Best Campgrounds near Patagonia, AZ

Patagonia, Arizona has several camping options you can reach by taking some pretty drives. About 31 miles from town, Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground sits close to the well-known underground cave system. Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area offers more basic dispersed camping that works well if you're self-contained. Rose Canyon Campground in the Catalina Mountains gives you good tree cover when you want to get out of the Arizona sun. Catalina State Park Campground has trails that wind through classic Sonoran Desert plants and terrain. Watch for fire bans during dry periods, and check if you need permits before setting up camp. Keep an eye out for wildlife like coyotes and pronghorn antelope, and store your food properly so you don't attract them to your site. Some camping spots feel quite private while others are more open with neighbors nearby. You should make reservations for places like Kartchner Caverns since spots fill up fast, especially during busy times. Many campgrounds open their booking windows months ahead, and popular dates go quickly. Fall through spring offers the most comfortable camping weather around Patagonia. Summer gets extremely hot, so finding shade and bringing plenty of water becomes really important. The area works well for short weekend trips or longer stays depending on what kind of camping experience you want.

Best Camping Sites Near Patagonia, Arizona (144)

    1. Patagonia Lake State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Rio Rico, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 287-6965

    $25 - $119 / night

    "Patagonia Lake State Park Has a great camping site spots with power and water in great views for really reasonably priced."

    "We arrived at Patagonia State Park at 12:30. Check in was easy. There are so many hiking trails and views that it made this stop a bonus!"

    2. Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon

    8 Reviews
    Patagonia, AZ
    4 miles
    Website

    "You’ll see a forest fire prevention sign at the entrance. 4x4 only no trailers. 3 or 4 dispersed sites. Beautiful hike up 4x4 road. Border patrol active. Close to Arizona’s trail trailhead."

    "(just outside of the adorable village of Patagonia), you will find a variety of free camping options with no services, just National Forest land available to both RVers and tent campers.  "

    3. TerraSol in Patagonia, Arizona

    4 Reviews
    Patagonia, AZ
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 987-0770

    $25 - $30 / night

    "Astral even recommended an amazing wild camp spot for our following evening, near the border. That evening, Mary made us a delicious dinner that nurtured our bodies, minds and souls."

    "This property is ON the Arizona trail, so it's the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring. Check them out and leave them some love!"

    4. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "We camped just past the cieneguita sites tucked back in the mesquite thicket."

    "Great space to walk the dogs around here. It’s gets a little windy at times and the cows can make a racket every so often, but we really like it here."

    5. Bog Springs Campground

    11 Reviews
    Amado, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 281-2296

    $20 / night

    "Driving in you get a beautiful view of Mount Wrightson."

    "Deer roam around inside the campground perimeter and hiking trails lead directly out to miles of Mountain trails including to the top of 9427’ Mt. Wrightson."

    6. Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Patagonia, AZ
    3 miles

    "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."

    7. Patagonia Lake State Park Boat-In Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Rio Rico, AZ
    7 miles

    $25 / night

    "Visit the beach, walk the bridge, rent a boat, or fish the lake during your camping trip. I love this place. Different ambiance than most AZ lakes."

    8. Lakeview Campground

    11 Reviews
    Fort Huachuca, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 378-0311

    $20 / night

    "I had a great time at Parker Canyon Lake, located about an hour from Sonoita, Arizona. The fishing was excellent — the lake is well-stocked, and it’s a peaceful spot to cast a line."

    "There is water available but it’s located next to the pit toilets, not at the individual sites.

    You can see the lake from the sites, but we had to walk about 1/2 mile to get to the water."

    9. Rancho del Nido

    5 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    16 miles
    +1 (520) 548-5503

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Loads of wineries and hiking trails are a short drive away."

    "There were horse trails all around and you can bring your horses too. Dog friendly, and the owners were available if needed.

    Come for the stars,if nothing else."

    10. Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-4100

    $30 - $99 / night

    "-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."

    "Nice that the trailheads are just a few min walk from the campgrounds. The foothills loop is easy and takes you all around the area without being too challenging."

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Showing results 1-10 of 144 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Patagonia, AZ

531 Reviews of 144 Patagonia Campgrounds



Guide to Patagonia

Camping near Patagonia, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or simply relax under the stars, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground, visitors can explore trails that lead to the famous caverns. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up."
  • Birdwatching: The Patagonia Lake State Park Campground is a great spot for birdwatching. A camper noted, "I do really like the birdwatching area outside the visitor center."
  • Fishing: Patagonia Lake is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. A review highlighted, "Good campground for fishermen and bird watchers. There is also some hiking available."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area said, "The scenery is great. There is no highway noise and the nighttime stars are brilliant."
  • Wildlife: Many campers enjoy the wildlife sightings. A review mentioned, "Prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors. Too many birds to count."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Gilbert Ray Campground are noted for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, "Loved this spot for a night. Grounds were tidy! Bathrooms were clean."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area, lack basic amenities. A reviewer pointed out, "There is no privacy, and I didn’t stay here."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially during holidays. A visitor at Spencer Canyon Campground noted, "The campsites are a little too close together for my taste."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for temperature drops at night, especially in higher elevations like Rose Canyon Campground. One camper advised, "The mountain can get very cold and windy at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like picnic tables and clean bathrooms. At Catalina State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "Showers and bathrooms well maintained."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or plan hikes that are suitable for kids. One camper at Patagonia Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There are guided hikes and bird walks along with boat tours."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water. A visitor at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground warned, "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Tucson - Lazydays KOA noted, "We maneuvered to get our 10’ sewer hose to fit between our two dump valves."
  • Utilize Amenities: Many campgrounds offer great amenities. One camper at Tucson - Lazydays KOA said, "This KOA is a true resort with major amenities, such as a pool, putt-putt golf course, pickleball, restaurant, and planned activities."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area mentioned, "People drive FAST up and down it late into the night."

Camping near Patagonia, Arizona, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Patagonia, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Patagonia, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Patagonia, AZ and 41 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Patagonia, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Patagonia, AZ is Patagonia Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Patagonia, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 41 free dispersed camping spots near Patagonia, AZ.

What parks are near Patagonia, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Patagonia, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.