Best Cabin Camping near Rio Rico, AZ

Patagonia Lake State Park Campground offers cabin rentals for visitors seeking waterfront lodging with basic amenities. The cabins provide electric hookups, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, offering a more comfortable alternative to tent camping while maintaining proximity to nature. A visitor commented that "campsites are a couple minutes away from the mini sand beach," making it convenient for families with children to enjoy both cabin accommodations and water activities. Fires are permitted at designated fire pits, and firewood is available for purchase on-site.

Options range from tiny log cabins to spacious family-sized layouts. Kentucky Camp Cabin near Nogales provides a rustic experience with limited amenities but offers electric hookups and allows pets. Kent Springs Cabin provides a more remote option accessible by boat, drive, or hiking trails. Reservations are essential, particularly during peak seasons, as cabin availability is limited throughout the area. According to one review, "it's very busy in the Winter months so you must make reservations well in advance."

Most cabins include basic furnishings but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities vary by location, with some cabins offering access to electric hookups for appliances while others provide only fire pits for meal preparation. The Patagonia Lake State Park campground includes a well-stocked store where campers can purchase basic supplies and necessities. One reviewer noted the store was "well stocked" and that her "husband even found shaving cream with razor there." Visitors planning extended stays should consider bringing additional supplies from larger towns in the region, as on-site options may be limited to essentials.

Best Cabin Sites Near Rio Rico, Arizona (17)

    1. Patagonia Lake State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Rio Rico, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 287-6965

    $25 - $129 / night

    "Lots of day use spots if you want to picnic by the lake under trees. Camp sites are sparse (table & fire pit) but we didn't feel as tightly packed as those areas down by the beach."

    "Great Lake if you can hop on a kayak and get away from the day beach area. Weekends during the summer are crazy. It’s the only real lake in the whole area so it is what it is. We go 3/4 times a year."

    2. Patagonia Lake State Park Boat-In Campsites

    4 Reviews
    Rio Rico, AZ
    7 miles

    $25 / night

    "Visit the beach, walk the bridge, rent a boat, or fish the lake during your camping trip. I love this place. Different ambiance than most AZ lakes."

    "The park is easy to navigate and our site is huge"

    3. Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    51 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 799-3701

    "I stayed two nights with a Class B Van and the full hookup site was private, had a small grassy are, a picnic table and a portable fire pit."

    "2 pools, a playground, game room, pickle ball courts, mini golf, RC car track, go-cart rentals, golf cart rentals, dog parks, activity’s for kids, you won’t be bored!"

    4. Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-4100

    $50 - $129 / night

    "We're van camping and working remotely, so our priorities are internet connectivity, electricity, and running water."

    "Tent camping, Cabins, RV Camping, ton's of hiking from various levels of difficulty. Kartchner Cavern's is the main attraction here. Call ahead for availability and tickets."

    5. Rancho del Nido

    5 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    25 miles
    +1 (520) 548-5503

    $40 - $50 / night

    "They worked around our schedule and made sure we were comfortable. They gave us numerous recommendations for local cuisine and sightseeing."

    "This campground with water and electric was quiet and beautiful. There were horse trails all around and you can bring your horses too. Dog friendly, and the owners were available if needed."

    6. Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building

    1 Review
    Sonoita, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 281-2296

    $75 / night

    "Beautiful place and location!"

    7. Kent Springs Cabin

    Be the first to review!
    Amado, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 281-2296

    $150 / night

    8. Caballo Loco Ranch and RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Green Valley, AZ
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 449-0616

    $19 - $30 / night

    "Interesting RV park in some rugged desert foothills. Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly spots. Some are full hookups, some are dry camping."

    "If you love natural beauty, privacy, and solitude, and are willing to make some sacrifices of comfort, this is the perfect place."

    9. LS5 Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Vail, AZ
    31 miles
    +1 (520) 237-1226

    $25 - $100 / night

    10. Voyager RV Resort & Hotel

    6 Reviews
    Tucson, AZ
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Spaces are fine grace on hard pan. Level. Concrete pad and picnic table. It’s a resort not a campground. No fires. But you will be busy from 8 AM to after dark will activities."

    "For extended stays you will be responsible for your individual site Electric bill"

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Recent Cabin Photos near Rio Rico, AZ

4 Photos of 17 Rio Rico Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Rio Rico, AZ

169 Reviews of 17 Rio Rico Campgrounds


  • Blaise R.
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Very nice facilities

    I stayed two nights with a Class B Van and the full hookup site was private, had a small grassy are, a picnic table and a portable fire pit. The common areas were very nice including the several gas firepits with chairs for just a couple or larger group. I was a little disappointed with the bathhouse/restroom, but that is because I am picky. The important thing is that I would definitely stay there again.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2023

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Not pretty but many amenities available

    General: Large KOA campground laid out in typical RV style with no privacy/separation between sites. There is every imaginable kind of site here from tent sites (with water and electric) to back-in sites with water and electric to FHU sites, some with covered sites to sites with private pet areas or play structures. There are also cabins sprinkled throughout. 

    Site Quality: Most sites are gravel; some have grass. All are level. Amenities vary per site. Ours had a round table with four chairs (in lieu of a picnic table) 

    Bath/Shower: In okay condition but then I saw a sign that they were scheduled to be remodeled a few months after our stay. 

    Activities: There are so many offerings including two pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, corn hole, putting green, basketball, and bike/surrey rentals. Also a daily “schedule of fun” with daily classes including Zumba and yoga, arts and crafts, bingo, etc. 

    Other amenities: On-site restaurant (delivery to your camper available), laundry, little lending library, pet wash.

    This campground is located in a less desirable part of Tucson with very few (if any) grocery stores, restaurants, etc. nearby. There is nothing scenic about the area and the campground is located on a busy street so you will hear road noise (and an occasional train). While we appreciated all the amenities, we prefer campgrounds with more privacy and scenery. This was a last-minute reservation when our plans changed and worked for an overnight stay.

  • Matthew K.
    Dec. 11, 2020

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    The most comfortable campground so far

    Can't give this one high enough stars.

    We're van camping and working remotely, so our priorities are internet connectivity, electricity, and running water.

    The sites are all nice and flat, very well maintained, and pretty well spaced out. For the desert, there's surprisingly good vegetation between sites for privacy (but it is the desert).

    The bathrooms are plentiful, immaculate, and have hot water, showers, heated hand dryers, and a dish washing station... All open, even in the winter!

    Decent cell coverage on both verizon and t mobile, plus good free WiFi. Our site, in particular, had some issues with the different providers, depending on the direction of the wind, but I was able to work all day.

    Our only itty bitty gripe is that the fire rings did not have grills. But really, that's nothing.

    Would gladly stay again!

    Oh, and there's some pretty nice trails and caves, too. Make sure you reserve your tour well in advance

  • Robert G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2020

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Amazing State Park and wonderful Endowment to Preserving Nature's Splendor

    Tent camping, Cabins, RV Camping, ton's of hiking from various levels of difficulty. Kartchner Cavern's is the main attraction here. Call ahead for availability and tickets. But don't miss all the other amazing hiking trails and nature center. Also check out the other astronomy programs they have from time to time. Tuscon is a "Dark Skies" community that offers amazing views of the night sky.

  • Keisha D.
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Justin's Diamond J RV Park

    Great Sky Views

    Great views of the sky at night and very quiet but we were never able to get in touch with anyone from the office. Nice spacious sites but the common areas really need some love. There’s no pool which is a must have in Arizona’s heat. Great Verizon cell signal no WiFi, or could never get in touch with anyone to get a code.

  • D
    Apr. 29, 2021

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Cleanest campsites ever!

    1-17-2021 site 33. Talk about clean! This is by far the cleanest campsite I have stayed at. The camp host are really nice and really do care about the camps. Nice and quiet at night. Electric and water at the sites. And some cool Arizona fire rings. We weren’t able to go into the caves because of our small child but there is a hiking trail which was nice. Great weekend getaway. Site 33 is right next to the cabins so are kinda close to there fire pits when relaxing but all the other sites look perfect.

  • Mstwister E.
    May. 11, 2021

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Great Time!

    We just went camping here our first time last weekend and we had a great time! A very kid friendly campground, they had lots of things to keep you busy! 2 pools, a playground, game room, pickle ball courts, mini golf, RC car track, go-cart rentals, golf cart rentals, dog parks, activity’s for kids, you won’t be bored! Bathrooms/ showers were pretty clean and had a nice little store if you forgot stuff. 3 nice big propane fire pits by the entrance were perfect for roasting marshmallows. The BBQ Rush had great food if you don’t feel like cooking one night. Only $36 a night for a back in site with full hookups is a great deal! We had a blast and will definitely be back!

  • Clint  G.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Great State Park!

    We stayed at this State park on 12/27/2020.  We were not able to visit the caverns as all tickets had been sold when we arrived in the morning!  Plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance online.  The RV park was fantastic.  Our site was W/E with a dump on exit.  The site was level with a asphalt pad, some shade, a fire ring and picnic table was provided.  The bathrooms and showers were super clean as well.  There are hikes on the property that were well maintained as well.

  • Lisa S.
    Jan. 15, 2021

    Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    Nice hike

    This is an open desert State Park campground with a fancy, cavernous registration center you have to park and walk a few hundred yards to enter. The gift shop was closed.

    The campsites are close together affording little privacy. Each has water and electric hookup, a picnic table and fire ring. The back in sites are paved and level. The bathrooms with showers were clean and well appointed.

    The Camp Host greeted me once I was settled. He Wanted me to be aware of the rules and regulations of the campground. Before he left, he asked me if I was traveling alone. The campground host circled the campground in his golf cart several times each day peering into each site on his way by. The only other campground I experienced his behavior was in Lost DutchmanState Park up near Apache Junction.

    I hiked the Foothills Loop which was challenging in spots especially around the apex. Walking sticks are recommended. The views were awesome.

    I’d give this four stars, but I don’t like feeling surveilled


Guide to Rio Rico

Cabin camping near Rio Rico, Arizona offers year-round accommodations in the Santa Cruz River Valley at approximately 3,500 feet elevation. The region experiences mild winters with daytime temperatures around 65-70°F and summer highs often exceeding 95°F. Most cabin rental locations require reservations at least 3-6 months in advance during winter months when seasonal visitors are most numerous.

What to do

Bird watching opportunities: Patagonia Lake State Park Campground attracts diverse bird species throughout the year. One visitor noted, "Birder's paradise in April" and another mentioned "Birds are abundant" along the trails and lake areas.

Boating and water activities: Patagonia Lake State Park Boat-In Campsites provide unique water access. A reviewer explains, "We have camped here for probably close to 20 years. Always at a boat in site because there is very little privacy in the main tent camping area." The lake offers fishing, floating and boat rentals from a small marina.

Cave exploration: Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground features underground tours approximately 40 miles northeast of Rio Rico. A visitor shared, "We reserved and did the Rotunda/Throne Tour. It was very cool and our 1st cave tour." The park includes three hiking trails and a visitor center near the entrance.

What campers like

Spacious sites: Many cabins near Rio Rico offer generous spacing between accommodations. At Kartchner Caverns, campers appreciate that "spots are very large and spaced well" and the "campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups."

Quiet evenings: Rancho del Nido provides peaceful cabin accommodations about 25 miles from Rio Rico. A guest described it as having "miles and miles of silence" and another noted "if you love natural beauty, privacy, and solitude, and are willing to make some sacrifices of comfort, this is the perfect place."

Scenic views: The mountainous terrain provides panoramic vistas from many cabin locations. One reviewer at Rancho del Nido mentioned "great views" and that "the property is on the side of a slope with expansive views." Another guest valued the dark skies, recommending "come for the stars, if nothing else."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Peak season demand necessitates advance planning. At Kartchner Caverns, "we stayed here for 5 nights at the end of March" and found availability, but a different camper noted you'll need to "read the rules for tours before reserving. Access to the cavern is very controlled."

Site conditions: Some cabin areas have terrain challenges. One camper at Patagonia Lake State Park Campground noted "many sites are not level. Our parking spot was level but nothing else. Leaving us without a great spot to put our chairs and table."

Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts comfort significantly. During summer visits, one camper warned "it's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108" and another mentioned "hot as hell in the summer but the water is there" when describing Patagonia Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Safety awareness: Wildlife encounters require vigilance. A camper warned, "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench" at Kartchner Caverns.

Cabin amenities: Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building offers basic accommodations with limited facilities. While reviewers called it a "beautiful place and location," the cabin requires guests bring most supplies as amenities are minimal.

Kid-friendly activities: Ranches with animals provide entertainment for children. A reviewer at Rancho del Nido mentioned "this is horse ranch with great host and amazing views. They offer horse back riding which our kids loved."

Tips from RVers

Access considerations: Some cabin sites have challenging approaches. At Patagonia Lake Boat-In Campsites, a visitor cautioned about accessibility: "We had a great campsite that we boated to and camped which we loved" but noted limited information upon arrival: "I wish the park rangers would have been more Informative on where to park, boat ramps, FIREWOOD, things to help out people who have never been."

Supplies and shopping: El Pais Motel and Campgrounds offers cabin rentals with nearby conveniences. A visitor praised the amenities: "free laundry & showers" and "coffee every morning." Another mentioned the unique perk of "free chicken eggs from onsite chickens."

Road conditions: Access roads to remote cabin sites may present challenges. One visitor to Caballo Loco Ranch noted "the access road from paved hwy was 7.9 miles of washboard sandy dusty dirt so be warned" and that "the short-term options are limited."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Rio Rico, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Rio Rico, AZ is Patagonia Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Rio Rico, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 cabin camping locations near Rio Rico, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.