Top Tent Camping near Arivaca, AZ

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Arivaca and then fall asleep in your tent? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Arivaca campgrounds for you and your tent. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Arivaca, Arizona's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Arivaca, AZ (7)

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      1. Tumacacori Mountains

      1 Review
      2 Saves

      Mountain range within the Nogales Ranger District which lies just west of Interstate 19 and extends southward to the International border.

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      Camper-submitted photo from Madera Canyon Picnic Area

      2. Madera Canyon Picnic Area

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      9 Saves

      Madera Canyon makes a large dent in the northwest face of the Santa Rita Mountains. Its higher elevation grants relief to desert dwellers during the hot months and allows access to snow during the winter. A world-renowned location for bird watching, Madera Canyon is a major resting place for migrating species, while the extensive trail system of the Santa Rita Mountains is easily accessed from the Canyon's campground and picnic areas. Madera Canyon has a long and colorful history. The Friends of Madera Canyon, a cooperating volunteer group, has developed a small booklet that can be requested at the gatehouse. If you are interested in joining the group, please write: Friends of Madera Canyon , PO Box 1203, Green Valley, AZ 85622. This area is accessible to persons with disabilities.

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      Camper-submitted photo from Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
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        4. Nogales Recreation Area

        1 Review

        Recreation opportunities in the Nogales Recreation Area are dispersed among the Santa Rita Mountains, the Pajaritos, the Tumacacorisand the grassy hill country that seperates them. The Santa Ritas are topped by 9.453 foot Mt. Wrightson, which is surrounded by the 25,260 acre Wilderness area of the same name. Madera Canyonin the Santa Ritas is famous among birdwatchers the world over. A number of Forest roads, including the Madera Canyon Road, provide access to campgrounds, picnic areas and dozens of forest trails. Pena Blanca Lake, at the edge of the Atascosas, offers developed campgrounds, picnic areas and fishing for stocked and resident species. The Pajaritos are home to scenic Sycamore Canyon, a 7,420 acre Wilderness and a history of mining boomtowns and hardy pioneers.

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          5. Arivaca Lake

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          9 Saves

          Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

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              7. Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area

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              2 Saves

              Formerly know as Roundup Picnic Area, the new Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area is located at the end of Madera Canyon Road, as far into this area of beautiful scenery and plentiful wildlife as you can drive. Tables and fire grills are scattered in the shade of a stand of silverleaf and Arizona white oaks. Views stretch up Mt. Wrightson to the top of the Santa Ritas and down Madera Canyon to the Santa Cruz Valley and the community of Green Valley. Four of the most popular trails in the Santa Ritas start right at the Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area. Two designated National Recreation Trails, Old Baldy National Recreation Trail #372 and the Super Trail #134, both of which lead to the top of Mt. Wrightson, begin their mountain climbing journey from the left of the two parking areas. So does the Very Steep/Vault Mine Trail, which lives up to its name by scaling the north slope of Mt. Hopkins, another of the Santa Rita’s highest peaks. A lot less taxing but no less interesting is the Madera Nature Trail, which leads from the picnic area down Madera Canyon, providing great views and excellent wildlife watching along the way. There is more notable birdwatching and a good place to relax in a shady streamside setting up-canyon from the picnic area, along the higher reaches of sycamore-lined Madera Creek.

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            Recent Tent Reviews In Arivaca

            212 Reviews of 7 Arivaca Campgrounds


            • Scarlett D.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Kokopelli Gardens
              Nov. 1, 2024

              Kokopelli Gardens

              Amazing place

              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.

            • Mateo S.
              Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Loco Ranch and RV Park
              Oct. 8, 2024

              Caballo Loco Ranch and RV Park

              Beautiful views from the remote wilderness

              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.

            • Pol G.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Ray Campground
              Oct. 2, 2024

              Gilbert Ray Campground

              Quiet and Well Maintained

              I 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.

            • Cory
              Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Loco Ranch and RV Park
              Sep. 6, 2024

              Caballo Loco Ranch and RV Park

              Very disorganized and people and volunteers there aren't very nice

               Upon 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.

            • Joe H.
              Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Loco Ranch and RV Park
              Jul. 22, 2024

              Caballo Loco Ranch and RV Park

              Wolf's in sheep's clothing, Beware

              Place 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.

            • andrea K.
              Camper-submitted photo from El Pais Motel and Campgrounds
              Jun. 29, 2024

              El Pais Motel and Campgrounds

              Long Story

              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.

            • keith H.
              Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Loco Ranch and RV Park
              May. 15, 2024

              Caballo Loco Ranch and RV Park

              Dirty wolf's in sheep's clothing

               Beware, it's foul in every way. People 55 plus still drugging and drinking. Dog poop all over, dogs not following rules and many pit bulls (my dog bite by pit bull) owner refused to help causing my move by police escort. It's a complete nightmare you'll become trapped in.. many better places close by. Picture is of my dog after going to vet in Colorado for dog bite. Owner uses the attackers owner to baby sit his dogs, so he defended her! Imagine that. Owner harassing caused police escort to move, he harassed cop too. A very sick and sad pathetic place... Truth stings sometimes.. sorry to be negative, but if it saves kind folks time and money I'm okay with it.

            • Berton M.
              Camper-submitted photo from Patagonia Lake State Park
              Apr. 25, 2024

              Patagonia Lake State Park

              Lakeside Campground

              Great campground located on a lake. It's offers all the standard campground amenities. I do really like the birdwatching area outside the visitor center. There's also a small beach you can swim at.

            • Angela C.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Ray Campground
              Apr. 8, 2024

              Gilbert Ray Campground

              Desert campground w spectacular landscape

              Gilbert Ray campground integrates the beautiful desert environment seamlessly with the campsites, which are very generous in size. Some reviews seem to suggest that sites are really backcountry and private, but I wouldn’t say that - most of the landscaping is low so you definitely see your neighbor and you can hear the cars on the nearby road.

              We reserved ahead of time (I didn’t have a problem with the online system, but I did read a lot of complaints). We showed up after hours and I felt the information at the Administration Office was really straightforward, but I got stuck behind two sets of campers who couldn’t figure out what to do or where to go and seemed to expect me to walk them through the after-hours process. In general, most of the campers were older and we didn’t see a single family.

              That may be in part because the chief amenity is the landscape and proximity to the Desert Museum and SNP. Sites have electric hook-ups and there is a bathroom, but no site water hook-ups and no showers. On our way out we drove to the dump station (located at a different loop) and water was available at that location.

              The only other consideration is be careful what route you choose to enter the park. We started traveling according to directions only to realize it wasn’t recommended by the Park that RVs over 24 feet take that particular road.

            • MThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from El Pais Motel and Campgrounds
              Apr. 6, 2024

              El Pais Motel and Campgrounds

              Small, funky and fun

              Small campground (gravel lot) with motel. Back in spots only. Friendly staff, very fast internet, free laundry, and free free-range chicken eggs. We stayed 2 nights. There two normal full bathrooms, a kitchen, and a room to hang out in with a large TV. The place has lots of memorabilia. We happened to arrive on Easter and were given a free turkey dinner :). We will be back.

            • Blaise R.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Tucson - Lazydays KOA
              Apr. 4, 2024

              Tucson - Lazydays KOA

              Very nice facilities

              I stayed two nights with a Class B Van and the full hookup site was private, had a small grassy are, a picnic table and a portable fire pit. The common areas were very nice including the several gas firepits with chairs for just a couple or larger group. I was a little disappointed with the bathhouse/restroom, but that is because I am picky. The important thing is that I would definitely stay there again.

            • Pedro G.
              Camper-submitted photo from Bog Springs Campground
              Apr. 3, 2024

              Bog Springs Campground

              4th time visiting favorite place!

              This campground sits among tall trees and offers stunning views of the surroundings. It's great for people who love nature. The restrooms are clean and convenient, and there are cozy fireplaces to keep warm. Whether you're enjoying the fire or admiring the scenery, it's a peaceful place to relax outdoors with your family and friends, fires are not allowed year round so you might what to visit the website for fire restrictions. Great hikes nearby perfect for bird watchers.

            • rThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Patagonia Lake State Park
              Mar. 15, 2024

              Patagonia Lake State Park

              Older Facilities

              Good campground for fishermen and bird watchers. There is also some hiking available.

              Pros - well maintained facilities but a little old. Hot showers and clean bathrooms. Camping next to the lake. The campground has a visitor center and camp store.

              Cons - campsites are very close with limited privacy.

            • Ashlee G.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from El Pais Motel and Campgrounds
              Feb. 28, 2024

              El Pais Motel and Campgrounds

              Funky & retro!

              We love El Pais! So glad we found this hidden gem in Tucson. It’s a beautifully renovated Rv campground owned by a mother and daughter. Great communications, clear directions, easy arrival. Favorite parts:

              • full hookups
              • free chicken eggs from onsite chickens
              • communal fire pit every night
              • coffee every morning
              • free laundry & showers
              • pool and movies in the summer

              Only cons are some road noise and close parking quarters, but the communal space makes up for it. We loved having a space to meet other travelers & share stories. We’ll be back!

            • Hannah T.
              Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Ray Campground
              Feb. 20, 2024

              Gilbert Ray Campground

              Out In It

              This campground is so cool!!! I prefer to be in nature while camping and this is it! You really feel like you’re in the desert. Sites provide some privacy and aren’t right up on each other. Quiet and relaxing. Good accessibility to the NP. I would definitely return.

            • Ashlee G.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Ray Campground
              Feb. 20, 2024

              Gilbert Ray Campground

              Great stay amongst the saguaros!

              Enjoyed this campsite and all it has to offer - electrical hookup for our RV, a dump station, several drinking water spigots around the loop, and hiking trails all around. Easy to get to, easy to park and level. Our rig is about 38 feet total. So close to the national park & easy to ride in for hikes or exploring! Would definitely return.

            • Ollie The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
              Feb. 20, 2024

              Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest

              Oliver’s Truck Camping Experience

              I enjoyed this camp site overall. It was only 10 minutes away from Patagonia and it had lots of dry firewood. The downside is there is no water source and also road noise. I was there Friday night through Monday morning and heard road noice throughout the night except for Sunday night.

              I would recommend exploring above where the pin is because there is more free dispersed camping that will be quieter and more remote.

            • L
              Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Ray Campground
              Feb. 20, 2024

              Gilbert Ray Campground

              Organized and clean tent camping

              Loved this spot for a night. Practically in the NP, hard to tell the park bounds of Saguaro. Camp hosts were orderly and extremely friendly and available. Grounds were tidy! Bathrooms were clean. Felt really safe as a solo camper. Tent only sites are secluded to themselves. I was in B2 and I’d book that one or B3 if I ever go back. This tent site cluster has a little shade whereas the other two tent sites down the road are pretty exposed.

            • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Tucson - Lazydays KOA
              Feb. 19, 2024

              Tucson - Lazydays KOA

              One of the Better KOAs or Private Campground for that Matter

              We followed the website instructions to the campground(CG) by taking I-10 Exit 164B versus our RV GPS and Waze, which wanted us to get off sooner. After driving that route while staying here, we discovered that route would have been good as well. Check-in was easy and informative. We then drove ourselves to FHU pull-through site 1505 with a patio and fire feature. We maneuvered to get our 10’ sewer hose to fit between our two dump valves as the utilities are centered on the pad. This KOA is a true resort with major amenities, such as a pool, putt-putt golf course, pickleball, restaurant, and planned activities. At check-in we received a Tengo Internet WiFi code, so we tried it out. We were able to do sporadic email and texting. We used our Starlink the rest of the time as we were able to get a good shot of the north sky. We got 5 bars on Verizon. Water pressure in our site was good at about 50 psi. As we are dog people, we enjoyed walking our pups to the fenced dog areas and letting them run. In the front of the CG by the gate there’s a huge 1 to 2-acre fenced dog park. In the northwest corner of the CG, there’s another, but much smaller, fenced dog area, and then another even smaller fenced dog area around the corner from our site. They have a variety of sites with various amenities. As we have family in the area, we would stay here again. The next time we would get one of the sites with a fenced dog area, such as 1476-1479, which has a fire feature and a fenced Paw Pen around the patio. There are covered sites under the solar panels, but we would avoid those areas as pigeons are roosting above. Four RV techs were staying at the CG with signs in front of their campsites while we were there. The week in January we were here, we were able to get some work done on short notice. The CG website has good pics of their wide variety of sites and an expandable site map that identifies amenities. We are not normally high-dollar“resort” campers, but this CG was impressive.

            • Bill R.
              Camper-submitted photo from Patagonia Lake State Park
              Feb. 16, 2024

              Patagonia Lake State Park

              Very busy, lots of families with kids, good location for exploring the area

              We stayed here once in March of 2020. Must have Spring Break - tons of families, tons of kids, dogs and a few old timers. There's a couple short hikes from the campground that were OK. Lots of birds, saw a couple javelinas. 

              There's some boat rentals and a small visitor center/general store. We had water and electric at our site. Sites can be pretty close together with boundaries undefined. Shore of the lake difficult to get to in places because of thick vegetation. East CG is maybe a little less busy than the west.

              Lots of places to explore nearby - Tubac, Madera Canyon, the Town of Patagonia, Ramsey Canyon near Sierra Vista, which is a good place to resupply and other more far flung places like Tombstone.

              It was to have a lake by the campground which is a little unusual in Arizona. The land is different than the Sonoran desert of Tucson but still cool. We probably wouldn't go back unless it was offseason.

            • MThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Tierra De La Paz
              Jan. 10, 2024

              Tierra De La Paz

              Peaceful and Serene

              Large desert landscaped site, neat bbq area, swinging bench. I really loved this place- the owner was super nice . It is apparent they take pride in their land and they have fixed it up nicely.

            • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Ray Campground
              Dec. 12, 2023

              Gilbert Ray Campground

              Great views and beautiful campground.

              Only issue with the site was traffic noise. Was woken up by loud exhausts/tire squealing at 3 & 4 am.

            • dThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Ray Campground
              Dec. 10, 2023

              Gilbert Ray Campground

              Great spot for the money

              No water at the site but there are full stations within the park. For the price, you get a great view and a wide open quite spot.

            • B
              Camper-submitted photo from Tucson - Lazydays KOA
              Dec. 6, 2023

              Tucson - Lazydays KOA

              Great amenities

              The staff was great and the customer service was great. There are very unique spots you can choose from. All the amenities were clean and in good condition.



            Guide to Arivaca

            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.

            What to do

            • Birdwatching: Patagonia Lake State Park Campground is a great spot for birdwatching. One visitor mentioned, "I do really like the birdwatching area outside the visitor center," making it a perfect place for nature lovers.
            • Hiking: Explore the trails around Bog Springs Campground. A reviewer noted, "Great hikes nearby perfect for bird watchers," highlighting the area's scenic routes.
            • Fishing and Boating: At Patagonia Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One camper shared, "Good campground for fishermen and bird watchers," emphasizing the lake's appeal.

            What campers like

            • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning surroundings. A visitor at Bog Springs Campground said, "This campground sits among tall trees and offers stunning views of the surroundings."
            • Clean Facilities: Many campers mention the cleanliness of the facilities. One reviewer at Patagonia Lake State Park Campground remarked, "Hot showers and clean bathrooms," which is always a plus when camping.
            • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. A visitor at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area noted, "Prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors," making it an exciting spot for animal lovers.

            What you should know

            • Campsite Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A reviewer at Bog Springs Campground mentioned, "The camping areas are very close together," which might affect privacy.
            • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer extensive amenities. For example, Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping has no drinking water or toilets, so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
            • Seasonal Restrictions: Fires may not be allowed year-round. A camper at Bog Springs Campground advised checking fire restrictions before your visit.

            Tips for camping with families

            • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Patagonia Lake State Park Campground, which is popular with families. One reviewer noted, "Tons of families, tons of kids," making it a lively place for children.
            • Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Gilbert Ray Campground mentioned, "Good accessibility to the NP," suggesting that nearby parks offer great hiking and exploring opportunities.
            • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Cactus Country RV Park mentioned, "Had some great sunsets," which is a perfect time for a family picnic.

            Tips from RVers

            • Check Site Lengths: If you're bringing an RV, make sure to check the site lengths. A reviewer at Patagonia Lake State Park Campground advised, "If you have a rig over 35’, make sure you research the site before booking."
            • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds, like BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument, have sandy roads. A visitor noted, "Roads are a little sandy so I’d be careful on them when wet."
            • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Casino Del Sol offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper said, "Very quiet, clean & well maintained," highlighting the benefits of these amenities.

            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

            • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Arivaca, AZ?

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

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

              TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Arivaca, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.