Nogales, Arizona campgrounds primarily sit at elevations between 3,500-4,100 feet in the southern Arizona landscape. This border town region experiences mild winters with daytime temperatures averaging 65-75°F from November through March, making it popular with seasonal campers. Campsites in this area typically feature desert vegetation including mesquite, ocotillo, and various cacti species among rocky terrain.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At TerraSol in Patagonia, you can explore directly from your campsite. "This property is ON the Arizona trail, so it's the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring," notes one visitor. The campground welcomes hikers and cyclists with convenient trail access.
Bird watching opportunities: The Nogales area is known for exceptional bird watching. A camper at Patagonia Lake State Park Campground described it as a "Birder's paradise in April" and mentioned "we biked all over the camp (small), Visited local town Sierra vista for a wonderful dog groomer (Paw Passion) and lunch (machaca @ La Casita)."
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer water recreation. Patagonia Lake State Park features boat rentals and swimming areas. A visitor reported, "The lake lovely to canoe, we biked all over the camp." At Tombstone Territories RV Park, campers can access nearby San Pedro River trails.
What campers like
Space and privacy: Many rv parks near Nogales, Arizona provide generously sized sites. At Tombstone Territories RV Park, campers appreciate the layout. "Off the beaten trail a bit but we really enjoyed our stay here. Hiking trail entrances right in the park and it's close to the San Pedro river," one visitor shared. Another mentioned, "Beautiful land and big lots. The kids and I used the hiking trails and played horseshoe toss."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. A guest at Quail Ridge RV Resort noted, "Spacious, level lots. Friendly, helpful staff. Close to the highway but not too noisy. The campground is clean and well maintained. Very affordable!" Another camper added, "Clean, easy to locate, and great for the price! Laundry, bathroom, and showers."
Budget-friendly options: Several RV parks offer economical camping near the Nogales area. One reviewer highlighted Quail Ridge RV Resort's value: "This is the best place I've stayed at of its type and size. Definitely handles over 200 rigs, has nice bathhouse, very clean, laundry, dog park, etc. And the price is totally fair! Just under $14 a night."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter is peak season for RV camping around Nogales. Green Valley RV Resort and similar parks fill quickly during these months. Unlike the existing description mentioned, some facilities have reduced services in warmer months. At Tombstone Territories RV Park, one camper observed, "At the end of the winter the work campers that did such a great job all left to go north and the services all but disappeared. The park almost completely emptied out by the 1st of May."
Facility limitations: Some campgrounds have ongoing facility issues. A Tombstone Territories visitor noted, "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."
Border proximity: Campgrounds in this region sometimes experience Border Patrol activity. A camper mentioned, "Even up until midnight we had trucks driving through the campground. (This may have been campers or Border Patrol as we saw them driving through every couple of hours)."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Many Nogales area campgrounds offer family-friendly activities. At Exception Ranch, families can enjoy the natural setting. "This place is just awesome. Very secluded and private. We love it here and we will be back. The southern Arizona hills and vegetation is just breathtaking," noted one visitor.
Pet facilities: Several campgrounds accommodate family pets with designated areas. Tombstone Territories provides a "nice little dog park for our pooch to run around too and we used the public firepit." The park also offers horseshoes for children to play.
Space considerations: Family groups should consider site layout when booking. A Patagonia Lake visitor cautioned, "The campsites themselves are small" while another noted that "while the sites are more spacious than an RV park, they are not as spacious as nearby karchner or roper lake. There is not any privacy."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV parks around Nogales vary in accessibility. At De Anza Trails RV Resort, an RVer appreciated the amenities: "Here for a week at the end of the season. All amenities open but not rocking like they do all winter long. Lovely pool, spa, pickleball, laundry... online list is accurate."
Leveling requirements: RV site leveling varies between parks. A visitor to Mountain View RV Park reported, "Gravel pull thru sites with full hook ups for $21 per nite! Plenty roomy and level. A few small trees or Yuccas between sites." At Quail Ridge RV Resort, campers note, "With my 42ft trailer I had no problem getting around."
Long-term considerations: For extended stays at RV parks near Nogales, additional factors come into play. At Green Valley RV Resort, a camper observed, "Lots of permanent tiny homes or trailers, and some RV's but very close. Nice community center, swimming pool, hot tub, shuffle bord Cort, and picked ball."
