The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Rio Rico. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rio Rico, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
When it comes to activities at Patagonia Lake, camping is a must. The campground features 105 developed campsites with a picnic table, a fire ring/grill, and parking for two vehicles. Select sites also have a ramada. Sites have 20/30 amp and 50 amp voltage. Sites tend to fill up in the evening from May until November. Campsite lengths vary but most can accommodate any size RV. Quiet hours (no generators, music, or loud voices) are from 9 p.m. – 8 a.m. See Park Rules.
$25 - $119 / night
Bog Springs offers some exceptional scenery, either right from your campsite or a short walk away. Many visitors unfamiliar with Arizona will be surprised by the high grasslands that climb the slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains, the thick oak woodlands, and the conifer forest that covers the mountain tops.
$20 / night
All campsites at Kartchner feature electric hookups and water. Your camping fee includes use of the shower/restroom, water, electrical and dump station facilities.
All campsites have a table, hose bib and power post. Each back-in site power post is 110 volt AC with a 30 amp RV connection and a 20 amp receptacle. Each pull-through site power post has a 220 volt 50 amp AC & an 110 volt 30 amp AC RV connection and a 20 AMP GFI receptacle. Sites vary in length from 35’ for the shortest back in sites to 60’ in the pull through sites; all sites are single width. Sites have ample room on the side areas for pull out units.
There are three handicapped designated sites (one is a pull through site), 12 pull-through sites and 43 other sites of varying sizes. Handicapped designated sites have paved access to the site and adjacent restroom, a paved pad, and wheelchair accessible table.
Waste bins and shower/restroom facilities are located on the upper west end of each campground. Restroom buildings have bottled water vending machines and dishwashing sinks located on the rear east side.
Important Note: At this park, the entrance gate is closed nightly at 10 p.m. The two-loop campground is located off of the main road past the Discovery Center on the southwest end of the park. Camping fees are payable with cash, Visa or Mastercard at the Contact Station the day of arrival, or at the Discovery Center the following day. Fees must be paid daily or in advance and there is a 14-day stay limit.
Access card keys for camper after-hours entering the park are administered by the four Campground Hosts.
$30 - $99 / night
Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort is your desert oasis, featuring beautiful fruit trees abundant throughout the park, with plenty of good times to be had. The campground offers Pull-thru RV Sites with full 30/50-amp hookups, grassy luxury sites and NEW RV Sites with a Patio and a fireplace! No RV? No problem. Stay in one of the NEW two-bedroom Deluxe Cabins with queen beds. Whether you want to relax by one of the two pools, soak in the hot tubs, play a round on our nine hole putting green, or join in the fun activities, this KOA has something for everyone to enjoy. The completed installation of the two PowerParasols® solar shade structures now allows guest to camp, gather and even barbeque under a patented structure that produces clean solar energy. The structures shade more than two acres of the campground, giving visitors room to park RVs on 30 covered RV sites. Check out our NEW resort style activity park! Providing ample shade and sport courts to bring recreation, relaxation, family and friends together. Lazydays, a full-service RV dealership with a service department, is located next door. Other campground amenities include a bar& grill, meeting rooms, fitness center, three off-leash dog parks and complimentary Wi-Fi. Camping in Arizona is a breeze at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA. Pool: Open all year. Max pull thru: 73 feet.
Boat-In Campsites
$25 / night
Located on a hill overlooking Parker Canyon Lake, campsites are spread among a stand of oaks and junipers. From the campground it is just a short walk to the lakeshore or a short drive to the boat launch ramp, fishing pier, paved parking areas and paved walkways, all of which are accessible to persons with disabilities. Parker Canyon Lake and Lakeview Campground are generally less crowded than similar areas that are more easily accessible. On some days you can hike the entire 5-mile trail around the lake and have only the resident wildlife for company. This trail has several viewing areas complete with benches and interpretive signs. Two of the viewing areas are barrier-free. It is an excellent place to view the waterfowl that either live at the lake or use it as a stopover on their seasonal migration. Bald eagles and osprey are also frequently sighted here, as are Coues white-tailed deer and an occasional extended family of coatimundi, those long-tailed, long-nosed southwestern cousins of the raccoon. Note: Black bears are common in the area. This campground is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
TerraSol is a fun, friendly camping spot for hikers, cyclists, and van/small RV travelers. With amenities specially geared to van travelers, bikepackers & gravel cyclists, and Arizona Trail hikers, TerraSol is your rest stop or base camp where you can recharge for your adventure — just 1/2 mile from town.
Camp under majestic mesquite trees, with Sky Islands mountain peaks all around. Prepare meals in the camp kitchen, then choose your spot to relax: morning sunroom, shaded deck, fire circle, or heated gazebo. Or lounge around your campsite with picnic table and chairs.
Look forward to WiFi, hot shower, insulated tent pads, and extra blankets, plus loaner bikes to get to town. And popcorn!
TerraSol is right ON the Arizona Trail (Patagonia alternate route), the Sky Islands Odyssey bikepacking loops, and several inspiring gravel biking day routes. Several nearby hiking/walking trails draw birders from around the world.
There's plenty to enjoy in Patagonia itself, too. Grab a hearty breakfast, explore unique shops, and learn about our history at our historic schoolhouse museum. Dinner, drinks and live music are all evening possibilities.
Happy planning for your Patagonia adventure. Hope to see you at TerraSol!
$25 - $30 / night
Guide
There are many places to camp on empire ranch. Many are dispersed camping but there is also a really great group site for reservation. Great location for Ground Tents, Roof Top Tents, and RVs
Guide
This area was pretty hard to get to rough road. It is a quaint little wooded area there are other spots before this one with better views but it was windy when I was there. Also probably better in the spring and summer months as there is ample shade.
Scout
The host offered to help with anything we may have forgotten or needed. Great fires every night. Cool spot
Scout
Been here a couple of months and have enjoyed it
Ranger
This a rectangular parking lot literally zero feet from the highway. No trees, no privacy, no nothing except an unmaintained dirt lot.
WOULD NOT RECOMEND.
Ranger
Drove in for a one night stay. Last 0.4 miles were rough. Road did not appear to have been maintained since the last rain which was last year.
There were a series of small campsites along the road starting where Google Maps said we had arrived. We went another .2 miles further and found a larger spot with an awesomely large fire pit.
There is a lot of traffic on the Sunday we we re there. Don't know if they are looking for a camp site or day hikers.
Overall this is better than most desert camping options if your vehicle can make it up bad roads.
LegendYou drive up a steep hill to the top there are nice spots to park for the night. Not idea for large rigs or trailers. Just park your vehicle. It over looks sierra vista.
Legend
Stayed here a few times in 2019. Crowded, dirty, highly patrolled. Don't think I will be staying anymore.
Scout
The owners/managers are very friendly and kind. They told us where else to explore down in this region. Their bird feeders and birding area has way more birds than just the Ramsey Cyn preserve. We saw lots of birds and very close. Also saw lots of turkey and Coos deer. They are also knowledgable about their birds. The wild life and birding opportunity is the reason to stay there. They charged full hook up but have only electric. We did not get a discount at Ramsey Canyon Preserve for booking at the Cabins, though we were told otherwise. The Cabins are not affiliated with the Nature Conservancey.
Guide
Great place to explore the trails right from your camp! Easy pull throughs all hook ups, clean bathrooms with laundry!! We were not looking for adult only but enjoyed it!
ScoutFirst time at BLM. Crowded. Dirty. Lots of broken glass and I have dogs. Right off highway so car noise. Looking for a better spot.
Scout
Great views! Great facility. The hosts were very communicative and helpful. Loads of wineries and hiking trails are a short drive away.
Scout
Great quiet park with views. Saw a lot of good birds out here.
ScoutBeautiful land and big lots. The kids and I used the hiking trails and played horseshoe toss. There are bathrooms, showers, and washing machines. Will visit again.
Guide
This dispersed camping area was a lot more secluded and quieter than I expected. My friend and I were looking to camp overnight before going on a gravel bike ride in the area.
Harshaw Road was already along the bike route, so this was an ideal location. Bonus that this is pretty close to Patagonia which came in handy when we couldn't make coffee in the morning.
We drove a little further than the GPS marker to find a camping spot that was tucked in from the main road. There were plenty of spots for a large group with rock fire pits. As someone mentioned, there was an area further back that was clearly the bathroom spot.
Assume that this spot could get full in the shoulder seasons, but again was pleasantly surprised to be the only ones there.
TravelerMet some friends here. We had a fire in the fire pit and hiked around. Dog park was nice and the bath house had clean showers and facilities. WiFi was free and good. Site was clean, level and pull through.
TravelerOff the beaten trail a bit but we really enjoyed our stay here. Hiking trail entrances right in the park and it’s close to the San Pedro river.
There is a laundry/mail room with a restroom and then a separate bathhouse near the front. Nice little dog park for our pooch to run around too and we used the public firepit.
Kiddos said there were horseshoes to play.
TravelerWe called and spoke with the office, they said they had a spot for us. We were able to go look at the sites there were only a handful open, we parked and had fhu. Internet is additional from another provider. Paid monthly rate plus electric. Everything is within walking distance. Right off the main road and the train tracks are close by and run 24/7. Staff is helpful but office is closed on weekends, but if you call and set it up they have a number to call and they will be there in a few minutes. Has pay laundry. Bathroom and showers.
LegendSNYDER HILL BLM DISPERSED.
Recently posted basic camping info about this place close to Tucson west side at Ajo Hwy 86. . Some commenters got upset that I had mentioned this spot on a FB dispersed camping page, as if it was a secret or a pristine location! Hah!
REALITY update: This place is a 100% CRAP HOLE and should be shutdown by the BLM. Full of marginal rundown vehicles and homeless tent campers. Trash and glass everywhere. Hwy 86 noise 24/7, recreational shooters constant adj somewhere.
Note that the State of AZ closed and fenced off their adj section two years ago, and another BLM parcel to east past the fire station was closed to camping last year. Time for this crap hole place to be shutdown, imo.
Some pics of the trash noticed.
Ranger
First class RV park where only members of the Escapees
rv club may lease or rent a site. Most sites have a casita which are taxed locally as "sheds". The waiting list to lease a site is several years. I am currently number 248 on the list. 2o months ago I was 350. It is also a 55+ years old RV park
TravelerKim & Dan are wonderful hosts. The property is on the side of a slope with expansive views. Spotlessly clean porta potty. Safe. Peaceful. Horses and cows. I booked 2 nights and as soon as I set up camp I booked two more. So glad I did. Great location. Delicious well water.
Traveler
Stopped here along a 400 mile bikepacking route through southern az. We were immediately welcomed and given a tour by Astral, who quickly became our friend. Astral even recommended an amazing wild camp spot for our following evening, near the border. That evening, Mary made us a delicious dinner that nurtured our bodies, minds and souls. There was plenty of room for tents, as well as tent pads to help keep you warm throughout the night. The bathrooms, showers and laundry were an extra perk after a couple days worth of riding. This will be a regular stop for me anytime I visit Patagonia, which will be often ❤️
Guide
I love Tucson. The big plus about this park (other than the really nice people) is that is borders park land and there are SO many acres and miles of trails right out of the campground. The grounds and the surrounding desert have an abundance of interesting succulents and cacti and gorgeous mountains all around. Most of the folks here are long termers- we only stayed for 4 days. The sites for short termers are by the road and not the best, just gravel sites with full hookups, but sufficient for our needs. No picnic tables. No public toilets. Laundry facilities and a gathering room.
Guide
Nice spot just off the AZT, stayed while on a bike trip on the trail. Camped in the La Selvilla section in the back of the canyon. Plenty of room and spots are not too tight and most had shade trees. All had flat tent pad, table and fire ring. There is a group spot with a pavilion that has running water, and pit toilets. Verizon was one bar, got a few calls out but text would not work. They do lock the gate at 4:00, so once in, you are there for the night. Only one other group when we were there. Would go back for sure.
Scout
The campgrounds are surrounded by coyote song throughout the night. Hardly any light pollution and the hosts are incredible!!! Sinks with drinkable water. Showers. They provide a tote full of goodies like plates and what not. There's a pen type area for the dogs to play in. And Tim and Victoria are so sweet!!! Highly recommend.
RangerVery easy access relatively close to shopping. Out of the way. However there is a light to moderate amount of garbage. It is near a highway and you do hear traffic. Extremely easy to access and there are many spots and the land is pretty full of campers some look like their full-timers or permanent the sign does say 14 day limit. I saw two tent campers as well. There are two or three entrances all on the same road and the camping area is cordoned off with a metal cable so the land cannot be used as a drive-thru or pass through area. The weather is moderate in the 70s during the day down to the lower 50s at night I got here the day before Halloween.
Traveler
I have lived here for 10 months now, and love the place. Like any campground, there are malcontents that will complain about little things like not being pampered or catered to. The reality is that this is a relatively remote place where you absolutely must be self-sufficient to a large degree. There has not been full-time management until recently, but the new management team are very attentive and reasonable. Since the ranch has been under new management many of the so-called bad influences have left. If you love natural beauty, privacy, and solitude, and are willing to make some sacrifices of comfort, this is the perfect place.
Camping near Rio Rico, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Rio Rico, AZ, offers a variety of experiences, from quiet retreats to family-friendly adventures. With the right preparation, you can enjoy the best camping near Rio Rico, AZ, and make lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Rio Rico, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rio Rico, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Rio Rico, AZ and 30 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rio Rico, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rio Rico, AZ is Patagonia Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rio Rico, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 free dispersed camping spots near Rio Rico, AZ.
What parks are near Rio Rico, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Rio Rico, AZ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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