'll traverse three breathtaking lakes along the journey: Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Roosevelt Lake. Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake are ideal for skiing, fishing, kayaking, wakeboarding, and waterskiing, with boat rentals available. While Apache Trail (AZ-88) is restricted to vehicles less than 40 feet long, many consider it to be one of Arizona's most scenic roadways. It was built in 1904 as an access road during the construction of the Roosevelt Dam. Some parts of the road are better suited for an SUV side trip as this historic road is rugged, and parts are unpaved, so be sure to check current conditions. However, there are still campgrounds with full hookups on the paved portion. 

Tonto National Forest RV Camping Options

• Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction): Full hookups, stunning views of Superstition Mountains.

• Canyon Lake Marina & Campground: Reserve early to grab one of the few lakeside campsites with direct water access.

• Tonto National Forest campgrounds near Roosevelt Lake: Great boating, waterskiing, kayaking, paddling, and great amenities for long stays.

Coronado National Forest

Distance from San Tan Valley: 100–150 miles southeast

Approx. Drive time: 2.5–3.5 hours

Best Season: Year-round for mild winters and refreshingly cool summers.

Heading south from San Tan Valley, you'll pass through Florence and Tucson before reaching the Sky Islands in the Coronado National Forest. The mountains rise dramatically from the desert basin and are known for their diverse ecosystems, plants, and animal life. The Coronado National Forest is a playground for outdoor adventure, offering everything from hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing to off-highway vehicle (OHV) exploration. But it's the breathtaking views along these scenic drives that truly capture the essence of RVing. 

Coronado National Forest RV Camping Options

• Catalina State Park (Oro Valley): Big-rig friendly, electric and water hookups, close to hiking and mountain biking trails.

• Rose Canyon Lake Campground: High-elevation pine forest camping near Mount Lemmon (vans and smaller RVs only).

• Kartchner Caverns State Park (Benson): Full hookups, showers, and proximity to the underground caverns.

Sitgreaves National Forest

Distance from San Tan Valley: 130–160 miles northeast

Approx. Drive time: 3–4 hours

Best Season: Late spring through early fall.

For cooler summer camping, head to the Sitgreaves National Forest, where the Mogollon Rim divides Arizona's rugged high country from its desert lowlands. Towering pines, crisp mountain air, and sparkling lakes set the scene for kayaking, fishing, and hiking at Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes. Cruise along the scenic Rim Road for sweeping views and dispersed camping, or explore the Heber-Overgaard area for small-town charm and easy access to Rim Country, a favorite destination for hiking, angling, and camping.

Sitgreaves National Forest RV Camping Options

• Houston Mesa Campground (near Payson): Lots of trees, pull-through sites, water and 30 amp hookups, dump station, pet friendly, and big-rig friendly.

• Rim Campground (Woods Canyon Lake): Forested campsites, lake access (best for mid-size RVs).

• Forest Road 300 Dispersed Sites: Free boondocking with epic Rim views (no hookups).

Tips for RV Camping in Arizona's San Tan Valley

The San Tan Mountains, which give the valley its name, includes Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley. When it comes to RVing,  travelers generally fall into two groups: those who plan months in advance—especially when visiting a National Park—and those who prefer a more spontaneous approach, getting behind the wheel to see where the road takes you. From Class A motorhomes and fifth wheelers to Sprinter vans, keep in mind that the size of your recreational vehicle significantly influences the type of campsites available for both short and long stays. 

• Peak seasons: Spring and fall are often ideal times of year for exploring outdoors in Arizona. Summer temps typically average 100°F to 105°F during the day, with highs frequently exceeding 104°F. Nights remain warm, often above 70°F  in the Sonoran Desert.

• Spacing & big-rig suitability: Check for full-hookups (30-amp, 50-amp, water, and sewer) and whether the RV parking space accommodates your rig's length. 

• Gear storage/access: Your RV is just one piece of the adventure gear puzzle—we're thinking kayaks, mountain bikes, SUPs, etc. So ask about security and on-site gear storage. 

• Access to outdoor recreation: RV parks are sometimes located near or in suburban areas, so be sure to check your destination's proximity to trails (for hiking/biking) or to open desert access, rather than being surrounded by houses.

• Reserve ahead: No matter when or where you're traveling, you know desirable RV spots fill up, so reserve early if getting the best spots in the campground is important.

• Dust & desert conditions: Even in a resort-style park, desert wind and dust can damage your recreational vehicle and toys—bring gear covers, door mats, outdoor rugs, and have something to secure your equipment and awnings. An air purifier is also highly recommended by RV pros.

• Suburban amenities: Staying in San Tan Valley means easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and shops, which is great if your adventure gear haul is large and you need resupply.

For RVers and campers who crave solitude under desert skies, dispersed camping in Arizona’s Southeast Valley is tough to beat. You'll find wide-open spaces in the Sonoran Desert and Ironwood Forest National Monuments, rugged mountain views, and wild, dramatic terrain near the Dragoon Mountains in Coronado National Forest. These primitive sites are free and tucked along quiet backroads. These are perfect for off-grid adventurers chasing Arizona's untamed beauty.

Make Room for Your Next Adventure with Storquest

Make storage simple and stress-free with StorQuest. Our state-of-the-art San Tan RV and Boat facility near Taylor Ranch offers 24/7 rentals and support, convenient seven-day-a-week access, and secure electronic gate entry. Whether you're storing your RV, boat, or vehicle, you'll always be ready to hit the road for your next adventure. When you need a reliable place to park your recreational vehicle, StorQuest has you covered.