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Dispersed Camping

Arivaca Lake

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Arivaca Lake offers dispersed camping near a body of water surrounded by rolling hills and desert terrain. Temperatures can range from the 30s in winter to the 90s in summer. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and the historic town of Arivaca.

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Location

Arivaca Lake is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

31.52577562 N
111.2545025 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Arivaca Lake needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Mar. 31, 2025

Quiet and relaxing

We camped here March 17th, a little warm in the day (high 85) but nice and cool at night. There are several fire rings in the main parking lot. You can get there in a sedan. There is an upper lot that you can camp at with fire rings and mediocre lake views. There is a middle area with a little sketchy dirt road you’d need high clearance and 4WD to get to, but you can also walk your stuff up the hill. We camped here and it was gorgeous, although some trash was around. Pretty sure some immigrants walked through the lower parking lot around 1am, but didn’t bug us at all.

Sitemiddle lot
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Arivaca Lake by Shianne E., March 31, 2025
  • Review photo of Arivaca Lake by Shianne E., March 31, 2025
  • Review photo of Arivaca Lake by Shianne E., March 31, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Arivaca Lake Campground located in Arizona?

Arivaca Lake Campground is located in southern Arizona near the small community of Arivaca. The campground is accessible via a relatively well-maintained dirt road that even sedans can navigate with care. It's situated in a scenic desert environment that offers a peaceful retreat from more crowded destinations. The lake provides a central focal point for the camping area, with different camping spots offering varying degrees of proximity and views of the water. For precise directions, check with Arizona Game and Fish Department which manages the area.

What camping facilities are available at Arivaca Lake?

Arivaca Lake offers primitive camping facilities with several fire rings scattered throughout the area. The main parking lot has designated fire rings for camping. There's also an upper lot with additional fire rings and partial lake views. A middle area features a small dock for easier lake access. The campground is rustic without developed amenities like running water, flush toilets, or electricity. Campers should pack in water and pack out trash. The area is suited for tent camping and smaller RVs, though no formal RV hookups are available.

Are fishing permits required for Arivaca Lake?

Yes, fishing permits are required for Arivaca Lake. As with most public fishing areas in Arizona, you'll need a valid Arizona fishing license issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The lake is known for fishing opportunities, with a small dock available for access to the water. Make sure to purchase your fishing license before arriving at the lake as there are no on-site vendors. Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for current fishing regulations, catch limits, and license fees before your trip.