Ajo is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Ajo is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Ajo, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Twin Peaks Campground is located within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert along the United States border with Mexico. This landscape reveals a thriving community of plants, animals, and human stories that echo throughout this desert preserve, chronicling thousands of years of desert living. A scenic drive, a wilderness hike, or a night of camping will expose you to a flourishing, living desert.
Along with photography and birding, hiking is ideal here. There is a 0.9 mile (1.4 km) perimeter trail around Twin Peaks Campground, and the 1.2 mile (2 km) Desert View Trail located near the group camping area. Beyond the campground area, miles of hiking trails lace Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, some easy, others more strenuous. Some of the best hiking is off the beaten trails out in the canyons with a map and compass to guide you. Always carry water and snacks, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. More detailed trail information is available in the park newspaper and in person at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument exhibits an extraordinary collection of plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. This is a showcase for creatures who have adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and little rainfall that characterize this Southwest region. Thirty-one species of cacti have mastered the art of living in this place, including the park's namesake and the giant saguaro. Here, the life of the Sonoran Desert is protected and allowed to flourish under nearly ideal wilderness conditions. The monument is an outstanding natural preserve where one of the Earth's major ecosystems survives almost unspoiled.
For facility specific information, please call (520) 387-6849.
Lukeville Port of Entry to Mexico - approximately 5 miles (8km) to the south of the Kris Eggle Visitor Center and Twin Peaks Campground. Gas is available. Historic Ajo, AZ - approximately 33 miles (53 km) north of Twin Peaks Campground following SR 85. Gas, restaurants, shops, and groceries are available.
$20 - $50 / night
Dispersed camping near Why, AZ in the Sonoran Desert.
Welcome to Why, AZ and the Coyote Howls Campgrounds! We have two amazing RV Parks for our guests to choose from. Both parks are very people friendly, pet-friendly, and easily accessible. Staying at Coyote Howls East Is like boondocking with benefits! Primitive camping or boondocking usually means camping with limited to no accommodations. Here at Coyote Howls East, we offer primitive camping with some great perks! Our guests have access to water, a laundry room, dump stations*, restrooms, and bathhouses. Guests also have access to a library, a computer room and you even have a limited mail service. Can’t beat that! Most of our long-term guests here at Coyote Howls East use solar systems to generate their own power on site. Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Coyote Howls East offers many activities including music jams and Friday night dances.
WELCOME TO SONORAN DESERT RV PARK After a day of rolling through the dramatic and diverse Sonoran Desert, you can roll your rig right into this oasis in the desert. It's so convenient with the easy-on/easy-off access from both I-8 and AZ 85. The campground was built for RVers by RVers and it shows: You'll find roomy, 100 foot full-hookup pull-thru sites throughout the park - all big rig friendly! Relax by the heated pool or just soak up the desert views and dark evening skies from your site. Fido will love the 4,000-square-foot Canine Corral with three separate corrals (two with grassy areas). Although you're just an hour from Phoenix, you'll feel worlds away as you savor a brilliant sunset at day's end. The Sonoran Desert RV Park prides itself in offering a quiet atmosphere in the evenings for all to get a good night sleep by asking everyone to retire into their RV's by 10pm.
$38 - $70 / night
Adjacent to Golf Course (Ajo Country Club 520-387-5011); Denison Picnic Area with ramadas, tables with grills; Denison Camping Area (camping information 520-387-6641); ramadas with tables and grill; restrooms; Virgil Ellis Shooting Range (range information 520-387-6641); Ajo Equestrian Center.
Belly Acres is situated in quaint Ajo, AZ near Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This small, hometown RV park offers 43 lanscaped lots with spectacular desert vistas.
The park is conveniently located near to the grocery store, gas stations, and local businesses.
$25 - $28 / night
Ranger
Nice paved road to the campground. The camping area is next to a day use picnic area. The camping area is disbursed around an unmaintained bathroom. No TP and no locks on the doors. Kind of creepy.
The campsites are well disbursed creating modest privacy. There was a minimal amount of traffic.
Overall the evening was very quiet. There was a double sonic boom heard in the morning. We attributed that to the nearby military base.
Nothing special about this vampground unless you can secure one of the canopies with a picnic table.
Guide
This was a great spot out in the Sonoran desert . Tons of land to explore, I drove in about five miles and had no trouble finding a level spot . Beautiful saguora cactus and prickly pear, barrel, etc. I plan on hitting this spot again o my way back west. Highly recommend.
Ranger
Wife found on Google Maps
Somewhat curvy blacktop to campground.
Sites are gravel and all pretty level.
We like exposure for solar, which was good because there is no shade.
Pit toilets and trash dumpsters. No water or dump.
Quiet at night. Met some wonderful people
$8 a night is a good deal and the petroglyphs are right next to campground.
Big rig friendly and a ton of spaces.
GuideThe Petroglyphs are awesome but not much else going on here. Stay a night and see it all in 15 minutes
ScoutLarge sites near petroglyphs.
Ranger
Very nice place. Quiet overnight place to stay. Gravel pads are even and clean. We'll stay here again for sure. Front ofc lady was nice as well.
Scout
The area is maintained fairly well. There are plenty of spots to choose from and very level. Not alot in the area to do, but the Vekol ranch is awesome, if you're into abandoned homestead. Some trails for sxs also. Mountain views and sunsets are awesome here. Verizon signal is very good, enough to stream.
ScoutWe stayed in a deluxe pull-through for two days. Our site has a small fenced-in play area for our mutt. The shower house and laundry were newer, had plenty of room, and were very clean.
Scout
Quiet, peaceful and majestic. The sky at night is so full of stars. The cacti are taller than my rig. There are many hiking trails. The rangers have lots of educational opportunities. There is no electric but you can use your generator during specific hours. There are water spigots throughout the park however there's only a fresh water threaded water hookup at the RV dump station. My cell signal was minimal, I was roaming off Mexican cell towers however I did have calling via satellite. I was able to use solar and generator power. Definitely a place I'd return to, I'd love to explore here more.
RangerBasic boondocking in the desert. Lots of room and others campers keep their distance.
Beautiful views of mountains with lots of birds.
The road in is about two miles of dirt road. Not too bumpy and appropriate for most cars and trailers. No end of room to turn around.
TravelerNice warm, peaceful place in December. Great space and privacy. Friendly Camp host a plus. Big flat easy come easy go sites. First come first serve. Bring your own water and electric.
TravelerWe chose to keep going until we hit actual BLM land, maybe one mile from the highway. The views were phenomenal and very little noise. The moon and stars were beautiful too.
It looked like there was BLM land on the North side of I8, which we’ll check out the next time we pass through here.
Even though the road is a little bumpy, any rig and trailer can make it!
TravelerThis place is right off the highway. Plenty of level places to park. We drive a van but I think most sizes of RV would have no trouble here. Lots of room to turn around. Pretty view of the mountains. There's highway noise but we were all alone.
Traveler
What a great find in this small desert town. The owner, Joyce, is amazing!! She let us know she wouldn't be on site when we arrived and communicated exactly where our site was, so we were pleasantly surprised when she greeted us and showed us to our spot before running out. She has a binder prepared with everything you need to know about the area, such as town history, things to do, and places to eat! The park has full and partial hook-ups. There is a fenced dog yard. It is a great place to stay while you're visiting the area.
GuideWhen we arrived at 7pm, there was no one else. Later couple of another campers arrived. Someone played guitar and it was really nice to listen with full moon lighting. Cons: No service for T-mobile and no lights in restrooms.
Scout
Nice place, plenty of Sitzes, yet only few neighbors. Getting there is bumpy (unpaved road) but with any passenger car doable.
ScoutAstonishing place in magnificent landscape! Plenty of sites, spacious and large distance to neighbors. Only a handful of other campers. Absolutely clean and easy to access with and car/van
LegendOur RV GPS and Waze took us right to this very nice campground(CG). Check-in was quick, and we were escorted to back-in site 503 with FHUs. The sites here are long and wide enough for our 40’ fifth wheel and F450 truck. The sites in our area were also decently spaced for a private CG. There was also room for an OHV if we’d brought one. The guest WiFi works pretty well with a download of 6.73 and an upload of.92. Water pressure was good at 50 psi, and we got 4 bars on Verizon. There are a few trees in the CG, but we had a clear shot of the northern sky for Starlink. They also have cable, but we didn’t use it. They had a very nice 4000 sq ft, sectioned-off dog park with two of the areas/corrals having grass. Behind the show/laundry/pool facility is where you drop off your propane tank for fills. They do not have a propane service that comes to the site. We were also impressed with their PETHouse sites where you have a private dog run. Their laundry facility was larger than most CGs of this size and it was very clean. There’s also a wash pad where you can wash your OHV or truck. Gilla Bend has a Family Dollar and a couple of small grocery stores plus eating establishments. You’re about 30 minutes from major amenities in Buckeye and an hour from Phoenix. We stayed here with friends for 4 nights and enjoyed ourselves.
Guide
I love how out of the way this campground is and how small. The sites are kind of close together but there are shrubs so it’s mostly private.
I have SOS service on my phone.
Make your reservations before you get to the park. Unlike me. I was lucky to snag my spot.
GuideLots of spaces, easy to find off the interstate.
GuideEasy to find an spot and lots of space for privacy. Got a rainbow
Traveler
Fairly easy approach with my overcab camper setup, and family of 4. beautiful saguaro and ocotillo country, yotes yipping at night, owls, wrens and a ton of wildlife. Maybe be careful of pckrats and leave your hood propped up with a light. Otherwise one of our favorite dispersed camp sites ever!! LOTS of space to explore. 
GuideIf you're seeking a secluded escape under a vast, star-studded sky, then look no further than Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground!
This hidden gem deserves a glowing 5-star review for its unique charm and abundance of off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Pros Galore:
Off-the-Grid Oasis: Nestled amidst the desert landscape, this campground offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle.
Spacious Freedom: Spread out and enjoy the vastness with massive campsites, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the serenity.
Tranquil Escape: The lack of crowds creates a peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude.
Dry Camper's Delight: Embrace the simplicity of dry camping and experience the true essence of self-reliance under the desert sun.
Stargazer's Paradise: With minimal light pollution, prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular night sky. Witness a dazzling display of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way on a clear night.
Off-Roading Playground: Dust off your UTV(side-by-side) and explore the surrounding desert terrain. The area offers plenty of exciting trails for off-road enthusiasts. Treasure
Hunters Unite: Test your skills and embark on a geocaching adventure. Search for hidden treasures scattered throughout the campground and surrounding area.
Friendly Faces: The welcoming camp hosts are a bonus, adding to the overall positive experience.
A Note: Be prepared for the lack of amenities like showers and laundry facilities. Pack accordingly and embrace the rustic charm of this remote desert escape. Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground is a hidden gem for those seeking a unique and unforgettable camping experience. If you crave adventure, tranquility, and starry nights, this is the place for you! I highly recommend it and can't wait to return for another adventure under the vast desert sky.
TravelerBeautiful area, great spot to enjoy the desert.
Anyone looking for a drone?
TravelerI was not expecting such a beautiful place in the desert. A great place to overnight. Easy paved access until the park and then gravel in the park. Unfortunately, you need to reserve online as there is no way to pay at the park. I recommend stopping at a rest stop on I8 before you drive here as the cellphone reception is very poor. Finally, I do NOT recommend site 32 as it is not a pull through, but a small pull off next to the loop road where you park very close parallel to the road.
GuideWe stopped here for an overnight on our way back from San Diego. We did book it online at the last minute while driving on interstate 8, but what we found is a hidden jem and we are already planning on coming back.
It is boondock camping so don’t expect to find water or electric hookups, but it is quiet , the sites are big, and there is lots of room without worrying about obstacles even if pulling in in the dark.
TravelerWe stayed just one night in our 17 foot R-Pod hauled by our Ford Tundra. Our site wasn't 3 black water tanks roughly 3 miles out.
Gorgeous views. Nice land to hike around. We bushwhacked 2 mile loop Southeast to a big wash.
Definitely will come here again when we have more time.
Camping near Ajo, Arizona, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and a variety of campgrounds. Whether you’re looking for a well-equipped site or a more rustic experience, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Ajo, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the desert while making lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ajo, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ajo, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 35 campgrounds and RV parks near Ajo, AZ and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ajo, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ajo, AZ is Twin Peaks Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ajo, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Ajo, AZ.
What parks are near Ajo, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Ajo, AZ that allow camping, notably Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Tonto National Forest.
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