Searching for a tent campsite near Gila Bend? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Gila Bend. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Margies Cove West Campround includes day-use parking for ten vehicles, three campsites with picnic tables and steel fire rings, a vault toilet, and informational signage. The campground is adjacent to Margies Cove West Trailhead.
THIS PARK IS CLOSED INDEFINITELY AS OF 1/21/2018 As of 1-21-2018, camping is not offered at Buckeye Hills Regional Park. The park will be undergoing a 'master plan' in the future review with camping options being included as an option.
Scout
Coordinates led to a cattle guard that is fenced closed. No access to the site. You could park next to the road though.
Traveler
I’m Lisa, the volunteer camp host here from October through Easter. I’m often on-site and happy to help! Here’s what you need to know to enjoy your stay: • About the Park: This is a peaceful, primitive, and clean county-run park. We offer shaded picnic tables, six spotless port-a-jons, and a dumpster for trash (access the side doors, as the lid is locked). Please respect the 10 mph speed limit to minimize dust and maintain the park’s tranquility. Campfires are not allowed on the ground; please use your barbecue or an appropriate fire container. • Reservations: Reserve ahead during winter months as we often fill up. Large RVs should plan carefully as sites are limited. Smaller rigs, please select an appropriately sized site to help us accommodate everyone. For reservations, use the website, not the app (it doesn’t always show specific sites). Need help? Reach me on-site or call the office weekdays at (520) 866-6920. • Amenities in the Park: • A large, fenced area for off-leash dog exercise. • Shaded picnic tables and clean port-a-jons. • Nearby Amenities: • Gas Station/Showers: Less than a mile west at the I-8/84 interchange. • Dump & Fill: Wild West RV Park (4 miles east) offers self-serve for $20. • Stay Limits: Maximum 14-day stay. After that, you must leave for seven days before returning. • Nearby Services: • Stanfield (10 miles east): Dollar store, El Rancho market and restaurant (highly recommended), laundromat, post office, and Circle K. • Maricopa (20 minutes north) or Casa Grande (30 minutes east): Larger stores and provisions. • Local Highlights: • Dwarf Car Museum (5 miles north): Ernie’s handcrafted, ¾-scale classic cars are a must-see. Open daily, 9–4. • Rooster Cogburn’s Ostrich Ranch (Picacho Peak): One of my favorite spots for an inexpensive, fun day! Feed a variety of fascinating animals and enjoy the unique experience.
Wherever your journey takes you, may you be blessed and happy. 🙏💕✨
GuidePretty, some freeway noise from the 8, great camp host. Hiking trails. Just porta potties and dumpster, but you can dump and get water 4 miles away. Most any sized rig can fit. Dirt roads are in pretty darn good shape.
Traveler
This is a huge park. 1365 sites. Crammed in pretty tight, but fairly clean and very nice staff. Most of the sites are pull thru so that’s a bonus.
Traveler
This place is right off the highway. Plenty of level places to park. We drive a van but I think most sizes of RV would have no trouble here. Lots of room to turn around. Pretty view of the mountains. There's highway noise but we were all alone.
Traveler
Camped for one night on my way from NM to LA. Arrived at night and it was easy to find. Awoke to a beautiful sunrise at the foot of the mountains. Great rock hunting too! This will be my regular camping spot form now on when traveling the same route.
GuideThis RV Park has it all..Run by professionals. They even escort you to your space.Facilities are great, they have all of them, lit paved walkways.large spaces, wifi works
TravelerState land trust, good spot for a few nights. Gunshots in the distance, but no incidents/casualties lol. Pulled my 31ft TT back into a spot for a week. Close 10 min drive to stores like WinCo and Safeway and gas stations. Quite weekdays, loud weekends due to motor vehicles breaking the rules. (Not a ohv area but treated as such)
Guide
When we arrived at 7pm, there was no one else. Later couple of another campers arrived. Someone played guitar and it was really nice to listen with full moon lighting. Cons: No service for T-mobile and no lights in restrooms.
ScoutGreat place to Boondock up to 2 weeks.
Legend
Our RV GPS and Waze took us right to this very nice campground(CG). Check-in was quick, and we were escorted to back-in site 503 with FHUs. The sites here are long and wide enough for our 40’ fifth wheel and F450 truck. The sites in our area were also decently spaced for a private CG. There was also room for an OHV if we’d brought one. The guest WiFi works pretty well with a download of 6.73 and an upload of.92. Water pressure was good at 50 psi, and we got 4 bars on Verizon. There are a few trees in the CG, but we had a clear shot of the northern sky for Starlink. They also have cable, but we didn’t use it. They had a very nice 4000 sq ft, sectioned-off dog park with two of the areas/corrals having grass. Behind the show/laundry/pool facility is where you drop off your propane tank for fills. They do not have a propane service that comes to the site. We were also impressed with their PETHouse sites where you have a private dog run. Their laundry facility was larger than most CGs of this size and it was very clean. There’s also a wash pad where you can wash your OHV or truck. Gilla Bend has a Family Dollar and a couple of small grocery stores plus eating establishments. You’re about 30 minutes from major amenities in Buckeye and an hour from Phoenix. We stayed here with friends for 4 nights and enjoyed ourselves.
Legend
Pros:
Cons:
GuideEasy to find an spot and lots of space for privacy. Got a rainbow
Scout
Sight is nice and deep in the Cove. The drive is not hard but it has it's bumps and it's fun and pretty drivable for most large-suvs or 4wd Cars/Suvs/trucks. The spot is very secluded and in a big wide open valley. The mountain's block out a lot of light pollution from the City so it get's very very dark. Really windy during the day but all in all was an enjoyable spot that makes the journey fun as well as on the way there there is a 5-10 mile dirt road perfect for rally racing.
TravelerThis was just an overnight stop. You can get right up next to the mountain if you want. Very rocky though. I made it with a 35' skoolie. Just go slow. It was fairly busy.
GuideIf you're seeking a secluded escape under a vast, star-studded sky, then look no further than Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground!
This hidden gem deserves a glowing 5-star review for its unique charm and abundance of off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Pros Galore:
Off-the-Grid Oasis: Nestled amidst the desert landscape, this campground offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle.
Spacious Freedom: Spread out and enjoy the vastness with massive campsites, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the serenity.
Tranquil Escape: The lack of crowds creates a peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude.
Dry Camper's Delight: Embrace the simplicity of dry camping and experience the true essence of self-reliance under the desert sun.
Stargazer's Paradise: With minimal light pollution, prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular night sky. Witness a dazzling display of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way on a clear night.
Off-Roading Playground: Dust off your UTV(side-by-side) and explore the surrounding desert terrain. The area offers plenty of exciting trails for off-road enthusiasts. Treasure
Hunters Unite: Test your skills and embark on a geocaching adventure. Search for hidden treasures scattered throughout the campground and surrounding area.
Friendly Faces: The welcoming camp hosts are a bonus, adding to the overall positive experience.
A Note: Be prepared for the lack of amenities like showers and laundry facilities. Pack accordingly and embrace the rustic charm of this remote desert escape. Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground is a hidden gem for those seeking a unique and unforgettable camping experience. If you crave adventure, tranquility, and starry nights, this is the place for you! I highly recommend it and can't wait to return for another adventure under the vast desert sky.
TravelerI was not expecting such a beautiful place in the desert. A great place to overnight. Easy paved access until the park and then gravel in the park. Unfortunately, you need to reserve online as there is no way to pay at the park. I recommend stopping at a rest stop on I8 before you drive here as the cellphone reception is very poor. Finally, I do NOT recommend site 32 as it is not a pull through, but a small pull off next to the loop road where you park very close parallel to the road.
ScoutSaddle Mountain is fun to hike but strenuous. The area is quiet and easy to get to. RV and pet friendly.
GuideWe stopped here for an overnight on our way back from San Diego. We did book it online at the last minute while driving on interstate 8, but what we found is a hidden jem and we are already planning on coming back.
It is boondock camping so don’t expect to find water or electric hookups, but it is quiet , the sites are big, and there is lots of room without worrying about obstacles even if pulling in in the dark.
GuideJanuary Rv 23 fr Cell. Att. 3 bars
This is a great spot that is easy to get to. You can see lots of lights from a refinery or factory of some sort but it didn’t really distract. The 10 fwy is only a few miles away and you can see it but if you are facing the mountains it feels more remote. Take the road further in. Most rv’s or big rigs can get pretty close to the mountain before the road becomes too tough. There are several roads that cut into the camping area from the main highway so you do t have to take the one that the directions here send you to. We were able to stream tv with good cell reception on att. I went on my dirt bike for the r into the mountains Very cool spot.
ScoutNew to the rv lifestyle was trying to find a lot during busy snowbird season. And finally found one.
TravelerLove this Saddle Mtn Campsite! The pin location is accurate but it looks there are multiple different access routes. We really enjoyed it here because you can pull up within 50-100 yards from Saddle mountain and camp right below it. So cool.
We tent camped for about 5 days here, the crowd was minimal, felt very safe. Plenty of trails to walk, can explore the mountain and there are petroglyphs here. We only found a couple, but didn’t look too hard.
Overall loved this place, easy access, safe, fun and some cool views!
RangerWhen I left the Margie Cove area, I crossed over 85 on Woods Road to old US 80, actually called historic old US 80. Apparently a regiment of Mormon soldiers built a road some 2000 miles through the area in the 1840s when the US was stealing the land from Mexico and the indigenous peoples. Anyway, I found the source of the flies. There is a huge cattle stockyard about 2 miles from Woods Road.
RangerA lot more flies than I remember ever having been here before. I think I've been here near the end of the year and I don't remember the flies being so plague.
Legend
General: Very small (7-site) campground. One site is ADA-accessible and paved (the rest are gravel) but there are no hookups at any site.
Site Quality: Generous-sized gravel driveways; Site D sloped uphill slightly. A concrete picnic table, BBQ grill, and fire pit complete the site. I was a little surprised that the picnic tables did not have shelters as it gets quite hot in Arizona (the day-use pavilions were covered).
Restroom: Two-stall, one-sink restroom. No showers. This restroom is also used by the day-use area so by the end of the day, it looks like it has been well-used. It was cleaned at night. It looked like the sink was clogged, but it was just slow draining.
Activities: Hiking! There are several hiking trails directly accessible from the campground and all the trails are well-marked. There is a short (.6 mile) ADA-accessible trail. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also activities although we saw neither in our two days at this park. There was also a wildly popular star-gazing event while we were there.
Final thoughts: IMO, the best sites are B, C, and D. Site D especially has no visible neighbors on either side. Kudos to the city of Buckeye – they could have easily crammed a half-dozen more campsites in this area, but I am glad they did not! As I mentioned, this is a popular day-use area and by 7 am on a weekend in early April, the day-use parking lot was completely full. Despite this, we did not see too many people on the trails.
Legend
Camping area next to a big picnic area shelter. The original poster had pin at the ajo county dump which maybe is not far off in spirit! Note you need a permit to camp here...but guess you have to call the park folks. Cost and camping stay limit not clear on signs but office noted camping permit is free at office and camping limit is 14d but flexible.... Sign notes no alcohol.
TravelerNew rules. No walk ins allowed. Nice open place, very clean and tidy. Bad customer service in that there’s no warning signs along the 11 miles saying only reservations.
Tent camping near Gila Bend, Arizona, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscape while enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gila Bend, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gila Bend, AZ is Margies Cove West Campground with a 2.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
