Best Tent Camping near Willcox, AZ
Searching for a tent camping spot near Willcox? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Willcox. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Arizona tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Willcox, AZ (26)
1. Happy Camp Trail
Bowie, Arizona22 Reviews•76 Photos•209 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
2. Arcadia Campground
Thatcher, Arizona3 Reviews•11 Photos•28 SavesWhen early settlers ventured up Mount Graham, the Arcadia area was usually as far as they got on the first day. A little later in the history of the Pinaleños, Arcadia was the site of one of several Civilian Conservation Corps camps established in the 1930s to provide jobs for workers idled by the Great Depression. Today, Arcadia Campground, which has 19 campsites, is the first campground visitors encounter on their way up Mount Graham by way of the Swift Trail (AZ 366), which was built by those Depression-era workers. Arcadia Campground is shaded by stands of tall ponderosa pine interspersed with Gambel oaks and Arizona walnuts. Such a diverse habitat makes this an excellent area for bird watching. Watch for poison ivy. Note: Black bear area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$20 / night
4. Round the Mountain Campground
Thatcher, Arizona2 Reviews•10 Photos•45 SavesLocated in an oak woodland at an elevation of 5,200 feet, Round-the-Mountain campground is pleasant year-round. This campground includes 3 campsites, a restroom, horse corrals, and a trailhead.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
5. Camp Site 001 Dispersed Site
Tombstone, Arizona1 Review•11 Photos•12 SavesYou may camp outside of developed areas across most of the Coronado National Forest at no charge. We recommend that you stop in to one of our five ranger stations to pick up a free travel management map so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted.
Potable water, restrooms, and other amenities are not available at dispersed sites. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas.
The Coronado National Forest has a 14-day stay limit on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Happy Valley Saddle Campground — Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park, Arizona4 Reviews•5 Photos•94 SavesThe story of Saguaro National Park dates back much farther than its establishment in 1994. Prior to this, the area was designated a national monument in 1933 as a way to preserve the unique Sonoran Desert landscapes of the Tucson and Rincon mountain districts. This saved the area from the ranchers and miners who settled in the area in the 1880s. These followed the Spanish explorers who established a military fort in Tucson in the 1770s, nearly a century after founding a mission in the ares in the 1690s. Petroglyphs and potshards indicate that the Hohokam peoples inhabited the area for more than a millennium prior to the Spanish. Travel back even farther, and there’s a complex geologic history of exactly how the landscape came into being—and why it’s worth preserving.
Camping in Saguaro is like entering a time machine. With no campgrounds in the park accessible by vehicle, the only way to camp is to hike in to any of the six designated campgrounds. The trails to get to the campgrounds typically start from developed roads and trailheads, but venture deep into the Sonoran backcountry, where only the rocks, plants, and animals tell the story of a landscape that’s changed little—with the exception of who’s occupied it—for the past several thousand years. One of the more popular campsites for those looking to bag 8,482-foot Rincon Peak, is the Happy Valley Saddle, which lies in a grove of scrubby pine and juniper forest, about halfway along the hike to the peak.
This small campsite is located on the east end of the Rincon Mountain District. The campsite is accessible via a 3.9-mile trail that climbs 2,000 feet from the Miller Creek Trailhead. The road to this trailhead is not maintained, so may not be passable by passenger vehicles, or following inclement weather. The site offers three spaces for pitching tents. The water supply at nearby Miller Creek is seasonal at best, so visitors should plan accordingly. There are no facilities here, so hikers should exercise Leave No Trace and pack-it-in-pack-it-out practices. Camping in the Saguaro Wilderness backcountry requires a park-issued wilderness permit, which can be acquired in person at the park visitor center, or by submitting an application in advance.
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Firewood Available
$8 / night
7. West Turkey Creek Dispersed
Portal, Arizona3 Reviews•13 Photos•103 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
8. Clark Peak Dispersed Campsite
Pima, Arizona1 Review•4 Photos•7 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
9. Marijilda
Thatcher, Arizona1 Review•5 Photos•4 SavesPlease follow LNT principles when dispersed camping
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Sycamore Campground
Portal, Arizona3 Reviews•5 Photos•60 SavesLocated on the west side of the Chiricahuas, Sycamore Campground straddles the banks of West Turkey Creek, a small perennial stream that cascades into the campground down a series of small waterfalls and through a rocky cleft decorated with wildflowers. These sycamore- and oak-shaded sites are located near the end of Turkey Creek Road in an area that serves as a jumping off place into the Chiricahua Wilderness. A number of trails start in the vicinity of the campground and climb to destinations and connecting trails high in the mountains. If you’re a hiker or an equestrian, you’ll find this an excellent base of operations with enough nearby trail miles to keep you busy for quite a while. Note: Black bears in area.
- Pets
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
Recent Tent Reviews in Willcox
315 Reviews of 26 Willcox Campgrounds
- AAlberta L.
Traveler
Quarter Horse Motel & RV Park
December in Benson
We called and spoke with the office, they said they had a spot for us. We were able to go look at the sites there were only a handful open, we parked and had fhu. Internet is additional from another provider. Paid monthly rate plus electric. Everything is within walking distance. Right off the main road and the train tracks are close by and run 24/7. Staff is helpful but office is closed on weekends, but if you call and set it up they have a number to call and they will be there in a few minutes. Has pay laundry. Bathroom and showers.
- B
Butch K.
Ranger
SKP Saguaro Co-Op
Escapees only
First class RV park where only members of the Escapees
rv club may lease or rent a site. Most sites have a casita which are taxed locally as "sheds". The waiting list to lease a site is several years. I am currently number 248 on the list. 2o months ago I was 350. It is also a 55+ years old RV park
Christian M.Ranger
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
AMAZING
I have been full timing in my 22 ft travel Trailer for 2.5 years.. this easily is one of my fav spots. Camping is $3a day near the hot wells but outside the recreation area, is all BLM camping. Hot wells right next to our spot were amazing. I just wish they were working all 24 hours a day. The wells are pumped by a solar pump so cloud coverage or night mean the solar pumps aren’t pumping. But they fill up about an hour after sunrise and about an hour after sunset it drains. We were the only ones there for 4 days. It was awesome
Robbie B.
Guide
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Great spot just off Arizon Trail
Nice spot just off the AZT, stayed while on a bike trip on the trail. Camped in the La Selvilla section in the back of the canyon. Plenty of room and spots are not too tight and most had shade trees. All had flat tent pad, table and fire ring. There is a group spot with a pavilion that has running water, and pit toilets. Verizon was one bar, got a few calls out but text would not work. They do lock the gate at 4:00, so once in, you are there for the night. Only one other group when we were there. Would go back for sure.
- SShawnGuide
Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park
It is a beautiful view of the mountains
Sadly, there is construction going on in the park right now. It is windy and cold. The sites are pretty private and there are nice picnic table covers. Unfortunately, the dump station is closed for a while.
patty W.Guide
Sunny Flat Campground
Very scenic
This campground has nicely spaced sites with lots of green around them. A 3 mile nature walk from the campsite. Very heavy canopy overhead. Sadly it took out the top of our campers ladder 😕Longer vehicles won’t make the road. Our Rv got a broken
Lisa M.RangerCottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park
Quiet, well maintained state park
This is our second time staying here and they have started doing some upgrades to the park. New dump station and some new bathrooms and shower houses. We stayed in the Hacienda loop both times. I like this loop better because it doesn’t seem as crowded as the other loops. Sites are well spaced and level. Nice hiking trails around the lake also where you can fish. Very close to Safford and Thatcher that have a great number of stores.
- ttam F.Traveler
Stampede RV Park
Stampede for the win!
Great campsite. We had two campers, a 34 ft 5th wheel and a 17 foot TT. Sites were built to accommodate both easily. Water, electric, sewer hookup, and even sites made it a quick set up and we were able to get to site-seeing in town quickly! Breakfast at the Shotgun Cafe was excellent! You have to order the country potatoes!
Ryan D.Traveler
Clark Peak Dispersed Campsite
Great free campsite with a view
Found a beautiful dispersed camping spot beneath the Aspens and Ponderosas on the north side of FR803 about a mile west of the Riggs Flat Lake Campground. There’s a great overlook to the east looking out toward Pima and Safford.
- AAaron P.
ScoutTreasure Park North — Coronado National Forest
This place was a bust!
The paved road turns to dirt road about half a mile before the turn off. Pretty bumpy. Once we arrived we drove the loop and saw no pull off spots for our RV.
Pedro G.Guide
Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua is Amazing
I love Bonita canyon campground in Chiricahua second time visiting, I plan to visit this amazing place every year Milky Way photography varies depending on the month of visit
Cass G.Guide
Reddington Pass Dispersed
Rough Road, Off Grid
I’ve camped at Redington Pass a few times throughout the years. It’s a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn’t recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we’ve seen them get stuck trying to turn around. The road is rough but if you don’t mind driving slow over the holes and bumps then no big deal.
Easy to find, follow Tanque Verde Rd all the way East until it turns into Redington Road, this then leads to a dirt road with TONS of dispersed camping pull offs with established fire rings. The further east you travel on the pass the less people you have to camp next to. The camping sites closer to the entrance get packed on the weekends.
The further you go you’ll run out of service, no bathrooms, no water hook ups, nothing, just dispersed wild camping!
- RRick I.Traveler
Shootout Arena RV Park
A Gem of a Campground
This place is perfect for dry camping a short distance from historic Main Street Tombstone. There were no amenities, so be prepared! You cannot beat the price! For car/tent camping there are some private spaces with a little shade and evidence of past campfires. Be sure to stay to the left of the sign to go into the lower camping area. Pay your 10 bucks at the drop box.
David T.Guide
Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground
Quiet getaway
-This was a great little spot! There is no light pollution besides maybe a neighbor that forgot to turn off their lights. -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. -Spots a very large and spaced well. -Restrooms/showers well maintained *Shower water pressure is less than desired. -Visited Tombstone, AZ as well. About a 30min drive. **Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench. ***It’s Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108.
Jose J.Guide
Tombstone RV & Campground
Close site to Tombstone
Quiet park, level and clean gravel sites. About 5 minutes from the town of Tombstone. It’s was getting down to freezing temperatures in November briefly over night. You can rent an outdoor fireplace and buy firewood on site too.
Rod D.GuideBonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument is special indeed
If approved by congress, Chiricahua National Monument will become Arizona's fourth National Park. While the current monument is a compact area geographically, it definitely has the uniqueness of a national park and warrants the added protections. It will however make a very special place more popular, so you might want to visit sooner than later.
If you camp in a tent, van, micro-camper, or small travel trailer you will find Bonita Canyon Campground to be a memorable and wonderful place. Don't try to bring any big rigs as they simply won't fit. Reservations are a must.
The campground is small, beautiful, shaded and right in the middle of some incredible scenery providing easy access to the fantastic hiking and wildlife viewing that is all around you. Hosts were professional and friendly, bathhouse small but super clean, and the site boundaries were mostly marked with fences which is somewhat unique. This is an old CCC built campground. From the campground you can easily walk to the foundations of the original camp located nearby.
Pay attention to fire regulations and status. If permitted, campfires are limited to the raised grills (no rings) but you can bring your own solo type camp stove. You will need to bring your own wood and ice. Pay attention to your fuel levels in your vehicle as this is a remote place.
This is premier birdwatching country. If you can, I would highly recommend taking one of the guided walks provided by the rangers and park biologists. We learned a bunch and I am not even "a birder" and enjoyed it. The nearby visitor center will have the details.
The Arizona Coatimundi's are a very unique mammal and frequently visit the campground. Deer, turkeys, quail, and other wildlife are in abundance and easy to see from the hikes. The views of the night sky are unparalleled.
A short drive away provides access to some incredible trails for hiking or simply viewing the surrounding Wilderness areas. The rock features found in this area make it unique.
This continues to be one of our favorite places in Arizona to camp and hike.
- DDan D.Scout
Grande Vista RV Park
Tesla hate?
I tried to stay here, and they had openings, but I was in a Tesla and refused service. I have an adapter. Looked like a nice place, but couldn’t stay because of ignorance.
- SShane W.Ranger
Marijilda
Fresh Mountain Spring Water
Not much for camping area, but it’s right on the creek and secluded and quiet. No toilets. No trash. Verizon in and out. 4x4 needed to exit. Road is a couple miles, rough, and one shallow water crossing.
- SShane W.Ranger
Riverview Campground
Quick Night by the Gila
The road in turns to dirt for a brief minute, then back to paved. It winds and there are some tight turns. You turn off the pavement to dirt the last 1/4 mile. Wouldn’t take anything over 35’ 5th wheel. $5/night is not bad to have vault toilets, water spigot, picnic tables, river close. Biking trails, horse trails, hike trails, OHV trails all close. There are corrals at the “Host” site. There is a boat ramp 2 miles before the campground. There is one farther up also. Not sure about at the campground. No Verizon signal here.
- SSheree O.Scout
Tombstone RV & Campground
Vacation
The place was clean. People were friendly close to attractions and enjoyed our stay very much. Would recommend it. Five star bathrooms were clean.
Tom P.TravelerShootout Arena RV Park
Location location location
Arrived around 1pm. Almost empty. Pay cash $10/n at box near entry. Walk to old town. Attended shootout and ok coral. Walked through DT and back to campsite. Clean and convenient. Will stay here again.
Roger W.
LegendBonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
An Amazing National Monument
Bonita Canyon CG- Chiricahua NM: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: Campsites in outer loop are more nicely spaced(rate 4) and trailer adds to privacy. Inner loop sites are often a bit close (rate 3). Price 2024: $ 10 w interagency Usage during visit: Very full, especially weekends.
Site Privacy: No Site Spacing: Outside sites are spacious Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet.
Outside Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Yes. Spigots are scattered, locations clearly marked Generators: Allowed, but other than ours, I never heard one. Bathroom: Built by CCC. Clean and rustic. I like them. Showers: No Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any Cell Service (AT&T): No. WiFi at the visitor center Setting: Woods Recent Weather: 70s to low 80s.
Solar: At our site with good positioning, we were able to bring in 12amps per day with 400 watt fixed panels.
Insects: None now Host: Yes, 2 couples Rig Size: Limited to 24’.- TTarryn T.Traveler
Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Felt like camping on desert safari
Moderately rough road out for non 4x4 vehicle road, but fine going slow. Good spots off the road, fairly private and not too many other campers nearby. Lots of animals nearby very loud waking up and ants on the ground, we were glad we were in a roof tent not on the ground.
- TTonya B.Guide
Stampede RV Park
Quaint little RV spot
The Stampede is the perfect place to stay. It's right next the town so you can walk if you want. It's quiet and feels safe. The grounds are clean, gravel, and even. We enjoyed our stay.
- CChasity M.Guide
Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Peaceful and Quiet
Take Middle March road on left off of highway 80. Campsite is 10 miles on the left. The first .5 miles is paved, the other 9.5 miles is primitive (embedded rock, loose gravel, and about 75%washboard). You’ll cross a few cattle guards and dry river beds. Plenty of camping spots with fire rings.
Tony S.Traveler
Happy Camp Trail
Little busy
Was a little busy and the bulls can get aggressive in your campsite.
Joel R.Legend
Cochise Stronghold
Secluded
Cochise stronghold campground is a rugged campground in a deep canyon. The canyon was the refuge for the Chiricahua Apache leader, Cochise. This is a National Forest Service campground. There are Eleven campsites and two group campsites. All are shaded by scrub oaks and surrounded by towering rock formations. The sites have picnic tables and grills. There is no water available so bring your own. No electricity or other facilities. There is a bathroom with flush toilets. There are food storage lockers due to bear activities. It is dog friendly (on leash). This campground is a little hard to get to, with several water crossings. I would not recommend attempting to drive without a high clearance vehicle. Sites are first come first served. Limit 6 people per site. $8 per night.
Guide to Willcox
Tent camping near Willcox, Arizona offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes of the region. With a variety of well-reviewed spots, campers can enjoy both solitude and adventure.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- At Happy Camp Trail, you’ll find a free, spacious area where pets are welcome, and campfires are allowed, making it perfect for a cozy night under the stars.
- Arcadia Campground features clean pit toilets and picnic tables, providing a comfortable setting for families and groups looking to enjoy the outdoors.
- Round the Mountain Campground offers free camping with picnic tables and toilets, ideal for those seeking a simple yet enjoyable camping experience.
Tips for tent camping near Willcox
- Arrive early at Happy Camp Trail to secure a good spot, as it can get busy, especially on weekends.
- Bring your own water and supplies when visiting Arcadia Campground, as there are no water hookups available.
- Be prepared for rough roads when heading to Camp Site 001 Dispersed Site, as a high-clearance vehicle may be necessary for access.
Tent campers should check out Cochise Stronghold
- Cochise Stronghold is a secluded site nestled in a canyon, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature's tranquility.
- This campground features picnic tables and grills, but remember to bring your own water, as there are no facilities available.
- With its rugged terrain and beautiful rock formations, Cochise Stronghold is an excellent choice for adventurous campers who enjoy hiking and exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Willcox, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Willcox, AZ is Happy Camp Trail with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Willcox, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Willcox, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.