The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Amado, AZ

436 Reviews

Tent campsites near Amado, Arizona range from dispersed sites in the Tumacacori Mountains to established campgrounds in Coronado National Forest. Popular options include Harshaw Ave dispersed camping, Empire Ranch, and Madera Canyon on Proctor Road. Most sites provide primitive tent camping with minimal facilities and require proper preparation for self-sufficient stays.

Tent campers should bring adequate water supplies as drinking water is unavailable at most locations. Sites typically consist of ungraded natural surfaces with limited development. High-clearance vehicles are necessary to access several areas, particularly at Madera Canyon. According to one visitor, "Don't go there unless you have a high clearance vehicle. Not that you need 4x4, you just need the clearance." Empire Ranch offers marked tent sites with toilets and picnic tables, while Harshaw Ave provides more rustic experiences with fire rings but no facilities.

The tent camping experience varies significantly across locations. Areas farther from Nogales and Amado generally offer better solitude. Empire Ranch features open grassland campsites with expansive views described by a camper as having "wonderful vistas, a big sky and was breezy." Harshaw Ave provides more tree coverage but experiences occasional road noise, particularly on weekends. Sites in the Tumacacori Mountains offer proximity to the artistic community of Tumacacori. For backpackers seeking backcountry tent camping experiences, options extend further to Happy Valley Saddle Campground and Manning Camp in Saguaro National Park, accessible via moderately challenging hikes through diverse terrain. These backcountry tent sites provide bear boxes, fire rings, and vault toilets, though permits are required for overnight stays.

Map showing campgrounds near Amado, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Amado, Arizona (15)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Amado Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Amado, AZ

6 Photos of 15 Amado Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Amado, AZ

436 Reviews of 15 Amado Campgrounds

  • Jered K.
    Feb. 25, 2019

    Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park

    Small & remote camp

    Happy Valley campground's name can be decieving.. its actually at 6,000' of elevation, 4.6 miles up the Miller Creek trail in the Rincon mountains east of Tucson. It lies within the Saguaro National Park so a permit is required ($8 fee). Up to 6 people per permit. There is 3 spots at the camp. Each spot has a fire ring, bear box, and some good size stumps to sit on around the fire. There is a vaulted toilet at the site as well. Water can be scarce in the Rincons so plan accordingly!

    Another 3.4 miles up the trail and you'll be at the summit of Rincon Peak (8,200'ish).

  • P
    Sep. 13, 2020

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Very Nice

    My grandson and I stayed in a tent campsite for two nights. There are only a 5 tent sites and they don't have a tent pad. After two passes we were able to find a site with a smooth spot without rocks for the tent, B5, a picnic table but no shade. I felt there could have been more bathrooms and water spickets but honestly I did not do much walking in the campground. It is the quiet time of year, before snowbirds come, so we were able to have our pick of electric or not sites. It was quiet; I think three trailers and one other tenter. No generators allowed and 7 day strict limit. The coyotes were very vocal at night, which I enjoyed.This is more of an RV campground but suited us fine for two days. We interacted with the hosts and they were very nice. We explored the trails, visitor center and Sonora Desert Museum, which we loved. Thirty minute drive to Tucson. We went to the Reid Park Zoo, which we thoroughly enjoyed; LOTS of animals for a small zoo. We drove the loop in East Saguaro National Park. Some things closed in West Saguaro park so be aware of that, like Old Tucson, but we found lots to do.

  • Lisa S.
    Jan. 15, 2021

    Bog Springs Campground

    A Favorite

    What this campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for in its’ superb environment. Long grass, Mountain mahogany, pinion, oak,sycamore and juniper trees create a habitat for over 100 bird varieties and species. Deer roam around inside the campground perimeter and hiking trails lead directly out to miles of Mountain trails including to the top of 9427’ Mt. Wrightson.

    There are only seven back in or curb side sites, and five walk in tent sites. All have water, picnic tables and fire rings. There is a building with pít toilets.

    This is not a place for big rigs or glampers.

    There is a lodgings nearby where an array of feeders attracts dozens of birds for Public viewing and where there is also a gift shop.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Best Campsites for Snowbirds In Arizona

    When spending time on the road many times you will find campsite after campsite that is welcoming but not quite like home away from home. But when you drive through Tucson, there is a mecca filled with winter bird campers and long term campers which create a home away from home.

    With only tent sites available on the facility, we were fortunate to find a site, however when we arrived we were so excited by the facilities we extended our stay by a day.

    Office staff immediately greeted us and let us know about the facilities, which happened to feature a mini golf course, an indoor events facility, 2 swimming pools and hot tubs, an indoor recreation area and multiple on camp fire chinineas. In addition there was a fishing pond and dog park area.

    Each of the 4 campsites were considered to be regular campsites instead of upgrade sites but when we arrived it was the most delux sites we had encountered along the way.

    Pad sites were large and the first to actually accommodate our large tent and the ground was u like any we had seen before at a site. The soft mulch was similar to that of a modern day playground and made for a much more comfortable sleep over the two days we were there.

    In addition to the standard picnic table of most facilities, this campground offered a kitchen facility at each campsite including a large copper sink and food storage as well as electricity and overhead lighting in the pergola designed to allow shade from the harsh Arizona sun.

    It was the closest thing to glamping we had encountered by far!

    Then as an added bonus, fresh fruit trees abounded ready for the picking. The front desk informed us of the allowance to pick what you want as everything was in season! An amazing treat on the road!

    We spent many hours at the pool facility, enjoyed amazing neighbors, used the wifi and even did a load of laundry while in Tucson. The facility really was like a home away from home on the road.

    🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰

    If the scale went higher we would rank it more Bunnies. There were no real areas we could see for improvement. Staff was very accommodating, long term and short term residents of the facility were amazing and this was a desert oasis like no other!

  • Deborah C.
    May. 17, 2019

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Gilbert Ray Campground , May, 2019

    May, 2019 we visited Saguaro National Park near Tucson AZ. We had planned to hike into the park at one of their few campgrounds but the office informed us that there was a controlled burn and recommended we not stay in the park and suggested Gilbert Ray as a good option. Gilbert Ray Campground is a great location for visiting the National Park. We arrived to find the office closed for the summer, so self serve option was available, at 10.00 per night for tent camping you can’t beat the price. The bathrooms were clean and as an added plus they have a dishwashing station. We stayed in the A loop. There are no showers and the campsite it all gravel making it next to impossible to put a tent stake in. The sites are fairly close together, for example, I could hear our neighbor unzip his tent. All sites have picnic tables. Cell service is good.

  • G
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Molino Basin Campground

    Perfect Tucson Getaway Camp

    We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in late February and were pleasantly surprised to find this first come, first serve campground nearly empty. We drove toward the back of the campground to explore open sites and selected walk up site 23. Perched away from the road and surrounding campsites with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountainside. Equipped with a large bear locker, table, fire ring, lantern post and flat open space to pitch our tent. 

    Conveniently located a short walk to the restroom, which was very clean. 

    On our first night we walked down to the empty group site to pick up part of the Arizona Trail for a quick hike before dinner.

    This campground is a great base location to explore. One morning we did the Sky Island Scenic Byway to the top of Mt. Lemmon and visited the cute little general store to grab souvenir stickers for the kids.  In the afternoon we drove the 30 minutes to Saguaro National Park East which was the highlight of this trip.

  • Danny K.
    Oct. 28, 2020

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    All Gravel

    This is a very nice and well maintained campground with many sites to choose from, but it is definitely geared toward staying in an RV given the utility hook-ups. Luckily I packed two sleeping pads along with my tent for the night or it would've been extremely uncomfortable; every site is filled with heavy gravel closer to a stone consistency. I didn't have any problems with coyotes venturing around, but the grasshoppers that would continually crash onto the stones was a little annoying while sleeping. There are no fires allowed at any site here because there are no fire pits or rings, though the large concrete picnic tables are a nice touch. The bathrooms are clean and orderly. If you want to stay here for a nice and easy hike up Brown Mountain nearby, this campground is a no-brainer.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Benson KOA

    Nice Spot right off I10

    Loved this KOA. It was clean and quiet. Level ground and every spot had a picnic table. I didn’t see fire rings in every spot but someone down the way from us did have a fire so maybe some sites have them OR these people had their own that they broke out. The laundry looks like it was just re-done. The machines are new and the dryers actually worked! Bathrooms are clean and showers are perfect!
    The sites are level and graveled. They have tons of activities for families. Corn hole, horseshoes, pool table in the game room and a great play ground. They do have a pool and hot tub but it was closed because it too is new to the resort so although it looked ready the sign said they were doing the final touches. My only complaint was we had a back in spot in the back but they called around 4 wanting to know our ETA we said close to 5:30. She told us that they were going to move us to another spot because backing in in the dark can be problematic. We were fine with that and had no problem with the new site which was in front of the KOA building. However they put in street lamps that are blinding at night. I had to find towels to clip up in the window so we could sleep. Not a big deal at all but if you come in late ask or they call to move you ask to be away from the football stadium lights 🤪 I would most definitely stay here again!

  • Nicole J.
    Dec. 6, 2021

    Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park

    Amazing campground!

    Exceeded expectations!! A moderate 4.6 mile hike after 16 miles on a dirt road. The hike up is BEAUTIFUL and not overly steep (but watch for snakes). The campground was great. We were the only ones there and used site 3. It was very secluded and had a nice big bear box and a nice fire ring. I would definitely return! It was a bit chilly in December but slept comfortably.

Guide to Amado

Tent camping near Amado, Arizona offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region, with various campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest, where you can explore the surrounding trails and enjoy the serenity of nature.
  • Experience the vibrant wildlife at Madera Canyon Picnic Area, known for its birdwatching opportunities and encounters with wild turkeys.
  • Hike through the picturesque landscapes of the Tumacacori Mountains, a well-reviewed spot that offers a blend of adventure and scenic views.

Tips for tent camping near Amado

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $8

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Amado, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Amado, AZ is Tumacacori Mountains with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Amado, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Amado, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring