The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Portal. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Arizona camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Arizona camping adventure.
Bonita Canyon Campground is located in Chiricahua National Monument, also known as the "Wonderland of Rocks". Visitors love Chiricahua for its stunning rock columns (hoodoos), hiking trails, and bird watching opportunities. NOTE: Vehicles and RV's longer than 24 feet are NOT permitted on the scenic drive beyond the campground. Trailers are not permitted on the Scenic Drive. See campground regulations and map.
Chiricahua National Monument offers 17 miles (27 km) of day-use hiking trails. Birders frequent this site for the diversity of species that reside in or migrate through the area. Enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges which make for stunning photography opportunities at Massai Point, the end of the 8-mile (13 km), paved scenic drive. No backcountry camping is permitted in the park. The Coronado National Forest surrounds Chiricahua and may offer dispersed or other camping opportunities as well as reservations for developed campgrounds.
Set in a pine and oak forest, Bonita Canyon Campground provides an atmosphere of relaxation. Most campsites are well shaded and have views of Bonita Creek which is dry most of the year,
The park visitor center is open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mountain Standard Time (except Thanksgiving Day and December 25). Inside you will find interactive exhibits about the cultural and natural history of the park, plus a Western National Parks Association store. Visitors may explore Faraway Ranch , originally the Erickson family pioneer homestead, converted into a 20th century guest ranch by the family daughters and currently an historic site. For more information visit the Chiricahua National Monument website. Nearby Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Coronado National Memorial, the Coronado National Forest, Portal/Cave Creek, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Willcox are additional places visitors to Chiricahua may also enjoy exploring.
$50 / night
Part of the Douglas Ranger District.
Campsites are clustered around a grassy meadow in this relatively open streamside camp. All sites are shaded, some more than others, and all are reasonably close to Cave Creek. Birdwatching is good right in camp (as it is in all Cave Creek camps) with elegant trogons and many other interesting species sighted regularly among the sycamores and oaks that border the creek. The open character of the area makes for exciting views of Cave Creek Canyon’s famous rock formations which tower over the area. Other recreation attractions in Cave Creek Canyon, such as birding areas along South Fork and a number of hiking trails, are just a short drive from this campground, which is along the Cave Creek Canyon/Portal to Paradise Loop scenic drive. Some attractions you may want to take advantage of while you’re camped at Sunny Flat are the scenic Vista Point Trail located a short distance downstream of the campground, and the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center a little farther downstream. The Center, is open year-round, offers interpretive information, books and pamphlets on the natural and cultural history of the area, and a few examples of local wildlife species. Note: Black bears in area.
Located 6 miles North of Rodeo, NM, on historic Route 80, Rusty’s RV Ranch is nestled between the Peloncillo and Chiricahua Mountain Ranges with 360* views. Whether you only stop in for a few nights or want to put out the wheel chocks and stay awhile, we’ve got you covered. Our 200′ long pull-thru sites with full hook-ups can accommodate even the largest of BIG RIGS. Our on-site guest amenities are available 24 hours a day. At an elevation of 4124 feet, our Summer weather is milder than most desert destinations. We rarely break 100 degrees and at least 10 degrees cooler than Tucson, AZ. Enjoy year-round activities like hiking, biking, birding, geocaching, hunting, and miles off-road trails for your ATV or Jeep. We have a large dog park, complete with comfortable seating in the shade, and we offer over 2 miles of walking trails in the park. You can even use one of our courtesy bicycles to navigate our paths. After your day of fun and adventure, take a dip in our heated swim spa or enjoy a relaxing evening watching the stars.
$29 / night
Bring your RV& join us at Smugglers' Roost! A pioneering community which serves as a hub for exploration, creativity, trade, and most of all… the passionate celebration of life!
We offer 18' x 100' Full Hook-up RV Sites with 50-amp electric, water, sewer& free high-speed WiFi. Pull-throughs are available& there's plenty of room to spread out!
Smugglers' Roost is located in Animas, NM, situated at the site of the infamous Clanton Gang’s hideout along Smuggler’s Trail. The community is positioned along the original Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Winter Route; a short two hour drive from Las Cruces, New Mexico or just 2.5-hours from either El Paso, Texas or Tucson, Arizona.
We are located in the Middle of Everywhere, surrounded by wealth of wide-ranging activities and natural amenities which include extraordinary, yet uncrowded state and national recreation areas, caves, mines, ghost towns, museums, historic locations, native sites, observatories, local wineries and micro-breweries.
BIRD WITH US! We offer an onsite birding station& three additional affiliated local birding sites, including one at the mouth of the famed Cave Creek Canyon only a short drive away.
EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE! Our dead-dark night skies are nothing short of awe-inspiring, so come explore the universe with our onsite astronomer!
$27 - $30 / night
Located on the west side of the Chiricahuas, Sycamore Campground straddles the banks of West Turkey Creek, a small perennial stream that cascades into the campground down a series of small waterfalls and through a rocky cleft decorated with wildflowers. These sycamore- and oak-shaded sites are located near the end of Turkey Creek Road in an area that serves as a jumping off place into the Chiricahua Wilderness. A number of trails start in the vicinity of the campground and climb to destinations and connecting trails high in the mountains. If you’re a hiker or an equestrian, you’ll find this an excellent base of operations with enough nearby trail miles to keep you busy for quite a while. Note: Black bears in area.
Bonita Canyon Campground is located in Chiricahua National Monument, also known as the "Wonderland of Rocks". Visitors love Chiricahua for its stunning rock columns (hoodoos), hiking trails, and bird watching opportunities. NOTE: Vehicles and RV's longer than 24 feet are NOT permitted on the scenic drive beyond the campground. Trailers are not permitted on the Scenic Drive. See campground regulations and map.
Chiricahua National Monument offers 17 miles (27 km) of day-use hiking trails. Birders frequent this site for the diversity of species that reside in or migrate through the area. Enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges which make for stunning photography opportunities at Massai Point, the end of the 8-mile (13 km), paved scenic drive. No backcountry camping is permitted in the park. The Coronado National Forest surrounds Chiricahua and may offer dispersed or other camping opportunities as well as reservations for developed campgrounds.
Set in a pine and oak forest, Bonita Canyon Campground provides an atmosphere of relaxation. Most campsites are well shaded and have views of Bonita Creek which is dry most of the year,
The park visitor center is open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mountain Standard Time (except Thanksgiving Day and December 25). Inside you will find interactive exhibits about the cultural and natural history of the park, plus a Western National Parks Association store. Visitors may explore Faraway Ranch , originally the Erickson family pioneer homestead, converted into a 20th century guest ranch by the family daughters and currently an historic site. For more information visit the Chiricahua National Monument website. Nearby Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Coronado National Memorial, the Coronado National Forest, Portal/Cave Creek, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Willcox are additional places visitors to Chiricahua may also enjoy exploring.
$50 / night
Part of the Douglas Ranger District.
Campsites are clustered around a grassy meadow in this relatively open streamside camp. All sites are shaded, some more than others, and all are reasonably close to Cave Creek. Birdwatching is good right in camp (as it is in all Cave Creek camps) with elegant trogons and many other interesting species sighted regularly among the sycamores and oaks that border the creek. The open character of the area makes for exciting views of Cave Creek Canyon’s famous rock formations which tower over the area. Other recreation attractions in Cave Creek Canyon, such as birding areas along South Fork and a number of hiking trails, are just a short drive from this campground, which is along the Cave Creek Canyon/Portal to Paradise Loop scenic drive. Some attractions you may want to take advantage of while you’re camped at Sunny Flat are the scenic Vista Point Trail located a short distance downstream of the campground, and the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center a little farther downstream. The Center, is open year-round, offers interpretive information, books and pamphlets on the natural and cultural history of the area, and a few examples of local wildlife species. Note: Black bears in area.
Located 6 miles North of Rodeo, NM, on historic Route 80, Rusty’s RV Ranch is nestled between the Peloncillo and Chiricahua Mountain Ranges with 360* views. Whether you only stop in for a few nights or want to put out the wheel chocks and stay awhile, we’ve got you covered. Our 200′ long pull-thru sites with full hook-ups can accommodate even the largest of BIG RIGS. Our on-site guest amenities are available 24 hours a day. At an elevation of 4124 feet, our Summer weather is milder than most desert destinations. We rarely break 100 degrees and at least 10 degrees cooler than Tucson, AZ. Enjoy year-round activities like hiking, biking, birding, geocaching, hunting, and miles off-road trails for your ATV or Jeep. We have a large dog park, complete with comfortable seating in the shade, and we offer over 2 miles of walking trails in the park. You can even use one of our courtesy bicycles to navigate our paths. After your day of fun and adventure, take a dip in our heated swim spa or enjoy a relaxing evening watching the stars.
$29 / night
Bring your RV& join us at Smugglers' Roost! A pioneering community which serves as a hub for exploration, creativity, trade, and most of all… the passionate celebration of life!
We offer 18' x 100' Full Hook-up RV Sites with 50-amp electric, water, sewer& free high-speed WiFi. Pull-throughs are available& there's plenty of room to spread out!
Smugglers' Roost is located in Animas, NM, situated at the site of the infamous Clanton Gang’s hideout along Smuggler’s Trail. The community is positioned along the original Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Winter Route; a short two hour drive from Las Cruces, New Mexico or just 2.5-hours from either El Paso, Texas or Tucson, Arizona.
We are located in the Middle of Everywhere, surrounded by wealth of wide-ranging activities and natural amenities which include extraordinary, yet uncrowded state and national recreation areas, caves, mines, ghost towns, museums, historic locations, native sites, observatories, local wineries and micro-breweries.
BIRD WITH US! We offer an onsite birding station& three additional affiliated local birding sites, including one at the mouth of the famed Cave Creek Canyon only a short drive away.
EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE! Our dead-dark night skies are nothing short of awe-inspiring, so come explore the universe with our onsite astronomer!
$27 - $30 / night
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.
Guide
Not really much to see here just a horseshoe parking. Didn’t stay since the spot so small right off the road. We are in 40ft Rv it’s just a place to rest your head boondocking
Guide
Cant give my honest opinion since we were led to the overflow path not the actual entrance No one here it was nice and secluded however a lot of loose dirt that gets everywhere. There was a one way road that you can take I wouldn’t recommend 40ft Rv taking the small path. Only stopped to let the dogs out and have some leg time off leash. Dry during the time we were there.
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
This campground has nicely spaced sites with lots of green around them. A 3 mile nature walk from the campsite. Very heavy canopy overhead. Sadly it took out the top of our campers ladder 😕Longer vehicles won’t make the road. Our Rv got a broken
Scout
Staff was friendly and helpful. The facilities were clean. The low light made the stargazing great.
Scout
We ended up staying longer than planned, very nice place close to bisbee but far enough to enjoy some quiet and beautiful night sky. Clean facilities with hot showers. the clubhouse is also a great place to hangout, with lots of appliances free to use. Owners very sweet and always here to help. Highly recommend and will be back!! They have RV sites with full hookups but also dry camping sites
Scout
Great campsite but a bit weedy. They could have cleaned it out a bit. We had to weed the side to get to the services.
Guide
I love Bonita canyon campground in Chiricahua second time visiting, I plan to visit this amazing place every year Milky Way photography varies depending on the month of visit
GuideIf approved by congress, Chiricahua National Monument will become Arizona's fourth National Park. While the current monument is a compact area geographically, it definitely has the uniqueness of a national park and warrants the added protections. It will however make a very special place more popular, so you might want to visit sooner than later.
If you camp in a tent, van, micro-camper, or small travel trailer you will find Bonita Canyon Campground to be a memorable and wonderful place. Don't try to bring any big rigs as they simply won't fit. Reservations are a must.
The campground is small, beautiful, shaded and right in the middle of some incredible scenery providing easy access to the fantastic hiking and wildlife viewing that is all around you. Hosts were professional and friendly, bathhouse small but super clean, and the site boundaries were mostly marked with fences which is somewhat unique. This is an old CCC built campground. From the campground you can easily walk to the foundations of the original camp located nearby.
Pay attention to fire regulations and status. If permitted, campfires are limited to the raised grills (no rings) but you can bring your own solo type camp stove. You will need to bring your own wood and ice. Pay attention to your fuel levels in your vehicle as this is a remote place.
This is premier birdwatching country. If you can, I would highly recommend taking one of the guided walks provided by the rangers and park biologists. We learned a bunch and I am not even "a birder" and enjoyed it. The nearby visitor center will have the details.
The Arizona Coatimundi's are a very unique mammal and frequently visit the campground. Deer, turkeys, quail, and other wildlife are in abundance and easy to see from the hikes. The views of the night sky are unparalleled.
A short drive away provides access to some incredible trails for hiking or simply viewing the surrounding Wilderness areas. The rock features found in this area make it unique.
This continues to be one of our favorite places in Arizona to camp and hike.
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.
LegendBonita Canyon CG- Chiricahua NM: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: Campsites in outer loop are more nicely spaced(rate 4) and trailer adds to privacy. Inner loop sites are often a bit close (rate 3).
Price 2024: $ 10 w interagency
Usage during visit: Very full, especially weekends.
Site Privacy: No
Site Spacing: Outside sites are spacious
Pad surface: Gravel
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Very quiet.
Outside Road Noise: None
Through Traffic in campground: No
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water Available: Yes. Spigots are scattered, locations clearly marked
Generators: Allowed, but other than ours, I never heard one.
Bathroom: Built by CCC. Clean and rustic. I like them.
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any
Cell Service (AT&T): No. WiFi at the visitor center
Setting: Woods
Recent Weather: 70s to low 80s.
Solar: At our site with good positioning, we were able to bring in 12amps per day with 400 watt fixed panels.
Insects: None now
Host: Yes, 2 couples
Rig Size: Limited to 24’.
Traveler
The place guarantee a beautiful sunset. Really. You can use fireplace and firespot to warm yourself. It include a library, wifi, a fridge (where we find ice) and all attachments for the RV.
Guide
First off do not use Google maps. It will not take you to the right place. Use the built-in location found in DYRT. After you turn off I 10 on the left to travel approximately 10 miles the site will be on your right hand side. Follow the road to the left as you go through the gate. The site is very well-maintained. There are only a handful of sites available, but when I was there, I was the only one.
Traveler
Was a little busy and the bulls can get aggressive in your campsite.
Legend
Cochise stronghold campground is a rugged campground in a deep canyon. The canyon was the refuge for the Chiricahua Apache leader, Cochise. This is a National Forest Service campground. There are Eleven campsites and two group campsites. All are shaded by scrub oaks and surrounded by towering rock formations. The sites have picnic tables and grills. There is no water available so bring your own. No electricity or other facilities. There is a bathroom with flush toilets. There are food storage lockers due to bear activities. It is dog friendly (on leash). This campground is a little hard to get to, with several water crossings. I would not recommend attempting to drive without a high clearance vehicle. Sites are first come first served. Limit 6 people per site. $8 per night.
LegendBonita Canyon Campground at the Chiricahua National Monument is a quiet little campground in a scrub pine forest. Chiricahua National Monument is a “dark sky” park, so there is very little light at night. Bring flashlights but leave lanterns at home! There are 36 sites with picnic tables and grills. There are community water faucets, but all were turned off when we were there. There are bathrooms with flush toilet, but no hookups or showers. Most sites are small and could accommodate tents, a small class C or van campers. 25’ is the max length and 14 days is max stay. The sign said the campground was full but there were empty sites. All sites are reservable through the www.US.gov web site.
ScoutBeautiful location, but odds of finding an available campsite are almost nil. FCFS policy. Have tried several times, never successful. Similar for Stewart Campground nearby, these are the only ones open in winter. Be prepared for alternatives.
Scout
Rusty runs a tight ship, and the state of the campground reflects that. All services work properly and facilities are neat and clean. Price is $35 per night and absolutely no refunds are given for any reason (you sign a separate agreement to that effect).
Scout
Very friendly hosts. Made you feel welcome. Campground was quite and in a good location for checking out the area attractions.
Legend
Level gravel sites. FHU worked fine; appears to be maintained. Nice staff, well stocked store. Would stay here again.
RangerWe've stayed here a number of times, always in March. Very nice, quiet campground in a wooded canyon with a small stream running right through the CG. There are 25 sites, mostly smallish, better suited for small rvs/trailers or tents. Not enough room for very rigs in here.
Water spigots are scattered throughout, 1 restroom with flush toilet. Last time we were there they had an issue with water system and had to shut it off and bring in port-a-potties.
As far as other amenities, there's spotty cell service (at least Verizon) and Wifi at the visitor center not far from the CG. Nearest services and dump station are in Willcox, 37 miles away. There's also a gas station/convenience store at a place called the Mustang Mall (it's not a mall in the usual sense), 29 miles west of Bonita.
A number of good hiking trails, mostly up on top at Massai Point with a few additional trails starting at the CG. Our favorite is Echo Canyon to the Visitor Cntr.
One important note: Ground fires are not allowed (at least as of 2023), which means you can have one in the above ground little BBQ grill or you have to have your own fire pan to have a wood fire. Speaking of which, no wood is for sale at the Monument nor are you allowed to gather it.
So, bring everything you need!!
Scout
Road in is bad but not horrible. Lots of sites and many open on Wednesday in late February. Great views and clean. 1.5 miles to campground and trailhead.
TravelerMet up with traveling family for a week of visiting and exploring the area. Was last minute gathering and owner, James made it work . Two big rigs and a campervan. Beautiful views. Conveniently located to many attractions. Definitely recommend this campground. Owner and staff very friendly.
Guide
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.
Camping near Portal, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Portal, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Portal, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Portal, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 64 campgrounds and RV parks near Portal, AZ and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Portal, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Portal, AZ is Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument with a 4.8-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Portal, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Portal, AZ.
What parks are near Portal, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Portal, AZ that allow camping, notably Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National Park.
