The first person to settle in what would eventually become Chandler, Arizona, was Dr. Alexander John Chandlers. At the end of the 1800s, the veterinary surgeon settled on a nearby ranch. Over time, Dr. Chandler bought over 18,000 acres, not only for personal use but for a townsite he intended to name Chandler Ranch. By February of 1920, the city of Chandler was incorporated and continued to grow for the next 70 years. However, it was in the 1990s that the town's population took off.
Today, Chandler has a population of nearly 279,500 (as of 2021). It's a bustling suburban area located in the southeast Phoenix metro area. People visit the city for its outdoor recreational opportunities. Those who want to lose themselves in nature find there are plenty of trails to explore at San Tan Mountain Regional Park. The trails are quiet and get you away from the hustle and bustle of the suburb's daily grind. If you like to fish, check out Desert Breeze Park. The park also has biking trails and several picnicking areas. For those who enjoy horseback riding, check out Koli Equestrian Center. The center offers horseback riding for people of all experience levels.
Chandler also has plenty of indoor attractions, which is great when the temperatures in this desert suburb get a little too hot to handle. If you're traveling with little ones or you're young at heart, check out the Arizona Railway Museum and learn more about different types of railroad cars. For those who prefer cultural arts, check out a comedy show or theatrical performance at Chandler Center for the Arts.
Campgrounds Near Chandler, Arizona
Green Acres RV Park is a small RV park conveniently located next to a metro light rail stop, giving you easy access to all of the Phoenix metro attractions. It's also within walking distance of downtown Mesa. Daily rates start at $45, and the park also offers monthly rates for those who want to spend a few weeks in the area. The RV park has 65 back-in-only sites that include full hookups and 30/50 amp service.
The Desert Vista RV Resort is a great option for the 55+ crowd. It's one of the smallest parks in the Chandler area, and at least one member of your party must be 55 or older. Spaces are wider than most and can accommodate back-in and pull-through vehicles. The RV park offers full hookups and 30/50 electricity. It's a pet-friendly park with showers, a pool, and a hot tub.
If you want to be close to the Superstition Mountains, the Arizona Cowboy RV Park is a good spot to set up camp. This RV park is one of the closest ones to the mountain range and is only about a 30-minute drive to the Salt River. There are 75 back-in-only RV sites that include full hookups and 30/50 electricity. For those who work on the road, Wi-Fi and strong cell reception are great amenities.
State Parks Near Chandler, Arizona
Lost Dutchman State Park is approximately 30 miles east of Chandler and spans 320 acres of stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. The park is named for the famous Lost Dutchman Gold Mine and sits at an elevation of 2,060 feet. There's plenty of flora and fauna in the park, including beautiful springtime wildflowers. Wildlife enthusiasts will want to keep their eyes open for jackrabbits and javelinas. To increase your chances of seeing the park's mostly-nocturnal wildlife, consider getting up early for a pre-dawn hike on one of the park's many trails.
For RVers who prefer a more urban state park experience, consider stopping by the McFarland State Historic Park. This urban park is located in the downtown area of Florence, Arizona. It was established in 1974 by the then-governor and its namesake, Ernest McFarland. The park was established to commemorate historic structures from the town's early days over 200 years ago. Don't expect hiking or biking trails at this historic state park. However, you will find several picnic areas where you can have a cookout.
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, located at the base of Picketpost Mountain, began as a nonprofit research institution. In 1929, it opened to the public and is home to more than 2,500 plant species. The Arboretum is a unique state park in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. It contains over 392 acres and includes a 1.5-mile path through a cactus garden, palm and eucalyptus groves, and a herb garden. As the seasons change, so does the landscape. In the spring, the park's wildflowers bloom, and the cacti become rather showy in the summer.
National Sites Near Chandler, Arizona
You'll find the Hohokam Pima National Monument is an ancient village within the Gila River Indian Community. Its location in the Sonoran Desert is protected, and the monument provides a wonderful and interesting tribute to the area's history. The monument is home to the Snaketown archaeological site and received the National Historic Landmark designation in 1972. Many RVers visit the monument for a quick history lesson and to take in the magical desert scenery. There are a few hiking trails near the monument that let you stretch your legs and climb a little higher for panoramic desert views. The best trail for families with small children is the easy Goldmine Trail and Moonlight Trail Loop.
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monuments is a four-story house that looms over the Sonoran Desert. It was once home to the Sonoran Desert people who lived on and worked the land between 1350 C.E. to 1450 C.E. The ancient Sonoran people developed an intricate irrigation system, and much of its purpose remains a mystery today. The monument offers interpretive signage and self-guided tours.
The Tonto National Monument provides visitors with information about the Salado people who lived in the Superstition Mountains over 700 years ago. Visitors can view the ruins of the Salado people's cliff dwellings and learn more about how the people farmed and hunted in the area. You'll learn more about the Salado people through their colorful pottery and the artifacts on display that tell their story. The monument is approximately 100 miles northeast of Chandler.
National Forests Near Chandler, Arizona
Tonto National Forest is the seventh-largest national forest in the United States and the largest national forest in Arizona. It spans 2.8 million acres and includes the Salt River, part of the Scenic River, and a portion of the Verde Wild River. The forest has five regional offices and eight wilderness areas within its boundaries. Popular hiking trails include the moderate 4.4-mile Rim Lakes Vista Hiking Trail and the 8-mile Horton Creek Trail, and the high-mileage, highly difficult 234-mile Fools Loop Trail, which begins in downtown Phoenix.
Prescott National Forest stretches from Black Canyon City in the south to Granite Mountain in the north. The forest has over 1.25 million acres of land with elevations ranging from 3,000 - 8,000 feet. Visitors to the national forest are treated to a wide variety of landscapes, from heavily wooded forests and towering mountain peaks to sparse, dry deserts. When visiting the national forest, be sure to check out its many nature trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
If you're looking for crystal-clear lakes, rugged mountains, and exposed ridges, put Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on your itinerary. The park consists of 2 million acres that stretch from the White Mountains to the Mogollon Rim. You'll find plenty of recreational opportunities, such as swimming, hiking, biking, and even winter sports, within this national forest that is approximately two hours and 15 minutes east of Chandler.
