Best Tent Camping near Pima, AZ
The Coronado National Forest surrounding Pima, Arizona offers several tent camping options in the Pinaleño Mountains, a "sky island" that rises dramatically from the desert floor. Arcadia Campground, located along Swift Trail (AZ 366), provides established tent campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Round the Mountain Campground, a tiny three-site primitive tent camping area, sits perched on the mountainside with creek access for water filtering. Marijilda offers secluded tent-only camping along a creek but requires 4x4 access. Clark Peak Dispersed Campsite provides free backcountry tent camping beneath aspens and ponderosas with views toward Pima and Safford.
Most tent campsites in the Pinaleños feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal improvements. Campers should bring all necessary water, as drinking water is limited to a few established campgrounds. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in summer months. Vault toilets are available at established sites like Arcadia, while dispersed camping areas require proper waste disposal. The 14-day stay limit applies to most Forest Service lands. Road conditions vary significantly, with higher elevation sites accessible only seasonally. One camper noted that Arcadia Campground is "well suited for tent camping" with sites spread 30-50 feet from the main road.
The temperature difference between Pima and the mountain tent sites can reach 30 degrees cooler, making these areas popular summer escapes from desert heat. In early April, tent campers at Round the Mountain reported snowy peaks and waterfalls, with "crystal clear water for filtering" in the nearby creek. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer frequently visiting tent sites. Walk-in tent sites offer greater seclusion but require carrying gear short distances from parking areas. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly at primitive tent sites. Tent campers seeking solitude often prefer weekday visits, as weekend crowds can fill the limited established campgrounds, especially during cooler months.
