Best Tent Camping near Duncan, AZ

Recent Tent Reviews near Duncan, Arizona

133 Reviews of 13 Duncan 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.

• 

  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.

• 

  greg M.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 20, 2021

  Happy Camp Trail

  Huge camping area, all alone

  Thought I was going to see a crowd based on reviews. But nobody here but me. About 5 miles from I-10 to the South. Last 2 miles on dirt bit well maintained. Then you get to a bunch of connected dirt roads. At least 50 campsites off dirt roads. I met some cows on one dirt road and had a stare down. I lost and backed up. Expecting a super quiet night. Tucked into the boulders near the mountains. Very nice. Another clear moonlit night in southern AZ. I LOVE the desert. All sites are on loose dirt and there are many places for larger rigs. I tent camp so don’t need much room. I highly recommend this site. 3 hrs W of Las Cruces NM, 3 hrs from PHX.

• 

  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.

• k

  kr S.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 27, 2022

  Ridge Park RV

  Roomy sites, quiet, near Gila NF, CD trailhead and Silver City

  This is an awesome park. The RV sites all have full hookups and are extra long and wide. Because the rv sites are situated around the perimeter of the very large greenspace and dog park, all sites have expansive views in all directions. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets! There are tent sites in the central green area with picnic table, firepit and shade trees. There is a great hiking trail, about 1/2 mile, that makes a loop. It is comfortably wide so you and your dog can see the trail and won't accidentally run into cactus. The park is a straight-shot easy 15 minute drive into Silver City and is convenient to Gila NF trails, several Continental Divide trailheads, the Catwalk and lots of other natural areas. Rosie and Bill, the owners are a wealth of info about the local sites and trails. The campground has a bathhouse, laundry, gym, communal library with books, games and puzzles.

• 

  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.

• S

  Sable

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 20, 2020

  Alaskan RV Park

  Simply but convenient!

  Can't beat $10 for a tent. We slept under 2 pistachio trees with fresh nuts. Showers included, very friendly staff. Would recommend.

• 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.

• 

  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!

• 

  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.

• 

  Susan A.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 3, 2018

  Alaskan RV Park

  Take a trip down Music Road for a great stay!

  Alaskan RV Park is conveniently located off of I-10 at Exit 366 near Bowie. The park features affordable RV sites at $20/night. The sites are all spacious pull-throughs. There is a dump station on site($10), and water refill available (based on tank size, but not more than $20). The park is handicap accessible and pet friendly. No breed restrictions. Tenting is also available. There are showers and laundry available. Alaskan RV Park is Bowie's best kept secret as it was the site of the Sideman Jamboree each year and featured music from country stars. The park hopes to bring music back to the stage in the future.

• 

  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

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 30, 2020

  Happy Camp Trail

  Secluded and beautiful

  This site is relatively easy to get to, considering how remote and alone and quiet it feels once here. We found a nice spot at 32.2437301, -109.5120963 in our 26 ft class C.  Some sketchy parts of the road, rocky and narrow with some dips, but it can be done if you're careful.  

  BLM ranger and other law enforcement drove up the road about once per day, which was nice. 

  Drive through Bowie to get to Apache Pass Rd then a left on Happy Camp Canyon dirt road which is wide and flat but washboarded. Once you get to the recreation area, there is a picnic spot with tables and toilet but no camping is allowed in that area, you'll have to keep driving a bit further. There were a lot of campers when we stayed but we found a nice spot right off the dirt road with amazing views. Heard some gun shooting going on the first day but none following that. There are open range cattle roaming around so give them space and keep your animals leashed. On a hike one was walking right up to us so be aware.There were times on our hikes where you turn a corner and there are a few just standing there. The brush is high enough to hide some too so keep an eye out. This is BLM so the camping is FREE there is however a private property further up the dirt road (property is gated and fenced off). Spots are adequate for tents, smaller RVs or trailers. 

  Good place to hike, scramble up the rocks or mountain bike.  

  Good verizon and AT&T reception.

• 

  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.

• 

  Dennis P.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 23, 2021

  Gila Lower Box Canyon

  Difficult to find the best spot.

  Three roads fork off Fuller Rd. (A027) toward the river. The middle fork already had an RV in the flattest spot, which probably had the easiest access down the very steep canyon walls. We went farther west and had a steep hike into the canyon. I didn't camp, but advise there are no facilities, amenities, or anyone to hold your hand. And it's a fair amount of time to Silver City, so we were more aware of safety than usual. Birding is supposed to be great in-season but winter isn't that season.

• 

  Gary C.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 9, 2022

  Gila Lower Box Canyon

  A true paradise in southwestern NM

  Don't go to the Gila Lower Box looking for formal campsites and places to hook up an rv. This is primitive camping at one of New Mexico's truest oases. 

  Why? Because in 1990, cattle were prohibited from grazing this stretch of the Gila River. 

  The result? One of the lushest, most verdant riparian environments left in the desert southwest.
  For those with a 4wd or very high clearance, you can camp down along the cliffs right at the edge of the river corridor. Being a birders paradise, it's a very unique experience to sit on the edge of the cliffs, 20-30 feet above the tops of the cottonwoods and watch all the bird activity below. 

  You can also watch bands of coatimundis grazing through the bosque. Watch out for rattlesnakes and Gila monsters during the warmer months though. 

  I rate this as one of New Mexico's best outdoor experiences. (A note: I camp to the west of the location shown on the map.)

• 

  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!

• 

  Justin G.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 4, 2020

  Black Jack Campground

  Great campground.

  You are right off the road so there is some noise, but it is beautiful. Easy drive to get to. Stayed here 2 times in a couple of weeks, two separate sites, and did fine. 21 ft trailer

• 

  Tyler C.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 11, 2018

  Black Jack Campground

  Good family campground.

  I took the family out here (including the dog), a few months ago. We pushed out there and discovered a lovely little campground in the pines. The site we chose had a fire pit and a picnic table, which was great for us. We had the run of the place.

  There was a pit toilet set up, even though the kids didn't want to use it. A series of trails pushing up into the ridge line gets you up to a clearing where lightning has given you a view of the surrounding area. You might be lucky to see deer in the area if you sit still. There are a number of manzanita bushes that were ripe when we popped up there.

• 

  Wendie K.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 8, 2022

  Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

  Gem in the Desert

  Great place! Well maintained. Road in quite bad, but doable. Very remote, but version service was great.

• 

  Rachel C.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 19, 2023

  Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

  Amazing!

  This is my second favorite campground. I'm a nomad and there is nonpotable water access and vault toilets. 1.50 a night with National Park Pass. It is SUPER windy most days so be prepared. Very secluded. One hour to town. Only three people in 7 days have driven by the campsite. The ranger and camphor were two of them.

• 

  Justin R.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 29, 2024

  Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

  Great Stop

  All the facilities are very clean. $3/night and you have two hot wells to soak in during the day. This is a recreational area for OHVs so expect to hear people having fun on the weekends.

• 

  Abby M.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 4, 2021

  Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

  Amazing spot!

  This place is fantastic. It’s three dollars a night, you have a picnic table with an awning, grill, and small fire pit and you have access to two small pools filled with hot spring water every morning. There are about toilets scattered throughout the campground as well as trash bins. I arrived on a Friday night and it was already dark which I would not recommend because it’s very difficult to navigate and see who has taken care of spots. Also, the sand can be very thick in some areas so I’m not sure if we’ll drive. Be sure to scout spots before you pull in. There’s a total of 14 designated sites and they have spot but it was blocked off during my stay. It was very quiet night and beautiful stargazing and I would recommend anyone that is remotely in the area. Definitely worth heading out of your way to be here.

• 

  Christian M.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 13, 2024

  Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

  AMAZING

  I have been full timing in my 22 ft travel Trailer for 2.5 years.. this easily is one of my fav spots. Camping is $3a day near the hot wells but outside the recreation area, is all BLM camping. Hot wells right next to our spot were amazing. I just wish they were working all 24 hours a day. The wells are pumped by a solar pump so cloud coverage or night mean the solar pumps aren’t pumping. But they fill up about an hour after sunrise and about an hour after sunset it drains. We were the only ones there for 4 days. It was awesome

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 18, 2019

  Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

  Hot Springs, Dunes, & Views Abound

  Many places feel like they are in the middle of nowhere; this one actually is.  A 24 mile drive from Stafford AZ, along a bumpy asphalt road brings you to some lovely desert camping with miles of OHV trails and 2 hot thermal pools for soaking.  For just $3/day you can camp, soak, or ride in this beautiful desert oasis.

  There are only around 14 designated sites, but there are many other tucked away spots where you are welcome to set up camp.  Just be careful to stay out of the soft sand, or off the popular OHV trails. We set up just just off the dirt camp road, with a short walk to the pools, and pit toilets, and woke each morning to Gambel Quail and Mourning Doves.  We happened to visit during the 2019 spring “super bloom” and desert wildflowers were everywhere. The sand outside outside our trailer revealed that a bobcat had sniffed us out. The desert and the surrounding area is full of life, you just have to look for it.  

  Come prepared to dry camp as there is no other water source than the thermal pools, but the pit toilets were very clean and well stocked by the friendly camp host.  The pools fill each morning once sunlight hits the solar panels which power the pumps. By sunset the pools will begin to drain, so everyday there is a new supply of freshwater in the tubs.

  Trail activity was pretty loud and busy during the weekend, but as the workweek began things died down and all was quiet.  We cycled on the road rather than the OHV trails because we didn’t bring orange safety flags, or really want to compete with motorized trail traffic.  There are endless desert hiking opportunities just outside the OHV area.

  Note:  Cell service was spotty in the campground, but we were able to make a phone call, but no data.