Searching for the best camping near Pima, AZ? Pima is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Pima. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Cottonwood Campground
$30 / night
Mt. Graham camping and Riggs Flat Lake at Riggs Flat Campground. Experience Some come to fish in it, some to boat on it, and some just to enjoy the reflective beauty this small (11 acre) lake adds to such a scenic area. The dam was financed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 1957 to provide trout fishing for forest recreationists. Information about stocking Riggs Lake is available from Arizona Game and Fish Department.
$10 / night
Roper Lake offers three different campgrounds for lakeside camping. The Gila campground offers eight cabins, five non-electric sites, and a 14 site group camp area. All non-electric sites include fire rings and picnic tables.
$20 - $70 / night
Roper Lake offers three different campgrounds for lakeside camping.
The Hacienda Campground has 20 sites with water and electric (20/30 amp). Each site includes fire rings and picnic tables. Hacienda campground has a bathroom with hot showers near the entrance of the campground. Most sites will accommodate a vehicle length of up to 45 feet and are a mix of pull-through and back-in sites.
$30 / night
When early settlers ventured up Mount Graham, the Arcadia area was usually as far as they got on the first day. A little later in the history of the Pinaleños, Arcadia was the site of one of several Civilian Conservation Corps camps established in the 1930s to provide jobs for workers idled by the Great Depression. Today, Arcadia Campground, which has 19 campsites, is the first campground visitors encounter on their way up Mount Graham by way of the Swift Trail (AZ 366), which was built by those Depression-era workers. Arcadia Campground is shaded by stands of tall ponderosa pine interspersed with Gambel oaks and Arizona walnuts. Such a diverse habitat makes this an excellent area for bird watching. Watch for poison ivy. Note: Black bear area.
$20 / night
This campground offers a fantastic camping experience within the popular Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. The area contains significant riparian areas with a plethora of birds, wildlife, and unique vegetation. The Gila Box RNCA is a guaranteed treat for any visitor.
To continue providing a quality recreational experience on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a__draft business plan fee proposal for this site, in addition to other BLM-managed recreation sites across Arizona. The BLM wants to hear from you about these draft business plans. Visit the__Recreation Business Plan webpage__or__our announcement__for more information about how to share your input by October 21.
Traveler
Review of RV Boondocking at Cochise Lake Willcox, AZ
Cochise Lake is a fantastic boondocking spot with plenty of space, making it perfect for big rigs. It is easy to access, peaceful, and offers a great place to settle in for a night or more.
The real highlight, though, is the incredible experience with the sandhill cranes. You’re just feet away from hundreds of not thousands of these majestic birds. Watching them take flight at daybreak is absolutely breathtaking. Many return around 1 p.m., and sunset brings another spectacular show.
If you love birdwatching, wide-open spaces, and the beauty of nature, this spot is definitely worth a visit!
Guide
Watch out for the cattle including bulls. They haven’t bothered me but just want to make sure you’re aware they’re around and could be in the road. It’s gorgeous out here and plenty of space if you keep going in. Some spots a little washed out or bumpy but the Skoolie got back here just fine so most big rigs should be good.
GuideYou can park very close to the rock formations here but I couldn’t find level ground ( bring some blocks). The road in is very wide and nice at first but gets pretty rough the farther you go plenty of spots. Alll in all a nice place.
Ranger
Spent two nights here at the exact place where Google Maps says you have arrived. Very secluded and quiet!
Our site was pretty much a gravelly level area. We were just above the dam.
There is absolutely nothing at this site to create shade or a wind block. Fortunately we had only light breezes at dawn and dusk. It can feel really cold in the morning before the sun comes up even at 40.
Guide
Had the best time here definitely one for the books. The saloon is not only a bar but has ton of activities such as pool, corn hole, shuffle bored, line dancing, music and more.
$50 a night or $25 if you have the vine app $10 to dry camp out front. Huge space took our 40ft Rv 50 and 30amp hook ups. Some Grass area for dogs. Very friendly people here. Lots of fun.
Ranger
I have been full timing in my 22 ft travel Trailer for 2.5 years.. this easily is one of my fav spots. Camping is $3a day near the hot wells but outside the recreation area, is all BLM camping. Hot wells right next to our spot were amazing. I just wish they were working all 24 hours a day. The wells are pumped by a solar pump so cloud coverage or night mean the solar pumps aren’t pumping. But they fill up about an hour after sunrise and about an hour after sunset it drains. We were the only ones there for 4 days. It was awesome
Guide
Sadly, there is construction going on in the park right now. It is windy and cold. The sites are pretty private and there are nice picnic table covers. Unfortunately, the dump station is closed for a while.
RangerThis is our second time staying here and they have started doing some upgrades to the park. New dump station and some new bathrooms and shower houses. We stayed in the Hacienda loop both times. I like this loop better because it doesn’t seem as crowded as the other loops. Sites are well spaced and level. Nice hiking trails around the lake also where you can fish. Very close to Safford and Thatcher that have a great number of stores.
Traveler
Found a beautiful dispersed camping spot beneath the Aspens and Ponderosas on the north side of FR803 about a mile west of the Riggs Flat Lake Campground. There’s a great overlook to the east looking out toward Pima and Safford.
ScoutThe paved road turns to dirt road about half a mile before the turn off. Pretty bumpy. Once we arrived we drove the loop and saw no pull off spots for our RV.
Scout
I tried to stay here, and they had openings, but I was in a Tesla and refused service. I have an adapter. Looked like a nice place, but couldn’t stay because of ignorance.
Ranger
Not much for camping area, but it’s right on the creek and secluded and quiet. No toilets. No trash. Verizon in and out. 4x4 needed to exit. Road is a couple miles, rough, and one shallow water crossing.
Ranger
This is an overlook of the Gila Valley with a wall to keep people from driving off. Verizon works. It dead ends just past the wall. You could camp here in an RTT. There is a place further down that has a couple dispersed areas by the creek. Marijilda Ranch Road. It’s rough but worth the run. Pictures in this review are of that area.
Ranger
There are vault toilets there. There is a few places one could pull off for a quick sleep, but not a campground at all. Little further south are places in the trees further off the road on the right hand side .2 and .6 miles down.
Ranger
The road in turns to dirt for a brief minute, then back to paved. It winds and there are some tight turns. You turn off the pavement to dirt the last 1/4 mile. Wouldn’t take anything over 35’ 5th wheel. $5/night is not bad to have vault toilets, water spigot, picnic tables, river close. Biking trails, horse trails, hike trails, OHV trails all close. There are corrals at the “Host” site. There is a boat ramp 2 miles before the campground. There is one farther up also. Not sure about at the campground. No Verizon signal here.
Traveler
Was a little busy and the bulls can get aggressive in your campsite.
Ranger
Very clean spacious well kept KOA. Cafe on site with nice staff and good food. The sites are super roomy. Staff is very friendly. I10 is noisy but really didn't mind that at all being tired from our travels. Fire pit and pool. Really nice place.
LegendFriendly staff, level sites, clean and well laid out. Cafe has a full menu and it was clean and well run.
TravelerAll the facilities are very clean. $3/night and you have two hot wells to soak in during the day. This is a recreational area for OHVs so expect to hear people having fun on the weekends.
Scout
I had the pleasure of staying at this resort, and I must say, it's an absolute gem! The fitness center is a fantastic addition, offering a perfect blend of activity and relaxation. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and if you're looking for a place that combines the joys of camping with top-notch amenities, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Having experienced the positive vibes of the resort, I also came across an article that aligns with the holistic approach to well-being fostered at the resort. Check out this insightful piece on the mental health benefits of yoga: https://calmerry.com/blog/self-care/mental-health-benefits-of-yoga/ and it complements the camp experience beautifully, promoting both physical and mental wellness.
I hope more people get to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere at Lifestyle RV Resort. Happy camping and take care of both your body and mind!🏞️💪🧘♂️
GuideA beautiful, serene location not too far from I-10 and Fort Bowie. We arrived at around 10pm in our Sprinter van and found a quiet location. The campsites are far apart and you travel on compacted dirt road to get there. The father you go, the more space you have. It will be quite bumpy if you do not have an AWD or 4x4.
LegendThis is a wonderful place to boondock if you are driving the I-10 or visiting Fort Bowie Nation Historic Park. The dirt road is easily passable for most vehicles. Ver quiet. Decent cell signal with T-Mobile.
Guide
This place is right off the highway but was still pretty quiet. Everyone there was so nice and friendly. And FHU for $20 a night? You can’t beat that!
TravelerHappy Camp Canyon is in fairly good condition. There is a trailhead parking area that is posted as no camping but about 50 yards further down there is a clearing with fire rings. We ended up sharing the spot with some cattle for a while.
GuideThe lots are pretty level of the people are really nice. 10 bucks for electric only 24 full hook up cash. It’s right off the freeway.
Legend
Nothing beats the summer Arizona heat like escaping to the top of the Pinaleños.
At 8800 ft elevation, this corral and campsite offers amazing weather in the summer and gorgeous views off the edge of the mountains.
Be prepared to bring in anything you might need, including water. There are only about 3 campsites located near the vault toilets, but their are dispersed sites further down the forest road.
This forest road is gated off during the winter months and this area is not accessible.
ScoutThis place is the best place that i have ever been mostly because there are a lot of cool sights and also many interesting things to do. So i will be back there for sure
Camping near Pima, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Pima, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pima, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pima, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 66 campgrounds and RV parks near Pima, AZ and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pima, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pima, AZ is Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pima, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Pima, AZ.
What parks are near Pima, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Pima, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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