Arivaca is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Arivaca is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Arivaca, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
When it comes to activities at Patagonia Lake, camping is a must. The campground features 105 developed campsites with a picnic table, a fire ring/grill, and parking for two vehicles. Select sites also have a ramada. Sites have 20/30 amp and 50 amp voltage. Sites tend to fill up in the evening from May until November. Campsite lengths vary but most can accommodate any size RV. Quiet hours (no generators, music, or loud voices) are from 9 p.m. – 8 a.m. See Park Rules.
$25 - $119 / night
Next time you need a break in your busy life consider cool weather camping at Tucson Mountain Park's beautiful Gilbert Ray Campground, located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, a convenient 13 miles from Tucson. RV campers should access the park by way of Ajo Highway to Kinney Road and follow the signs to the campground.
The campground has 130 RV sites with individual 30-amp electrical hook-ups. The campground has 5 sites that are designated tent only, however tenters are welcome to camp in an RV site but are asked not to use the electrical hook-ups. It has centrally located water, picnic tables, modern restrooms, and an RV dumping station. Shower facilities are not available. There are handicap bathrooms.
There is a seven-day length of stay limit. The park's peak season is January 1st through March 31st. Camping fees are $10.00 per night for tents and $20.00 per night for trailers and RVs. Senior Pass/Golden Age Pass NOT valid. Due to limited tent sites you can tent in a RV site, however, during peak season the RV campsite fee applies. Wood fires are prohibited.
$10 - $75 / night
Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort is your desert oasis, featuring beautiful fruit trees abundant throughout the park, with plenty of good times to be had. The campground offers Pull-thru RV Sites with full 30/50-amp hookups, grassy luxury sites and NEW RV Sites with a Patio and a fireplace! No RV? No problem. Stay in one of the NEW two-bedroom Deluxe Cabins with queen beds. Whether you want to relax by one of the two pools, soak in the hot tubs, play a round on our nine hole putting green, or join in the fun activities, this KOA has something for everyone to enjoy. The completed installation of the two PowerParasols® solar shade structures now allows guest to camp, gather and even barbeque under a patented structure that produces clean solar energy. The structures shade more than two acres of the campground, giving visitors room to park RVs on 30 covered RV sites. Check out our NEW resort style activity park! Providing ample shade and sport courts to bring recreation, relaxation, family and friends together. Lazydays, a full-service RV dealership with a service department, is located next door. Other campground amenities include a bar& grill, meeting rooms, fitness center, three off-leash dog parks and complimentary Wi-Fi. Camping in Arizona is a breeze at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA. Pool: Open all year. Max pull thru: 73 feet.
Bog Springs offers some exceptional scenery, either right from your campsite or a short walk away. Many visitors unfamiliar with Arizona will be surprised by the high grasslands that climb the slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains, the thick oak woodlands, and the conifer forest that covers the mountain tops.
$20 / night
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Enjoy some Great Food at Arivaca Soul Food Restaurant, grab your RV Space or one of our fully furnished units and spend the weekend, or the whole month. Beautiful Arivaca is located in Southern Arizona & is a very scenic drive, with so many things to do like hunting, wild life sanctuaries, bird watching, fishing, visit Ghost Towns or go panning for gold. Rich with history and beautiful sunsets and millions of stars in the evening, you will fall in love with this little town. Enjoy a beer downtown at the local La Gitana Pub and a game of pool, there is something for everyone here.
$25 / night
Mountain range within the Nogales Ranger District which lies just west of Interstate 19 and extends southward to the International border.
Guide
There are many places to camp on empire ranch. Many are dispersed camping but there is also a really great group site for reservation. Great location for Ground Tents, Roof Top Tents, and RVs
ScoutThe host offered to help with anything we may have forgotten or needed. Great fires every night. Cool spot
Scout
Been here a couple of months and have enjoyed it
Scout
I stayed for 5 nights at this location. I took the time to explore the area and have this recommendation: When you pass through the entry gate, you will see a line of telephone polls and a road under them straight ahead. There is only a couple of mediocre sites on that road. About 150 yards in from the gate the road will split with a 2nd (Southwest/middle option) and a 3rd (Westward option). You will see a camping board/sign on the 3rd (West option) that provides info. If you continue along that road you will find a couple decent sites, but you will also find the road gets rutted a bit further on and is not a good place for trying to drag a trailer. The Westward road also gets a couple cars passing by during the day and night. My recommendation is that you take the middle, Southwest road to find the best options for camping. The Southwest road is better than the other two options (South and West) for pulling trailers and it has multiple locations to choose from. Eventually, you come to a point where the road turns right (West)... if you follow it you will come to another gate that marks the end of the BLM parcel. But, at that point you will also find a large, flat, open area to set up camp. Best of all is that it is about as secluded as you can get for this location.
GuideNot bad for a night or two. Cell service is 5g with 3 bars on Verizon. Not very scenic if you're looking for that.
Legend
Stayed here a few times in 2019. Crowded, dirty, highly patrolled. Don't think I will be staying anymore.
Guide
Great place to explore the trails right from your camp! Easy pull throughs all hook ups, clean bathrooms with laundry!! We were not looking for adult only but enjoyed it!
ScoutOnly spent the night here. The road in had about a mile of washboard but not too bad. The sites are simple and spread out. We took one of the first ones. Could see one other camper. Had a great sunset and a quiet night. There is an Ironwood sign at the gate and addition alsign with rules about 1/4 mile in on right.
ScoutFirst time at BLM. Crowded. Dirty. Lots of broken glass and I have dogs. Right off highway so car noise. Looking for a better spot.
GuideWe stayed two nights in this spot, visiting the Saguaro NP during the day. Only 2-3 other campers in the area while we were there. Fairly easy in and out. The road had some washboard but you could easily avoid by staying in the outer edges of the road. Very quiet with good views of the sky.
Scout
Great views! Great facility. The hosts were very communicative and helpful. Loads of wineries and hiking trails are a short drive away.
Guide
This dispersed camping area was a lot more secluded and quieter than I expected. My friend and I were looking to camp overnight before going on a gravel bike ride in the area.
Harshaw Road was already along the bike route, so this was an ideal location. Bonus that this is pretty close to Patagonia which came in handy when we couldn't make coffee in the morning.
We drove a little further than the GPS marker to find a camping spot that was tucked in from the main road. There were plenty of spots for a large group with rock fire pits. As someone mentioned, there was an area further back that was clearly the bathroom spot.
Assume that this spot could get full in the shoulder seasons, but again was pleasantly surprised to be the only ones there.
Scout
stayed for 1 night in December. very easy to reserve online, paid $36/night. neighbors were quiet and respectful. bathroom very clean and well stocked with soap and paper towels. can hear coyotes at nighttime. perfect place to watch the sunset. fires not allowed unfortunately. had water spouts here and there for washing dishes.
Scout
The owner and host are friendly and helpful. They have nice hot showers, laundry facilities, dish washing stations, and fire rings. My spot had a hummingbird feeder. Would stay here again!
TravelerSome spots vary is size so make sure your rig can fit. Also some more difficult to back up into.
Great staff and clean bathrooms.
Also many spigots dispersed so filling you tanks or getting water not too much an issue. I used 100 ft of hose to refill
LegendSNYDER HILL BLM DISPERSED.
Recently posted basic camping info about this place close to Tucson west side at Ajo Hwy 86. . Some commenters got upset that I had mentioned this spot on a FB dispersed camping page, as if it was a secret or a pristine location! Hah!
REALITY update: This place is a 100% CRAP HOLE and should be shutdown by the BLM. Full of marginal rundown vehicles and homeless tent campers. Trash and glass everywhere. Hwy 86 noise 24/7, recreational shooters constant adj somewhere.
Note that the State of AZ closed and fenced off their adj section two years ago, and another BLM parcel to east past the fire station was closed to camping last year. Time for this crap hole place to be shutdown, imo.
Some pics of the trash noticed.
TravelerThe hosts are lovely and the mercantile is adorable. The grounds are exceptionally well kept and everything is clean and tidy. There is a community fire pit for campers to enjoy together or fire pits at each site to enjoy on your own. Showers, restroom, laundry, and water! Lovey Dovey was a little tight for my 9.5 Ft tall 21 Ft long campervan but it was a wonderful spot. I think all the spots might be nice though!
TravelerKim & Dan are wonderful hosts. The property is on the side of a slope with expansive views. Spotlessly clean porta potty. Safe. Peaceful. Horses and cows. I booked 2 nights and as soon as I set up camp I booked two more. So glad I did. Great location. Delicious well water.
Traveler
Stopped here along a 400 mile bikepacking route through southern az. We were immediately welcomed and given a tour by Astral, who quickly became our friend. Astral even recommended an amazing wild camp spot for our following evening, near the border. That evening, Mary made us a delicious dinner that nurtured our bodies, minds and souls. There was plenty of room for tents, as well as tent pads to help keep you warm throughout the night. The bathrooms, showers and laundry were an extra perk after a couple days worth of riding. This will be a regular stop for me anytime I visit Patagonia, which will be often ❤️
Guide
I love Tucson. The big plus about this park (other than the really nice people) is that is borders park land and there are SO many acres and miles of trails right out of the campground. The grounds and the surrounding desert have an abundance of interesting succulents and cacti and gorgeous mountains all around. Most of the folks here are long termers- we only stayed for 4 days. The sites for short termers are by the road and not the best, just gravel sites with full hookups, but sufficient for our needs. No picnic tables. No public toilets. Laundry facilities and a gathering room.
Scout
The campgrounds are surrounded by coyote song throughout the night. Hardly any light pollution and the hosts are incredible!!! Sinks with drinkable water. Showers. They provide a tote full of goodies like plates and what not. There's a pen type area for the dogs to play in. And Tim and Victoria are so sweet!!! Highly recommend.
RangerVery easy access relatively close to shopping. Out of the way. However there is a light to moderate amount of garbage. It is near a highway and you do hear traffic. Extremely easy to access and there are many spots and the land is pretty full of campers some look like their full-timers or permanent the sign does say 14 day limit. I saw two tent campers as well. There are two or three entrances all on the same road and the camping area is cordoned off with a metal cable so the land cannot be used as a drive-thru or pass through area. The weather is moderate in the 70s during the day down to the lower 50s at night I got here the day before Halloween.
Traveler
I have lived here for 10 months now, and love the place. Like any campground, there are malcontents that will complain about little things like not being pampered or catered to. The reality is that this is a relatively remote place where you absolutely must be self-sufficient to a large degree. There has not been full-time management until recently, but the new management team are very attentive and reasonable. Since the ranch has been under new management many of the so-called bad influences have left. If you love natural beauty, privacy, and solitude, and are willing to make some sacrifices of comfort, this is the perfect place.
ScoutI came here at the beginning of September 2024 and stayed for one night only. My spot has Shore Power (15,30,50), but you need to fill up your water tank before parking your trailer. If you select a site near a water source, that's fine, which I did. All roads are one way, and that's why they called a loop. I stayed at Loop A. Make sure you make your reservation online before going there. I bet this campground is packed in wintertime. By the way, their office is closed during off-season. If you arrive during this period, you'll help yourself locate your campground number. And you can just go online and pay your fees.
ScoutUpon entering it was dirty and restrooms not clean. I never received info they claimed was sent, so went on a hunch. It was dirty, dogs off leash and poop everywhere. Trash disposal area was unclean attracting insects and bugs and wildlife. People living there were not nice or clean. Staff was not friendly either. We decided to leave early. Found place 20 miles away that is wonderful by comparison. Advise trying elsewhere.
ScoutPlace is a nightmare. Have police report from requiring police to escort due to harassment from disturbed owners. Dog was bitten by pit bull, owner did nothing but blame me and call me mentally ill. Very sick thing. Horrible road, brown water and a homeless camp setting. Go for a drive through first. And rules aren't followed. Owners Michelle and Jim even harassed the police officer, which caused me to make multiple trips to Colorado to leave. I walked away from a home, ATV and 5th wheel just to get away from these people. It's like hell on earth with demonic people.... Good luck should you go, you'll need it. Owner also posted a response comment with lies calling me names etc. These are sick evil people who will harm you, caution. Check police report from April 17th with sheriff dept.
Traveler
I stayed about 2 weeks. Nice place. Excellent price. Except... I returned one day to find my stuff had been rearranged. Maybe their free range chickens got into it. That's fine. A few days later my stuff was rearranged again. Maybe they were worried about it getting damp. Nice thought. My last night I returned to find my assigned spot had shrunk to where I could barely fit. I managed to get backed in and had to figure out how to get my driver's door open without hitting the car next to me. Then I had to figure out how to get the side doors open to get my dogs out and to load my stuff. I had no choice but to make it work. I delayed making this review because I did like the place but the rearranging of my stuff twice and shrinking my spot with zero communication really bothers me.
Camping near Arivaca, Arizona, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Arivaca, Arizona, provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you're with family or exploring solo, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Arivaca, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Arivaca, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Arivaca, AZ and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Arivaca, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arivaca, AZ is Patagonia Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arivaca, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Arivaca, AZ.
What parks are near Arivaca, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Arivaca, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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