Best Tent Camping near Clifton, AZ

Recent Tent Reviews near Clifton, Arizona

124 Reviews of 20 Clifton Campgrounds

• 

  Marty C.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 19, 2018

  Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

  One of our favorites

  We love Roper Lake. Great sites with full hook ups, no sewer. Group camping and tent camping available. Hot springs hot tub. Great hiking. Very busy in the winter months and during holidays. Early reservations required.

• 

  Beth G.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 21, 2023

  Hannagan Campground - Apache Sitgreaves National Forests

  Lovely Little Campground

  This is a great campsite that is full of amenities for FREE (donations accepted).

  There are just a few spots and they are first come , first serve. We enjoyed chatting with the camp host and taking a walk along the hiking trails.

  At over 9000 feet elevation, this is a great spot to beat the AZ summer heat. The sites are nestled away among the tree and feel very secluded considering how close together they actually are to each other.

  Great for tent camping or a small camping trailer. Site have picnic tables, vault toilets, and drinking water

• 

  Sara S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 5, 2016

  Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

  please with our stay

  Great camping experience! We were pleased with our camping experience. Good amenities. A couple camping areas/campgrounds to choose from within the park. Camping is designed for Rv's it seems but tent camping is easy to do as well. We had a small 'pavilion' type structure at our site over the picnic table which was a nice feature. Camping cabins were also a nice feature of the park we may utilize on our next trip :) We heard about people having issues with excessive partying/noise, but we were there during the week and didn't have an issue with this. Hot Springs were a nice attraction of the park as well.

• 

  Adam R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2018

  Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

  Small Oasis in the middle of Southeast Arizona

  Roper lake state park is a beautifully well kept state park. It's $20 a night for tent camping, $30 a night for full RV hookups. (which is kinda high for this area and amenities offered).

  This is my local state park so I visit almost every weekend and kayak the lake. There is a lot of fishing, swimming, and hiking available. There are also some really nice cabins available to rent!

  The camp sights are a small size but offer some privacy from other sites. There are fire rings in every site, as well as a Covered pick-nick tables!!!

  They also offer some full hookup sites, as well as sewage dump and potable water.

  There is a group sized hot tub available for public use that is filled with natural hot springs water as well as a swimming beach and day use area.

• 

  Shavit L.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 21, 2019

  Cosmic Campground

  THE place for star gazing!

  Primitive campground with 1 bathroom. 5 designated drive up spots for camping as well as more possible dispersed sites out in the meadow. Several fire rings hint at possible tenting sites. The wilderness that surrounds the site and lack of lights truly make the night sky magical. Check campground schedule for guided star gazing, they have telescope nights!

  And it’s free! Watch out for cow poop.

• 

  Beth G.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 16, 2020

  Arcadia Campground

  Nice break from the desert heat but overpriced

  My husband, myself and our 2 small dogs live in Tucson, AZ. We recently acquired a roof top tent and we’ve been trying out various campgrounds across the Southwest.

  The drive up scenic highway 366 is worth a trip regardless. There are some amazing views of the Pinaleños. Since it’s still February, the road to the top of the mountain was closed to us so we decided to stay at Arcadia since it’s open year round.

  We were the only people staying overnight, which surprised us since it was a holiday weekend. We did see a group picnicking when we first arrived though. Also, we could hear sports cars on the highway at night. Probably racing down the tight switchbacks.

  No water, so make sure to bring your own. Toilets were clean, pit toilets and there were 2 sets. Campsites are pretty spread out. Some were 30-50 feet from the main road and wouldn’t really suit our needs as RTT campers. Lots of trash cans and a few bear boxes. Each site has a fire pit with a cooking grate and a cement picnic table. For camping in AZ, it is well suited for tent camping. We stayed in site 12. Most other sites wouldn’t not be ideal for RTTs.

  I would definitely return to the Pineleños, but I’m going to wait until April, when we can access the sites at the top of the mountains.

  Overall, it’s a nice wooded area, but with only 1 hiking trail (to Shannon Campground, 10mi r/t) and no vista views from the site, I don’t think it’s worth $20 a night. We decided to only spend 1 night here.

• 

  Jorge G.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 4, 2024

  Owl Creek Campground

  Nice, quiet stop along 191

  A small campground overlooking the Gila River. Only about a half dozen sites but very lightly used and isolated. $5 fee. Closest stores are in Clifton, and the little station in Three Way. The road to the campground from US-191 is dirt, but easily passable by any vehicle that isn't a lowrider. Good condition. 

  Gravel tent pads, awnings, grills, firepits, and clean restrooms. No hook-ups or water/sewer. Decent T-Mobile service, nice BLM Ranger checked on us both mornings. Woke up to the mine blasting one of those mornings, but that wasn't entirely unexpected. 

  Overall a great place to stay, would recommend.

• 

  Taylor S.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 15, 2021

  Cosmic Campground

  Great Spot

  This is a great spot for tent, trailer or RV campers. There are a handful of trailer/RV spots in the actual camp ground loop with plenty of room for tents in the center. There is a vault toilet that is clean and stocked with toilet paper. If the actual campground is full there are plenty of camp sites in the surrounding areas.

• M

  MT

  Scout

  

  Jun. 14, 2021

  Cosmic Campground

  Stars 5 Campsite 4

  About 10 designated sites around a loop. The sites are set up as to where you pull/back your vehicle/camper into the site. There is a picnic table. The site itself is compacted gravel. There is an area at each site where you can set up tent(s) on dirt. Very little to no shade so suggest you bring a popup canopy. Each site has a fire ring, but be sure to check (and respect) the burn ban status. Two pit toilets. No water available at campground so be sure to pack in. There are also dispersed sites off the main loop. There are basically just where you set up a tent where you can find a nice spot. Most have a rock fire ring. The dispersed sites offer solitude away from other campers, but a longer walk to the latrines. There are 4 cement pads at the main campsite area to set telescopes. The stars are incredible. Great viewing of Milky Way (when on cosmic calendar). Constellations galore. Too many satellites to count.

• J

  Jonathan

  Guide

  

  Mar. 31, 2021

  Black Jack Campground

  High in the Jackpines

  About 15 miles from 3 Way on 78, a nice little CG w pit toilets and no water. Though next to the road, there isn’t much traffic and our night was peaceful. I would guess that there are a dozen sites, fairly flat and good for tenting.

• O

  Optimus

  Guide

  

  Jul. 4, 2022

  Hannagan Campground - Apache Sitgreaves National Forests

  Hannagan Meadow

  Beautiful little campground!  Just 7 sites, walking distance from Hannigan Meadow, access for a nice trail to Aker Lake right in the campground.  Some mild road noise from 191, but very peaceful stay.  Every site will fit a small rv or tent.

• 

  Monte W.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 28, 2020

  Cosmic Campground

  Great place

  I have stayed here multiple times and love it. Both times I drove past the telescope pads and went up the hill and slept in a tent. Only a few other campers each time I stayed. Awesome view of the stars and the Milky Way. Plenty of wood for a fire and multiple fire pits. I stayed in June of 2019 and July of 2020 and rain was a bit of an issue. I would stay here again

• K

  Kellie L.

  Traveler

  

  May. 12, 2020

  Honeymoon Campground

  Perfect place

  My husband and I went with our 3 small children. The camp ground only has 3-5 camp sites but on the way in there’s places to put tents off the road. The road is long and goes through a few low water crossings which are so fun to play in. There isn’t much fish up there but there’s crawfish galore once you go upstream from the water crossings. We saw tons of animals and livestock. A few locals too but it was a perfect spot for us just a little far to drive.

• 

  Kelly W.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 1, 2016

  Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

  Fantastic Getaway

  This State Park is very well cared for and a pleasure to stay in. It has three campgrounds, with sites for tents and RV's, as well as eight camping cabins for rent. The lake has fishing, swimming, and is perfect for kayaks and SUP's ... no gas powered motors allowed. The restrooms are nice and clean, with showers. There is also a dump station for RV's to use. There are several miles of walking paths - the wildlife and bird-watching is good. There is also a charming spring-fed natural stone hot tub!

• C

  Cynthia F.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 21, 2019

  Cosmic Campground

  Hilltop dispersed camping

  This is a small campground on top of a hill, therefore great for stargazing! It is dispersed camping (yea, free!) and has two vault toilets. The bathrooms/toilets were well kept and not super stinky like in some places.  There's gravel parking great for RVs, and plenty room beyond that for tents. However, there is NO shade, so beware the summer afternoon. Perhaps because of this there was hardly anyone there, but that's makes for a quiet, unintrusive stay. Also, there are some free range cows, so watch out for cow patties.

• 

  Tony C.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 10, 2021

  Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

  Well maintained, great hiking

  We found the ranger to be very helpful in terms of outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, etc.) The park has great spaces for tent campers and big rigs, with electricity for 30 and 50 amp campers. They also have several cabins right on the lake. 

  Our spot had a picnic table and was right beside the beach. There is a great hike only minutes from the campground where you can see Mt. Graham. 

  The bathrooms, showers, and sinks were all well maintained. Also, the spot is great for stargazing.

  We are looking forward to returning. The town of Safford is charming and has some nice restaurants too.

• 

  Beth G.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 21, 2023

  KP Cienega Campground

  I love this little campground

  This campsite is a repeat location for family. I almost didn’t even want to post a review so I could keep it hidden. Located right next to a large meadow, we almost always see elk or deer. There is also a nice trail next to a creek but the path was over grown when we tried to hike down it. The road down to the campsite is in good shape, but the sites are small. Perfect for 1-2 tents.

  Vault toilet and no other amenities. Bring water.

  This is a popular site for hunters during elk/deer season. We often find carcasses and bones around the site.

• 

  Beth G.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 25, 2023

  Clark Peak Corrals

  Beautiful Views and Vault Toliet

  Nothing beats the summer Arizona heat like escaping to the top of the Pinaleños.

  At 8800 ft elevation, this corral and campsite offers amazing weather in the summer and gorgeous views off the edge of the mountains.

  Be prepared to bring in anything you might need, including water. There are only about 3 campsites located near the vault toilets, but their are dispersed sites further down the forest road.

  This forest road is gated off during the winter months and this area is not accessible.

• 

  Michael B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 9, 2021

  Upper Twilight Group Site

  Private and Clean

  This site was very private and expansive for the location. There is the lower campsite however it is a bit down from the area where the tents were set up. There were multiple fire rings set up around the camp and the rangers who visited us informed that we may not use them and they were going to be dismantled once we left. There is a "main" fire ring near two tables and a bear box. The restroom being close and CLEAN was a bonus but is the only restroom for both the upper and lower campsites. There are great hikes and trails in the surrounding areas especially if you want to venture off trail to a lookout point nearby. Highly recommend this site for families and new to camping campers.

• 

  Candy P.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 29, 2020

  Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

  Desert Terrain with Moutain View

  There is plenty to do at Roper Lake. Great spots for RVs, tents, and cabins too. This is a popular area so get your reservations in early. The lake was low in December and it was windy and cold, but we made the best of it and enjoyed the views of snow capped Mt. Graham. Campground was clean and very dog friendly. They have a dog park. The have a junior ranger program... fun for the little ones! We did notice that many weren’t following covid protocol in bathrooms and around the campsite. But we had no problem social distancing and keeping to ourselves, even with our loop completely full. We felt safe and comfortable. Your stay also includes access to Dankworth Pond State Park, a 10 min drive down the road. The pond is small, but you’ll catch more fish here. There are also great educational hiking paths with information & replicas of tribal villages. Worth the drive!

• 

  J K.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 9, 2019

  Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

  Gorgeous AZ park!

  Loved it.Great family friendly camping! Very clean and well kept park, beach swimming area is very large and never felt crowded by people!  Plenty of shaded picnic areas, campsites big, and on site bathrooms very clean and showers have hot water and great water pressure! Only downfall was the hot springs was closed, but not necessary when campinge in Arizona!

  If you like fishing you mihght be a bit disappointed. you could see a ton of fish around the dock, but sadly none of them were biting or we just didn't have the right kind of bait.We don't come here too often because you have to pay each time you come unless you get a pass. But it's a fun place to swim and fish and be by some water when it's ridiculously hot.

  Loved the pool and cabins even though we have a camper

• 

  Kaileen F.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 29, 2021

  Riggs Flat Campground

  Perfect

  Me and the boys picked a site with a few flat areas for tents. Standard issue picnic tables and fire pits with a flat common area is fantastic. Very easy access to this cute little Lake that is stocked with fish. Good fishing if you're into it. Definitely some trails on the mountain, but we also greatly enjoyed just wandering through the forest to some local lookouts. No sour reception in Camp that we've found, but if you walk out to the West edge of the mountain you can pick some up. The pine Forest up here is fantastic. Not as many Aspen's at this camp as others on the mountain. We got caught in some pretty heavy rain. Definitely be aware of the weather and that the mountains attract more rain. It is definitely a healthy drive to get out there, and the last 30 minutes or so is dirt with some holes and dips and rocks.

• 

  Adam R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2018

  Arcadia Campground

  Prefect Desert Getaway

  Within a 30 mins drive from the nearest town, you can leave 112 degree heat, cactus, and sand to find yourself surrounded by large pine, long mountain hikes & 30 degree difference in temperature!

  Surrounded by large pine, a cool breeze and a cornucopia of wildlife! Although fire restrictions are always a concern Arcadia campground is the blessing all desert dwellers need!

  Fire rings, BBQ, & bathrooms are available at camp sights. There is a $10 day pass or $10 nightly pass required to stay.

  Info from the USDA:

  When early settlers ventured up Mount Graham, the Arcadia area was usually as far as they got on the first day. A little later in the history of the Pinaleños, Arcadia was the site of one of several Civilian Conservation Corps camps established in the 1930s to provide jobs for workers idled by the Great Depression. Today, Arcadia Campground is the first campground visitors encounter on their way up Mount Graham by way of the Swift Trail (AZ 366), which was built by those Depression-era workers. Arcadia Campground is shaded by stands of tall ponderosa pine interspersed with Gambel oaks and Arizona walnuts. Such a diverse habitat makes this an excellent area for bird watching. Watch for poison ivy.

  RV’s up to 22' and vehicles with trailers less than 21' are recommended. Longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on AZ 366. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14 day stay limit.

• 

  Adam R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 9, 2018

  Riggs Flat Campground

  Long, Slow, Beautiful Curvy Scenic Route to an Under Whelming Lake

  Riggs Flat Campground is located in the Pinaleño Mountains 40 miles southwest of Safford, AZ. The lake is not all that big, a bit under whelming to be honest after such a great drive, although if your lucky you may be able to catch some trout and bass for dinner (you'll need a valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp). I don't believe many people come to the lake to specifically "camp", what this location offers is a scenic drive and a base camp for much better nearby activities such as hiking, mountain biking, birding, caving and swimming.

  There are no services or first Aid, the nearest would have to be Mt. Graham Community Hospital in Safford, 42 miles away. RV Camping is 22 feet and less. Boats permitted on the lake may be powered by no more than a single electric trolling motor. RV’s up to 22' and vehicles with trailers less than 21' are recommended. Longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on the road up the mountain (AZ 366). Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14 day stay limit.

  The drive up starts out paved and well maintained, but half way turns to a semi-maintained dirt road. You'll climb from 3200 feet to 9000 in a matter of miles, Mt. Graham is known for is amazing diversity from the surrounding desert. You'll climb through many different Biospheres and witness wildlife change from Lizards, Snakes, and desert dwellers to Deer, Endanged Red tree squirrels, and black bear. There are many other camp grounds on the way but if they are all full then this is your… 15th or so choice!

  If your a hiker you can find traces of the Anasazi Indians that once inhabited this area.

  Keep in mind the cabins you will pass on the way up are PRIVATELY OWNED, and are not for rent.

• S

  Shawnston T.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 7, 2020

  North Clifton RV Park

  Beautiful

  Is a great place.

• 

  Lynn W.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 23, 2021

  North Clifton RV Park

  Reasonable Price

  We are staying here for 6 days. Mostly quiet (except when they emptied the dumpster at 5am on Monday morning) and peaceful. We have Passport America so the price is right. Full hookups.

• 

  Mike D.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 19, 2021

  Owl Creek Campground

  Favorite camping spot in AZ

  We really enjoy this spot. There are 7 campsites with ramadas and fire rings. One small pit toilet. There’s a small hiking trail to a bridge that leads to the day use area and along the creek. We saw some coatimundi and lots of evidence of other wildlife! $5 a night is great too!