PHX Reporter

Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Maricopa County's oldest regional park, is set to expand with a new campground. The park, which began with 828 acres in 1953 and now covers 19,836 acres of Sonoran Desert parkland, will see construction starting on February 3.

Supervisor Steve Gallardo from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors announced the development: "In 2016, the Parks Department updated the Park's Master Plan. Feedback from the public revealed that visitors were interested in having a campground at the rodeo arena. I'm pleased to announce that we took the feedback seriously and found a way to bring this project to fruition."

The new campground will feature 50 developed campsites, two restrooms with showers, an equestrian trailhead, a shaded dog area, renovations to the Rainbow Valley Trailhead, a dump station, and five covered park host sites. During construction from February 2025 through March 2027, access via 143rd Drive and Arena Drive will be closed.

Jennifer Waller, Director of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation stated: "Our team has been discussing the need for a campground at the park for quite some time. When we decommissioned the rodeo arena, this gave us the perfect opportunity and space to offer this service." She also noted its proximity to Phoenix Raceway offers guests an alternative RV camping option during events.

Alongside the campground project are enhancements to a picnic area. These include converting 16 acres to desert landscaping with decomposed granite and planting trees and native plants. Additionally, improvements will be made to turf areas including soil amendments and sprinkler system upgrades.

For more information on these developments visit www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/estrella-mountain-regional-park/park-information/park-projects/.