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.
"It was only 10 minutes away from Patagonia and it had lots of dry firewood. The downside is there is no water source and also road noise."
"Great location for Ground Tents, Roof Top Tents, and RVs"
"The Dyrt coordinates took me to an area in which I did not feel comfortable pulling off the road because of the tall dry grass so I went to the campground."
RangerWhat this campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for in its’ superb environment. Long grass, Mountain mahogany, pinion, oak,sycamore and juniper trees create a habitat for over 100 bird varieties and species. Deer roam around inside the campground perimeter and hiking trails lead directly out to miles of Mountain trails including to the top of 9427’ Mt. Wrightson.
There are only seven back in or curb side sites, and five walk in tent sites. All have water, picnic tables and fire rings. There is a building with pít toilets.
This is not a place for big rigs or glampers.
There is a lodgings nearby where an array of feeders attracts dozens of birds for Public viewing and where there is also a gift shop.
LegendWhen spending time on the road many times you will find campsite after campsite that is welcoming but not quite like home away from home. But when you drive through Tucson, there is a mecca filled with winter bird campers and long term campers which create a home away from home.
With only tent sites available on the facility, we were fortunate to find a site, however when we arrived we were so excited by the facilities we extended our stay by a day.
Office staff immediately greeted us and let us know about the facilities, which happened to feature a mini golf course, an indoor events facility, 2 swimming pools and hot tubs, an indoor recreation area and multiple on camp fire chinineas. In addition there was a fishing pond and dog park area.
Each of the 4 campsites were considered to be regular campsites instead of upgrade sites but when we arrived it was the most delux sites we had encountered along the way.
Pad sites were large and the first to actually accommodate our large tent and the ground was u like any we had seen before at a site. The soft mulch was similar to that of a modern day playground and made for a much more comfortable sleep over the two days we were there.
In addition to the standard picnic table of most facilities, this campground offered a kitchen facility at each campsite including a large copper sink and food storage as well as electricity and overhead lighting in the pergola designed to allow shade from the harsh Arizona sun.
It was the closest thing to glamping we had encountered by far!
Then as an added bonus, fresh fruit trees abounded ready for the picking. The front desk informed us of the allowance to pick what you want as everything was in season! An amazing treat on the road!
We spent many hours at the pool facility, enjoyed amazing neighbors, used the wifi and even did a load of laundry while in Tucson. The facility really was like a home away from home on the road.
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If the scale went higher we would rank it more Bunnies. There were no real areas we could see for improvement. Staff was very accommodating, long term and short term residents of the facility were amazing and this was a desert oasis like no other!
TravelerThis small, cozy area is very clean and has several great amenities, and can provide private spots or more open areas for groups. Bike shop to repair bicycles and rent them. It is a 3 min ride on bike into town where anything is happening. There are 2 on-site showers. Fire pit to hang out. A kitchen available to all. The site is frequented by hikers and cyclists that tent camp there. There are no hookups, but it can accommodate 24 ft max trailers. The host Mary was wonderful and assisted us with all of our needs. We stayed there over the weekend of May 4th in a 22ft trailer. Weather was great, and we were close enough to do everything we wanted. Also, shout out to the winery queen of cups definitely one of the best tastings I have ever done.
GuideWe 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.
RangerThis is my favorite campground close to me great views, good place to take your family, drinking water, food storage, fires are permites in the pits depending on fire danger usually only permitted during winter months. Great hikes nearby still haven’t tried road biking hope to get to it soon.
LegendThe sites are first come, first served but we didn’t have any issues finding a spot during the winter. Our site had plenty of space for 2 vehicles, 1x 3-person tent and 3x 1-person tents. The sites are well shaded with trees and each site has a fire pit and bear box.
Lots of hiking trails available. Since it’s a wilderness area, they are all pet friendly. It is the perfect getaway from Tucson.
The Ranger and camp host we meet were super friendly!
TravelerThis is a huge dispersed camping area. You definitely want to go early in day to scout out a spot because it is quite large. The campground has "all walks of life" staying here. You will see areas with upper scale 5th wheels/travel trailers all the way down to people living full time in cars/tents although the max allowable stay is supposedly 2 weeks per stay. The main road is paved, but then you have to pull off into gravel/dirt roads that are hard bottomed. Many areas have ruts so if u have a low axle, you will need to scout area first. If you have a small camper/tent and a 4 wheel drive you can drive up to the top of some areas to get spectacular sunsets over the city lights of Tucson. The solar system of stars is breath taking at night. I highly recommend this campground. There is a convenience store less than a mile down the main highway for any amenities you may need. There is no water/electric/dump station, but there are two different truck stops who have dump station and potable water. Generators are allowed in less populated areas but we asked our neighbors anyway and they had no problem with it. It is also a popular area for recreational vehicles and dust can be high at times with them running around as well as on days of high wind. There are bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, snakes and spiders. We did not encounter any but they all have been reported so I guess it will be the area u choose as well as the season when u arrive.
We will definitely be returning when in the area. I hope this helps with any questions u may have had.
GuideThis is site is always a fun time, i’ve been camping along this dirt road so many times and now make it a yearly visit. All of these photos are different years. For greener grass I recommend going any month before late August! All photos taken with dry grass is October various years. Tons of dispersed camping sites and pull offs along the dirt road once you pass Parker Canyon Lake area. Good hiking in the area, tons of wildlife. Watch out for rattlesnakes and javelina especially if you have dogs with you! Most of the sites have fire rings already established so you don’t have to do much work. I’d rate it 11/10!
GuideWe stayed at the rock bluff for individual campers though. $20/night. Was a nice area but had no cell service or internet which is super important to us. There are vault toilets near by and each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. We saw deer and blue birds during our stay. There is a little store at the day use area. They carry a variety of items from fishing gear to essentials you may have forgotten, extra propane bottles, wood, canned goods, etc. you have to hike down to the lake, which is kind of steep and rocky. I saw the hosts checking trash and cleaning up toilet areas regularly.
Tent camping near Rio Rico, Arizona, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rio Rico, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rio Rico, AZ is Tumacacori Mountains with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Rio Rico, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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