In 2014, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department updated White Tank Mountain Regional Park’s Master Plan. What was one of the main features community members were requesting at the park? A small campground focused on the needs of park visitors who enjoy camping in tents, their vans, trucks, and small trailers.
On Sunday, November 17, the park will host an open house from 1 pm to 4 pm to unveil the new Willow Campground Area. The campground caters to the needs of those who are seeking a more intimate and rustic experience with nature.
“Last year, the Parks and Recreation Department identified a 44,550 sq. ft. area west of Willow Canyon Road for a new campground,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman, District 4. “The area had previously been used by the park for overflow camping and small youth groups. This area provides the perfect setting for those seeking a more primitive camping experience.”
Improvements made to the area include:
- The addition of four new vehicle pull-through, five new vehicle back-in, and eleven walk-in tent semi-developed campsites; and
- A new shower house, trail connector to the Mesquite Trail, trailer turn-around area, welcome signs, additional parking, and a dishwashing station complete with hot water.
Each campsite also includes a picnic table, a fire ring with a bbq grate, and a 12 ft. by 12 ft. level tent pad.
“This is one of the most picturesque areas in the park and since we repurposed an area which had already been developed, we were able to avoid disturbing another area for this project,” added R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director. “Also, given the increasing popularity of the park, we’ve reserved three additional areas for future expansion.”
In addition to the grand opening, the park will also be celebrating National Take A Hike Day on November 17, a free day-use entry day into the park. “This is the perfect opportunity for park visitors to check out the new Willow Campground, take a hike, explore the nature center or perhaps just enjoy a picnic in the park with family and friends,” said Cardin.
To learn more about the campground open house, visit our events calendar. White Tank Mountain Regional Park is located at 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road. The park is located at the very west end of Olive Avenue.
At approximately 120,000 acres, Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park systems in the United States. The parks are located throughout the County and are all within a 45-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. For information about activities at a County park near you, call (602) 506-2930 ext. 5 or visit www.maricopacountyparks.net/.