Best Tent Camping near Ajo, AZ
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Best Tent Sites Near Ajo, AZ (2)
1. Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
4 Reviews•24 Photos•28 SavesLukeville, ArizonaOverview
Alamo Canyon Campground sits nestled at the base of the Ajo mountains in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This primitive campground provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Sonoran Desert, along with spectacular night sky viewing and peaceful quiet.
Recreation
Along with photography and birding, hiking is ideal here. There is a .9 mile point to point trail that leads into Alamo Canyon from the campground. Beyond the campground there are miles of hiking trails laced around Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, some easy, others more strenuous. Always carry water and snacks, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. Stop at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for recommendations.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
Lukeville Port of Entry to Mexico - approximately 18 miles (29 km) south of Alamo Canyon Campground following SR 85. Gas is available. Historic Ajo, AZ - approximately 26 miles (42 km) north of Alamo Canyon Campground following SR 85. Gas, restaurants, shops, an art gallery, and groceries are available.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
$16 / night
2. Gachado Line Camp — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
2 Reviews•6 Photos•1 SaveLukeville, Arizona- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews in Ajo
110 Reviews of 2 Ajo Campgrounds
Kevin C.
Ranger
Ajo Regional Park - Dennison Camping Area
Basic Desert Camping
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.
- aaron F.
Guide
Vekol Valley Road
Great spot lots of cactus
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.
James B.Ranger
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
Nice stay at a quiet campground
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.
Dave B.GuidePainted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
Interesting petroglyphs
The Petroglyphs are awesome but not much else going on here. Stay a night and see it all in 15 minutes
- LLinda H.
ScoutPainted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
Peaceful retreat
Large sites near petroglyphs.
- TTonya B.Ranger
Sonoran Desert RV Park
Nice campground
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.
Robert & Diane M.ScoutSonoran Desert RV Park
Great spot
We 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.
Wendy L.Scout
Twin Peaks Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Beautiful desert
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.
Gary H.
TravelerPainted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
Big peaceful space
Nice 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.
- MMichael W.Traveler
Vekol Valley Road
Great views!
We 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!
Roy G.TravelerVekol Valley Road
Very Convenient
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.
Emmi O.GuidePainted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
Great for one night camping
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.
Rainer R.Scout
Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping area
Nice place to stay
Nice place, plenty of Sitzes, yet only few neighbors. Getting there is bumpy (unpaved road) but with any passenger car doable.
- Rainer R.Scout
Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping area
Superb Place
Astonishing 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
MickandKarla W.
LegendSonoran Desert RV Park
Great Experience
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.
- JJennifer M.Guide
Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Quiet and peaceful
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.
- JJennifer M.Guide
Vekol Valley Road
Nice place to stop
Easy to find an spot and lots of space for privacy. Got a rainbow
Brad | Britany B.GuidePainted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground: Escape to Tranquility!
If 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.
- AATraveler
Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping area
Gun Sight Wash
Beautiful area, great spot to enjoy the desert.
Anyone looking for a drone?
- BBlair G.Traveler
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
Nice Overnight
I 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.
Robo A.GuidePainted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
Quick stop!
We 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.
Jay R.ScoutSonoran Desert RV Park
Great service.
New to the rv lifestyle was trying to find a lot during busy snowbird season. And finally found one.
Lee D.LegendTwin Peaks Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Efficiently designed NPS campground
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,
Greg L.LegendTwin Peaks Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Big and tight!
Large 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.
- Greg L.Legend
Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Small CG for the tenters and vans
Small 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.
- Greg L.Legend
Ajo Regional Park - Dennison Camping Area
Not upscale
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.
- Sleam L.Traveler
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground
Reservations only
New 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.
Guide to Ajo
Tent camping near Ajo, Arizona offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscape while enjoying the tranquility of nature. With a couple of well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, tent campers can find the perfect spot to set up camp.
Tent campers should check out Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground
- Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground provides a peaceful setting with a small number of sites, making it ideal for those seeking a more secluded experience.
Tips for tent camping near Ajo
- Reservations are essential at Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground, as it has limited sites and can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Some prices for tent camping range from $8 to $16
- At Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground, the fee is $16 per night, with a discounted rate of $8 for seniors, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ajo, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ajo, AZ is Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
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