Tent camping near Globe, Arizona offers a mix of remote and established sites throughout the high desert terrain. The area sits at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates across camping locations. Most tent areas experience significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights often dropping below freezing.
What to do
Explore river access points: At Shores Recreation Area, campers can set up tents near the Gila River. "We came in and stayed at a spot towards the south/downstream where a high clearance would be wise. Great spots on the river. We spent the night there and had the place to ourselves," notes Carolyn, who appreciated the accessibility despite some highway noise.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location of many Globe tent sites provides excellent night sky viewing. At Peralta Regional Park Primitive Remote Campsites, one camper reported, "Clean dark sky for star watching. The park host was amazing. Restrooms were great. Each campsite has plenty of space in between."
Wildlife observation: The varied terrain supports diverse wildlife. "We enjoyed the rustic campsite," wrote Julie F. about Peralta Regional Park, where hiking trails provide opportunities to spot desert wildlife. Another camper mentioned, "Came across a rattle snake when hiking. Very quiet and peaceful."
What campers like
Pine forest settings: Several campgrounds offer tree cover that provides relief from desert heat. A camper at Sulphide Del Rey Campground shared, "Not very much room for a trailer, mostly tent camping. Did get cell phone service there though," highlighting the connectivity despite remote location.
Solitude and quiet: Many tent campers seek the isolation of dispersed sites. At Salt River Canyon - Apache Tribe, a visitor noted, "This plant is completely Uncultivated so beautiful!" referencing the undeveloped nature of the area that appeals to wilderness seekers.
Natural surroundings: The desert landscape offers unique camping experiences. Mark F. commented about Shores Recreation Area: "Quiet, very few campers. Prob fewer as it gets warmer. This will be a scorcher in the middle of summer but the sites do have tree cover for shade."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires appropriate vehicles. Multiple reviewers for Hackamore Road Dispersed mention challenging roads: "The road is a bit tricky. I got here pretty smooth on my RWD Xterra, so while 4WD isn't necessary, I wouldn't come out here without high clearance and decent suspension," advises Francis D.
Pack-in requirements: Several tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Diversion Dam, Krista Z. explains, "You are allowed to camp there but not in the parking lot you can't take vehicles out of the parking lot so you'll have to hike in to any of the spots."
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds close unexpectedly or seasonally. One reviewer for Kellner Group reported, "I booked a reservation for this campsite, drove all the way there, and it was closed. Pretty disappointed that I was able to make a reservation, receive confirmation, and the site completely closed."
Fire restrictions: During dry periods, fire bans are common. Rachel W. at Sulphide Del Rey noted, "Please be careful with fires, keep them small, because there's already clear fire damage all around the area."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Choose established campgrounds with amenities when camping with children. Jordan S. noted about Hackamore Road: "I have a love/hate relationship with this place. It's got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about desert wildlife safety. At Peralta Regional Park, campers reported rattlesnake sightings during hikes, emphasizing the importance of awareness when exploring with children.
Temperature planning: Schedule family camping during spring or fall to avoid summer heat. Chevis L. at Peralta Regional Park commented in late April: "Amazing stay! Very quiet and peaceful," suggesting favorable conditions during shoulder seasons.
Tips from RVers
Campsite sizing: Many tent-focused areas have limited space for larger vehicles. At Sulphide Del Rey, Rachel W. observed, "There is very little parking and a couple sites have very little flat ground for tents. One group did seem to have a couple large tents in the sites at the top of the hill."
Dispersed alternatives: For RVers seeking more space, Charles L. noted about Hackamore Road: "Little to close to town for what I was after but great spot for a few days getting supplies what not," suggesting its utility as a resupply location despite proximity to developed areas.
Road clearance requirements: Multiple RV campers emphasize road challenges. "Roads are horrid for RVs. So unless you have high clearance. Stay away. We have a 40ft school bus and we'll if not for the potholes Everywhere it's the horrid uneven land," warns Paranormal N. about Hackamore Road.
