Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Nogales, AZ is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Nogales camping trip.
When it comes to activities at Patagonia Lake, camping is a must. The campground features 105 developed campsites with a picnic table, a fire ring/grill, and parking for two vehicles. Select sites also have a ramada. Sites have 20/30 amp and 50 amp voltage. Sites tend to fill up in the evening from May until November. Campsite lengths vary but most can accommodate any size RV. Quiet hours (no generators, music, or loud voices) are from 9 p.m. – 8 a.m. See Park Rules.
$25 - $119 / night
Bog Springs offers some exceptional scenery, either right from your campsite or a short walk away. Many visitors unfamiliar with Arizona will be surprised by the high grasslands that climb the slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains, the thick oak woodlands, and the conifer forest that covers the mountain tops.
$20 / night
All campsites at Kartchner feature electric hookups and water. Your camping fee includes use of the shower/restroom, water, electrical and dump station facilities.
All campsites have a table, hose bib and power post. Each back-in site power post is 110 volt AC with a 30 amp RV connection and a 20 amp receptacle. Each pull-through site power post has a 220 volt 50 amp AC & an 110 volt 30 amp AC RV connection and a 20 AMP GFI receptacle. Sites vary in length from 35’ for the shortest back in sites to 60’ in the pull through sites; all sites are single width. Sites have ample room on the side areas for pull out units.
There are three handicapped designated sites (one is a pull through site), 12 pull-through sites and 43 other sites of varying sizes. Handicapped designated sites have paved access to the site and adjacent restroom, a paved pad, and wheelchair accessible table.
Waste bins and shower/restroom facilities are located on the upper west end of each campground. Restroom buildings have bottled water vending machines and dishwashing sinks located on the rear east side.
Important Note: At this park, the entrance gate is closed nightly at 10 p.m. The two-loop campground is located off of the main road past the Discovery Center on the southwest end of the park. Camping fees are payable with cash, Visa or Mastercard at the Contact Station the day of arrival, or at the Discovery Center the following day. Fees must be paid daily or in advance and there is a 14-day stay limit.
Access card keys for camper after-hours entering the park are administered by the four Campground Hosts.
$30 - $99 / night
Located on a hill overlooking Parker Canyon Lake, campsites are spread among a stand of oaks and junipers. From the campground it is just a short walk to the lakeshore or a short drive to the boat launch ramp, fishing pier, paved parking areas and paved walkways, all of which are accessible to persons with disabilities. Parker Canyon Lake and Lakeview Campground are generally less crowded than similar areas that are more easily accessible. On some days you can hike the entire 5-mile trail around the lake and have only the resident wildlife for company. This trail has several viewing areas complete with benches and interpretive signs. Two of the viewing areas are barrier-free. It is an excellent place to view the waterfowl that either live at the lake or use it as a stopover on their seasonal migration. Bald eagles and osprey are also frequently sighted here, as are Coues white-tailed deer and an occasional extended family of coatimundi, those long-tailed, long-nosed southwestern cousins of the raccoon. Note: Black bears are common in the area. This campground is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Boat-In Campsites
$25 / night
TerraSol is a fun, friendly camping spot for hikers, cyclists, and van/small RV travelers. With amenities specially geared to van travelers, bikepackers & gravel cyclists, and Arizona Trail hikers, TerraSol is your rest stop or base camp where you can recharge for your adventure — just 1/2 mile from town.
Camp under majestic mesquite trees, with Sky Islands mountain peaks all around. Prepare meals in the camp kitchen, then choose your spot to relax: morning sunroom, shaded deck, fire circle, or heated gazebo. Or lounge around your campsite with picnic table and chairs.
Look forward to WiFi, hot shower, insulated tent pads, and extra blankets, plus loaner bikes to get to town. And popcorn!
TerraSol is right ON the Arizona Trail (Patagonia alternate route), the Sky Islands Odyssey bikepacking loops, and several inspiring gravel biking day routes. Several nearby hiking/walking trails draw birders from around the world.
There's plenty to enjoy in Patagonia itself, too. Grab a hearty breakfast, explore unique shops, and learn about our history at our historic schoolhouse museum. Dinner, drinks and live music are all evening possibilities.
Happy planning for your Patagonia adventure. Hope to see you at TerraSol!
$25 - $30 / night
Mountain range within the Nogales Ranger District which lies just west of Interstate 19 and extends southward to the International border.
Bog Springs offers some exceptional scenery, either right from your campsite or a short walk away. Many visitors unfamiliar with Arizona will be surprised by the high grasslands that climb the slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains, the thick oak woodlands, and the conifer forest that covers the mountain tops.
$20 / night
Located on a hill overlooking Parker Canyon Lake, campsites are spread among a stand of oaks and junipers. From the campground it is just a short walk to the lakeshore or a short drive to the boat launch ramp, fishing pier, paved parking areas and paved walkways, all of which are accessible to persons with disabilities. Parker Canyon Lake and Lakeview Campground are generally less crowded than similar areas that are more easily accessible. On some days you can hike the entire 5-mile trail around the lake and have only the resident wildlife for company. This trail has several viewing areas complete with benches and interpretive signs. Two of the viewing areas are barrier-free. It is an excellent place to view the waterfowl that either live at the lake or use it as a stopover on their seasonal migration. Bald eagles and osprey are also frequently sighted here, as are Coues white-tailed deer and an occasional extended family of coatimundi, those long-tailed, long-nosed southwestern cousins of the raccoon. Note: Black bears are common in the area. This campground is accessible to persons with disabilities.
TerraSol is a fun, friendly camping spot for hikers, cyclists, and van/small RV travelers. With amenities specially geared to van travelers, bikepackers & gravel cyclists, and Arizona Trail hikers, TerraSol is your rest stop or base camp where you can recharge for your adventure — just 1/2 mile from town.
Camp under majestic mesquite trees, with Sky Islands mountain peaks all around. Prepare meals in the camp kitchen, then choose your spot to relax: morning sunroom, shaded deck, fire circle, or heated gazebo. Or lounge around your campsite with picnic table and chairs.
Look forward to WiFi, hot shower, insulated tent pads, and extra blankets, plus loaner bikes to get to town. And popcorn!
TerraSol is right ON the Arizona Trail (Patagonia alternate route), the Sky Islands Odyssey bikepacking loops, and several inspiring gravel biking day routes. Several nearby hiking/walking trails draw birders from around the world.
There's plenty to enjoy in Patagonia itself, too. Grab a hearty breakfast, explore unique shops, and learn about our history at our historic schoolhouse museum. Dinner, drinks and live music are all evening possibilities.
Happy planning for your Patagonia adventure. Hope to see you at TerraSol!
$25 - $30 / night
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.
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.
TravelerWe stayed here in late August to hike the AZ Trail, but it isn't really a campsite. We set up a tiny tent in the tall grass, but there isn't a designated place to set-up camp, fire pit, etc. Also, it might get busy with cars during the more popular hiking seasons because it is a starting point for both passage 1 and 2 of the Arizona Trail. That being said, it worked for us for one night. It had a nice view of the lake.
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.
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.
Ranger
Great area of you plan to have everything with you. There is a ranch up the road along the way to the end of the road towards the top. Great place to hang out and enjoy the quiet. Take a drive up the road. Onyx Cave isn’t far.
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.
TravelerThere are lots of sites along Gardner Canyon road, and it can get a little busy. We had a site by a large tree and a wash. The first time cows were our only visitors, but on another trip there was a camper 100 yards away or so. Some of the sites are quite large and are able to fit several large rigs. Depending on the time of year there are some small water crossings passed the ranch. Overall a 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.
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.
Guide
We Camped here for two nights with a nice view of elephant head. It is an open range so there are cows walking around. There are quite a few camping spots but had all of them filled by the time we made camp on Friday afternoon. One of the really downsides was we had two skunks walk through our site early Saturday morning and one did spray our 10 months old puppy.
TravelerStayed one night will return to explore more. Clean restrooms, nice showers, friendly camp hosts.
Legend
This is a very large RV. “Resort” just off Hwy 90 north of Huachuca City AZ. It’s about 20 minutes to Sierra Vista, and 30 minutes to Tombstone. Wide streets for easy maneuvering even larger RVs. 30/50 amp, water, electricity, and sewer. Several bathroom/showers, laundry, WiFi. Good sized dog run. Many of the sites look like they are permanent or semi-permanent! I saw some for sale signs on lots, do you may be able to purchase a spot here.
GuideGood campground for fishermen and bird watchers. There is also some hiking available.
Pros - well maintained facilities but a little old. Hot showers and clean bathrooms. Camping next to the lake. The campground has a visitor center and camp store.
Cons - campsites are very close with limited privacy.
Ranger
First come first serve sites with a variety of pull-through or back-in sites. Pit toilets that were kept clean and supplied(TP) by camp host. Only downside was that the hand sanitizer dispensers were empty. Horse shoes available. 0.5 miles to the lake with access included in cost of campsite($20/night). Easy reach for Sierra Vista, Bisbee and Coronado National Monument
Scout
I first came upon this area three years ago and have come back every year since. It is isolated, camp sites are well spaced and the scenery is great. There is no highway noise and the night time stars are brilliant. It is free range for cattle so you may wake up several mornings to see them in 'your backyard'. There are Coues deer (a small whitetail), pronghorns (get up early to see them), a prairie dog town, coyotes can be heard many nights, and all kinds of birds.
Empire Ranch has a great but small museum, with trails around it for walking, nice restrooms, free water for filling your RV, and a rich history. If La Cieneguita campground is full (only eight sites) There are other areas with La Cienagas National Conservation Area for camping including a large former small airport on the other side of Empire Ranch.
Legend
We had reservations here for a month, but canceled because their showers are not working and we didn’t want to spend a month without a shower. We were told they are going to fix the showers “soon”. Also the pool is closed, and there are no plans to reopen. It looks like a nice place. Just needs better management.
Legend
This is an ok rv park. It’s not fancy. But it has what we need. We have reservations for a month. Had planned to stay at RV park down the road, but they didn’t have a working shower, and we didn’t think we could go a month without, This park has 72 pull through sites, water, 30/50 amp electric, and sewer. Monthly sites charge extra for electricity. There are 2 bathrooms/showers which are passable. There is a big dog run, and a small one for small dogs. They have laundry and an exercise room. Internet is spotty. There are a few tent sites. There is an RV service and sales facilities adjacent to the park
Scout
Awesome spots along the roads in this area. We had to leave our very private site one day and left a few things behind — sadly it was all gone when we came back. Lesson learned, but a big bummer.
RangerWe stayed here for 5 nights at the end of March, 2023. The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up.
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.
A large visitor center is near the park entrance and the cavern is up the hill behind the center. We reserved and did the Rotunda/Throne Tour. It was very cool and our 1st cave tour. I would suggest reading the rules for tours before reserving. Access to the cavern is very controlled as far as how you get in and what you can take. There's quite a story about how this park came into being.
The location of the park allows quick access to the I-10 and the town of Benson, about 12 miles away. Other interesting sights are within an hour or so of the park.
Traveler
I enjoyed this camp site overall. It was only 10 minutes away from Patagonia and it had lots of dry firewood. The downside is there is no water source and also road noise. I was there Friday night through Monday morning and heard road noice throughout the night except for Sunday night.
I would recommend exploring above where the pin is because there is more free dispersed camping that will be quieter and more remote.
RangerWe stayed here once in March of 2020. Must have Spring Break - tons of families, tons of kids, dogs and a few old timers. There's a couple short hikes from the campground that were OK. Lots of birds, saw a couple javelinas.
There's some boat rentals and a small visitor center/general store. We had water and electric at our site. Sites can be pretty close together with boundaries undefined. Shore of the lake difficult to get to in places because of thick vegetation. East CG is maybe a little less busy than the west.
Lots of places to explore nearby - Tubac, Madera Canyon, the Town of Patagonia, Ramsey Canyon near Sierra Vista, which is a good place to resupply and other more far flung places like Tombstone.
It was to have a lake by the campground which is a little unusual in Arizona. The land is different than the Sonoran desert of Tucson but still cool. We probably wouldn't go back unless it was offseason.
ScoutArea is Permanently closed
Traveler
Large desert landscaped site, neat bbq area, swinging bench. I really loved this place- the owner was super nice . It is apparent they take pride in their land and they have fixed it up nicely.
RangerNice camp sites right along on the side of the road. Loose cows. Site worked for a night.
RangerLocked gate.
Camping near Nogales, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Hiking and Exploring: The area is rich in trails and natural beauty. Many campers enjoy the proximity to Saguaro National Park, which offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is so cool!!! I prefer to be in nature while camping and this is it!" at Gilbert Ray Campground.
Wildlife Watching: Birdwatching and spotting local wildlife are popular activities. A camper at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area noted, "Prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors. Too many birds to count."
Visiting Historical Sites: The nearby town of Tombstone is famous for its Wild West history. One camper at Tombstone RV & Campground shared, "It’s about 5 minutes from the town of Tombstone."
Camping near Nogales, AZ, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Nogales, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nogales, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 83 campgrounds and RV parks near Nogales, AZ and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Nogales, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nogales, AZ is Patagonia Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nogales, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Nogales, AZ.
What parks are near Nogales, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Nogales, AZ that allow camping, notably Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National Park.
