RV Rental Florence, AZ

Florence, Arizona was initially established as a farming community on the Gila River. In those early days, Native American and European settlers cultivated the fertile land along the river. At that time, the land south of the Gila River was part of Mexico. In 1854, the Gadsden Purchase brought the area into the United States. Florence, the sixth non-Native American settlement in Arizona, was founded in 1866.

Florence's importance is evidenced by the number of stage lines that stopped there and the quick rate of growth it experienced. By 1871, the town was awarded a post office. A flour mill and copper and silver mining in the 1880s and '90s made Florence a business center on par with Tucson, Yuma, and Prescott. In 1875, Florence became the county seat of Pima County.

In its early years, Florence was a stereotypical old west town. Shootouts and stage robberies were common. The establishment of the county seat, territorial courthouse, and prison in 1876 helped tame the city. Mining, ranching, farming, and the prison system helped Florence grow into the city it is today. A visit to Florence is incomplete without a trip to the Pima County Historical Museum. There is also an extensive exhibit of the western movie star Tom Mix, who lived and died in Florence.

Travelers interested in the history of the old west will be satisfied by a visit to Florence. The town has 25 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and more than 140 other well-preserved historical buildings. McFarland State Historical Park, Pima County Historical Museum, and Tom Mix Memorial are only a few of the historical sites in the town. The historic downtown presents a variety of modern shops and cafes in an old-west atmosphere. Modern Florence is not only an old-west town. It is also a thriving, modern center of business. Travelers can enjoy all the conveniences of a modern city with a western flair in Florence. 

Campgrounds Near Florence, Arizona

Get up close and personal with the Sonoran Desert with a stay at the Picacho Peak State Park Campground. The area is known for its wildflower display in the spring and during the monsoon season. It is also a prime location to see cacti and other desert flora and fauna. Take a hike at the foot of the peak, or make a trip to the summit. The park has 85 RV-accessible campsites. Each site has electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is also a dump station.

For a more refined camping experience, check out High Chaparral RV Park in Casa Grande. The centrally located park provides quick access to Tucson and Phoenix. OHV enthusiasts will particularly benefit from easy access to the Sawtooth Mountain trails. Golfers can hit the links at two nearby courses. Park activities include pickleball and shuffleboard courts, a pool, a hot tub, an exercise facility, and a clubhouse with a full kitchen. Each site has full hookups. 

For a quiet 55+ refuge, head for Las Colinas RV Resort near Eloy, Arizona. All 150 campsites at this "Oasis in the Desert" are paved and offer full hookups. There is a pool and spa to relax in. A clubhouse with a fitness room allows one to keep in shape and meet the neighbors. Facilities include mail service, showers, and propane delivery. Try your luck and have some fun at one of the nearby casinos. 

State Parks Near Florence, Arizona

Experience the history of Florence and territorial Arizona at McFarland State Historical Park in Florence, Arizona. Learn about the architecture and local materials used in constructing historic buildings. Visitors will be surprised by how the buildings were used in their 200-year history. The museum has a thorough exhibit of historical items from the territorial era. Have a picnic in the shade of a nearby tree, or take in a lecture. 

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior, Arizona features over 2,000 plants from around the world. The park, located in the Sonoran Desert, emphasizes plant species from other desert ecosystems. A 1.5-mile trail leads visitors through displays like a small grove of eucalyptus and palm trees. Self-guided and ranger-guided tours present information on desert flora and edible and medicinal plants. 

Locals know Picacho Peak State Park for its scenic views and seasonal wildflower displays. In the spring and during the monsoon season, the entire area is flooded with color from the native desert wildflowers. Hikers will find two easy and two moderately difficult loop trails. The Hunter Trail leads to the summit of the peak. It is a challenging hike, but the views are worth the effort. The park has RV and tent camping facilities. 

National Sites Near Florence, Arizona

A spectacular day-use area is the Tonto National Monument cliff dwellings. The Salado people and others lived in this cliff dwelling over 700 years ago. Visitors can enjoy an easy-to-moderate hike on the Lower Cliff Dwelling or Cactus Patch trails. The Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail is also moderately difficult but requires a guide. The guided tour takes visitors into the cliff dwelling for an up-close look and the lifestyle of the ancient inhabitants. The visitor center features a variety of artifacts from the cliff dwellings and other ruins on display.

Hohokam Pima National Monument is an ancient Hohokam village. The village was inhabited from around 300 B.C. until about 1200 C.E. Located in the Gila River Indian Community, the site's interior is closed to the public. Hikers can view portions of the ruins from the surrounding trails. The site features two easy walks through the desert vegetation and wildflowers. The Quartz Trail is difficult but supplies better views of the ruins. Those interested in learning about the Pima Monument and ruins should visit the HuHugam Heritage Center in Chandler, Arizona. 

The Sonoran People built their "Great House" as a meeting place about 1400 C.E. Today, visitors can see the remnants of that structure at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Casa Grande, Arizona. Self-guided tours with interpretive signs and ranger-guided tours provide a look at the life led by the indigenous people who lived here over 1,000 years ago. The park is a day-use facility. It has a visitor center and a bookstore. There are shaded picnic tables and trash facilities. 

National Forests Near Florence, Arizona

Coronado National Forest lies along the eastern border of Arizona. This mountainous forest encompasses 15 mountains rising dramatically from the desert floor. Known as "sky islands," each peak creates an isolated and unique habitat. Enjoy the OHV trails at Redington Pass. Bird-watchers must visit Madera Canyon. Known as a bird-watcher's paradise, the canyon is home to over 200 species of birds. Fifteen varieties of hummingbirds have been spotted in the area. Coronado National Forest has eight RV-accessible campgrounds and over 25 tent campgrounds. There are also 12 sites with cabin rentals. Some RV sites have hookups and dump sites. Some are boondocking sites. 

The defining geological feature of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in central Arizona is the spectacular Mogollon Rim. The topography has elevations up to 7,600 feet. The rim area is home to eight cold-water lakes that provide boating, swimming, and fishing. Hike or ride on the nearly countless trails through the forest or along the Mogollon Rim's edge. The forest boasts RV-accessible campgrounds, with some offering hookups and other amenities. 

Central Arizona is also home to Tonto National Forest. The southern end of this forest is located near the town of Globe and extends north to the Payson area. The region boasts Ponderosa pine and juniper forests. Near Payson, the forest includes a section of the Mogollon Rim. Dispersed camping, hiking, boating, and fishing are available in this section of the forest. Hiking and OHV trails can be found at three locations within Tonto National Forest. There are several RV-accessible campgrounds, as well as over 30 tent-only campgrounds, within the forest. Full-service RV parks are plentiful in the surrounding communities.