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Best Tent Camping near Duncan, AZ

155 Reviews

Tent camping near Duncan, Arizona offers a diverse landscape of primitive and established sites across the region's mountains and desert terrain. Upper Juan Miller Campground, located in Duncan, provides tent-only sites year-round with basic amenities including vault toilets. Happy Camp Trail, a highly-rated dispersed camping area near the Chiricahua Mountains, offers excellent walk-in tent sites among distinctive rock formations. Arcadia Campground in the Pinaleño Mountains provides well-established tent campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Marijilda offers more secluded primitive tent camping along a creek for those seeking solitude.

Most tent campgrounds in the Duncan area have limited facilities. Vault toilets are available at established sites like Owl Creek Campground and Round the Mountain, but drinking water is scarce. Campers should pack in all water needed for their stay. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some areas like Upper Juan Miller prohibiting fires year-round. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in lower elevations, while the Pinaleño Mountains offer a 30-degree temperature drop. Wildlife considerations include rattlesnakes, which are commonly spotted at Happy Camp Trail, and bears in the mountain areas where bear boxes are provided at some sites.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Duncan features dramatic elevation changes and diverse ecosystems. One camper at Happy Camp Trail noted, "I tent camp so don't need much room. Tucked into the boulders near the mountains. Very nice. Another clear moonlit night in southern AZ." The area offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Round the Mountain Campground provides access to hiking trails with "snowy peaks in early April and waterfalls," according to reviews. Tent campers should be prepared for primitive conditions, including soft sandy soil at Happy Camp Trail and occasional encounters with free-range cattle. Many sites are first-come, first-served, with no reservation systems in place.

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Best Tent Sites Near Duncan, Arizona (12)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Duncan, AZ

155 Reviews of 12 Duncan Campgrounds

  • Michael B.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    Bighorn Campground

    Perfect for a One Bight Stopover

    Bighorn, NM: great for stopover., As it is right off the highway (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 3 perfect for a stop over Security: no Usage during visit: light Site Privacy: no Site Spacing: OK Pad surface: dirt Outside Road Noise: some highway noise Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no, Dump Station: no, Potable Water Available: no Generators: allowed Bathroom: pit toilet Showers: no Setting: parallel with creek, just off the highway. Solar: great Insects: none during our visit in April. Host: no Sites: along the creek bed, just off the highway.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Black Jack Campground

    No frills relaxation

    No hook ups, no water, just well spaced campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Very quiet and peaceful, although some road noise, but not distracting at all. Stayed 2 nights in a 20 ft. TT. Will definitely go back and stay longer! So relaxing!

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Tanque Road Dispersed Camping Near Safford

    Superbloom in the BLM: Camping in a Natural Desert Garden

    Wildflowers at their peak. a full on superbloom of California poppies amidst cacti greeted us at this BLM spot just southeast of Mt. Graham. Lots of places to pull over for a night or for a week or two along Tanque Road, and almost no road noise since the highway is far enough away. Tanque Road is dirt but was doable for our vintage trailer for the first mile or so, but we've heard it gets sandy and harder to navigate the further in you get.

    Well-positioned in between the Coronado National Forest and the Hot Well Dunes area. No services, no water, no toilets, just beautiful open desert. Come prepared with drinking water and please Leave No Trace.

    Closest town is Safford, AZ about 30 minutes away, and has all that you need.

  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2019

    Round the Mountain Campground

    Tiny Spot, Beautiful Views

    This tiny little campground is perched on the side of the road in another of AZ's Sky Islands. Just 3 campsites, not big enough for large RV’s, though Hamlet-sized trailers and camper vans are fine.  

    Passable pit toilets available for use, but no drinking water. Each tiny site had a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. A beautiful creek down the hill from the campground had crystal clear water for filtering and washing up.  Completely FREE and first-come, first-served!

    Great hiking around the whole area, complete with snowy peaks in early April and waterfalls. Saw many road cyclists riding up the very steep, winding road, as it is lightly traveled. This sky island s a great place to head in the summer when the desert is too hot to enjoy it.

    Closest town with supplies and services is Safford, AZ, about 20 minutes north.

  • Tyler C.
    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.

  • Adam R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2024

    Riverview Campground

    Quick Night by the Gila

    The road in turns to dirt for a brief minute, then back to paved. It winds and there are some tight turns. You turn off the pavement to dirt the last 1/4 mile. Wouldn’t take anything over 35’ 5th wheel. $5/night is not bad to have vault toilets, water spigot, picnic tables, river close. Biking trails, horse trails, hike trails, OHV trails all close. There are corrals at the “Host” site. There is a boat ramp 2 miles before the campground. There is one farther up also. Not sure about at the campground. No Verizon signal here.

Guide to Duncan

Tent camping near Duncan, Arizona offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the region. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for tent camping near Duncan

  • For a serene experience, consider the Happy Camp Trail, where you can enjoy spacious sites and beautiful scenery, perfect for those seeking solitude.
  • If you're looking for a spot with easy access, Arcadia Campground is a great choice, featuring clean facilities and a convenient location for exploring nearby hiking trails.
  • Be prepared for a rugged adventure at Marijilda, where you'll find a secluded area right by the creek, but remember to bring your own supplies as there are no amenities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Owl Creek Campground offers well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it a comfortable choice for families and groups.
  • At Round the Mountain Campground, you'll find free camping with basic facilities, including pit toilets, perfect for those looking to save on costs while enjoying nature.
  • The Gila Lower Box Canyon provides a unique primitive camping experience, allowing you to camp right by the river and enjoy the lush surroundings.

Tent campers should check out local wildlife

  • Birdwatchers will love the Gila Lower Box Canyon, known for its vibrant bird activity and the chance to spot coatimundis in their natural habitat.
  • The Happy Camp Trail is not only a beautiful camping spot but also a great place to observe local wildlife, including deer and various bird species.
  • At Arcadia Campground, you might encounter deer wandering through the area, adding to the charm of your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Duncan, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Duncan, AZ is Gila Lower Box Canyon with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Duncan, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Duncan, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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