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Best Campgrounds near Benson, AZ

786 Reviews

Campgrounds near Benson, Arizona range from established RV parks to primitive dispersed sites across diverse landscapes. The area includes Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground with its renowned cave system and developed sites for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping. Several RV resorts like Benson KOA and Butterfield RV Resort provide full hookups, while public lands in the Dragoon Mountains offer free dispersed camping opportunities about 20 minutes east of town.

Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. "We stayed here for 5 nights at the end of March. The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up," noted one camper about Kartchner Caverns. Facilities at established campgrounds typically include water, electric hookups, and dump stations, while dispersed sites require self-sufficiency. The region sees monsoon storms during summer months, and flash flooding can affect access to remote sites. Cell service varies considerably, with stronger coverage near Interstate 10 and diminishing reception in the mountains.

Camping experiences in the Benson area often center around exploring nearby attractions like Tombstone, Bisbee, and the caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park receives consistently high ratings for its clean facilities and dark sky designation, making it popular for stargazing. A visitor mentioned, "This State Park is an amazing place. The Cavern tours are spectacular! The campground has around 60 sites & the views of the surrounding mountains are incredible, especially at sunrise & sunset." Many campers use Benson as a base for regional exploration, with several noting the convenience of town amenities just a short drive away. Sites at developed campgrounds are generally well-spaced, offering more privacy than typical RV parks, while dispersed camping in the Dragoon Mountains provides solitude for those willing to travel primitive roads.

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Best Camping Sites Near Benson, Arizona (183)

    1. Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-4100

    $50 - $129 / night

    "I’m lucky enough to live in Benson, AZ where it is located. The Cavern tours (if you are lucky enough to get a reservation during COVID) are spectacular!"

    "The hiking trails in the park were awesome providing adventures and scenery for all levels. "

    2. Benson KOA

    6 Reviews
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    5 miles
    Website

    3. Tombstone Territories RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Huachuca City, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 457-2584

    "Off the beaten trail a bit but we really enjoyed our stay here. Hiking trail entrances right in the park and it’s close to the San Pedro river."

    "Park is out away from civilization, with a lot of hiking /biking trails. Laundry was acceptable but not exceptional. Several machines were out of order at any given time."

    4. Encore Valley Vista

    3 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The grounds are very clean and it looks like campers are at least one space away from another. We stayed here and traveled to Tombstone, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and Old Tucson."

    5. Red Barn Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    5 miles
    +1 (520) 586-2035

    $25 - $49 / night

    "Right next to the freeway and a stone’s throw away from gas stations/grocery stores, this is a great place to pull in for the night."

    6. Butterfield RV Resort and Observatory

    4 Reviews
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-4400

    $45 / night

    "A Safeway, Ace Hardware, restaurants, and a TSC are all within walking distance of the park."

    "The resort is close to the freeway and historic sites as well. The nightly fee is reasonable and staff members are friendly/responsive."

    7. Dragoon Mountains

    11 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    17 miles

    "This is all dispersed camping so come well equipped, because if you forget anything the closest town with supplies is Sierra Vista or Benson."

    "Beautiful rock backdrops and views with lots of trails. There is much dispersed camping and although the area can be quite busy, there's lots of space and privacy can be had."

    8. Quail Ridge RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Huachuca City, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 456-9301

    $25 / night

    "With my 42ft trailer I had no problem getting around. 25min away from Tombstone."

    "Close to the highway but not too noisy. The campground is clean and well maintained. Very affordable!"

    9. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "We camped just past the cieneguita sites tucked back in the mesquite thicket."

    "Great space to walk the dogs around here. It’s gets a little windy at times and the cows can make a racket every so often, but we really like it here."

    10. The Lakes at St. David RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    St. David, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 720-4140

    "Benson is 15 minutes away and has a Walmart, Safeway, auto parts, etc..."

    "There's a heated swimming pool and hot tub and, of course, 'The Lakes', which are really small bodies of water that have campsites around them. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Benson, AZ

120 Photos of 183 Benson Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Benson, AZ

786 Reviews of 183 Benson Campgrounds

  • Eric M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Clean sites

    Tons of sites make sure to lock up your food i had a skunk visitor

  • T
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Friendly Staff

    We booked last minute and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The campus seems nice enough, but has a few years on it and in a rough neighborhood.

  • Rush C.
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    a profound sense of peace and connection with nature.

    Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada. Known for its otherworldly landscape, this remote site offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking solitude, vast horizons, and stunning sunsets. The flat, cracked playa surface stretches endlessly in all directions, creating a sense of open freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. Camping here is truly off-grid— there are no amenities, no marked spots, and no shade— just you, the wind, and the desert sky. color rush

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    If you need to get out of the heat

    It was packed on the weekends, but holy cow, was it gorgeous.

    Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat.

  • GoldDust D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Tombstone RV & Campground

    Pick a tombstone & be welcomed by the buzzards!🪦

    We embraced the WildWest and chose to stay at Tombstone RV park. The whole trip didn't disappoint! This place is so nice. We were welcomed and escorted to our plot🤣, got settled, and were welcomed by a donkey and its owner that were visiting as well. Bathrooms and showers are clean, and it was nice to do laundry. The pool was crystal clear and refreshing in the AZ heat. We pulled up our boot straps and mounted the 4WD pony and headed to town, which was just up the road. There is a boothill cemetary and the legendary downtown Tombstone and the OK Corral. We even got to ride in a stagecoach! We absolutely loved our stay, and we'll be seeing y'all real soon!🐎🪦🌵

  • H
    Jun. 8, 2025

    FR228

    Escape from the Parker Canyon Lake heat

    We didn’t see a single soul until the morning we were packing to leave. Near the AZT trail intersection. We took an offshoot off of FR228. Several spots to pull of with flat clearings, existing makeshift fire rings. We drove far enough up the offshoot road until we got to some bigger trees for shade and to hang hammocks. This offshoot runs along side a seasonal water source that runs down the canyon. I believe this created a draw for wildlife and we were lucky enough to spot several wild turkeys and a couple of black bears. The bears scared off easily with some yelling and making ourselves big. We didn’t see them again. Nice solitude!

  • michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2025

    Mount Hopkins Road

    Nice desert camping

    Nice spot, flat and easy parking. A little traffic in the morning but not that much.

  • J
    May. 31, 2025

    Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    Beautiful, however…

    We drove 3 hours from Phoenix for a weekend in the forest, new to town and learning the ways of Arizona camping, didn’t realize fires are some times allowed and some times not. We would have gone somewhere closer to home if this app had updated information that campfires (wood) are currently not allowed. :/

  • ball M.
    May. 29, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    great

    Playa Dispersed Campsite is a hidden gem located in the stunning landscapes of Arizona. This campsite offers a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying the serenity of a less crowded environment. The site is perfect for camping, hiking, and stargazing, with ample space for tents and RVs. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure. The accessibility to nearby trails and natural attractions enhances the camping experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking surroundings. Overall, Playa Dispersed Campsite is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with head basketball nature.

Guide to Benson

Camping near Benson, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventurous trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Kartchner Caverns State Park: Just a short walk from the Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground, this park features stunning caves and an observation center. One visitor mentioned, “Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don’t take a tour into the caves.”
  • Visit Tombstone: The historic town of Tombstone is about a 30-minute drive from the Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground. A camper noted, “Visited Tombstone, AZ as well. About a 30min drive.”
  • Hiking in the Dragoon Mountains: This area is perfect for hiking and enjoying nature. One reviewer said, “We found a nice secluded spot among the rocks. Pretty popular place, most spots along the road were occupied but seemed like there were a couple open.”

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at the Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “Restrooms/showers well maintained.”
  • Spacious campsites: Many enjoy the large, spaced-out sites at the Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area. One camper mentioned, “Camp sites are large, offer electric and water.”
  • Wildlife sightings: Campers at the Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area love the wildlife. A review noted, “Prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors.”

What you should know:

  • Highway noise: Some campers have mentioned that the noise from nearby highways can be bothersome. One reviewer said, “Highway noise continues well into the night” at the Cochise Stronghold Campground.
  • Limited amenities: Many dispersed camping areas, like Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A camper noted, “There aren't very many spots, though, and it's pretty busy.”
  • Temperature extremes: Be prepared for hot summers and cold nights. One camper at the Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground mentioned, “Our temp in June was 108.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like the Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground, where families can spread out. A visitor said, “Spots are very large and spaced well.”
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of nearby attractions, such as Tombstone and Kartchner Caverns, to keep everyone entertained. One family shared, “We had a great time camping and hiking at Cochise Stronghold.”
  • Watch for wildlife: Teach kids about local wildlife, but also remind them to be cautious. A camper warned, “Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for hookups: If you need electric and water hookups, the Tombstone RV & Campground is a great option. A reviewer noted, “Grounds are well kept and staff are very nice.”
  • Arrive early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, so get there early to secure a good site. One camper mentioned, “We had to drive up a couple of miles to find an area to pitch up our tent” at Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping.
  • Stay connected: Be aware that cell service can be spotty in some areas. A visitor at the Bog Springs Campground said, “I have Verizon but the service was poor.”

Camping near Benson, Arizona, offers a variety of experiences, from established campgrounds to more rustic options. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Benson, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Benson, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 183 campgrounds and RV parks near Benson, AZ and 52 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Benson, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Benson, AZ is Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 43 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Benson, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 52 free dispersed camping spots near Benson, AZ.

What parks are near Benson, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Benson, AZ that allow camping, notably Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National Park.

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