Next month, Maricopa County will break ground on a project that will allow residents to camp out at Estrella Mountain Regional Park. The West Valley park, spanning nearly 20,000 acres, became Maricopa County’s first regional park in 1954.
The county is adding a campground that will include 50 campsites and a fenced equestrian trailhead.
County Supervisor Steve Gallardo says the project was driven by feedback from the public.
That was echoed by Jennifer Waller, the county’s Parks and Recreation director.
“It's been a long desire of ours for a while and I know the public has been very interested in something like this for us, and we get asked by the public today as people come in, 'Can you camp at this park?' and we have to tell them no, but that will soon change," she said.
Construction is expected to continue into 2027 and will impact two of the park’s trailheads.