Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, near Safford, Arizona, is a unique spot that combines desert beauty with the relaxing allure of hot springs. For just a few bucks a night, you can set up camp and enjoy access to two thermal pools that fill up daily, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.

The campground is known for its clean facilities and designated sites, though some reviewers have mentioned the road in can be a bit rough. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere, especially during the week when the weekend crowd thins out, allowing for peaceful stargazing and a chance to soak in the natural surroundings. As one camper noted, “It’s very secluded... only three people in 7 days have driven by the campsite.”

Outdoor activities abound here, with miles of OHV trails for those looking to ride and plenty of hiking opportunities in the surrounding desert. The area is also home to unique wildlife, and you might even spot a bobcat if you're lucky. Just remember to bring your own water, as the only source is from the hot springs, and be prepared for some windy days. Whether you're camping in a tent or an RV, Hot Well Dunes offers a laid-back escape into the heart of the Arizona desert.

Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Bowie. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Bowie is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bowie camping trip.

Bowie

The Best Camping Near Bowie, Arizona

Many places feel like they are in the middle of nowhere; this one actually is.  A 24 mile drive from Stafford AZ, along a bumpy asphalt road brings you to some lovely desert camping with miles of OHV trails and 2 hot thermal pools for soaking.  For just $3/day you can camp, soak, or ride in this beautiful desert oasis.

There are only around 14 designated sites, but there are many other tucked away spots where you are welcome to set up camp.  Just be careful to stay out of the soft sand, or off the popular OHV trails. We set up just just off the dirt camp road, with a short walk to the pools, and pit toilets, and woke each morning to Gambel Quail and Mourning Doves.  We happened to visit during the 2019 spring “super bloom” and desert wildflowers were everywhere. The sand outside outside our trailer revealed that a bobcat had sniffed us out. The desert and the surrounding area is full of life, you just have to look for it.  

Come prepared to dry camp as there is no other water source than the thermal pools, but the pit toilets were very clean and well stocked by the friendly camp host.  The pools fill each morning once sunlight hits the solar panels which power the pumps. By sunset the pools will begin to drain, so everyday there is a new supply of freshwater in the tubs.

Trail activity was pretty loud and busy during the weekend, but as the workweek began things died down and all was quiet.  We cycled on the road rather than the OHV trails because we didn’t bring orange safety flags, or really want to compete with motorized trail traffic.  There are endless desert hiking opportunities just outside the OHV area.

Note:  Cell service was spotty in the campground, but we were able to make a phone call, but no data.

Hot Springs, Dunes, & Views Abound

This place is fantastic. It’s three dollars a night, you have a picnic table with an awning, grill, and small fire pit and you have access to two small pools filled with hot spring water every morning. There are about toilets scattered throughout the campground as well as trash bins. I arrived on a Friday night and it was already dark which I would not recommend because it’s very difficult to navigate and see who has taken care of spots. Also, the sand can be very thick in some areas so I’m not sure if we’ll drive. Be sure to scout spots before you pull in. There’s a total of 14 designated sites and they have spot but it was blocked off during my stay. It was very quiet night and beautiful stargazing and I would recommend anyone that is remotely in the area. Definitely worth heading out of your way to be here.

Amazing spot! 

Great place!   Well maintained.  Road in quite bad, but doable.   Very remote, but version service was great.

Gem in the Desert

This is my second favorite campground. I'm a nomad and there is nonpotable water access and vault toilets. 1.50 a night with National Park Pass. It is SUPER windy most days so be prepared. Very secluded. One hour to town. Only three people in 7 days have driven by the campsite. The ranger and camphor were two of them. 

Amazing!

All the facilities are very clean.  $3/night and you have two hot wells to soak in during the day.  This is a recreational area for OHVs so expect to hear people having fun on the weekends.

Great Stop

I have been full timing in my 22 ft travel Trailer for 2.5 years.. this easily is one of my fav spots. Camping is $3a day near the hot wells but outside the recreation area, is all BLM camping. Hot wells right next to our spot were amazing. I just wish they were working all 24 hours a day. The wells are pumped by a solar pump so cloud coverage or night mean the solar pumps aren’t pumping. But they fill up about an hour after sunrise and about an hour after sunset it drains. We were the only ones there for 4 days. It was awesome 

Photos of Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers