Best Campgrounds near Elfrida, AZ

The Sulphur Springs Valley surrounding Elfrida, Arizona provides several camping options within a high desert environment at approximately 4,200 feet elevation. Desert Oasis Campground offers tent and RV sites with full hookups, while Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area provides more primitive camping opportunities. The region includes established RV parks like Double Adobe Campground with cabin options, alongside dispersed camping areas such as Upper Juniper Flats Road on public lands. Most developed campgrounds lie within 10-15 miles of Elfrida, with additional options near Bisbee and Tombstone.

Road conditions vary significantly across the region, particularly for dispersed camping areas. The dirt roads to Upper Juniper Flats feature steep grades and tight switchbacks that limit access for larger vehicles. As one camper noted, "Very nice views, but know your rig's limitations for getting up there... I would not recommend for Class A. Class B is okay and really know your rig for Class C." Weather patterns include mild winters with daytime temperatures typically in the 60s, though occasional snow can affect road conditions. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, with several offering amenities like showers, electric hookups, and water. Cell phone coverage is generally good near established campgrounds but may be limited in more remote areas.

Wildlife viewing represents a significant attraction in certain camping areas, particularly at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. Between October and March, thousands of Sandhill Cranes gather at this location, drawing bird watchers and photographers. A review mentioned, "This place is really pretty and very easy to get to. During the winter months there are about 20,000 Sandhills cranes super cool." Several campgrounds in the area feature mountain views and desert hiking trails. Desert Oasis Campground includes walking paths on over 100 acres, while proximity to historic sites like Bisbee and Tombstone allows for day trips. Campers consistently mention the stargazing opportunities and peaceful desert environment as highlights of their stays in the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Elfrida, Arizona (126)

    1. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

    5 Reviews
    Elfrida, AZ
    8 miles
    Website

    "Turn to the right of the barn and walk toward the lake. It is quite a spectacular event to see and hear the cranes flying back to the lake to roost for the night."

    "It’s in an open valley with distant mountians all around."

    2. Desert Oasis Campground

    10 Reviews
    Bisbee, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 979-6650

    $18 - $45 / night

    "Located in the shadow of the Mule Mountains it is only a little over eight miles from the quaint, mining town of Bisbee."

    "Nice nature trail around large property. I put the loop @ 1.8 miles but they claim 3 mi. total trail. We are wintering here. Close to Douglas and Bisbee."

    3. Rocking T Cattle Ranch

    1 Review
    Elfrida, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (520) 981-1429

    $10 / night

    "Close to Douglas, Bisbee, Tombstone and the Chiricahua National Monument. Hila and Tony are great hosts, make you feel welcome. Both dry and FHU. Many farm animals to see. Will stay here again."

    4. Upper Juniper Flats Road

    11 Reviews
    Bisbee, AZ
    21 miles
    Website

    "Nice views looking down in to Bisbee surrounded by mountains. Close to road, several small pullouts great for vans or smaller camera."

    "Road is very steep in places. 4 wheel drive would be necessary if road is wet or raining, otherwise passenger car and truck passable."

    5. Tombstone RV & Campground

    13 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 457-3829

    $25 - $40 / night

    "The lighting around the campground at night was charming and appreciated. Our site had a tree with a picnic table under it."

    "Sure it is a little dusty like the west, but you are in Arizona so it can be expected."

    6. Queen Mine RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Bisbee, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 432-5006

    "The park itself is best for its location (about 1/4 mile walk to get into town) and its views."

    "Waking distance to Old Bisbee business district. Queen mine adjacent to park. Tours available."

    7. Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument

    26 Reviews
    Portal, AZ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 824-3560

    $25 - $50 / night

    "The campground is small, beautiful, shaded and right in the middle of some incredible scenery providing easy access to the fantastic hiking and wildlife viewing that is all around you.  "

    "Super underrated and amazing national monument on the south eastern border of Arizona. Definitely worth a stop in!"

    8. Whitewater Draw WMA

    1 Review
    Elfrida, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 642-3763

    9. Lazy Horse Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Pearce, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 620-0247

    $25 / night

    "They had at least 10 horses that they were training, breeding etc; etc; I found it to be a fascinating experience. 1 goat running around, a few friendly dogs, chickens and peacocks."

    10. Double Adobe Campground and Shotgun Sports

    2 Reviews
    Bisbee, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-4000

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Campground was quite and in a good location for checking out the area attractions."

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Recent Reviews near Elfrida, AZ

435 Reviews of 126 Elfrida Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Mountain View RV

    Trains

    Spent one night here. The park is very nice. Level spots and full hook ups $26. There is a food truck next to the store that offers burgers, hotdog and Mexican food for a reaso,nable price. Little store had lots of stuff, including many exotic kinds of jerkey Owners are super nice. The bad part it was only a couple hundred feet from the train tracks and there were several that went through in the middle of the night.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Wells Fargo RV Park

    Right in Tombstone

    This RV park is right next to the OK Coral in Tombstone. The spot are level but pretty close together. It is located right next to the main road going through Tombstone so you will get road noise. There are some full timers here. They have some really cool covered wagons you can rent to stay in. I think if you had kids they would love that!! This campground gives you the ability to walk downtown have a beer or two and walk back to camp!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Shootout Arena RV Park

    Nice Spot in Tombstone

    We tried to stay but they were sponsoring a bull riding competition so they were full. It cleared out by Sunday evening.
    The campground is level and big…sites are close together but I imagine if she’s not full she’d spread people out. One spot even had their coral set up for their horse. You are right next to Tombstone so no need to drive to the local saloon for a beer….you can easily walk home! The stadium is only for bull riding and it is right up top from the camping area. There is a porta potty available and you can ride you ATV right onto BLM land from here.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    RV Parking at Third & Survey, Thombstone AZ

    10 stars!!

    If you come to Tombstone and don’t stay here then you are missing out on great hospitality and amazing views. This property is literally on the edge of Tombstone with a view. Leanne come out to greet us after we arrived. She told us all about the ATV riding we could do and all the amazing site and food options in Tombstone. There was a bull riding competition next door at the arena and she gave us all the information on that if we wanted to go. The property is level and the guest are quiet and respectful. We did ride out to China Camp and having the ATV helped get around town as well since it is packed. However you can easily walk from your site into town. I would 100% recommend this venue if you are heading this way.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Benson KOA

    Nice Spot right off I10

    Loved this KOA. It was clean and quiet. Level ground and every spot had a picnic table. I didn’t see fire rings in every spot but someone down the way from us did have a fire so maybe some sites have them OR these people had their own that they broke out. The laundry looks like it was just re-done. The machines are new and the dryers actually worked! Bathrooms are clean and showers are perfect!
    The sites are level and graveled. They have tons of activities for families. Corn hole, horseshoes, pool table in the game room and a great play ground. They do have a pool and hot tub but it was closed because it too is new to the resort so although it looked ready the sign said they were doing the final touches. My only complaint was we had a back in spot in the back but they called around 4 wanting to know our ETA we said close to 5:30. She told us that they were going to move us to another spot because backing in in the dark can be problematic. We were fine with that and had no problem with the new site which was in front of the KOA building. However they put in street lamps that are blinding at night. I had to find towels to clip up in the window so we could sleep. Not a big deal at all but if you come in late ask or they call to move you ask to be away from the football stadium lights 🤪 I would most definitely stay here again!

  • Ben & Anna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Mescal Road Dispersed Site

    Decent Boondocking Close to Mescal Road

    We spent a week here in March and really enjoyed the spot as a home base. One afternoon we checked out the nearby Mescal Movie Set, which was a fun step back in time. Access-wise, we had to stick closer to N Mescal Road—the washouts on the trail further in looked a bit dicey for towing a trailer. If you’re in a van or just your truck, you could push back deeper without much trouble. You’ll definitely notice the trains rolling through, about a mile away. It’s part of the soundtrack of Arizona boondocking—low rumbles that become background noise after the first night. A few campsites further back were unfortunately trashed, which was disappointing. We also had a couple of vehicles come and go around 1–2am, but they kept to themselves and never caused any issues. Overall, it’s a decent free spot with some character—worth it if you want a quiet base near the Mescal area and don’t mind the trains.

    Large group of UTV trailers were parked near us when we setup camp, but didn't see them again the whole week.

    Don't forget your AZ Land Trust permit, someone did stop by to check we had them.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    John Hand Campground

    Sweet spot

    Darling spot with sound of river over rocks. Great views. Free.

  • Ray & Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Rusty's RV Ranch

    Really nice, out of the way, quiet CG

    We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 28 for 5 nights in early/mid September. The CG is clean, well maintained. The CG roads are gravel, as are the sites. The sites themselves are all level. The sites were fairly well spaced, particularly for a private CG. The CG was very quiet and peaceful. There were only 5+ other campers in the whole CG, some looked to be long-term. Our site, 28, was a pull-through, as were most, but some were back in. The trees, though plentiful, are fairly short and don’t provide much shade.

    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.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Beautiful

    Spent one night on 7/12 at the second campsite a little ways down the road after the GPS says you’ve arrived at the location. About 30 minute drive from the Chiricahuas. Good parking for my SUV, nice fire ring, multiple spaces for a tent. Quiet and secluded in the trees. People drove up and down the road during the evening, but no one stopped nearby or could be heard. I did not drive further past this camp site, so it’s unclear the condition of the other sites down the road. Absolutely no cell phone service.


Guide to Elfrida

Camping sites near Elfrida, Arizona range from rustic dispersed options to more developed parks with cabin and RV accommodations. The area serves as a strategic base for exploring southeastern Arizona's attractions, including the Chiricahua Mountains and historic mining towns. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing overnight despite mild daytime conditions, making proper preparation essential for comfortable camping experiences.

What to Do

Bird watching at wildlife areas: Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation. "This is a pullout along the dirt road to see the cranes. There is a pit toilet and garbage. The area is filled with cars parking so you may have to wait to pull into an area to park," notes Jeff H. Another visitor advised: "Go in spring" for optimal bird watching conditions.

Historical day trips: Tombstone RV & Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby historical sites. "About a mile outside of Tombstone. Very clean, large/wide sites, nice pool, dog parks, large clubhouse with TV, shuffleboard, ping pong, etc. Very helpful staff," reports Rich J. The campground also provides a shuttle service for visitors heading into town.

Desert hiking trails: Several camping areas offer onsite trail systems for day hikes. "Small campground with 28 level sites. All hookups avail. Tent sites offered dry or with electricity. $17.00 - $20.00," explains Gary M. about one local option. Trail difficulty varies from easy walking paths suitable for all ages to more challenging routes requiring proper footwear and water supplies.

What Campers Like

Mountain views and sunsets: Upper Juniper Flats Road dispersed camping area offers panoramic vistas. "The sunset was breath taking. Same for the sunrise. Feels like you're on top of the world. But the winds, oh those winds!!" shares Dave B. Another camper noted: "From sunset to sunrise it was absolutely an awesome spot to stay. Many spots, with or without shade."

Peace and quiet: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of camping in this region. "It lives up to its name. Super friendly camp host and staff. Quiet and remote. Huge sites and large well equipped clubhouse," writes Henry about a local campground. Sites further from main roads typically offer the most serene camping experience.

Shade coverage: In an area known for intense sun exposure, shade becomes a valued amenity. Bonita Canyon Campground provides natural tree cover. "Bonita Campground is tucked in on a quiet road in Chiricahua National Monument. Lots of tree shade and nicely maintained campsites," explains Molly S. The campground's location at higher elevation also contributes to cooler temperatures.

What You Should Know

Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires careful navigation. "The road up is well maintained gravel/dirt road. We made it up easily in our Transit. The wind is a bit crazy and it's cold, but it's January for gosh sakes!" reports Debra P. about one mountain access road. Conditions can deteriorate quickly after rain or snow.

Windy conditions: Several higher-elevation sites experience significant wind. "Road is very steep in places. 4 wheel drive would be necessary if road is wet or raining, otherwise passenger car and truck passable. Camping spots are at the edges which makes for fantastic sunrises and sunsets," advises Allup E.

Limited water access: Desert Oasis Campground provides water hookups, but many dispersed sites require bringing all necessary water. "We ended up staying longer than planned, very nice place close to bisbee but far enough to enjoy some quiet and beautiful night sky. Clean facilities with hot showers," writes margaux C. Pack accordingly for dry camping with extra water containers.

Tips for Camping with Families

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families often enjoy the animal encounters available at certain sites. "This place is a pullout along the dirt road to see the cranes. There is a pit toilet and garbage," notes one reviewer about a popular wildlife area. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best viewing times.

Recreation facilities: Some campgrounds provide family-friendly amenities. "Nice little place to shower, and relax. Lots of wildlife. Though I would say tent sites are a bit pricey, compared to all the free camping in the area," explains Sierra N. Consider campgrounds with communal spaces during inclement weather.

Educational experiences: Queen Mine RV Park provides access to mining history. "Easy access to Bisbee historical area. 5 minute walk! Nice quiet park, level spots, and view of town," shares joy R. Many nearby historical sites offer programs specifically designed for young visitors.

Tips from RVers

Site access considerations: Some camping areas have limitations for larger rigs. "This camping area is very convenient to Bisbee and environs. Spacing between most established camping areas is good. The dirt road up is maintained, but it is loose when dry, and it has a steep grade in some spots with very tight switchbacks," explains Pappy C.

Hookup availability: RV camping options vary widely in the region. "Full hookups were all working smoothly, and although we did not use any of the facilities, they all looked beautiful and clean. The dog park on the far end was absolutely spotless," notes Christina H. about Tombstone RV Campground.

Alternative accommodations: For those without an RV, Lazy Horse Ranch offers unique stays. "This was our first camping trip ever. I picked this site cuz it sounded interesting and it was. Especially if you want to see the ranch lifestyle. They had at least 10 horses that they were training, breeding etc," shares Kirk J. These options often provide a blend of camping experience with added amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elfrida, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elfrida, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near Elfrida, AZ and 33 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Elfrida, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elfrida, AZ is Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elfrida, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 free dispersed camping spots near Elfrida, AZ.