Elgin, Arizona sits at an elevation of approximately 4,700 feet in the rolling grasslands between the Whetstone and Huachuca Mountains. The area experiences dramatic temperature swings with summer days reaching the 90s while winter nights can drop below freezing. Many campgrounds near Elgin provide access to desert trails that connect with mountain ecosystems, creating unique biodiversity zones where desert plants grow alongside pine forests.
What to Do
Explore caverns and trails: At Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground, visitors can access three hiking trails without leaving the park grounds. "Three trails are located within the park. The campground itself is large, sites somewhat spaced apart and the grounds have a lot of stubby trees which were leafless when we were there," shares one camper who stayed for 5 nights.
Visit historic towns: Located just 30 minutes from Tombstone, camping near Elgin puts you within reach of Old West history. "Visited Tombstone, AZ as well. About a 30min drive," notes a camper who stayed at Kartchner Caverns. The historic downtown areas offer unique shopping and dining opportunities.
Bird watching: The grasslands surrounding Elgin are known for exceptional bird diversity. When staying at Patagonia Lake State Park Campground, one visitor described it as a "Birder's paradise in April," noting they "Camped in site 10 - face in. Our cord/hose worked fine for our 28' rig and car. Lake lovely to canoe, we biked all over the camp (small)."
What Campers Like
Mountain views and open skies: The desert landscape around Empire Ranch offers sweeping vistas across grasslands. A camper describes the area as having "Gorgeous Grasslands" and mentions "The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes. Quiet during the week."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. A visitor to Kartchner Caverns noted, "Friendly clean campground. Clean restrooms, nice showers, friendly camp hosts."
Wildlife encounters: The desert landscape hosts diverse wildlife. A camper at Desert Oasis Campground commented on the "Nature trails with great desert birds" and mentioned the "Mountain Views all around and sunsets are amazing."
What You Should Know
Weather extremes: Desert temperatures vary dramatically by season. A summer visitor to Kartchner Caverns warned, "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench. It's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping close to Elgin, Arizona requires advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Popular sites like Kartchner Caverns fill quickly.
Drive time considerations: While campgrounds may seem close on a map, desert roads can add travel time. A visitor to Tombstone RV & Campground noted the convenience factor: "About a mile outside of Tombstone. Very clean, large/wide sites, nice pool, dog parks, large clubhouse with TV, shuffleboard, ping pong, etc."
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for campgrounds with activities: When glamping near Elgin with children, select locations with on-site diversions. At Tucson - Lazydays KOA, a camper observed, "Your kids will never complain of boredom here. There is an unlimited amount of activities to keep them occupied. Laundry room and showers were clean. RV sites were spacious in my opinion."
Pack for temperature shifts: Desert nights get significantly cooler than days, even in summer. Bring layers for everyone, especially children.
Consider site spacing: Some campgrounds have tightly packed sites while others offer more privacy. One camper at Patagonia Lake noted, "While the sites are more spacious than an RV park, they are not as spacious as nearby karchner or roper lake. There is not any privacy."
Tips from RVers
Check parking configurations: Some campgrounds have challenging parking situations. A visitor to Wells Fargo RV Park reported issues with "no parking for passenger vehicle or tow vehicle," though they appreciated being "only 1 block from the historic district."
Verify hookup quality: Electrical systems can be problematic at some sites. At Desert Oasis Campground, all sites offer "water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up," but quality may vary between locations.
Consider seasonal stays: Many RVers spend extended periods in the Elgin area during winter. One long-term visitor to Desert Oasis noted, "This resort is not fancy with a lot of bells and whistles but does have large sites, peace and quiet, a laid back vibe, friendly host and residents."
