3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Dragoon Mountains dispersed camping accommodates pets with fires permitted in designated areas, while offering free primitive sites accessible by both drive-in and walk-in routes. Tombstone RV & Campground provides full amenities for pet owners including drinking water, electric and sewer hookups, plus shower and toilet facilities for humans while welcoming pets in tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. The Lakes at St. David RV Resort maintains pet-friendly policies throughout their property, featuring spacious sites positioned around small bodies of water with a heated swimming pool and hot tub on the grounds. Butterfield RV Resort accepts pets at its observatory-featuring property, though some guests report inconsistent enforcement of pet policies. Most area campgrounds maintain standard leash requirements and designated pet relief areas. Pet-friendly campgrounds near St. David are listed with photos and verified reviews on The Dyrt.
Cochise Stronghold Campground offers pet-friendly tent and RV sites with picnic tables from September through May, creating an ideal base for exploring dog-accessible hiking trails in the surrounding area. Pet owners camping near St. David should note the presence of javelinas running through some campgrounds at night, requiring pets to be properly secured. Benson KOA provides pet-friendly accommodations though sites are positioned close together with limited shade. The facilities at this KOA underwent recent renovations with varying reports on pet amenities. Quail Ridge RV Resort maintains pet-friendly policies with full hookups and amenities including laundry facilities and propane filling services. Several campgrounds in the area offer close access to Tombstone's historic district, allowing campers to explore dog-friendly outdoor attractions between camping adventures.
"I found a spot near 'Council Rocks', about 45 mins down the dirt road, there were plenty of other spots that were already taken. "
"Beautiful rock backdrops and views with lots of trails. There is much dispersed camping and although the area can be quite busy, there's lots of space and privacy can be had."
"About a mile outside of Tombstone. Very clean, large/wide sites, nice pool, dog parks, large clubhouse with TV, shuffleboard, ping pong, etc. Very helpful staff."
"The dog park on the far end was absolutely spotless. The lighting around the campground at night was charming and appreciated. Our site had a tree with a picnic table under it."
from $25 - $40 / night
"My only complaint was we had a back in spot in the back but they called around 4 wanting to know our ETA we said close to 5:30."
"Good rate for a KOA, hot tub was a huge perk, and right off the highway! Great spot."
"Off 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."
"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."
"Your first week is only like $85 for full hook ups with access to everything the park has to offer. Laundry, showers, lots of different activities."
"Close to Tombstone and Benson."
"Various Oaks and Alligator Junipers abound at this cute little National Forest campground tucked in the Dragoon Mountains, another of Arizona’s beautiful “Islands in the Sky.” "
"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."
from $20 / night
"CLEAN & AND P ET FRIENDLY. THE JAM SESSIONS THAT ARE HELD ON THURS IS THE COUNTRY JAM HOSTED BY A VERY SWEET MAN, CHUCK, & ON SUNDAY IS THE GOSPEL JAM HOSTED BY, DWIGHT, A VERY CHRISTIAN MAN."
"A Safeway, Ace Hardware, restaurants, and a TSC are all within walking distance of the park."
from $45 / night
"The site I chose had a walking path that opened to a vast beautiful valley and dry river bed to explore! Can’t wait to go back. 10 miles of primitive road, but worth the drive!"
"Take Middle March road on left off of highway 80. Campsite is 10 miles on the left."
"The grounds are very clean and it looks like campers are at least one space away from another. We stayed here and traveled to Tombstone, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and Old Tucson."
"There's a heated swimming pool and hot tub and, of course, 'The Lakes', which are really small bodies of water that have campsites around them. "
ScoutThe road to get there is a bit bumpy but we made it through without having to use 4 wheel drive. You will climb in elevation quite a bit but during the summer time and hottest part of the day this spot is lovely! Gorgeous view of Bisbee, the dragoons, the Chiricahuas. Endless spots for dispersed camping. There is a low hanging power line as you first drive in to Juniper Flats but our rig is 12ft. 6ins and it fits under.
ScoutEasy flat road. Large camping areas. Rather windy, but nothing has flown away. Fun watching cows walk past camp.
GuidePhenomenal area; at the foothills of surrounding mountains, some shades from the trees, very close to hiking trails, clean spots with decent privacy.
GuideNice lowkey spot. Road gets increasingly worse as you go back farther. My dog and I enjoyed our time here! There are very occasional hikers and bikers nearby otherwise it’s very quiet.
GuideWe were placed in the West end and have FHU good water pressure and solid electrical. The sites are not level and are so close you barely have enough room to open the door, no space for outside cooking or even chairs. This is one of the tightest spots we have been in.
TravelerBeautiful drive, varied sites. Wouldn’t recommend for large vehicles.
GuideMany great spots available. The road gets pretty rough the deeper you go in but should be Noble even for a 2WD. Only 30 minutes from East Tucson.
ScoutIt’s a crying shame when you live in this so called resort and watch prostitutes walk up and down your street and use the bathroom that is supposed to be for the residents. Management needs to get their but in gear and stop this nonsense. Stop this shit from happening to our park.
ScoutGood rate for a KOA, hot tub was a huge perk, and right off the highway! Great spot.
Camping options near St. David, Arizona position visitors at approximately 3,800 feet elevation in southeastern Arizona's high desert. The area features distinct summer monsoon seasons from July through September with sudden afternoon thunderstorms. Winter temperatures regularly dip below freezing at night, while summer daytime highs frequently exceed 100°F, requiring proper camp preparation for temperature extremes.
Explore the caves at Kartchner Caverns: Located just 12 miles from St. David, Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offers access to remarkable limestone caverns. "Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don't take a tour into the caves," reports David T. Reserve cave tours in advance as access is restricted.
Rock climbing in the Dragoons: The Dragoon Mountains area attracts climbing enthusiasts year-round. "Beautiful rock backdrops and views with lots of trails. There is much dispersed camping and although the area can be quite busy, there's lots of space and privacy can be had," notes Rachel about Dragoon Mountains dispersed camping area.
Dark sky astronomy: Butterfield RV Resort and Observatory provides a unique stargazing opportunity. "As a point of interest there is also a functional observatory on site that has free tours for those staying at the park," explains Dave. The observatory offers scheduled viewings for registered guests.
Historical sites exploration: Tombstone's historic district sits just 5 miles from several campgrounds. "We visited Tombstone, AZ as well. About a 30min drive," mentions David T. from Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground. The historic gunfight reenactments at the O.K. Corral occur daily.
Spacious sites with privacy: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at dispersed sites. "Found a spot down a side road that was perfect. Quiet with great views," shares Dave B. about Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687, highlighting the solitude available in the area.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintaining cleaner-than-expected facilities receive consistent praise. "Clean restrooms, nice showers, friendly camp hosts," reports Harold P. about Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The desert ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. "There's quite a story about how this park came into being," notes Bill R. regarding Kartchner Caverns. "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench," warns David T., emphasizing the need for wildlife awareness.
Hiking accessibility: Trail access directly from campsites ranks highly among visitor priorities. "I hiked the Foothills Loop which was challenging in spots especially around the apex. Walking sticks are recommended. The views were awesome," shares Lisa S. about trails at Kartchner Caverns.
Road conditions can be challenging: Many dispersed sites require navigation of rough roads. "Washboard ride in but well worth it," notes Dave B. about Forest Road 687. "Middleware road is highly washboarded. Forest Service Road is smoother but has some deep cuts," warns Kelly K.
Limited water availability: Come prepared with adequate water supplies. "Boondockers paradise. Beautiful views and spacious campsites. USFS Coronado National Forest controlled. Ranger came by a day after we arrived and checked in with us. 14 day limit on staying here and it seems like it is enforced," explains Deborah C. about Dragoon Mountains.
Seasonal temperature extremes: Summer camping requires heat preparation. "It's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108," reports David T. about Kartchner Caverns. Winter nights frequently drop below freezing, necessitating appropriate cold-weather gear.
Cell service varies significantly: Coverage depends on specific location and carrier. "Good service with Verizon," reports Dave B. about the Dragoon Mountains area, though coverage decreases in canyons and remote areas.
Pool access during hot months: Several RV parks offer swimming facilities. "There is a heated swimming pool and hot tub and, of course, 'The Lakes', which are really small bodies of water that have campsites around them," explains Gwen B. about The Lakes at St. David RV Resort.
Recreational activities on-site: Campgrounds with built-in entertainment help occupy children. "They have tons of activities for families. Corn hole, horseshoes, pool table in the game room and a great play ground," reports Alisa P. about Benson KOA.
Dog-friendly hiking options: Many trails welcome four-legged family members. "Dog friendly hiking opportunities from this campground on the Cochise Trail," mentions Beth G. about Cochise Stronghold Campground, making it ideal for families camping with pets near St. David.
Wildlife education opportunities: Use wildlife sightings as learning experiences. "Had two Canyon Towhees come visit us every morning," notes Deborah C. about her stay in the Dragoon Mountains, highlighting the bird watching potential.
Water and supply planning: Limited services require advance preparation. "We got water at the Stampede RV park in Tombstone. The other RV parks didn't allow us to fill. About 45 minutes to Sierra Vista for supplies," advises Deborah C.
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all areas accommodate larger vehicles. "The back in sites are paved and level," notes Lisa S. about Kartchner Caverns. "I wouldn't suggest any large campers to go very far past the first few sites the road gets narrow and rough," warns Aron F. about Tombstone RV & Campground.
Urban conveniences nearby: Access to services requires short drives. "A Safeway, Ace Hardware, restaurants, and a TSC are all within walking distance of the park," reports Dave about Butterfield RV Resort, providing convenient access to necessities without sacrificing the camping experience.
Night lighting considerations: Some campgrounds have bright lighting. "They put in street lamps that are blinding at night. I had to find towels to clip up in the window so we could sleep," cautions Alisa P. about Benson KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near St. David, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near St. David, AZ is Dragoon Mountains with a 5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near St. David, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 145 dog-friendly camping locations near St. David, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
