Patagonia Lake State Park Campground provides established camping options 20 miles from Amado, Arizona. Located at 4,600 feet elevation, the area experiences temperature swings from 35°F winter nights to 100°F summer days. The campground's 105 sites sit within a 265-acre state park that receives approximately 200,000 visitors annually.
What to do
Hiking trails: Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offers access to three trails within park boundaries. "The campground itself is large, sites somewhat spaced apart and the grounds have a lot of stubby trees which were leafless when we were there," according to Bill R.
Birdwatching: Empire Ranch offers excellent wildlife viewing in Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. Liz W. notes, "The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes. Quiet during the week."
Cave tours: Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground provides access to unique underground formations. As one visitor explains, "We reserved and did the Rotunda/Throne Tour. It was very cool and our 1st cave tour. I would suggest reading the rules for tours before reserving. Access to the cavern is very controlled as far as how you get in and what you can take."
Mountain exploration: Visit Mt. Lemmon from Coronado National Forest Whitetail Group Site. A camper shares, "A great place to beat the heat with family or scouts group. Hit up the town of Summerhaven for cookies and pizza at the cookie cabin."
What campers like
Level sites: BLM camping off Valencia Road offers flat terrain suitable for all vehicle types. David M. reports, "Good spot, level ground, lots of room. Any size camper will work. Turn north on the dirt road just west of the casino and follow the power lines north up a coupe hundred yards and you will see the camping area just off your right."
Clean facilities: Tucson - Lazydays KOA maintains well-kept amenities for glamping close to Amado, Arizona. "Bathrooms clean and modern. It is just too big for us and could imagine how crowded it would feel if it were full. However, we would stay again," notes Kim G.
Variety of accommodations: Prince of Tucson RV Park offers multiple lodging options from basic to luxury glamping near Amado. John M. explains, "It's really a long-term RV park with plenty of park model campers. It does have nice bathhouses and exceptional laundry and pool, but you won't be roasting marshmallows on your 8 by 10 concrete slab next to your asphalt driveway."
Dark skies: Empire Ranch provides excellent stargazing opportunities in a low light pollution area. "It had wonderful vistas, a big sky and was breezy," reports Ronald K. about the Las Cienegas Campground section of the property.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F at most sites below 4,000 feet elevation. David T. warns, "It's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108" at Kartchner Caverns.
Wildlife awareness: Venomous reptiles inhabit the region year-round. "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench," cautions David T.
Campground busyness: Patagonia Lake State Park Campground experiences heavy visitation, especially weekends and holidays. Liz W. shares, "Camped in site 10 - face in. Our cord/hose worked fine for our 28' rig and car. Lake lovely to canoe, we biked all over the camp (small)."
Water access: Most dispersed camping areas lack potable water sources. Kathy S. notes about BLM camping off Valencia Road, "Some trash and evidence of full-time living led to 3 stars vs. 4. Nice views of the mountains and close to town for supplies or Casino if you feel compelled to part with some cash."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Cactus Country RV Park offers swimming facilities popular with children. Kaylene H. states, "Had a great experience here. We all enjoyed the super nice pool & hot tub. They also had a neat cactus garden to walk through. Shuffle board available too."
Group site options: Coronado National Forest Whitetail Group Site accommodates large family gatherings. "This campground boasts several group sites, complete with plenty of parking, large gazebos with multiple grills for your group gatherings, and tent pads scattered throughout," explains Candy P.
Clean bathrooms: Kartchner Caverns provides well-maintained restrooms suitable for families. Harold P. confirms, "Clean restrooms, nice showers, friendly camp hosts."
Safety considerations: Some camping areas near Tucson require extra security awareness. Rick B. notes about Tucson-Lazydays KOA, "It does have a security guard so we felt safe in the campground. However, it is not in the best location and we often heard gunshots at night."
Tips from RVers
Site orientation: Patagonia Lake State Park Campground requires careful positioning for hookups. "Many sites are not level. Our parking spot was level but nothing else. Leaving us without a great spot to put our chairs and table," advises Candy P.
Electrical reliability: Check power connections before setting up at some parks. HandL C. warns about Cactus Country RV Resort, "The shore power 30 amp showed reverse polarity and a faulty ground, so we used the 50 amp with a dog bone. The last time we stayed, we were given the same site and the electric had not been repaired...after reporting it 3 weeks prior!"
Access roads: Dispersed camping areas may require careful navigation. Jules S. notes about BLM camping off Valencia Road, "Great spot. Very flat, can get a size RV in here. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars is there are a few people you can tell live here. Therefore, a little noisy with people coming in/out all day. No gate. Clear road to find. Felt safe."
