W
Will B.
Traveler
TravelerWillcox Lagoon Dispersed Site
Nice Quiet area, beautiful sunrise
I got lucky and was the only one there! Not much water or birds in the area, but it was quiet. (Except for the trains)
Camping near Elfrida, AZ
135 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
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 Campgrounds near Elfrida (135)
1. Desert Oasis Campground
"Located in the shadow of the Mule Mountains it is only a little over eight miles from the quaint, mining town of Bisbee."
"This is a great campground very close to Bisbee and White Water Draw Sites are spacious with full service and sewage The campground has a really nice common room with ping pong and pool plus laundry facilities"
from $18 - $45 / night
Check Availability2. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
"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."
3. Rocking T Cattle Ranch
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability4. Upper Juniper Flats Road
"Expect to drive to the top. (Around 2 miles).You will find both exposed sites as well as areas you can tuck into to avoid the wind."
"Nice views looking down in to Bisbee surrounded by mountains. Close to road, several small pullouts great for vans or smaller camera."
5. Tombstone RV & Campground
"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."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Queen Mine RV Park
"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. Double Adobe Campground and Shotgun Sports
"I try to keep it positive here this was a very basic campground with good spacing for large campers. Lots to do in Bisbee and Tombstone so we had a great spring break experience."
"Campground was quite and in a good location for checking out the area attractions."
from $40 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
"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!"
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Dragoon Mountains
"I found a spot near 'Council Rocks', about 45 mins down the dirt road, there were plenty of other spots that were already taken. "
"Beautiful rock backdrops and views with lots of trails. There is much dispersed camping and although the area can be quite busy, there's lots of space and privacy can be had."
10. Cochise Stronghold Campground
"Various Oaks and Alligator Junipers abound at this cute little National Forest campground tucked in the Dragoon Mountains, another of Arizona’s beautiful “Islands in the Sky.” "
"Easy access to hiking and adventuring in the granite boulder area. There was no drinking water when we were there late September, but there are several spigots around camp."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 54 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 1 hr 35 min from Tucson, AZ
- 3 hrs 23 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 57 min from El Paso, TX
Recent Camping Photos near Elfrida, AZ
43 Photos of 135 Elfrida Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Whitewater Draw Wildlife AreaJ
Shootout Arena RV Park
Tombstone Dry Camping RV Park - Temporarily Closedl
West Turkey Creek DispersedT
West Hunt RoadF
Sycamore Campground
Camp Etowa
Chiricahua Mountains
Rustler Park Campground
Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest
Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Pinery Campground Lower - Dispersed
Recent Reviews near Elfrida, AZ
509 Reviews of 135 Elfrida Campgrounds
Brenda L.
ScoutRV Parking at Third & Survey, Thombstone AZ
Great location
This location is an easy stroll to the main areas of downtown.
It is a quiet setting with a view.
The host is very welcoming, helpful & organized.
Terry C.TravelerTombstone RV Park
Easy Access
Basically all pull through sites with water, electric and sewage. Just over a mile to historic Tombstone. Friendly staff.
- BBobby H.Traveler
Shootout Arena RV Park
Basic no frills but cheap
Started out by getting there at noon to get 2 spots for me and some buddy’s showing up later. Turns out at 7:30 that night other people rolled in that had the spots reserved. There’s a drop box for money and no one to talk to so e just made it work and camped between camp spots. I liked the spot and walking distance to down town. But the spots should have been marked.
Sue W.ScoutCattlerest RV Park and Saloon
Do not recommend yet
Under new management, but need to work out some issues with long term residents. Lots of tension. Clean bathhouse with nice hot showers. Management needs to decide weather they want saloon or rv park. Its not a campground.
First time ive experienced harrassment while traveling. Not safe for solo women or seniors. Maybe later but not now.
Brian K.
GuidePato Blanco Lakes RV Resort
Great privately owned park
Very spacious park. Some full timers but all very well kept and patrolled by the owners/managers. Very friendly management. Love that the entire park is gravel and well kept. Pool, bathrooms and showers were impeccable. One of the best I’ve seen/used. Staff is visible and they drive around the park to keep an eye on things. Full hookups with pull thru lots. This is definitely a park to visit if you’re passing thru or need a few nights to relax. Nice laundromat with updated appliances and very clean. Only issue is the trains on the other side of the interstate run constantly throughout the night. Wife didn’t hear them but I did. Interstate noise wasn’t noticeable much. Highly recommend.
- BBill P.Scout
Willcox Lagoon Dispersed Site
Beautiful Views, But....
We stayed here from 9/18/2026 to 9/20/2026. The views of the birds on the pond, Dos Cabezas at sunset, and the sunset itself were all beautiful. Lots of pictures! Easy access, just a bit south of Willcox, we just drove around the loop towing our 25 ft camper, found a nice spot with views all around, parked, and set up shop. There were no other campers around. A few bird watchers rolled by us on the loop occasionally, but nothing that disturbed us. I10 was far enough away so that wasn't an issue either. The freight trains rolling through near I10 caught us off guard the first night, then after that they rolled through mostly at night while we slept and it didn't bother us. But what was an issue was the odor coming off the pond. It was a very strong mixture of sulfur and ammonia. The first night was brutal, but we got a little more used to it the next 2 nights. Also it was hot! Late September was not supposed to be that hot. We were out and about during the day. There's a lot to do in the area: Chiricahua's and hiking, down town, etc. But when we got back it kinda sucked as I had to run the generator to cool off the camper to get comfortable. So would I go back here? Yes, IF and ONLY IF I had a good handle on the weather. It has to be cooler. And I understand that at certain times of the year when bird migration occurs it could get crowed. So I'd take that into account when visiting here. So do your research before coming here and it will pay off. If you get it right it's well worth the stop.
- Liz G.Traveler
Garden Grove RV Park
TERRIBLE
We booked Garden Grove RV Resort in Sierra Vista for three months, but after two months we made the decision to leave early because we no longer felt safe or comfortable staying there. During our stay, there was a major law-enforcement incident at the park involving Sierra Vista police, a SWAT team, and a helicopter. That alone was extremely unsettling. There was another law-enforcement incident involving park personnel the following week. After everything that happened, we did not feel comfortable remaining at the park. There were also many ongoing problems with the condition and management of the campground. For a park with more than 100 RV tenants, we observed only one garbage container available for residents. Around a number of sites, there were household items and other belongings left outside, and many sites appeared to be occupied by long-term residential campers. The interior roads were also in very poor condition. There were large washed-out areas and deep holes where we had to almost come to a complete stop to get through them safely. With a motorhome or other low-clearance vehicle, there is a real concern about scraping or damaging the underside of the vehicle. Another major concern was enforcement of the park rules. In our experience, many of the posted rules did not appear to be consistently enforced. One of the rules requires dogs to be on a leash. My husband was walking our two Labrador retrievers, both properly leashed, when an unleashed dog ran toward our dogs. Their leashes became wrapped around my husband's legs, causing him to fall hard. He severely injured his arm and was bleeding. This was especially upsetting because we were following the park's leash rule. The rules also state limits on the number of vehicles allowed at a site and prohibit tow dollies, yet we saw multiple sites with additional vehicles and tow dollies. Our neighbor had three vehicles parked so close to our Class A motorhome that at times we could not properly open one of our basement storage doors. Another site had what appeared to be a portable carport along with numerous vehicles. Our biggest issue was not simply that rules existed— it was that, from what we personally observed, they were routinely ignored or inconsistently enforced. We have traveled extensively and stayed in many RV parks. We understand that no campground is perfect, but we expect reasonable maintenance, enforcement of basic safety rules, and an environment where guests feel secure. Unfortunately, that was not our experience at Garden Grove RV Resort. We gave up the final month of our three-month reservation and left because our safety and peace of mind were more important than staying for the time we had already paid for. Based on our personal experience, we would not stay here again.
Brandi S.GuideLakeview Campground
Pretty but roaches
The lake is so beautiful, the marina store is nice and convenient. The campsites are condensed and close together but everyone was respectful. Bathroom and trash well maintained. The view of the lake at night is beautiful. The campsite was full of roaches everywhere. Probably 100s by the tent. Just fyi.
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?
What camping is available near Elfrida, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elfrida, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 135 campgrounds and RV parks near Elfrida, AZ and 35 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elfrida, AZ?
Which is the most popular campground near Elfrida, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elfrida, AZ is Desert Oasis Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elfrida, AZ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elfrida, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Elfrida, AZ.
Keep Exploring