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Best Tent Camping near Patagonia, AZ

386 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping options surround Patagonia, Arizona, with several primitive sites located within Coronado National Forest. Harshaw Avenue offers tent campsites approximately 10 minutes from town, while Empire Ranch provides both dispersed and reservable group tent sites in Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. Miller Canyon Road and Madera Canyon on Proctor Road offer additional tent camping opportunities, though road conditions can be challenging.

Most dispersed tent sites near Patagonia lack basic amenities. Campers should bring all necessary water, as no drinking water is available at these primitive locations. Fire rings exist at some sites, and fires are generally permitted when no fire restrictions are in place. According to one visitor, "The road up was a little rough and slippery in some places. If you're looking for peace and quiet with spectacular views, you will love it." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of these tent camping areas, particularly Miller Canyon Road and Proctor Road sites. Empire Ranch stands out by offering picnic tables and vault toilets at its tent sites.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking and wildlife observation. Areas along Harshaw Avenue provide easy access to firewood but experience some road noise except on Sunday nights. A review mentioned that Empire Ranch features "gorgeous grasslands" with "amazing diversity of landscapes" and remains "quiet during the week." For more remote tent camping experiences, Happy Valley Saddle Campground in Saguaro National Park offers walk-in tent sites accessible via a 4.6-mile hike. These backcountry tent sites include fire rings, bear boxes, and vault toilets, though permits are required. Campers seeking solitude should explore beyond the marked coordinates at Harshaw Avenue, where more remote dispersed camping can be found with less road noise.

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Best Tent Sites Near Patagonia, Arizona (16)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Patagonia, AZ

6 Photos of 16 Patagonia Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Patagonia, AZ

386 Reviews of 16 Patagonia Campgrounds

  • Ollie
    Feb. 20, 2024

    Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest

    Oliver’s Truck Camping Experience

    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.

  • Jered K.
    Feb. 25, 2019

    Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park

    Small & remote camp

    Happy Valley campground's name can be decieving.. its actually at 6,000' of elevation, 4.6 miles up the Miller Creek trail in the Rincon mountains east of Tucson. It lies within the Saguaro National Park so a permit is required ($8 fee). Up to 6 people per permit. There is 3 spots at the camp. Each spot has a fire ring, bear box, and some good size stumps to sit on around the fire. There is a vaulted toilet at the site as well. Water can be scarce in the Rincons so plan accordingly!

    Another 3.4 miles up the trail and you'll be at the summit of Rincon Peak (8,200'ish).

  • R
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Shootout Arena RV Park

    A Gem of a Campground

    This place is perfect for dry camping a short distance from historic Main Street Tombstone. There were no amenities, so be prepared! You cannot beat the price! For car/tent camping there are some private spaces with a little shade and evidence of past campfires. Be sure to stay to the left of the sign to go into the lower camping area. Pay your 10 bucks at the drop box.

  • Lisa S.
    Jan. 15, 2021

    Bog Springs Campground

    A Favorite

    What this campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for in its’ superb environment. Long grass, Mountain mahogany, pinion, oak,sycamore and juniper trees create a habitat for over 100 bird varieties and species. 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.

    There are only seven back in or curb side sites, and five walk in tent sites. All have water, picnic tables and fire rings. There is a building with pít toilets.

    This is not a place for big rigs or glampers.

    There is a lodgings nearby where an array of feeders attracts dozens of birds for Public viewing and where there is also a gift shop.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Best Campsites for Snowbirds In Arizona

    When spending time on the road many times you will find campsite after campsite that is welcoming but not quite like home away from home. But when you drive through Tucson, there is a mecca filled with winter bird campers and long term campers which create a home away from home.

    With only tent sites available on the facility, we were fortunate to find a site, however when we arrived we were so excited by the facilities we extended our stay by a day.

    Office staff immediately greeted us and let us know about the facilities, which happened to feature a mini golf course, an indoor events facility, 2 swimming pools and hot tubs, an indoor recreation area and multiple on camp fire chinineas. In addition there was a fishing pond and dog park area.

    Each of the 4 campsites were considered to be regular campsites instead of upgrade sites but when we arrived it was the most delux sites we had encountered along the way.

    Pad sites were large and the first to actually accommodate our large tent and the ground was u like any we had seen before at a site. The soft mulch was similar to that of a modern day playground and made for a much more comfortable sleep over the two days we were there.

    In addition to the standard picnic table of most facilities, this campground offered a kitchen facility at each campsite including a large copper sink and food storage as well as electricity and overhead lighting in the pergola designed to allow shade from the harsh Arizona sun.

    It was the closest thing to glamping we had encountered by far!

    Then as an added bonus, fresh fruit trees abounded ready for the picking. The front desk informed us of the allowance to pick what you want as everything was in season! An amazing treat on the road!

    We spent many hours at the pool facility, enjoyed amazing neighbors, used the wifi and even did a load of laundry while in Tucson. The facility really was like a home away from home on the road.

    🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰

    If the scale went higher we would rank it more Bunnies. There were no real areas we could see for improvement. Staff was very accommodating, long term and short term residents of the facility were amazing and this was a desert oasis like no other!

  • Nicole J.
    Dec. 6, 2021

    Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park

    Amazing campground!

    Exceeded expectations!! A moderate 4.6 mile hike after 16 miles on a dirt road. The hike up is BEAUTIFUL and not overly steep (but watch for snakes). The campground was great. We were the only ones there and used site 3. It was very secluded and had a nice big bear box and a nice fire ring. I would definitely return! It was a bit chilly in December but slept comfortably.

  • Charles R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    TerraSol in Patagonia, Arizona

    Fantastic intimate site with great amenities

    This small, cozy area is very clean and has several great amenities, and can provide private spots or more open areas for groups. Bike shop to repair bicycles and rent them. It is a 3 min ride on bike into town where anything is happening. There are 2 on-site showers. Fire pit to hang out. A kitchen available to all. The site is frequented by hikers and cyclists that tent camp there. There are no hookups, but it can accommodate 24 ft max trailers. The host Mary was wonderful and assisted us with all of our needs. We stayed there over the weekend of May 4th in a 22ft trailer. Weather was great, and we were close enough to do everything we wanted. Also, shout out to the winery queen of cups definitely one of the best tastings I have ever done.

  • Clint G.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Great State Park!

    We stayed at this State park on 12/27/2020.  We were not able to visit the caverns as all tickets had been sold when we arrived in the morning!  Plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance online.  The RV park was fantastic.  Our site was W/E with a dump on exit.  The site was level with a asphalt pad, some shade, a fire ring and picnic table was provided.  The bathrooms and showers were super clean as well.  There are hikes on the property that were well maintained as well.

  • Pedro G.
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Bog Springs Campground

    Favorite place!

    This is my favorite campground close to me great views, good place to take your family, drinking water, food storage, fires are permites in the pits depending on fire danger usually only permitted during winter months. Great hikes nearby still haven’t tried road biking hope to get to it soon.

Guide to Patagonia

Tent camping near Patagonia, Arizona offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Patagonia

  • For a peaceful experience, consider staying at Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest, where you can enjoy dry firewood and a remote atmosphere, though be prepared for some road noise.
  • If you're looking for a quick escape with some amenities, the Madera Canyon Picnic Area provides picnic tables and restrooms, along with encounters with local wildlife like wild turkeys.
  • Be aware that the Nogales Recreation Area is permanently closed, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid disappointment.

Local activities for tent campers

  • Explore the scenic trails and stunning views at the Tumacacori Mountains, a well-reviewed spot that also offers a taste of local culture in the nearby artist town.
  • Enjoy a day of fishing or relaxing by the water at Arivaca Lake, where you can soak in the serene surroundings and unwind in nature.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, Miller Canyon Road offers beautiful scenery and the chance to find a secluded spot, though be cautious about permit requirements.

Features of nearby campgrounds

  • At Calabasas Group Campground, you can enjoy fires and picnic tables, making it a great spot for group gatherings.
  • The Huachuca Mountains provide a more primitive camping experience, perfect for those looking to disconnect completely, though amenities are limited.
  • If you're interested in a more social atmosphere, the Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area is a popular spot for picnics and gatherings, offering a chance to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Patagonia, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Patagonia, AZ is Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Patagonia, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Patagonia, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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