Bowie, Arizona sits at 3,750 feet elevation in the high desert of southeastern Arizona, experiencing temperature swings from below freezing in winter to triple digits in summer. The area sits at the base of the Chiricahua Mountains, creating a transitional zone between desert and mountain landscapes that attracts campers seeking affordable RV accommodations. RV parks in this region typically maintain consistent availability year-round except during peak winter visitor season.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting near Rusty's RV Ranch provides exceptional dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Very nice place, well maintained. Very quiet place too. Perfect for astronomer/stargazing. Concrete pad (could support 2 telescopes) are available with power outlet to run all astronomy gear," notes Francois T.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe desert wildlife. "Quail crossing in the campground!" reports Rose C. from Alaskan RV Park. The pistachio trees at some sites attract birds and provide natural shade during hot weather.
Museum visits: Explore local history at nearby attractions. "While visiting we went exploring and visited the Chiricahua Desert Museum & the Apache Museum next door. Enjoyed all of the displays and history as Geronimo surrendered nearby," shares Charlie from Rusty's RV Ranch.
What campers like
Budget-friendly rates: Camping costs in Bowie are notably lower than other Arizona destinations. "Can't beat $10 for a tent. We slept under 2 pistachio trees with fresh nuts. Showers included, very friendly staff," reports Sable from Alaskan RV Park.
Spacious sites: Grande Vista RV Park offers room to spread out. "Gravel drive-through and back-in spots for RVs with 30 or 50 amp connections, water and sewer. Two tent spots," explains Owen M. Most parks feature level pull-through spaces that accommodate larger rigs.
Social atmosphere: Some RV campgrounds near Bowie feature recreational facilities. "Cattlerest is not only a bar but has ton of activities such as pool, corn hole, shuffle bored, line dancing, music and more," writes Priscilla about Cattlerest RV Park and Saloon.
What you should know
Cell service varies: Connectivity can differ significantly between carriers. "AT&T coverage was good, but only 1 bar of 5G service with speeds up to 8 MB/s. We had a clear view to the N at the site, so Starlink was fine with speeds up to 25 MB/s," notes Ray & Terri F. at Rusty's RV Ranch.
Limited shopping options: Prepare by bringing supplies. "Bring supplies because the closest place for decent shopping is Douglas, AZ about 55 miles south," advises SMCadventures4u from Rusty's RV Ranch.
Tent camping considerations: Not all parks are ideal for tent campers. At Lifestyle RV Resort & Fitness Center, "The lot is gravel, full hookups, and there's a fantastic local coffee shop just down the road," mentions Vanessa M., but tent sites may lack shade during summer heat.
Tips for camping with families
Pet policies: Most RV campgrounds in Bowie welcome pets with minimal restrictions. "Pet friendly. Staff friendly as well," notes Laura M. at Alaskan RV Park, making it easier for families traveling with furry companions.
Verify child policies: Not all RV parks welcome children. "I was told they accepted children and then told my kids were not welcome. Very disappointed," reports savannah about Fort Willcox RV Park. Call ahead to confirm if traveling with minors.
Entertainment options: Some parks offer on-site recreation. "Rusty's RV Ranch does a lot to keep this little rv park a cool place to visit. She's built trails and has goats/birds that the campers can interact with," mentions Untrammelers B.
Tips from RVers
Payment methods: Be prepared with cash at some locations. "Super nice staff, cash only, no Wi-Fi but good cell service as is right by interstate," advises David K. about Alaskan RV Park. Many smaller operations don't accept credit cards.
Hookup reliability: Check septic system status upon arrival. "Had to notify manager that drains not draining: she said septic tank full had to wait hour for it to drain before I could empty my tanks," warns Dallas W. about Fort Willcox RV Park.
Temperature planning: RV campers should plan visits according to seasonal temperatures. "Thought about staying on BLM Land but temp was predicted for 28. Discovered this little gem for 20.00 with electric!" shares Rose C., highlighting the value of hookups during extreme weather.
