Maricopa County’s Estrella Mountain Regional Park, established in 1954 as the county’s first regional park, is set to break ground on a new campground on February 3.
This expansion follows nearly seven decades of growth, with the park increasing from its original 828 acres to encompass 19,836 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape. The new campground aims to enhance visitor experiences and address community feedback received during the 2016 Master Plan update.
The planned campground will offer 50 developed campsites, two restroom facilities with showers, a fenced equestrian trailhead, and shaded amenities such as a dog area and picnic spots.
Additional features include renovations to the Rainbow Valley Trailhead, a dump station, and five covered park host sites.
Construction will temporarily close 143rd Drive and Arena Drive, restricting access to key trailheads and parking areas through March 2027. Visitors can still access trails via the Quail Trailhead, though parking will be limited during this period.
According to a press release, Supervisor Steve Gallardo of Maricopa County’s Board of Supervisors emphasized the project’s alignment with public input, noting, “I’m pleased to announce that we took the feedback seriously and found a way to bring this project to fruition. Construction on the new campground will begin on February 3.”
Jennifer Waller, director of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, also highlighted the campground’s strategic location near the Phoenix Raceway. “This gives their guests an alternate option for RV camping when the raceway hosts large-scale events,” Waller stated. The campground is expected to attract both local visitors and out-of-state guests seeking proximity to major attractions.
In addition to the campground, significant upgrades will be made to the park’s picnic area. Plans include converting 16 acres to desert landscaping with decomposed granite and introducing 60 new trees, 400 native plants, and 100 cacti. These efforts aim to enhance the natural beauty of the space while reducing maintenance demands.