Best Glamping near Safford, AZ

Roper Lake State Park houses several upscale outdoor accommodations including glamping options at both the Cottonwood and Gila Campgrounds. The park features canvas accommodations and cabin-style glamping units with picnic tables under covered pavilions, offering a blend of comfort and nature. "Great camping experience! We were pleased with our camping experience. Good amenities. A couple camping areas/campgrounds to choose from within the park," noted one visitor. The Riverview Campground near Safford also provides glamping accommodations with modern amenities, while Willcox-Cochise KOA, located about 45 miles away, has expanded its offerings beyond traditional camping to include luxury glamping units with comfortable bedding, electricity, and climate control. These glamping sites maintain proximity to natural attractions while providing significantly enhanced comfort compared to traditional tent camping.

Seasonal considerations impact the glamping experience at Roper Lake State Park, where temperatures range from the 80s during daytime to the 40s at night in November. A visitor noted, "Waking up early to watch waterfowl on the lake at sunrise is going to be one of my most memorable camping experiences." The park's natural hot springs provide a unique glamping amenity, with a stone hot tub fed by spring water available for guest use. Activities at these glamping resorts include swimming at the designated beach area, fishing from several docks, kayaking on the no-motor lake, and hiking the trail network surrounding the properties. The parks maintain excellent stargazing conditions with minimal light pollution, though some reviews mention the importance of booking early for holiday periods when these canvas tent camping options become particularly popular.

Best Glamping Sites Near Safford, Arizona (6)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

    20 Reviews
    Safford, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 428-6760

    $50 / night

    "Plenty of shaded picnic areas, campsites big, and on site bathrooms very clean and showers have hot water and great water pressure!"

    "The park has great spaces for tent campers and big rigs, with electricity for 30 and 50 amp campers. They also have several cabins right on the lake. "

    2. Gila Campground — Roper Lake State Park

    5 Reviews
    Safford, AZ
    4 miles

    $20 - $129 / night

    "We didn’t stay at the tent cabins, but they also looked nice. I’d come back to stay in the cabins with a group of friends or as a one night stop on the way somewhere else."

    "Tables, fire rings and grills, and water all available. Site 46 is on the lake which hosts a variety of water fowl. The sites are large with plenty of screening for privacy."

    3. Riverview Campground

    4 Reviews
    Safford, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 348-4400

    "Little bit of walk to river but not bad. Was post monsoon weather. River was flowing fast and looked like chocolate. A lot of side roads for 4x4, quads etc."

    "Just a walk from the river and a nice riparian area. Campsites have a ramada with picnic table and a fire ring."

    4. Willcox-Cochise KOA

    10 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 384-3212

    "Cafe on site with nice staff and good food. The sites are super roomy. Staff is very friendly. I10 is noisy but really didn't mind that at all being tired from our travels. Fire pit and pool."

    "Great dog walking area, laundry, store, restaurant, and pool. Very friendly staff. Sites are large for a KOA. All gravel though. Highway noise is significant."

    5. Playa Dispersed Campsite

    10 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    47 miles

    "Playa Dispersed Campsite is a hidden gem located in the stunning landscapes of Arizona."

    "One of the standout features of Playa Dispersed Campsite is its proximity to the Willcox Playa Wildlife Area, renowned for its wintering population of sandhill cranes."

    6. Grande Vista RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 384-4002

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Laundry, showers, rec room (pool table, full kitchen, DVDs, books) and BBQ grill are included. Cats roaming everywhere. Fairly flat gravel parking."

    "Gravel drive-through and back-in spots for RVs with 30 or 50 amp connections, water and sewer. Two tent spots."

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Glamping Reviews near Safford, AZ

50 Reviews of 6 Safford Campgrounds


  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 17, 2020

    Gila Campground — Roper Lake State Park

    Nice area- if you get the right spot

    My husband, myself and our 2 small dogs live in Tucson, AZ. We recently acquired a roof top tent and we’ve been trying out various campgrounds across the Southwest.

    Water recreation areas in AZ are sparse, so this place holds a certain appeal. The facilities are nice and clean but if you’re not careful you could end up with only a view of your neighbors. We didn’t stay at the tent cabins, but they also looked nice. I’d come back to stay in the cabins with a group of friends or as a one night stop on the way somewhere else. It’s a great place to stop, swim, shower and hit the road for another adventure. When you haven’t seen a shower in days, they are so beckoning.

    Pros: larger sites and further spaced out then your typical RV park. Several sites include a covered picnic table(most in the Gila Loop do not). All sites have water, a fire pit and a table. Also- fishing! $20 a night for non-electric site is a good price since you can take free hot showers in the park. Cell phone service (T-Mobile) and WiFi).

    Cons: Most sites don’t have much of a view. Very few trees. Only a few sites are suited for tent camping. Busy park, expect to see a lot of other campers. Hot tub is permanently closed.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2024

    Willcox-Cochise KOA

    Nice KOA

    Very clean spacious well kept KOA. Cafe on site with nice staff and good food. The sites are super roomy. Staff is very friendly. I10 is noisy but really didn't mind that at all being tired from our travels. Fire pit and pool. Really nice place.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2022

    Willcox-Cochise KOA

    Great for a quick stopover

    Quality park. Great dog walking area, laundry, store, restaurant, and pool. Very friendly staff. Sites are large for a KOA. All gravel though. Highway noise is significant.

  • L
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Willcox-Cochise KOA

    Great park!

    Allie and Spiro do a great job managing this park. Very friendly and helpful. Sites are gravel with picnic tables. Restaurant on site as well as propane. Full hookups, Kamp K9. Nice clean showers and laundry.

  • J K.
    Oct. 9, 2019

    Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

    Gorgeous AZ park!

    Loved it.Great family friendly camping! Very clean and well kept park, beach swimming area is very large and never felt crowded by people!  Plenty of shaded picnic areas, campsites big, and on site bathrooms very clean and showers have hot water and great water pressure! Only downfall was the hot springs was closed, but not necessary when campinge in Arizona!

    If you like fishing you mihght be a bit disappointed. you could see a ton of fish around the dock, but sadly none of them were biting or we just didn't have the right kind of bait.We don't come here too often because you have to pay each time you come unless you get a pass. But it's a fun place to swim and fish and be by some water when it's ridiculously hot.

    Loved the pool and cabins even though we have a camper

  • Tony C.
    Oct. 10, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

    Well maintained, great hiking

    We found the ranger to be very helpful in terms of outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, etc.) The park has great spaces for tent campers and big rigs, with electricity for 30 and 50 amp campers. They also have several cabins right on the lake. 

    Our spot had a picnic table and was right beside the beach. There is a great hike only minutes from the campground where you can see Mt. Graham. 

    The bathrooms, showers, and sinks were all well maintained. Also, the spot is great for stargazing.

    We are looking forward to returning. The town of Safford is charming and has some nice restaurants too.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

    Quiet, well maintained state park

    This is our second time staying here and they have started doing some upgrades to the park. New dump station and some new bathrooms and shower houses. We stayed in the Hacienda loop both times. I like this loop better because it doesn’t seem as crowded as the other loops. Sites are well spaced and level. Nice hiking trails around the lake also where you can fish. Very close to Safford and Thatcher that have a great number of stores.

  • Lisa S.
    Dec. 29, 2020

    Gila Campground — Roper Lake State Park

    Great in December

    Camped for a week over Christmas 2020 and really enjoyed the serenity in the “non-hook up” loop? Tables, fire rings and grills, and water all available. Site 46 is on the lake which hosts a variety of water fowl. The sites are large with plenty of screening for privacy. I would not stay in the hook up loops which are more typical Arizona State Park Campgrounds offering no privacy with sites usually crammed together. Walking trails all over the place including one that leads up to the Mesa top. There’s a beach,several docks for fishing and a boat ramp. Excellent staff.

  • Megan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 9, 2025

    Willcox-Cochise KOA

    Review

    Lots of road noise. This campground is located right next to a highway and on an exit. There is constant road noise from the highway. If you are parked next to the highway you are approx 12 feet from the actual highway road itself and can feel and hear every single vehicle that drives by.


Guide to Safford

Roper Lake State Park offers camping options 8 miles south of Safford, Arizona at 3,130 feet elevation. The 338-acre park features a 32-acre reservoir surrounded by desert landscape with mountain views. Camping facilities include various tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and upscale options for visitors seeking luxury camping experiences close to Safford, Arizona.

What to do

Swimming in designated areas: Roper Lake State Park has a swimming beach area that's popular during warmer months. "Kids were able to ride bikes on the numerous paths around the campgrounds and lake," notes Ryan V. from Cottonwood Campground.

Fishing from docks: Multiple fishing docks provide access to the lake stocked with bass and trout. "Site 46 is on the lake which hosts a variety of water fowl," according to Lisa S. who visited Gila Campground.

Nearby mountain exploration: Mount Graham is accessible for hiking and cooler temperatures. "Sunday I drove up Mt. Graham till the road turn to dirt and enjoyed the cold and quite," shares Mindy H. who camped at Roper Lake State Park.

Hot springs soak: The natural hot springs tub offers relaxation when operational. "Enjoyed the hot springs hot tub in the campground," mentions Betty F. who found Roper Lake State Park "clean, beautiful and friendly staff."

Wildlife watching: Early mornings provide opportunities for bird watching along the lake. Colby F. reports, "The campsites were very clean and well-maintained... Waking up early to watch waterfowl on the lake at sunrise is going to be one of my most memorable camping experiences."

What campers like

Covered picnic areas: Many sites feature sheltered tables, providing protection from sun and elements. "The sites are pretty private and there are nice picnic table covers," notes Shawn who recently stayed at Cottonwood Campground.

Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise for cleanliness. Ryan R. from Gila Campground states, "The facilities are immaculately clean. I mean the cleanest campground restrooms I've ever seen."

Spacious campsites: Sites provide adequate room between neighbors. "Plenty of space between campsites," mentions Ryan V., while Bianca B. adds, "Spots are spacious. Seemed kind of pricey at $20 a night."

Evening stargazing: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. At Playa Dispersed Campsite, visitors appreciate "wide open skies, peaceful surroundings, and incredible sunrises made for a perfect desert camping experience."

Bird watching opportunities: The area attracts diverse bird species, especially during migration periods. "Got here about 6 PM and the lagoon was filled with cranes. Got amazing pictures of them. In the morning the lagoon was empty," shares Ken about the Playa Dispersed Campsite.

What you should know

Seasonal temperature fluctuations: Weather varies significantly between seasons. Colby F. notes, "We visited in November, so temperatures ranged from the 80s during the day down to the 40s in the night."

Maintenance issues may affect amenities: Facilities undergo periodic maintenance that can impact availability. "Sadly, there is construction going on in the park right now... Unfortunately, the dump station is closed for a while," reports Shawn at Roper Lake State Park.

Busy holiday periods require planning: Holiday weekends bring larger crowds. Justin G. experienced this at Roper Lake State Park: "Fairly busy, Easter weekend, but didn't seem like we were on top of each other."

Highway noise at some locations: Willcox-Cochise KOA sits near the interstate with associated noise. "If you are parked next to the highway you are approx 12 feet from the actual highway road itself and can feel and hear every single vehicle that drives by," warns Megan B.

Limited shade at some sites: Tree cover varies across locations. Beth G. mentions about the Gila Campground, "Most sites don't have much of a view. Very few trees."

Tips for camping with families

Bike-friendly paths: Multiple paved and unpaved trails accommodate cycling. "Kids were able to ride bikes on the numerous paths around the campgrounds and lake," shares Ryan V. about Cottonwood Campground.

Child-friendly swimming areas: The designated beach area provides safer water access for children. At Riverview Campground, Sara notes, "Little bit of walk to river but not bad. Was post monsoon weather. River was flowing fast and looked like chocolate."

Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play equipment for younger visitors. C.W. mentions that Willcox-Cochise KOA has a "Small play area for the kids, level gravel parking, not cluttered, good place for the night."

Cabin options for easier family camping: For those seeking luxury camping near Safford, Arizona without tent setup, cabin rentals provide convenience. Ryan R. reports, "We stayed in a cabin and it was nice and quiet. We will definitely stay here again."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bird watching provides educational experiences for children. A visitor at Playa Dispersed Campsite notes it's "renowned for its wintering population of sandhill cranes. During wet winters, thousands of these majestic birds can be observed."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations on certain roads: Some access routes present challenges for larger rigs. Shane W. from Riverview Campground cautions, "The road in turns to dirt for a brief minute, then back to paved. It winds and there are some tight turns... Wouldn't take anything over 35' 5th wheel."

Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete RV services. Brad E. found at Grande Vista RV Park: "Park is amazingly quiet at night. Clean and well kept. Spaces are level and gravel."

Internet connectivity varies: Cell service and WiFi quality differs between locations. C.W. reports about Grande Vista RV Park: "I have Verizon and management stated Verizon is the best in this small town... This is on top of their 2 free wifi access they provide which are already fast!"

Dump station access may be limited: Maintenance issues occasionally affect dump services. Shawn mentions at Roper Lake State Park, "Unfortunately, the dump station is closed for a while."

Site preferences for privacy: Choose sites strategically for more seclusion. Lisa S. recommends at Gila Campground: "I would not stay in the hook up loops which are more typical Arizona State Park Campgrounds offering no privacy with sites usually crammed together."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Safford, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Safford, AZ is Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Safford, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 glamping camping locations near Safford, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.