Best Tent Camping near Wellton, AZ

Searching for the best camping near Wellton, AZ? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Wellton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Wellton. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Tent Sites Near Wellton, Arizona (8)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Wellton, AZ

77 Reviews of 8 Wellton Campgrounds


  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 23, 2023

    Lake Mittry Wildlife Designated Camping Area

    Camping in the tules

    Mittry Lake free dispersed camping area.
    This area is close to the Imperial Dam LTVA complex. The area is managed by the AZ fish and game and BOR. Camping limit is 10 days, free dispersed. There are 3-4 camping pod clusters seen from the main graded washboard gravel road. Lots of spots along the main road or tucked into the reeds. The area by the boat ramp has camping only in a designated area that looks recently created improvement. This boat ramp site also has a vault toilet and a dumpster. Cell signal is intermittent depending on your location.

    I was disappointed at seeing a couple fire rings full of trash...

  • Kaysha R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

    Endless possibiliities

    There are endless camping possibilities in Kofa. Primitive, dispersed real wilderness camping. No water. No toilets, no hookups, generators... and you have to have a 4x4 to get there! Just my kind of spot. I've explored all over this area by jeep, and by foot and never get bored going off on some new abandoned mine trail. There are hidden caves all around and great hikes to get there!

    I'll just share my two favorite hidden gems in the area: Signal Peak is a must, and if you do, I recommend camping around Skull Rock. For a scenic offroad trail + neat cabin stay head to Kofa Mine Cabin!

    For Signal Peak and the Skull Rock stay, you can park regular cars along Palm Canyon Road where the Kofa Natl Wildlife Refuge Brochures and info are and hop into a 4x4 for the rest of the drive. You'll need it. Don't attempt get to skull rock in any regular, vehicle, or anything without high clearance.

    **NOTE: I have left a car in this lot with no issues while camping up in the canyon over night, but of course, do so at your own risk.

    From that parking lot you head up to Kofa Queen Canyon and pick your spots for camping. There are plenty of good spots for tent on ledges, or on cots down near skull rock. Here you can grill and have general campfire fun.

    The road to Skull Rock is undeveloped, needs high clearance and is a tight squeeze for wider vehicles. It will not accommodate campers or trailers. Tent camping only (aside from maybe your serious bug out vehicle!)

    Skull rock camp spot is about a one hour and 45 minute drive from Yuma. From HWY 95 turn (east) onto Palm Canyon Road (not too far past the Border Patrol Checkpoint. Drive east 3.2 miles to Kofa Queen Canyon (KQC) Road on the left (north now). Follow KQC Road northeast about 7.5 miles into the Canyon to where a subsidiary Canyon opens up to your right (south). Passenger cars won't manage this last road. You'll need high clearance and preferably 4wd. The road inside the canyon is alternately rocky and sandy, and braids in and out with the wash. Just follow the 'better-looking' route if unsure at a junction. Enough people come up here you should be able to see lots of tire tracks.

    *NOTE: There is no cell service at the campsite.

    From here we drive down the trail bit further to get to Signal Peak (roughly 4,800ft), it's Kofa's highest peak. This is a strenuous hike with steep slopes and some scrambling, and should only be done by experienced hikers in good physical conditions with proper hiking boots. The beautiful view from from the top is absolutely worth the hike.

    Dogs: Although I know of people who have brought dogs up here, it is a very rocky hike and could be very hot or treacherous for your pup. You may consider bringing a dog only if he is an avid hiker and has very strong paw pads (or hiking boots), and can physically handle the demands of this hike. Also, dogs as per Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Rules - are required to be on a leash at all times.

    For the Kofa Mine Section, head on your way out to the Kofa Mine Museum and then just past it take the turn to Big Eye Mine - 15 mile offroad trail where a real, high clearance truck/jeep 4x4 is needed. There are at least 2 hairy sections that I even got a jeep stuck in for a minute. All of this area is full of mines and great open camping spaces.

    Kofa was established in 1939 to be managed: “…as a representative area of lower Sonoran Desert habitat with a maximum diversity and abundance of native plants and animals and to protect and preserve the desert bighorn sheep and its habitat…” Since 1955, over 560 desert bighorn sheep have been trapped on Kofa and transplanted to other areas in Arizona, as well as to the states of New Mexico, California, Colorado, Texas and Nevada, to re-establish herds extirpated from habitat loss, development and over-hunting.

    Unless you are a skilled Arizona adventurer, I'd advise against hiking or even offloading (in case something goes wrong) during the hot summer months when temperatures can rise to over 115 degrees F.

  • Randall M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2018

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

    Primitive, dispersed with few to no facilities

    A little introduction may be in order. My name is Randy Mahannah, aka Randoo, I am 67 years old, accompanied by my dog and I’ve been on the road since February 23, 2018, as of this writing just over 3 months. I have been in 5 states, 4 Motel 6’s and 10 different campgrounds over 6300 miles and stops at friends and family. I am on the road and I’m enjoying it. Let’s start with a bucket list item.

    There is a place in the far western and southern desert of Arizona called the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. At first glance, one might question the possibility of wildlife even remotely living in such a harsh desert environment but live there these creatures do, most amazingly, desert bighorn sheep. But it isn’t just the critters, it’s the desert, some of the most rugged, badass, beautiful desert in America, the border of the Sonora and the Mojave deserts and amazing country.

    Oh yeah, campground rating, uuhhh, no campground unless you consider the entire refuge as your campground because that’s what it is, primitive camping at its best. At Kofa there are no facilities, no restrooms, no designated campsites, no water, no nuttin’, just a bare spot in the dirt and a place to dig your privy. So in terms of a best-of-five something rating probably zip. In terms of desert lonesome awesomeness, 5 +.

    Take lots of water, you’ll need it, at least two five gallon containers and if you are so foolhardy as to visit Kofa between May and September, take a fiver for each day you will be there, just in case. I was there in March and was quite comfortable, day and night. Winters will be mild daytime, chilly to cold at night, summers, oppressively hot daytime and dance-naked-under –the-moon beautiful at night with more stars than you have ever seen unless you’ve been to Machu Pichu under a new moon. 

    As for things to do, desert hiking both flatland and in the mountains is what is offered. Take a camera and try to get a sheep shot. If that doesn’t work the native palms in Palm Canyon that stand still and won’t run away from you and the landscapes under a changing desert sun are wonderful.

    I spent three nights there and was enchanted by a desert landscape I’ve wanted to visit since I was draft eligible. It’s all about timing and tolerance but if you find yourself in the neighborhood of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, 23 miles south of Quartzite, 60+ miles north of Yuma, Arizona, allow yourself a night or two. Might pleasantly surprise you.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2023

    BLM King Valley Road Free Dispersed

    Great free boondocking with cell signal

    This gravel graded road crosses about 3 miles of BLM before you get to the KOFA NWR boundary. This BLM area is flat and has more room to spread out on the desert pavement fingers, plus a closeby cell tower gives 5 bars signal. Pure free boondocking, no water, no trash cans, no toilets. But the strong cell signal is the main draw here for boondockers. If you go too far into the NWR and get behind a low ridgeline, you will lose the cell tower signal.

  • Marty C.
    Oct. 28, 2022

    Lake Mittry Wildlife Designated Camping Area

    Beautiful but trashed by locals.

    From Imperial Dam road, it is an approximate 5 mile drive down a dirt/gravel rock washboard at times road. It would have been a five star dry camp if the locals didn't trash the area and bathrooms. Areas that were once camping spots have been blocked off or signs posted no overnight parking and makes it limited on space. Thankful we came in October, so there was a few spots open.

  • Edie & Roy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Organic Date Farm

    Lively place

    We had a great stay, enjoyed the atmosphere, delicious food and excellent beers. The live music in the weekend is a plus. We had an opportunity to see the beer brewer in action, and highly recommend their date beer. We also checked out the date farm; impressive. Camp spot is on the parking area, no hookups. Evenings and nights were quiet under the stars.

  • Alex S.
    Jun. 30, 2021

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

    Bring a strong rig and enjoy the solitude

    My last stop before I continued my trip into California and what an awesome stop it was. I’ve spent a month in Arizona roaming around and each area has me fantastic!

    I’d immediately recommend having a truck or suv so you can really explore the entire area. I was camping in my overland Tahoe on this stretch and it handled the area well. My buddies has a Tacoma and Land Cruiser respectively so we were set.

    It’s all about exploration out here. Lots of RVs bringing their play toss out here so you’ll run into a lot of dirt bikes and utvs which is awesome. Numerous mining areas and ranch buildings still dot the area and are fun to respectfully explore. Sunsets are beautiful, shade is non existent, and rocks aplenty. Cell service was non existent for majority of my trip, and no water that we came across. Saguaros and ocotillos are everywhere which add to the AZ landscape

    Do your best to understand the local rules and regs here and abide by them. This is an area we need to respectfully use so we have it for decades to come

  • Bubble G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Black Mountain Road Camp

    Beautiful Views, Quiet Solitude

    Traveling down Black Mountain road for about 2miles of wash boards before turning down the camping road.

    All the sites were empty as it was almost 100degrees outside and nothing for shade of a creature larger than a bird could find. But here we found quiet solitude and a cooler evening, perhaps the winds helped.

    If you have furry friends keep a watch for their paws, there’s small cacti/pokeys scattered about.

    Lovely sunrise and sunset 360 views.

    Good Verizon service!

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Imperial Sand Dunes

    Hot

    Definitely a sick spot to camp especially if you have desert toys if not stop in el centro and get a trash can lid to slide down the dunes. Tons of restrooms.


Guide to Wellton

Tent camping near Wellton, Arizona offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Organic Date Farm provides drinking water, toilets, and trash disposal, making it a convenient choice for campers.
  • At the Carrizo Boat-In Campground, you'll find picnic tables and trash facilities, although it's important to note that there are no drinking water sources available.
  • The Midway Campground offers toilets and trash disposal, catering to the basic needs of tent campers.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $50

  • Camping at the Organic Date Farm is a great value, with prices reflecting the unique experience of staying on a working farm.
  • The Carrizo Boat-In Campground may have lower costs, but be prepared for a rugged journey to reach it.
  • While specific pricing isn't listed for the Midway Campground, it is known for being budget-friendly, especially for those looking to explore the Imperial Sand Dunes.

Tent campers should check out the unique experiences

  • The Organic Date Farm offers farm tours and a nano-brewery, making it a fantastic spot for those who enjoy local flavors and activities.
  • For a more adventurous outing, the Carrizo Boat-In Campground provides river access, perfect for boating enthusiasts.
  • The Gray's Well is a great option for those who want to enjoy the outdoors with pets, as it allows furry friends to join in on the fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wellton, AZ is Organic Date Farm with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Wellton, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.