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Best Campgrounds near Rio Rico, AZ

417 Reviews

Camping options around Rio Rico, Arizona range from developed state parks to dispersed sites on public lands. Patagonia Lake State Park Campground, located near Nogales, offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups and water, plus cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort. The surrounding Coronado National Forest provides multiple dispersed camping areas along Harshaw Road where campers can find more primitive experiences. Several campgrounds in the area feature amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, while dispersed sites typically offer more seclusion but fewer facilities.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the region. Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain events. "After seeing the dispersed camping, my partner and I knew there must be something better and more secluded. About a 1/4 mile before the dispersed camping there is a national forest access road on the right. 4x4 only no trailers," noted one visitor describing access to San Rafael Canyon. Border Patrol maintains an active presence in the area due to proximity to the Mexican border. Summer temperatures can reach extreme highs, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping. Winter brings cooler temperatures but generally remains mild enough for comfortable tent camping at lower elevations.

Campers consistently rate the bird watching opportunities highly, particularly at Patagonia Lake State Park, which serves as a hub for wildlife observation. The lake provides recreational opportunities including fishing, swimming, and boating that complement the camping experience. Dispersed sites along Harshaw Road receive positive reviews for their seclusion and proximity to the charming town of Patagonia. A camper mentioned, "We enjoyed hiking and exploring the charming town of Patagonia. Returning on Saturday we noticed lots of traffic headed to Patagonia (boats, off road vehicles, rvs, etc). Patagonia is popular with Tucson residents for recreation." The mix of developed campgrounds with amenities and primitive dispersed sites creates options for various camping preferences, from family-friendly experiences with facilities to more rugged backcountry camping for those seeking solitude.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rio Rico, Arizona (115)

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Recent Camping Photos near Rio Rico, AZ

52 Photos of 115 Rio Rico Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rio Rico, AZ

417 Reviews of 115 Rio Rico Campgrounds

  • T
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Friendly Staff

    We booked last minute and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The campus seems nice enough, but has a few years on it and in a rough neighborhood.

  • H
    Jun. 8, 2025

    FR228

    Escape from the Parker Canyon Lake heat

    We didn’t see a single soul until the morning we were packing to leave. Near the AZT trail intersection. We took an offshoot off of FR228. Several spots to pull of with flat clearings, existing makeshift fire rings. We drove far enough up the offshoot road until we got to some bigger trees for shade and to hang hammocks. This offshoot runs along side a seasonal water source that runs down the canyon. I believe this created a draw for wildlife and we were lucky enough to spot several wild turkeys and a couple of black bears. The bears scared off easily with some yelling and making ourselves big. We didn’t see them again. Nice solitude!

  • michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2025

    Mount Hopkins Road

    Nice desert camping

    Nice spot, flat and easy parking. A little traffic in the morning but not that much.

  • Laura S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    Directions were spot on. Easy inand out!

    A few camps looked 'long term....' but the people all were considerant and to go i to town or the Nat'l park was super close. Were there about two weeks and would go back if in the area. Great place.

  • Kathy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    BLM off of W Valencia Rd | Wild Camping

    Use Valencia directions

    Google Maps attempted to get us in off Sunset. Big dip in entry road would bottom out most RVs. We then followed directions to take the dirt road across from Casino on Valencia and made it in no problem. Some trash and evidence of full-time living led to 3 stars vs. 4. Nice views of the mountains and close to town for supplies or Casino if you feel compelled to part with some cash.

  • Charles R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    TerraSol in Patagonia, Arizona

    Fantastic intimate site with great amenities

    This 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.

  • Jules S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2025

    BLM off of W Valencia Rd | Wild Camping

    April 2025

    Great spot. Very flat, can get a size RV in here. Only reason I’m giving 4 stars is there are a few people you can tell live here. Therefore, a little noisy with people coming in/out all day. No gate. Clear road to find. Felt safe.

  • David S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Road Canyon Camping Area

    BLM - 14 day camping - wide open!

    Lots of camping spots. Most widely dispersed… though you could have people 30-40 yards away if they are jerks… or if they just want someone nearby.

    A Ranger stopped by to check me out. Friendly. No issues.

    Very dry here (4/29/25). Saw a few birds. Three Pronghorn Antelope, about 400 yards away. Heard two different packs of coyotes, and maybe a couple of loners.

    Good place to boondock

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2025

    Tucson - Lazydays KOA

    Solid KOA

    We stayed while visiting family. It wasn’t crowded as snowbirds had left. Wide sites and a lot of resort amenities, including two pools, fitness gym, pickleball courts. Bathrooms clean and modern. It is just too big for us an could imagine how crowded it would feel if it were full. However, we would stay again.

Guide to Rio Rico

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is surrounded by beautiful trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, especially those leading to scenic views. One visitor at Gilbert Ray Campground mentioned, "Sites have electric hook-ups and there is a bathroom, but no site water hook-ups and no showers. On our way out we drove to the dump station and water was available at that location."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area have reported seeing "prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors."
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Visit historic sites like Tombstone, just a short drive from Tombstone RV & Campground. One camper noted, "The place was clean. People were friendly close to attractions and enjoyed our stay very much."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Bog Springs Campground said, "This campground sits among tall trees and offers stunning views of the surroundings."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground mentioned, "This was a great little spot! There is no light pollution besides maybe a neighbor that forgot to turn off their lights."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A camper at Tucson - Lazydays KOA stated, "The staff was great and the customer service was great. All the amenities were clean and in good condition."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area pointed out, "I can’t say for sure because there is a posted 14-day limit but it looked like many of the people were living there on a permanent basis."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads. A camper at Gilbert Ray Campground noted, "Only issue with the site was traffic noise. Was woken up by loud exhausts/tire squealing at 3 & 4 am."
  • Weather Considerations: Summers can be extremely hot. One camper at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground warned, "It’s Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Tucson - Lazydays KOA mentioned, "This KOA is a true resort with major amenities, such as a pool, putt-putt golf course, pickleball, restaurant, and planned activities."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Patagonia Lake State Park Campground said, "Great campground located on a lake. It offers all the standard campground amenities."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water or wildlife. One visitor at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground cautioned, "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Tucson - Lazydays KOA shared, "We maneuvered to get our 10’ sewer hose to fit between our two dump valves as the utilities are centered on the pad."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups for convenience. One visitor at Gilbert Ray Campground mentioned, "Enjoyed this campsite and all it has to offer - electrical hookup for our RV."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground noted, "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups."

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 115 campgrounds and RV parks near Rio Rico, AZ and 34 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 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rio Rico, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Rio Rico, AZ.

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