The Portal, Arizona area sits at elevations between 4,700 and 6,000 feet in the Chiricahua Mountains, creating a transition zone between desert and alpine environments. Summer temperatures typically remain 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands, making tent camping possible even in warmer months. Numerous primitive camping areas feature distinctive rock formations formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Sycamore Campground offers direct trail access to mountain waterfalls. One camper notes that "the campground is situated right next to a mountain stream that is cool to explore" while another mentions "a trailhead leading to a waterfall, couldn't ask for more for a free campsite."
Rock scrambling: Happy Camp Trail provides excellent opportunities for climbing among unusual rock formations. A visitor shared: "There are endless rocks to explore and climb. It will keep your attention for days." These formations include distinctive boulder piles and balanced rocks that create natural pathways for climbing and exploration.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime opportunities for spotting local wildlife. Multiple campgrounds report deer and wild turkey sightings. One reviewer at Camp Rucker mentioned seeing "many deer and turkeys in the area" while exploring the forest roads and camp perimeter.
What campers like
Solitude: West Turkey Creek Dispersed offers genuine isolation from crowds. As one camper stated: "This spot was quiet, isolated, beautiful, and serene. I didn't see anyone else here when I went and didn't see/hear any wildlife besides birds." Another mentioned: "This little out of the way spot has never been busy during our multiple visits."
Night skies: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. A Happy Camp Trail visitor noted: "There is no light pollution so stargazing would have been awesome if not for the waxing moon." The area has some of the darkest skies in Arizona outside of official dark sky preserves.
Creek access: Several campgrounds feature creeks that provide natural cooling and ambient sound. One visitor to West Turkey Creek mentioned: "The creek was flowing and quite a few animals at dawn and dusk," while another camper stayed "in a dispersed spot about a mile before Sycamore Campground - it was great! Very private and next to a babbling creek."
What you should know
Road conditions: Herb Martyr Campground requires navigation of unpaved routes with challenging sections. A camper noted: "It is at the end of a dirt road. The first 20 yards after the turn are pretty rough and rocky and more of an issue driving up them than down them." Most backcountry access requires driving 8-10 miles on unmaintained roads.
Water availability: No campgrounds in the area provide drinking water. Campers must bring all water needed for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. One reviewer advised: "There is no water, so bring your own." Seasonal creeks may be present but should not be relied upon for consumption without proper filtration.
Bear precautions: Food storage requirements vary by campground. A Sycamore Campground visitor mentioned "bear boxes" available at their site. Proper food storage is essential as black bears inhabit the Chiricahua Mountains, particularly during summer and fall.
Tips for camping with families
Best tent camping near Portal: Rucker Lake Campground offers more structure for families with children. A visitor reported: "Various campsites on Rucker lake. Close waterfalls and plenty of hiking trails." The campground provides defined sites with amenities that work well for family organization.
Timing considerations: Weekdays provide much better availability than weekends. Several campgrounds report being nearly empty midweek even during popular seasons. The best family camping months are April-June and September-October when temperatures remain moderate.
Wildlife safety: Teach children about keeping safe distances from wildlife. Free-range cattle are common throughout the area, and one Happy Camp camper advised: "There are open range cattle roaming around so give them space and keep your animals leashed. On a hike one was walking right up to us so be aware."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Happy Camp Trail offers limited sites for larger rigs. One RVer advised: "This area has five to ten campsites suitable for small rigs (we pull a 17-ft trailer, wouldn't go much past 20ft)." Another noted: "For the big rigs their are only a couple sites and as popular as this place is getting you might not find a site."
Camp setup: Position your RV for optimal shade during summer months. Happy Camp Trail lacks tree cover, so consider awnings or portable shelters. One camper warned: "The brush is high enough to hide some [cattle] too so keep an eye out" when setting up camp.
Cell connectivity: Most remote areas maintain serviceable cell signals despite their isolation. A Happy Camp visitor reported: "I had 3 solid bars of AT&T" while another noted: "We had two bars of Verizon coverage and it was fast." This allows for emergency communication while still enjoying the wilderness experience.
