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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (520) 387-6849.
$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.
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
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
This camping is for Elks Lodge Members Only
We have a few dry camping spaces in our parking lot for RV's of all sizes. There is a mining museum and viewing point not far away. There are shops in our historical plaza along with beautiful churches & buildings. Stop in the Chamber of Commerce for some Ajo memorabilia. Check out the latest Artist Paintings around the Plaza. There is a nine-hole golf course about seven miles north of Town.
$5 - $10 / night
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (520) 387-6849.
$50 / night
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.
Traveler
This 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.
Guide
When 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
Legend
Our 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.
Guide
Lots 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.
GuideJanuary visit
Rv 23ft
Easy to find.
Good cell service
Overall it’s a decent spot with a few issues. Several of the spots were trash dumps. We were able to find other spots that were clean though. Spots are just off the road so you’re not real far away from the other campers but we really didn’t hear a thing from anyone. That said , there is a military base close by and jets fly over a few times a day and are real loud. We didn’t mind this but some people may. We also had a couple of helicopters dj a low pass one evening.
The mountains around the area are very pretty.
This spot is not real remote so you are close to the freeway and will hear some trucks occasionally.
There are signs warning of illegal immigrants and that but we didn’t see or hear of any issues.
Update to this review. We didn’t go as far down the road due to some standing water etc. however , go further down the road to find the better spots that are more remote. Most rvs and big rigs can make it really far down this road There is a few private property signs. Go past those TK the next set of camp sites.
ScoutNew to the rv lifestyle was trying to find a lot during busy snowbird season. And finally found one.
Legend
General: 208-site campground. No hookups but sections are separated into tent-only, generators allowed, and non-generator sites (which we were very happy to see!). Only four sites can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet; otherwise, there is a 40-foot limit.
Site Quality: All are level and have generous-sized concrete/macadam pads (except for the tent sites which are all gravel). Although the sites are close together, there is ample foliage separating them.
Bath/shower house: I never expect showers in National Park Service campgrounds so was pleasantly surprised to find showers here (in three of the restrooms). Otherwise, the restrooms were basic but clean.
Activities: There is a.9-mile perimeter trail that allows leashed pets and the 1.3-mile Palo Verde Trail that leads to the Visitor Center from the campground. The 21-mile one-way dirt Ajo Mountain Drive is considered the most scenic area of the park but trailers, buses, and RVs over 25 feet are not permitted on this road. There are a few short hikes off of this road. You can also drive a loop around the area, but four-wheel drive is recommended. The night sky is stunning here and there is a telescope pad. The hour-long evening ranger talk was both interesting and well-attended. The Visitor Center was also a wealth of information.
Note: As others have mentioned, when we arrived, we were instructed to leave our hoods up to discourage the pack rats. Not a problem and we didn't see any,
LegendLarge CG but many sites are just jammed together. I had claustrophobia just driving thur a lane or two. Never seen such a nested tight cg like this. Went back out to free BLM dispersed where my nearest neighbor was 500 ft away.
LegendSmall CG, only 4 sites. No RVs, TTs allowed. Vault toilet, trash bins, but no water and no cell signal. 3 miles of graded gravel road from hwy. $16/$8 senior. Need to pay at visitor center or online but with no cell signal... Guess a good spot for a Starlink neighbor! Sites are close together in a tight circle... Limited privacy.
Legend
Camping area next to a big picnic area shelter. The original poster had pin at the ajo county dump which maybe is not far off in spirit! Note you need a permit to camp here...but guess you have to call the park folks. Cost and camping stay limit not clear on signs but office noted camping permit is free at office and camping limit is 14d but flexible.... Sign notes no alcohol.
TravelerNew rules. No walk ins allowed. Nice open place, very clean and tidy. Bad customer service in that there’s no warning signs along the 11 miles saying only reservations.
GuidePerfect Stop outside of Phoenix area. Clean and very well manicured RV campground. Our late arrival reservation was handed graciously and info was easy to understand. The pool is beautiful and the shower/restroom was so pristine. Nice dog park.
Traveler
Nice little park in Why -- because why not? :) Nothing really in Why -- a gas station, convenience store and breakfast/lunch restaurant. But it's a short (and beautiful) drive to the national monument and Ajo, if you need groceries or other supplies. Simple gravel pull-throughs. Not sure how really big rigs would do, but my little Casita snuggled in just fine with a decent amount of room around. FHU and decent cell service. Paid $30/night in cash. Nice view of the sunset and starry skies.
GuideOrgan Pipe Cactus NM is a treasure, and for a couple of working full-timers, this campground was perfect.
We spent a long weekend here in site 24, which had a beautiful, unobstructed view of the sunset each night. Solar was ripping, even in February, and would be in any of the campsites. Nice picnic table and paved, level driveway made this feel a notch or two above most NPS sites. The dump station we only used once, but was looking brand new and worked perfectly.
Quirk: packrats are pretty rampant here, so folks keep their hoods open and anyone who spends more than a night or two lights their undercarriage to scare the little guys away.
The campground is ringed by trailheads. A couple of roads give plenty of space for cyclers. It's a beautiful, beautiful spot. You're pretty far from groceries, so you'll wanna stock up before you come in.
ScoutBeautiful and quit stop. Close to Gila Bend. There is a great paved road to this remote spot. Every spot has a table and a fire pit.
ScoutEstablished campground, we were able to make reservations. Extremely quiet, posted generator rules which everyone respected. No host. There is a trash dumpster here, that isthe only service. Many available spots.
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 36 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 36 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.
