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Madera Canyon makes a large dent in the northwest face of the Santa Rita Mountains. Its higher elevation grants relief to desert dwellers during the hot months and allows access to snow during the winter. A world-renowned location for bird watching, Madera Canyon is a major resting place for migrating species, while the extensive trail system of the Santa Rita Mountains is easily accessed from the Canyon's campground and picnic areas. Madera Canyon has a long and colorful history. The Friends of Madera Canyon, a cooperating volunteer group, has developed a small booklet that can be requested at the gatehouse. If you are interested in joining the group, please write: Friends of Madera Canyon , PO Box 1203, Green Valley, AZ 85622. This area is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Mountain range within the Nogales Ranger District which lies just west of Interstate 19 and extends southward to the International border.
The story of Saguaro National Park dates back much farther than its establishment in 1994. Prior to this, the area was designated a national monument in 1933 as a way to preserve the unique Sonoran Desert landscapes of the Tucson and Rincon mountain districts. This saved the area from the ranchers and miners who settled in the area in the 1880s. These followed the Spanish explorers who established a military fort in Tucson in the 1770s, nearly a century after founding a mission in the ares in the 1690s. Petroglyphs and potshards indicate that the Hohokam peoples inhabited the area for more than a millennium prior to the Spanish. Travel back even farther, and there’s a complex geologic history of exactly how the landscape came into being—and why it’s worth preserving. Camping in Saguaro is like entering a time machine. With no campgrounds in the park accessible by vehicle, the only way to camp is to hike in to any of the six designated campgrounds. The trails to get to the campgrounds typically start from developed roads and trailheads, but venture deep into the Sonoran backcountry, where only the rocks, plants, and animals tell the story of a landscape that’s changed little—with the exception of who’s occupied it—for the past several thousand years. One of the more popular campsites for those looking to bag 8,482-foot Rincon Peak, is the Happy Valley Saddle, which lies in a grove of scrubby pine and juniper forest, about halfway along the hike to the peak. This small campsite is located on the east end of the Rincon Mountain District. The campsite is accessible via a 3.9-mile trail that climbs 2,000 feet from the Miller Creek Trailhead. The road to this trailhead is not maintained, so may not be passable by passenger vehicles, or following inclement weather. The site offers three spaces for pitching tents. The water supply at nearby Miller Creek is seasonal at best, so visitors should plan accordingly. There are no facilities here, so hikers should exercise Leave No Trace and pack-it-in-pack-it-out practices. Camping in the Saguaro Wilderness backcountry requires a park-issued wilderness permit, which can be acquired in person at the park visitor center, or by submitting an application in advance.
$8 / night
This small, sheltered campground is tucked away just off the Catalina Highway, along the rocky streambed that forms the floor of upper Bear Canyon. Campsites are nestled under a canopy of ponderosa pines, junipers and oaks. Some sites are located right along Bear Creek among large rocks. The Creek generally only flows during rainy periods or during the Spring snowmelt, but be vigilant of flash floods.
$10 / night
The name Prison camp came from the Federal Honor Camp begun in 1937 to house federal prisoners supplying labor to build a road providing access into the Santa Catalina Mountains. Prisoners had been convicted of federal crimes ranging from immigration law violations to tax evasion to bank robbery. During World War II, many of the prisoners were conscientious objectors whose religions prohibited them from serving in the military. Some were Japanese Americans protesting the “Japanese American Relocation,” the largest forced removal and incarceration in U.S. History. After the Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, over 100,000 Japanese Americans, many American Citizens, were imprisoned in crowded internment camps for fear they would conduct espionage and sabotage along the west coast. Gordon Hirabayashi was a senior at the University of Washington in 1942. He challenged the constitutionality of internment based on race or ancestry. He turned himself in to the FBI rather than report for relocation. He was convicted and sentenced to serve at the honor camp in the Santa Catalina Mountains. In 1987 Hirabayashi’s case was overturned. A federal commission determined that the internment had been motivated by racial prejudice and wartime hysteria. In 1988 the Civil Liberties Act was signed by President Ronald Reagan, which acknowledged the injustice and apologized for the internment. In 1999 the Coronado National Forest renamed the site in honor of Dr. Hirabayashi and the other resisters of conscience who were imprisoned there. Dr. Hirabayashi and others attended the dedication ceremony.
In 1884, Levi Manning emigrated from Mississippi to Tucson, Arizona, and after some years established L.H. Manning and Company. He later expanded his business interests with ranching and acquired a 160-acre homestead in the Rincon Mountains. There, at an elevation of 8,000 feet, amid pine forest near a perennial spring, he selected a site for what would become his family’s summer home. Manning hired local workers to build an 11-mile wagon road to the site, which was used to transport the tools and materials used to construct his remote, five-room retreat. However, Manning would only enjoy his mountain getaway for a couple summers before his homestead was absorbed into the newly-formed Coronado National Forest in 1907. For the next half-century, the Manning Cabin was used mostly by Forest Service fire and trail crews. During this time, it went through various states of disrepair and reconstruction. From the late 1950s until the late 1970s, the cabin was largely abandoned until it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. One again restored and back in operation, the Manning Cabin serves as a base for area research and backcountry rangers. The cabin is not open to the public, but visitors can hike to the cabin and pitch their tents in the nearby Manning Camp. This small campground has six tent sites that can accommodate up to six people each. Camping here requires obtaining a Saguaro National Park backcountry permit, which can be acquired at a park visitor center, or by mailing in a request form in advance. There are several hiking trails that can be used to get to Manning Camp. All are long, and all are difficult. The trail from Happy Valley is 9.8 miles (one-way), and gains a total of 4,700 feet of elevation. This trail starts at the Miller Creek trailhead, near the eastern border of the park, and requires driving an unmaintained forest road; 4WD and/or a high-clearance vehicle are recommended. From the Loma Alta trailhead, in the southwest corner of the Rincon Mountain Unit, the route is 13.5 miles (one-way), and gains more than 5,700 feet of elevation. The trails to Manning Camp climb through a mix of desert scrub, oak woodlands and conifer forests. This area is home to black bears and mountain lions; store all food in the camp’s bear-proof lockers. Hikers should follow LNT guidelines, and treat all backcountry water sources.
Connect with nature when camping with friends
Peden is connecting individuals of all ages and fueling love for wildlife and nature herself.
Occasional free campouts with activities and special guests are hosted to encourage outdoor exposure and experiences.
Peden is a cherished land which has been certified as protected Wildlife Habitat. A place for humans, nature, and animals to coexist.
Be mindful of the animals who share the environment and respect that you are a guest in their home during your stay.
Please clean up and care for nature so we can continue to offer respite for the community and our beloved travelers within the garden of peden.
Thank you for booking us!
$13 - $20 / night
Formerly know as Roundup Picnic Area, the new Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area is located at the end of Madera Canyon Road, as far into this area of beautiful scenery and plentiful wildlife as you can drive. Tables and fire grills are scattered in the shade of a stand of silverleaf and Arizona white oaks. Views stretch up Mt. Wrightson to the top of the Santa Ritas and down Madera Canyon to the Santa Cruz Valley and the community of Green Valley. Four of the most popular trails in the Santa Ritas start right at the Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area. Two designated National Recreation Trails, Old Baldy National Recreation Trail #372 and the Super Trail #134, both of which lead to the top of Mt. Wrightson, begin their mountain climbing journey from the left of the two parking areas. So does the Very Steep/Vault Mine Trail, which lives up to its name by scaling the north slope of Mt. Hopkins, another of the Santa Rita’s highest peaks. A lot less taxing but no less interesting is the Madera Nature Trail, which leads from the picnic area down Madera Canyon, providing great views and excellent wildlife watching along the way. There is more notable birdwatching and a good place to relax in a shady streamside setting up-canyon from the picnic area, along the higher reaches of sycamore-lined Madera Creek.
Recreation opportunities in the Nogales Recreation Area are dispersed among the Santa Rita Mountains, the Pajaritos, the Tumacacorisand the grassy hill country that seperates them. The Santa Ritas are topped by 9.453 foot Mt. Wrightson, which is surrounded by the 25,260 acre Wilderness area of the same name. Madera Canyonin the Santa Ritas is famous among birdwatchers the world over. A number of Forest roads, including the Madera Canyon Road, provide access to campgrounds, picnic areas and dozens of forest trails. Pena Blanca Lake, at the edge of the Atascosas, offers developed campgrounds, picnic areas and fishing for stocked and resident species. The Pajaritos are home to scenic Sycamore Canyon, a 7,420 acre Wilderness and a history of mining boomtowns and hardy pioneers.
Scout
The campgrounds are surrounded by coyote song throughout the night. Hardly any light pollution and the hosts are incredible!!! Sinks with drinkable water. Showers. They provide a tote full of goodies like plates and what not. There's a pen type area for the dogs to play in. And Tim and Victoria are so sweet!!! Highly recommend.
Scout
Would recommend this campground. Clean lots of trails to hike or bike. No sewer hookup but does have electric and water. Campground was full but still very quiet. I have already reserved again next month
ScoutGreat roomy spots. Terrible ant problem.
Traveler
I have lived here for 10 months now, and love the place. Like any campground, there are malcontents that will complain about little things like not being pampered or catered to. The reality is that this is a relatively remote place where you absolutely must be self-sufficient to a large degree. There has not been full-time management until recently, but the new management team are very attentive and reasonable. Since the ranch has been under new management many of the so-called bad influences have left. If you love natural beauty, privacy, and solitude, and are willing to make some sacrifices of comfort, this is the perfect place.
Scout
I came here at the beginning of September 2024 and stayed for one night only. My spot has Shore Power (15,30,50), but you need to fill up your water tank before parking your trailer. If you select a site near a water source, that's fine, which I did. All roads are one way, and that's why they called a loop. I stayed at Loop A. Make sure you make your reservation online before going there. I bet this campground is packed in wintertime. By the way, their office is closed during off-season. If you arrive during this period, you'll help yourself locate your campground number. And you can just go online and pay your fees.
Scout
Be sure to read the fine print and/or ask questions before booking.
ScoutBe sure to read the fine print and ask questions.
ScoutUpon entering it was dirty and restrooms not clean. I never received info they claimed was sent, so went on a hunch. It was dirty, dogs off leash and poop everywhere. Trash disposal area was unclean attracting insects and bugs and wildlife. People living there were not nice or clean. Staff was not friendly either. We decided to leave early. Found place 20 miles away that is wonderful by comparison. Advise trying elsewhere.
Guide
I’ve camped at Redington Pass a few times throughout the years. It’s a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn’t recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we’ve seen them get stuck trying to turn around. The road is rough but if you don’t mind driving slow over the holes and bumps then no big deal.
Easy to find, follow Tanque Verde Rd all the way East until it turns into Redington Road, this then leads to a dirt road with TONS of dispersed camping pull offs with established fire rings. The further east you travel on the pass the less people you have to camp next to. The camping sites closer to the entrance get packed on the weekends.
The further you go you’ll run out of service, no bathrooms, no water hook ups, nothing, just dispersed wild camping!
Guide
This is site is always a fun time, i’ve been camping along this dirt road so many times and now make it a yearly visit. All of these photos are different years. For greener grass I recommend going any month before late August! All photos taken with dry grass is October various years. Tons of dispersed camping sites and pull offs along the dirt road once you pass Parker Canyon Lake area. Good hiking in the area, tons of wildlife. Watch out for rattlesnakes and javelina especially if you have dogs with you! Most of the sites have fire rings already established so you don’t have to do much work. I’d rate it 11/10!
ScoutPlace is a nightmare. Have police report from requiring police to escort due to harassment from disturbed owners. Dog was bitten by pit bull, owner did nothing but blame me and call me mentally ill. Very sick thing. Horrible road, brown water and a homeless camp setting. Go for a drive through first. And rules aren't followed. Owners Michelle and Jim even harassed the police officer, which caused me to make multiple trips to Colorado to leave. I walked away from a home, ATV and 5th wheel just to get away from these people. It's like hell on earth with demonic people.... Good luck should you go, you'll need it. Owner also posted a response comment with lies calling me names etc. These are sick evil people who will harm you, caution. Check police report from April 17th with sheriff dept.
Scout
I want to know if there are any dangerous animals in such mountains and forests. My group of friends and I are planning to come here to explore among us.
Scout
Awesome views, secluded spots. Just make sure you have 4wd and go all the way to the back
GuideHad a quick stay here but was still able to see some. It’s AZ so it’s always hot, just prepare for that. The hiking trails and history are amazing here. Showers and bathrooms well maintained. It did rain pretty good as we were rolling in so the ants were…insane. They were everywhere.
Guide
I stayed about 2 weeks. Nice place. Excellent price. Except... I returned one day to find my stuff had been rearranged. Maybe their free range chickens got into it. That's fine. A few days later my stuff was rearranged again. Maybe they were worried about it getting damp. Nice thought. My last night I returned to find my assigned spot had shrunk to where I could barely fit. I managed to get backed in and had to figure out how to get my driver's door open without hitting the car next to me. Then I had to figure out how to get the side doors open to get my dogs out and to load my stuff. I had no choice but to make it work. I delayed making this review because I did like the place but the rearranging of my stuff twice and shrinking my spot with zero communication really bothers me.
Guide
-This was a great little spot! There is no light pollution besides maybe a neighbor that forgot to turn off their lights. -Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don’t take a tour into the caves. -Couple stores within 20miles for any forgotten items. -Spots a very large and spaced well. -Restrooms/showers well maintained *Shower water pressure is less than desired. -Visited Tombstone, AZ as well. About a 30min drive. **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.
ScoutVery crowded on the weekend but the crowd is friendly and respectful. Great way to escape the summer heat of Tucson! Bring your hats and gloves!
ScoutBeware, it's foul in every way. People 55 plus still drugging and drinking. Dog poop all over, dogs not following rules and many pit bulls (my dog bite by pit bull) owner refused to help causing my move by police escort. It's a complete nightmare you'll become trapped in.. many better places close by. Picture is of my dog after going to vet in Colorado for dog bite. Owner uses the attackers owner to baby sit his dogs, so he defended her! Imagine that. Owner harassing caused police escort to move, he harassed cop too. A very sick and sad pathetic place... Truth stings sometimes.. sorry to be negative, but if it saves kind folks time and money I'm okay with it.
ScoutEasy to find- road isn’t too bad. Was quiet, breezy- and just what we were looking for.
Scout
Great place to camp 🏕
Legend
Great campground located on a lake. It's offers all the standard campground amenities. I do really like the birdwatching area outside the visitor center. There's also a small beach you can swim at.
GuideI travel to Tucson from Phoenix on a regular basis. CSP is close enough to get to my destinations and it provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts in the same vicinity. Plus I can camp and do my astrophotography at the same time.
RangerGilbert Ray campground integrates the beautiful desert environment seamlessly with the campsites, which are very generous in size. Some reviews seem to suggest that sites are really backcountry and private, but I wouldn’t say that - most of the landscaping is low so you definitely see your neighbor and you can hear the cars on the nearby road.
We reserved ahead of time (I didn’t have a problem with the online system, but I did read a lot of complaints). We showed up after hours and I felt the information at the Administration Office was really straightforward, but I got stuck behind two sets of campers who couldn’t figure out what to do or where to go and seemed to expect me to walk them through the after-hours process. In general, most of the campers were older and we didn’t see a single family.
That may be in part because the chief amenity is the landscape and proximity to the Desert Museum and SNP. Sites have electric hook-ups and there is a bathroom, but no site water hook-ups and no showers. On our way out we drove to the dump station (located at a different loop) and water was available at that location.
The only other consideration is be careful what route you choose to enter the park. We started traveling according to directions only to realize it wasn’t recommended by the Park that RVs over 24 feet take that particular road.
TravelerSmall campground (gravel lot) with motel. Back in spots only. Friendly staff, very fast internet, free laundry, and free free-range chicken eggs. We stayed 2 nights. There two normal full bathrooms, a kitchen, and a room to hang out in with a large TV. The place has lots of memorabilia. We happened to arrive on Easter and were given a free turkey dinner :). We will be back.
Traveler
Camped here April 1 since dispersed area was still in snow. Great sites and easy access with toilets, fire pits and bear box.
Scout
I stayed two nights with a Class B Van and the full hookup site was private, had a small grassy are, a picnic table and a portable fire pit. The common areas were very nice including the several gas firepits with chairs for just a couple or larger group. I was a little disappointed with the bathhouse/restroom, but that is because I am picky. The important thing is that I would definitely stay there again.
Guide
This campground sits among tall trees and offers stunning views of the surroundings. It's great for people who love nature. The restrooms are clean and convenient, and there are cozy fireplaces to keep warm. Whether you're enjoying the fire or admiring the scenery, it's a peaceful place to relax outdoors with your family and friends, fires are not allowed year round so you might what to visit the website for fire restrictions. Great hikes nearby perfect for bird watchers.
Camping near Green Valley, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping around Green Valley, AZ, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly fun. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Green Valley, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Green Valley, AZ is Madera Canyon Picnic Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Green Valley, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Green Valley, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
