Patagonia Lake State Park Campground provides luxury glamping options near Arivaca, Arizona, at an elevation of 3,750 feet amid the rolling hills of Santa Cruz County. The campground features cabin accommodations with access to the 265-acre lake where visitors can fish for bass, crappie, and bluegill. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-65°F, while summer months can exceed 100°F, influencing when glamping enthusiasts choose to visit.
What to do
Bird watching excursions: At Patagonia Lake State Park Campground, visitors can observe numerous bird species in their natural habitat. "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), Visited local town Sierra vista for a wonderful dog groomer (Paw Passion) and lunch (machaca @ La Casita)," reports Liz W.
Wildlife photography: The varied terrain at Empire Ranch provides exceptional photography opportunities. A visitor noted, "The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes. Quiet during the week," which makes it ideal for wildlife photography without crowds.
Cactus garden exploration: Visit the botanical displays at Cactus Country RV Park. "They also had a neat cactus garden to walk through. Shuffle board available too," shares Kaylene H., highlighting the educational opportunities beyond standard glamping activities.
Canoe rentals: Explore waterways at your own pace with rental equipment. "Lake lovely to canoe," mentions one visitor who appreciated the calm waters perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
What campers like
Spacious glamping accommodations: At Tucson - Lazydays KOA, the sites provide ample room. "Great spots, all with a seating area. Fruit trees at our spot. As it is winter now in most states, people tend to stay throughout the winter. Come in the summer and they'll have covered spots," explains Theo A.
Clean facilities: Many glamping locations maintain high standards of cleanliness. "Campground was packed! Despite being crowded, it was quiet. Facilities are very clean and well maintained. Park rangers were driving through regularly, which was nice to see. Camp sites are well cared for," notes Ryan V.
Proximity to attractions: Cactus Country RV Park offers convenient access to regional highlights. "This park is minutes away from the east section of Saguaro National Park. It may look and feel remote, but good shopping, restaurants and attractions are very close," explains HandL C., demonstrating the balance between seclusion and convenience.
Diverse recreational options: Multiple activities keep glampers entertained during their stay. "Your kids will never complain of boredom here. There is an unlimited amount of activities to keep them occupied. Laundry room and showers were clean. RV sites were spacious in my opinion," shares Lisa H.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Choose your glamping spot carefully for the best experience. "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., highlighting the importance of requesting specific sites.
Seasonal crowds: Winter brings increased visitation to glamping sites near Arivaca. "It was quiet. Facilities are very clean and well maintained. Park rangers were driving through regularly, which was nice to see," mentions Ryan V., suggesting that despite crowds, management maintains order.
Power considerations: Check electrical connections before setting up. "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!" warns HandL C.
Access routes: When approaching BLM land near Valencia Road, be cautious about entry points. "Google Maps attempted to get us in off Sunset. Big dip in entry road would bottom out most RVs. We then followed directions to take the dirt road across from Casino on Valencia and made it in no problem," advises Kathy S.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Schedule time for learning experiences during your glamping trip. "Bird watching is very popular here we learned as we talked to others at the park," observed Sara S., suggesting this activity can engage children in nature study.
Facility verification: Confirm amenities before booking with children. "There is a store there with basics. We had a reasonable back-in site with electricity and water. Only stayed on night but would definitely consider returning," notes Seth P., emphasizing the convenience of on-site supplies.
Pet-friendly options: For families traveling with animals, select accommodating glamping sites. "I have two dogs, but this koa had a dog park that i was able to take them to in order to get all of their energy out before the long car trip," shares Jill R. from Tucson - Lazydays KOA.
Swimming access: Choose locations with water recreation for family cooling options. "Terrific views and close to needed amenities. Shower and bathrooms very clean," states Michael S., noting the importance of clean facilities when glamping with children.
Tips from RVers
Level camping surfaces: At Empire Ranch, find suitable terrain for larger vehicles. "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," advises Joshua M.
Basic supplies: Stock up before arrival at remote glamping locations. "There's a store there with basics. We had a reasonable back-in site with electricity and water," mentions Seth P., highlighting limited on-site shopping options.
Hookup verification: Confirm utilities work properly upon arrival. "We were surprised at how well maintained this campground is. It has lots of activities and the sites are spacious. You will find citrus trees on many of the sites," reports Rick B., noting the importance of checking amenities even at well-maintained facilities.
Site spacing considerations: Research how close neighboring sites will be during your glamping stay. "The proximity to the lake is great!! The campsites themselves are small," observes Kimberly C., suggesting that prime locations may sacrifice privacy for views.
