We just spent a couple of nights at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Located northwest of Phoenix about 12 miles off I-17, its two campgrounds are part of the Maricopa County park system. All sites have ramadas, tables and fire rings with cooking grates. Most of the restrooms have showers, and they were very clean during our spring break visit when most of the sites were full. Cost is $20/night (no hook-ups) and $30/night (water/electric) plus an $8/stay reservation fee. The lake can get overcrowded with pleasure boaters in the summer months, but it was quiet during our late March visit, when the lake typically reaches peak water level. We were treated to a spectacular full moonrise over the lake and an early morning visit by a wild
burro across the cove.
Roadrunner Campground has paved pads with water and electric. It sits on a hill overlooking the lake, so great views, but you have to walk some distance or drive for direct lake access. Mostly larger self-contained RVs in this area, and a bit closer together. We visited the playground (disappointing), but didn't tour the whole area.
Desert Tortoise Campground has some walk-in tent-only sites, some no-hookup tent/RV sites, and some water/electric sites. Parking pads are graveled, and there is a sand pad for a large tent next to the ramada at each site.
Scute Loop, where we stayed in site #120, is located at water level on a quiet cove. There are no hook-ups and, for some reason, the bathrooms lacked showers in this area only. Most of the sites are spacious and close to level, and plenty are right on the water. It's nicely landscaped with native plants: ocotillo, mesquite, and palo verde were all in bloom when we were there. The lake was clean, clear, and not too buggy- bees after the blossoms and occasional swarms of gnats, but no mosquitos while we were there. The girls went swimming during the warmest part of the afternoon. Unless I required hook-ups, this would be my favorite area to camp. Waterfront sites (#116-132) have more shade and are the nicest.
The other loops- Bajada, Den, and Pallet- are located on hills with spectacular long-range views of the lake but limited lake access (except for the circle at the end of Bajada Loop). RV sites in Bajada and Den Loops have electric and water hook-ups, but some require backing up a long, steep, gravel driveway, and some of the parking pads were sloping as well (#134-138 looked like the best of the sites with hookups). Pallet Loop appears to be an afterthought. Restrooms have showers.
There is also a separate overflow area on the lake with a dumpster and several portable toilets but no other amenities. Park wherever you can find a spot.
Sewer is not available, but nearby
Pleasant Harbor RV Resort, which I did not visit, offers full hook-ups, swimming pool, etc. The county park has a dump station.
No pictures- I was on a self-imposed fast from electronics…