Nogales camping options range from developed campgrounds to primitive sites in the surrounding Coronado National Forest. Temperatures vary dramatically by season, with summer highs reaching 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing at higher elevations. Most campgrounds in the area sit between 3,800-5,000 feet elevation, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking trails: Ramsey Vista Campground offers access to numerous trails in the Huachuca Mountains. "Trails lead out from campground to canyons and peaks. Clean pit toilets, no water," notes Jane J., who adds that the "road up is dirt/rock -- could by tough with snow/rain."
Bird watching: Empire Ranch provides exceptional bird watching in Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. "The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes," says Liz W., who recommends visiting during weekdays when it's "quiet."
Water recreation: Patagonia Lake State Park Campground offers boating and fishing opportunities. "The proximity to the lake is great!!" reports Kimberly C., though she notes that "the campsites themselves are small."
What campers like
Dark skies: Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offers excellent stargazing conditions. Jennifer H. describes it as "super dark at night, so sky viewing is great!" noting the "giant mountain is a perfect backdrop for camping!"
Spacious sites: At Kartchner Caverns, campers appreciate the well-designed layout. Alivia M. reports that "each site is really big and everything is clean and well maintained. Nearly all sites have electrical and water with a dump station located near the entrance."
Wildlife viewing: Empire Ranch provides opportunities to see diverse desert wildlife. "Las Ciengas Campground had wonderful vistas, a big sky and was breezy," according to Ronald K., who enjoyed the panoramic views.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures can be extreme at lower elevations. David T. warns about Kartchner Caverns: "It's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108."
Site conditions: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. One camper at Patagonia Lake notes, "Our parking spot was level but nothing else. Leaving us without a great spot to put our chairs and table."
Wildlife awareness: Cactus Country RV Park and surrounding areas have native desert wildlife. "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench," cautions David T. about camping in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Kartchner Caverns offers cave tours appropriate for families. "The campground itself is large, sites somewhat spaced apart," notes Bill R., adding there's "a large visitor center near the park entrance and the cavern is up the hill behind the center."
Facilities: Cactus Country RV Park provides family amenities. Kaylene H. reports her family "enjoyed the super nice pool & hot tub. They also had a neat cactus garden to walk through. Shuffle board available too."
Group camping: Empire Ranch has dedicated group sites. "There is also a really great group site for reservation. Great location for Ground Tents, Roof Top Tents, and RVs," according to Joshua M.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Patagonia Lake has specific site configurations. "Camped in site 10 - face in. Our cord/hose worked fine for our 28' rig and car," reports Liz W., who also enjoyed biking and canoeing at the lake.
Camping near amenities: Cactus Country RV Park offers a convenient base. "Convenient location just off I-10. Had some great sunsets," notes Karen B., adding it's "close to shopping and Saguaro National Park."
Hookup reliability: When glamping in Nogales, Arizona area, check electrical connections. At Cactus Country, one camper experienced issues: "The shore power 30 amp showed reverse polarity and a faulty ground, so we used the 50 amp with a dog bone," suggesting bringing adapters.
