Glamping close to Dragoon, Arizona combines high desert landscape features at elevations ranging from 4,200 to 7,900 feet with access to nearby attractions including historic mining towns and wildlife viewing areas. The Sonoran Desert transitions to dramatic mountain backdrops across the region. Winter temperatures typically remain mild with daytime highs in the 60s, while summer temperatures can reach triple digits requiring shade and water planning.
What to do
Visit historic mining towns: Located only 8 miles from Desert Oasis Campground, Bisbee offers a mountain town experience with historic architecture. "Old Bisbee is a charming, mountainside town that is often referred to as little San Francisco. The historic downtown has restaurants, shops and galleries that also make it an artists paradise," notes James J.
Observe seasonal wildlife: The Willcox Playa Wildlife Area near Playa Dispersed Campsite hosts significant bird migrations. "Got here about 6 PM and the lagoon was filled with cranes. Got amazing pictures of them. In the morning the lagoon was empty. You must have to get here during certain migrations," reports Ken.
Explore cave formations: Tours at Kartchner Caverns State Park require advance planning with specific entry requirements. "The cavern is up the hill behind the center. We reserved and did the Rotunda/Throne Tour. It was very cool and our 1st cave tour. I would suggest reading the rules for tours before reserving. Access to the cavern is very controlled," advises Bill R.
What campers like
Dark night skies: Spencer Canyon Campground provides exceptional stargazing conditions at higher elevations. "So very very pretty! The giant mountain is a perfect backdrop for camping! It's super dark at night, so sky viewing is great!" shares Jennifer H.
Spacious campsites: Sites at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offer ample room between neighbors. "Spots are very large and spaced well," confirms David T., while Alivia M. adds, "Each site is really big and everything is clean and well maintained. Nearly all sites have electrical and water with a dump station located near the entrance. Each site has a table and fire pit as well as shade from trees."
Onsite dining options: The cafe at Willcox-Cochise KOA provides quality food without leaving the campground. "Cafe on site with nice staff and good food. The sites are super roomy," notes Tonya B., while another camper mentions "Nice campground, escorted to site, easy hook up. Good Wi-Fi and cable TV selection. Staff was very nice. Grounds are well maintained."
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby roadways. "Willcox-Cochise KOA is located right next to a highway and on an exit. There is constant road noise from the highway. If you are parked next to the highway you are approx 12 feet from the actual highway road itself and can feel and hear every single vehicle that drives by," warns Megan B.
Local wildlife awareness: Encounters with desert wildlife require caution. "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench," reports David T. about his stay at Kartchner Caverns.
Seasonal temperature variations: Summer heat requires preparation, while winter brings milder temperatures. "It's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108," notes David T. about Kartchner Caverns, while a Desert Oasis visitor explains, "The mild winter is sunny with temperatures that are usually in the sixties with desert nights that want to make you snuggle."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Tombstone RV & Campground provides clean amenities for families. "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!" shares GoldDust D.
Nature trails for exploration: Multiple trails accommodate different skill levels near campgrounds. "Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don't take a tour into the caves," notes David T., while a Desert Oasis visitor mentions, "Nice trails surround the park and clearly marked for either hiking, bike or equestrian."
Proximity to supplies: Forgetting items isn't a major concern with nearby towns. "If you forget something Walmart is one exit over," explains Drea M. about staying at Kartchner Caverns, while another camper adds, "Couple stores within 20 miles for any forgotten items."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Cactus Country RV Park provides accessible sites with some limitations. "Pull through sites are very close together but level enough with gravel and a patio pad with table and fire pit," notes Karen B., while another camper adds, "We were given the same site and the electric had not been repaired...after reporting it 3 weeks prior!"
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services for longer stays. "Sites have water and electric hookup, a picnic table and fire ring. The back in sites are paved and level. The bathrooms with showers were clean and well appointed," describes Lisa S. regarding Kartchner Caverns.
Extended stay amenities: Laundry facilities and shower access vary between locations. Desert Oasis Campground offers "Laundry area with washer/dryers. Tons of space for boondockers," according to Sharon B., while another visitor explains, "Laundry is $1.75 for a large load both washing and drying" at Cactus Country RV Park.
