Best Tent Camping near Sásabe, AZ

Tent camping near Sásabe, Arizona is primarily found within the surrounding Coronado National Forest areas. Harshaw Ave dispersed camping in the Coronado National Forest offers tent campers drive-in and walk-in access about 30 miles east of Sásabe. Tumacacori Mountains provides established tent sites with primitive conditions, while Madera Canyon on Proctor Road offers dispersed tent camping options for those seeking a more remote experience.

Tent sites throughout the region require campers to be self-sufficient as amenities are minimal to non-existent. Most dispersed camping areas have no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities available. At Harshaw Ave in the Coronado National Forest, sites are positioned alongside the road with loose cattle occasionally present in the area. Fires are permitted at several locations including Calabasas Group Campground and Harshaw Ave sites, but seasonal restrictions may apply during dry periods. Campers need to bring all necessary supplies, including water, and practice Leave No Trace principles in these sensitive desert environments.

The Coronado National Forest tent camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion depending on proximity to roads. Harshaw Ave dispersed camping is located approximately 10 minutes from the town of Patagonia, making it convenient for supply runs while still offering a natural setting. For those seeking more remote tent sites, areas beyond the main marked locations often provide quieter experiences away from road noise. A review mentioned, "I would recommend exploring above where the pin is because there is more free dispersed camping that will be quieter and more remote." High-clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing some of the more rugged tent camping areas, particularly at Madera Canyon on Proctor Road, where challenging terrain limits access to properly equipped vehicles.

Best Tent Sites Near Sásabe, Arizona (5)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sásabe, AZ

1 Photos of 5 Sásabe Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Sásabe, AZ

78 Reviews of 5 Sásabe Campgrounds


  • Lisa S.
    Jan. 15, 2021

    Bog Springs Campground

    A Favorite

    What 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.

  • 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.

  • Pedro G.
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Bog Springs Campground

    Favorite place!

    This 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.

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

    Bog Springs Campground

    Excellent weekend trip

    The 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!

  • Ollie
    Feb. 20, 2024

    Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest

    Oliver’s Truck Camping Experience

    I enjoyed this camp site overall. 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. I was there Friday night through Monday morning and heard road noice throughout the night except for Sunday night.

    I would recommend exploring above where the pin is because there is more free dispersed camping that will be quieter and more remote.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2025

    Proctor Road Dispersed Camping - Site 3b

    Fantastic birding

    This is a dusty, bumpy road with sites carved out amongst thorny trees. Wildlife (cows) is everywhere. Watch the weather report or you will be stuck in the mud trying to get out. The sunsets are wonderful and the birding is out of this world. There is nothing at these campsites save a fire ring. Be self contained and the roads are not for the faint at heart.

  • N
    Sep. 23, 2022

    Bog Springs Campground

    Cramped bit nice views

    This is a nice spot with clean sites, drinking water, trash, and vault toilets.

    The camping areas are very close together.

  • Rachelle J.
    Dec. 29, 2020

    Patagonia Lake State Park Boat-In Campsites

    Nice escape, nice drive

    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. At a Boat site you, the kids and the dog can all be loud. It’s a small lake but worth the drive to escape the heat to fish, float, boat, hike or hang out at the camp. Has a small marina with rentals. Hot as hell in the summer but the water is there. Watch out for ants, they are everywhere.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Arivaca Lake

    Quiet and relaxing

    We camped here March 17th, a little warm in the day (high 85) but nice and cool at night. There are several fire rings in the main parking lot. You can get there in a sedan. There is an upper lot that you can camp at with fire rings and mediocre lake views. There is a middle area with a little sketchy dirt road you’d need high clearance and 4WD to get to, but you can also walk your stuff up the hill. We camped here and it was gorgeous, although some trash was around. Pretty sure some immigrants walked through the lower parking lot around 1am, but didn’t bug us at all.


Guide to Sásabe

Tent camping near Sásabe, Arizona puts campers in close proximity to the Sonoran Desert, where elevations range from 2,600 to 4,200 feet with dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night. This border region experiences monsoon patterns from July through September, bringing intense but brief afternoon thunderstorms. Winter nights can drop below freezing while summer days regularly exceed 100°F, requiring careful planning for water and shelter.

What to do

Birdwatching opportunities: Tumacacori Mountains attracts birdwatchers with its diverse avian populations, particularly during spring and fall migrations. "Love the area and Tumacacori is a fun little touristy and artist town. I recommend it highly," notes camper Vicki H., who gave the location a five-star rating.

Night sky observation: Calabasas Group Campground provides excellent dark sky conditions for stargazing, as the area has minimal light pollution compared to nearby urban centers. The campground's picnic tables offer convenient platforms for setting up telescopes or simply spreading out to observe constellations with the naked eye.

Wildlife spotting: Harshaw Ave camping areas feature frequent cattle encounters and opportunities to observe desert wildlife. One camper noted, "Nice camp sites right along on the side of the road. Loose cows. Site worked for a night," indicating the campground's potential for animal sightings in their natural habitat.

What campers like

Proximity to towns: Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest receives positive reviews for its location near civilization while still offering a wilderness experience. Camper Ollie explains, "It was only 10 minutes away from Patagonia and it had lots of dry firewood," making supply runs convenient during extended stays.

Solitude options: The best tent camping near Sásabe, Arizona often involves seeking out less-traveled areas beyond marked sites. According to experienced campers, exploring beyond established locations yields more secluded experiences. At Harshaw Ave, one reviewer suggests exploring "above where the pin is because there is more free dispersed camping that will be quieter and more remote."

Abundant firewood: Several dispersed camping areas near Sásabe provide natural firewood collection opportunities, reducing the need to transport wood from elsewhere. One Harshaw Ave camper specifically mentioned the availability of "lots of dry firewood" as a positive aspect of their camping experience.

What you should know

Road noise concerns: Some tent camping locations experience traffic disturbance, particularly on weekends. A Harshaw Ave camper reported, "I heard road noise throughout the night except for Sunday night," indicating weekday camping might offer a quieter experience at certain sites.

Vehicle requirements: Madera Canyon on Proctor Road demands appropriate vehicle selection for access. Bruce M. warns, "Don't go there unless you have a high clearance vehicle. i.e. 4x4 Van, 4x4 pickup and camper. Not that you need 4x4, you just need the clearance," underscoring the challenging terrain.

Facility closures: Some recreation areas near Sásabe have discontinued public access. Victoria M. reported that Nogales Recreation Area is "permanently closed," highlighting the importance of verifying current status before planning trips to less frequently monitored locations.

Tips for camping with families

Water planning: When tent camping near Sásabe with children, calculate 1.5 gallons per person per day minimum. No reviewed campgrounds provide drinking water, requiring complete self-sufficiency for hydration needs during potentially hot conditions.

Timing considerations: Schedule family camping trips during October-April to avoid extreme summer temperatures that regularly exceed 100°F. Morning activities should conclude by 10 AM during warmer months to avoid heat exposure risks for children.

Supply logistics: Nogales Recreation Area and surrounding camping zones require comprehensive supply planning. While some areas are close to towns, many require 30+ minute drives to reach provisions, necessitating careful meal planning and emergency supplies for family camping trips.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most tent camping options near Sásabe present significant challenges for RVs over 20 feet. Bruce M. emphasizes this point about Madera Canyon, stating, "I would not bring my 30' class A in there. I've had it in some knarly places," confirming the site's unsuitability for larger rigs.

Campsite selection: For those with small trailers or camper vans, prioritize spots within first 1/4 mile of forest roads. Sites further in typically have clearance issues, tight turns, or steep grades that complicate access and exit, especially during wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sásabe, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sásabe, AZ is Tumacacori Mountains with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sásabe, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Sásabe, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.