Sonoita is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Sonoita is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Sonoita, AZ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"I was traveling from Tucson to Sonoita and had myself a nice overnight. I saw one other camper here, but never heard them. Pulled down the road then through the gate and went about a mile."
"We camped just past the cieneguita sites tucked back in the mesquite thicket."
$25 - $129 / night
"Lots of day use spots if you want to picnic by the lake under trees. Camp sites are sparse (table & fire pit) but we didn't feel as tightly packed as those areas down by the beach."
"Right next to the Mexican border. Gorgeous park with sites on the water. Park is clean, with exceptional restrooms. Boat rides are offered on the weekends."
$50 - $129 / night
"-Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don’t take a tour into the caves. -Couple stores within 20miles for any forgotten items."
"Nice that the trailheads are just a few min walk from the campgrounds. The foothills loop is easy and takes you all around the area without being too challenging."
$40 - $50 / night
"Loads of wineries and hiking trails are a short drive away."
"There were horse trails all around and you can bring your horses too. Dog friendly, and the owners were available if needed.
Come for the stars,if nothing else."
$20 / night
"Driving in you get a beautiful view of Mount Wrightson."
"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."
"You’ll see a forest fire prevention sign at the entrance. 4x4 only no trailers. 3 or 4 dispersed sites. Beautiful hike up 4x4 road. Border patrol active. Close to Arizona’s trail trailhead."
"(just outside of the adorable village of Patagonia), you will find a variety of free camping options with no services, just National Forest land available to both RVers and tent campers. "
"As Laura said, easy dirt road from just east of Sonoita & Hwy 82. (GPS had no clue what I was doing, but the coordinates are good) Upon arrival, only one other travel trailer & nice peeps."
"Easy drive in on partially washboarded flat gravel road (E Yucca Farm Rd). The dirt road into Road Canyon is manageable, just drive with caution. Area is wide open and quiet with multiple spots."
$25 - $30 / night
"This property is ON the Arizona trail, so it's the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring. Check them out and leave them some love!"
"Astral even recommended an amazing wild camp spot for our following evening, near the border. That evening, Mary made us a delicious dinner that nurtured our bodies, minds and souls."
"It's a higher elevation grassland that makes you feel like you're anywhere but in Arizona. The area is large. Roads are well-kept. It used to be a huge ranch and now it's owned by the BLM."
"Perfect little spot if you're looking for a place to get away from the city has vault toilets also there is water available at the actual empire ranch foundation"
"Otherwise it’s free and in a great spot just off the highway and near Empire Ranch."
"This spot is v quiet and there was no one else around when we were here in December {other than the cows!}. It’s does get quite cold as you’re around 5K ft elevation here."
ScoutWe 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.
GuideWe embraced the WildWest and chose to stay at Tombstone RV park. The whole trip didn't disappoint! This place is so nice. We were welcomed and escorted to our plot🤣, got settled, and were welcomed by a donkey and its owner that were visiting as well. Bathrooms and showers are clean, and it was nice to do laundry. The pool was crystal clear and refreshing in the AZ heat. We pulled up our boot straps and mounted the 4WD pony and headed to town, which was just up the road. There is a boothill cemetary and the legendary downtown Tombstone and the OK Corral. We even got to ride in a stagecoach! We absolutely loved our stay, and we'll be seeing y'all real soon!🐎🪦🌵
GuideWe 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!
GuideEasy to find. Very clean and quiet place. We are in the local Saguaro vegetation. Clean restrooms and a friendly outdoor dishwashing area.
ScoutNice spot, flat and easy parking. A little traffic in the morning but not that much.
GuideViews of Bisbee, Douglas and Sierra Vista. Lots of open sites when we visited. Much cooler weather than the lower valley.
ScoutA 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.
TravelerAs others have already mentioned, the road leading to the forest entry is very much a washboard, but other than getting there, the site itself was very beautiful. Many to select from and a lot of privacy. The morning views were very beautiful. Can't wait to do it again.
RangerPark is quiet and gated. there is a common area and a pool and even some pickle ball courts!. Very hot in the summer. next to the "loop" for hiking, biking or walking dogs.
Camping near Sonoita, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Sonoita, Arizona, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it’s a great spot for families and RVers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots in Sonoita, Arizona?
Sonoita offers diverse camping options in the surrounding area. For dispersed camping, Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping provides spacious sites on BLM land with well-maintained roads and wildlife viewing opportunities. Similarly, Road Canyon Camping Area is accessible via an easy dirt road just east of Sonoita on Highway 82. For those seeking established campgrounds within driving distance, options include Patagonia Lake State Park, Lakeview Campground at Parker Canyon Lake, and Kartchner Caverns State Park. Many dispersed sites in the area offer basic camping with no facilities, so come prepared with water and supplies. The region's higher elevation grasslands provide a unique camping experience unlike typical Arizona desert landscapes.
Where is Sonoita, AZ located and how do I get there?
Sonoita is located in southern Arizona, approximately 50 miles southeast of Tucson in a high desert grassland region. The town sits at the junction of Arizona State Routes 82 and 83 in the rolling hills between the Santa Rita Mountains and the Huachuca Mountains. From Tucson, take I-10 east, then Highway 83 south through the scenic route past Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground. Alternatively, approach from the west via I-19 and then east on Highway 82 through Patagonia. The area surrounding Sonoita has a unique high-elevation grassland ecosystem reminiscent of African plains, as noted by visitors to Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area. The drive offers beautiful views of wine country and grasslands.
What camping is available near Sonoita, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sonoita, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 170 campgrounds and RV parks near Sonoita, AZ and 46 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Sonoita, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sonoita, AZ is Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sonoita, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 46 free dispersed camping spots near Sonoita, AZ.
What parks are near Sonoita, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Sonoita, AZ that allow camping, notably Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National Park.
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