Elfrida, Arizona sits at an elevation of approximately 4,200 feet in the Sulphur Springs Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges including the Mule Mountains and Chiricahua Mountains. The high desert climate features mild winters with temperatures typically in the 60s during the day but can drop significantly at night. Many camping areas in this region have loose desert soil that requires careful site preparation and proper staking for tents.
What to do
Bird watching at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area: Located near McNeal, this wildlife refuge offers prime viewing of Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds. The main viewing area has limited camping while an overflow area provides more space. According to Aron F., "This place is really pretty and very easy to get hear. The camping is limited at the main viewing area but there is an overflow camping area which is very flat. During the winter months October to march I think there are about 20000 Sandhills cranes super cool."
Ranch life experience: Lazy Horse Ranch offers visitors a chance to observe working ranch operations. Kirk J. shares, "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; etc; I found it to be a fascinating experience. 1 goat running around, a few friendly dogs, chickens and peacocks."
Visit historic towns: Camp near Tombstone for easy access to old west attractions. According to Christina H. at Tombstone RV & Campground, "We were only a few minutes drive away from all the best attractions Tombstone has to offer, but the location is quiet and away from all the commotion." Many campers use this location as a base for exploring Bisbee and Sierra Vista as well.
What campers like
Mountain views and elevation changes: Many campers at Upper Juniper Flats Road note the spectacular vantage points. Allup E. mentions, "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." The higher elevation also provides a cooler alternative to valley locations.
Dark night skies: The rural setting away from major cities provides excellent stargazing conditions. Sharon B. notes about Desert Oasis Campground, "Sites have spaces between rigs to breathe. There is a large club house for weekly get togethers with food. Pool tables, paddle ball, library, videos, showers, rest rooms. Laundry area with washer/dryers. Tons of space for boon dockers. Close to Bisbee, Warren, and a Safeway shopping ctr. Minutes from Sierra Vista. Beautiful sky."
Wildlife encounters: Beyond bird watching, the area hosts diverse desert wildlife. Dani P. at Bonita Canyon Campground observed, "Did not see bears but enjoyed great birding and observed a large family of coati on our day hike. Your phone will be of little use except taking pictures unless you drive to the top of the mountain where the view are amazing and several trailheads lead into the hoodoos."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires careful driving. For Upper Juniper Flats Road, Pappy C. advises, "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. I had a surprise snow in March of '22 that almost prevented me coming back down, so be aware of weather. Most parking is not pull-through and some is very tight."
Limited services: Many camping areas have minimal facilities. Jamie P. notes about Whitewater Draw, "There is dispersed free camping in the parking loop. Just pull Up to one of the pipe enclosed picnic tables and set up. There is no drinkable water on the premises so B.Y.O.W."
Weather preparedness: The high desert experiences significant temperature fluctuations. At Bonita Canyon Campground, Staci W. shares, "Stayed on a Sunday in mid January and lucked out on a last minute site that was available. It's a small campground, so reservations are ideal if you can plan ahead. There's no fire rings but there are small grills to cook food and/or have a small 'fire' in."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: The area provides natural science lessons. Molly S. notes about Bonita Canyon Campground, "Bonita Campground is tucked in on a quiet road in Chiricahua National Monument. Lots of tree shade and nicely maintained campsites. Water, bathrooms, trash and gray water dump made this campground convenient. No campfire rings and fires were prohibited when we stayed there."
Pet friendly camping areas: Most campgrounds in the Elfrida area welcome pets with varying amenities. At Double Adobe Campground and Shotgun Sports, MaryEllen K. shares, "I really love this place! I spend my winters here. The weather is nicer than in the valley. The owners are wonderful. Cost is reasonable. Fantastic scenery. My dog loves it here!"
Shared amenities: Some campgrounds offer indoor common areas. Henry at Desert Oasis Campground mentions, "Super friendly camp host and staff. Quiet and remote. Huge sites and large well equipped clubhouse. Only 2sets of laundry machines so you need to time that right but never supper busy when we needed them. Nice nature trail around large property."
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Carefully check access routes and site dimensions. Pappy C. cautions about Upper Juniper Flats Road, "I would not recommend for Class A. Class B is okay (4WD and/or good clearance a plus) and really know your rig for Class C. I would think any trailer longer than 25' is a no-go, but I'm sure some have done it. Have seen quite a few 19-footers up there."
Parking strategies: Some RV parks have challenging site access. Christina H. notes about Tombstone RV & Campground, "Although the park is big rig friendly, we found the turn into the row very tight for our 37ft 5th wheel and long tow vehicle (about 55ft total rig length). Once in the proper row, the turn into the pull through sites is easy."
Hookup availability: Various campgrounds offer different levels of service. Gary M. reported at Desert Oasis Campground, "Small campground with 28 level sites. All hookups avail. Tent sites offered dry or with electricity. $17.00 - $20.00. However, those sites are next to club house. We elected to take a full hookup site, although We only needed electricity. $27.00 + tax with Good Sam discount."
