D
Dan A.
Scout
ScoutPima County Fairgrounds RV Park
Laundry facility is a long ways away from the campground. It’s been quiet here, no real issues so far.
Equestrian Camping near Tubac, AZ
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Rancho del Nido provides equestrian camping near Tubac, Arizona with water and electric hookups for tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The campground is specifically designed to accommodate horses with trail access throughout the property. Horse trails surround the campground, allowing riders convenient access for daily excursions. Located on sloped terrain, the property offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The hosts are responsive and available to assist guests when needed. Campsites maintain a quiet atmosphere ideal for enjoying the natural environment and stargazing.
The surrounding area offers numerous equestrian opportunities with connections to nearby hiking trails and wineries a short drive away. Rancho del Nido welcomes both dogs and horses, making it suitable for families traveling with multiple animals. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring southern Arizona's trail systems. Water access is provided through delicious well water available on site. The property features open spaces with horses and cattle visible throughout the grounds. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and miles of silence, with spotlessly clean facilities maintained by the owners. For equestrians seeking accommodations in the Tubac area, this location provides the necessary amenities while maintaining a natural ranch setting.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Tubac (10)
1. Mesquite Ranch Campground
"The ranch features a roomy casita with a wood-burning stove, a pond that Dan actually stocks, and is surrounded by public lands with countless trails for exploring. (Bring your horses or ATVs.)"
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $50 / night
2. La Siesta Campgrounds
3. Florida Canyon
4. Rancho del Nido
"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."
"This is horse ranch with great host and amazing views. They offer horse back riding which our kids loved."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $40 - $50 / night
5. Bueno Aires National Wildlife Refuge
"Lots of border patrol. Hiking, hunting, off roading allowed."
"Surrounded on the east and west by two small mountain ranges and the beautiful Baboquivari Peak in the Baboquivari Mountains to the west."
6. Pima County Fairgrounds RV Park
"Great place to stay for visiting Tucson and surrounding area. We stayed for a week while visiting Saguaro NP. Cheap with full hook ups. Busy location as they hold rodeos and horse events regularly."
"Laundry facility is a long ways away from the campground. It’s been quiet here, no real issues so far."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
7. Colossal Cave Mountain Park
"Choose your site Quiet
Out in saguaros
Campfires allowed (get wood before)
Cons:
Gates for entry/exit closed 4pm-8am!"
"I want to give this place 5 stars but not having a natural water source and locking the gates at night don’t get ya 5 stars 🤓 ...I understand their reasoning behind locking the gates however; bad humans"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $15 / night
8. Apache Flats RV Resort
9. Rock Bluff Group Site
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 / night
10. Palo Verde Estates & RV Park
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $750 / night
Drive Time
- 39 min from Tucson, AZ
- 1 hr 17 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 2 hrs 21 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 45 min from Yuma, AZ
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Tubac, AZ
6 Photos of 10 Tubac Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Tubac, AZ
34 Reviews of 10 Tubac Campgrounds
- BBecky
GuideColossal Cave Mountain Park
Weird Hours but quiet in nature
Pros:
Good price $15!
Choose your site
Quiet
Out in saguaros
Campfires allowed (get wood before)
Cons:
Gates for entry/exit closed 4pm-8am!
Bathrooms far from sites
We had a cute site with a little bridge over to a tent space, fire pit, and picnic table. There were 3 other sites nearby and only one occupied with a nice neighbor who had been there for a few days and no one else. There are a few more sites a bit farther down and even farther down the road is where there's more of a party atmosphere but you need the right vehicle to get there.
Would stay again except for the weird hours of access so plan accordingly! Seems like in the dessert would want to be out early and late for cooler hiking times so could be a deal breaker.
Peggy M.GuideRancho del Nido
Ranch Nido
Specific site is not where Dyrt puts it. It is off by about 2 miles. I used instant book. Owners were very responsive and helpful. A beautiful spot with trees and sweet horses. About 2 miles of graded dirt and gravel road. Fine for most vehicles. The RV part is just a few spots with hookups and water. You can see them through the trees behind the port a potty in the photo. They are very close together. We are self sufficient in our setup for electricity. Wonderful fresh spring water for refilling our water containers, surprisingly fresh and clean port a potty. Was a great spot for exploring the area. Very easy to get to Saguaro National Park east side. And hour to Tombstone.
- BB B.Guide
Bueno Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Site 60
A different perspective of the desert. I like the grassy plains, and quietness (when the planes are not flying over).. This site has lots of TP scattered around surrounding area though. Too bad the info boards don't have an info sheet on 'leave no trace' in regards to conscious personal hygiene habits in the desert. Unable to add media unfortunately.
- DDorothy J.Guide
Florida Canyon
Close to Florida Canyon trail
Just a pull off of Rd. 62. Convenient for early morning birding at Florida. Creek running nicely. Area shared with cows.
- TTom T.
TravelerMesquite Ranch Campground
I hate to reveal this hidden treasure
This is among our favorite campgrounds. We have spent a couple of months there for the past three winters and, because campers return to places they love, it has come to feel like an annual family reunion. Owners Dan and Sharon are incredible hosts, hosting holiday parties and regular pizza nights -- you bring the toppings and Dan provides the pizza oven and crusts.
The ranch features a roomy casita with a wood-burning stove, a pond that Dan actually stocks, and is surrounded by public lands with countless trails for exploring. (Bring your horses or ATVs.) Nearby Arivaca is tiny historic town with a fully stocked mercantile (with gas, diesel and propane), a hardware store with an incredible inventory, and La Gitana, a bar/cafe (also historic) with a mind-blowing chili cheeseburger.
Enough said. I'll regret revealing this gem for fear of too many people discovering it.
I should note that the GPS coordinates listed on The Dyrt are incorrect. The actual coordinates are 31°35'44.7"N 111°17'08.7"W.
- MMichael R.Traveler
Bueno Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Magnificent!
I have camped here for the last five years, many times two or three times in one season! Surrounded on the east and west by two small mountain ranges and the beautiful Baboquivari Peak in the Baboquivari Mountains to the west. Campgrounds are designated by numbers and well spaced apart and of various sizes and on various dirt roads most of which are easily navigated. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets was well as star studded night sky. Kitt Peak is just north of here and visible from camp. Free potable water is now available at the Mercantile storming Arivaca, a short drive east. There are two dump sites - one near the intersection of 86 with Arivaca road and another just one mile west of Arivaca.
Shane D.TravelerPima County Fairgrounds RV Park
Serves the purpose
Friendly staff and plenty of spots. It’s a fairground, so not really a “camp” site, but for the price they offer a lot of amenities. Hookups, restrooms, private showers, laundry, and dog areas. Close to Saguaro and town.
- SSteve K.Scout
Rancho del Nido
Great stay at Rancho Del Nido
Great views! Great facility. The hosts were very communicative and helpful. Loads of wineries and hiking trails are a short drive away.
Guide to Tubac
Equestrian camping near Tubac, Arizona provides access to diverse terrain in the Santa Cruz River Valley at approximately 3,200 feet elevation. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-70°F with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F. The surrounding landscape features desert vegetation interspersed with cottonwood trees along riparian corridors, creating contrasting riding environments.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is accessible from La Siesta Campgrounds, located 15 miles southwest of Tubac. "The weather is cooler than Tucson and the views are amazing," notes camper Maryszczepanski.
Birding expeditions: Bueno Aires National Wildlife Refuge offers prime bird watching areas 30 minutes west of Tubac. "Good areas for birding. Roads well maintained. Beautiful Mountain Views," reports Karen, who visited in April before temperatures rose.
Cave exploration: Schedule a cave tour at Colossal Cave Mountain Park, where temperatures remain a constant 70°F year-round regardless of outside conditions. "Dane was our tour guide and he was fun to listen to and very informative," shares a visitor who appreciated staying toward the front of the tour group for better visibility.
What campers like
Affordable rates: Tent sites at Colossal Cave Mountain Park cost only $10 per night with vault toilets and water access. "Loved this camp site. You have to go into the cave gift shop to pay. They do close gates at 4," advises Holly C.
Wildlife viewing: Bueno Aires National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities to spot native desert species. "Nights are beautiful," reports one camper, while another mentions, "We saw deer and blue birds during our stay" at the Rock Bluff area.
Military accommodations: Active and retired military personnel can access Apache Flats RV Resort with full hookups and concrete pads. "The spaces are large concrete slabs with shade trees," notes Stacey M., adding that "the lady that runs it is very friendly and helpful."
What you should know
Gate closure times: Several campgrounds implement strict gate closure policies. Colossal Cave Mountain Park locks gates at 4:00 PM, meaning "once in, you are there for the night," according to Robbie B., who stayed while biking the Arizona Trail.
Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly throughout the region. At Rock Bluff Group Site, one camper reported "no cell service or internet which is super important to us," despite otherwise enjoying the area's amenities.
Border patrol presence: Expect to encounter border patrol vehicles when camping in southern Arizona. At Bueno Aires National Wildlife Refuge, one reviewer mentioned "occasional helicopters and A10 Warthogs in the distance" and "lots of border patrol" in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Guided horseback rides: Family-friendly trail rides provide structured equestrian experiences. A reviewer at Rancho del Nido shared that "they offer horse back riding which our kids loved," making it suitable for younger riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Tubac, AZ?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Tubac, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Tubac, AZ is Mesquite Ranch Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Tubac, AZ?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Tubac, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Tubac, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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