Best Campgrounds near Winkelman, AZ

Camping opportunities around Winkelman, Arizona range from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites across diverse landscapes. The area includes Shores Recreation Area on the banks of the Gila River and Pioneer Pass Campground in the Tonto National Forest, offering both tent and RV camping options. Riverbed RV Park provides electric, water, and sewer hookups for RVs, while Christmas - Gila River Recreation Area allows tent and RV camping with boat access. Nearby Kearny Lake City Park offers water and electric hookups for both tent and RV campers within a short drive of Winkelman.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. "The unpaved road leads to multiple pull-offs and side roads where you can find the perfect spot to tuck away and camp for as long as you like," noted one visitor about dispersed camping in the area. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional freezing conditions at higher elevations like Pioneer Pass Campground, which operates seasonally from May to November. Many dispersed camping areas in the region require permits, particularly on Arizona State Trust Lands, where an annual recreation permit ($20) is necessary for legal access.

Campers report stunning desert landscapes and mountain views as highlights of camping in the Winkelman area. The region's location between the Sonoran Desert and higher mountain terrain creates diverse camping environments within relatively short distances. Several visitors mentioned the appeal of camping near water sources, particularly along the Gila River, which provides relief from desert heat. Noise levels vary significantly between locations - established campgrounds like Kearny Lake City Park offer more amenities but less seclusion, while dispersed sites provide greater privacy but no facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include desert species adapted to the arid environment, with early morning and evening hours offering the best chances for observation. Cell service is unreliable in many camping areas, particularly in canyons and remote locations away from highways.

Best Camping Sites Near Winkelman, Arizona (102)

    1. Shores Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Winkelman, AZ
    3 miles
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "Theirs a little highway noise but with the river sounds and a fire it was just what we needed. Theirs sunshine and shade, a bathroom, and garbage."

    2. Kearny Lake City Park

    3 Reviews
    Kearny, AZ
    9 miles
    +1 (520) 363-5547

    "Small lake to walk around. Not to busy."

    "The sites don’t have a water view, but there are day use areas around the lake. Additional flush toilets in the day use area as well. Calling this a lake is also a stretch, it more of a pond."

    3. Needles Eye Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Winkelman, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 220-6462

    $75 / night

    "Bring your favorite food, Cook inside or outside on a coal fired grill or over a wood fired pit. Plenty of nice dry wood for you to use. I cooked inside but ate outside at the picnic table."

    "I was driving a Tacoma(not Lifted) and stopped about a mile in because the road got so bad. I hiked about another half mile back and came accross this amazing view of the valley."

    4. Riverbed RV Park

    1 Review
    Winkelman, AZ
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 280-8117

    $35 / night

    5. Christmas - Gila River Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Winkelman, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "Pitt toilets, access to gila river. Very small camper vans or tents"

    6. Pioneer Pass Campground

    7 Reviews
    Globe, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 402-6200

    "Site 22 had a concrete picnic table that showed a lot of deterioration around the edges (so much so that some of the rebar support in the center was clearly visible) and a grill that had been bent and"

    "The campground is nestled in a secluded canyon amongst the Ponderosa Pines and next to an intermittent mountain stream."

    7. Catalina State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views."

    "Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."

    8. Upper Pinal Campground

    3 Reviews
    Globe, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 402-6200

    "There are literally 3 campsites surrounding a 100 foot wide dirt turnaround in the center."

    "If you're afraid of heights this might not be the drive you want to take as most of the way you are looking off the side of the mountain with no rails."

    9. Cactus Forest Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    36 miles
    Website

    "However, watch where you step AND where you drive!!!!"

    "Not that far of a drive from a highway exit, I was pleasantly surprised by the peaceful seclusion."

    10. Picacho Peak State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Picacho, AZ
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 466-3183

    $50 / night

    "Great stop off or home base to see a lot of great arizona attractions like saguaro national park, tombstone and tucson."

    "We stayed on the western edge of "C" loop so the sunsets were unobstructed and magnificent. The peak looms over the Campground and the layout is perfect to take in all the surroundings."

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Recent Reviews near Winkelman, AZ

446 Reviews of 102 Winkelman Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views

    It was a little rough going up with a travel trailer. I didn’t see the trailer parking to unhook and scout. I found a pull off on the left after mile marker 5. You cannot camp until you pass mile maker 4.6. They have some nice trails too. As far as the noise it’s most busy on weekends but where I was it wasn’t constant just people going by on dirt bikes, side by sides and vehicles. Wasn’t that big of a deal to me. They actually did come work on the washouts while I was there so leaving wasn’t as rough

  • Eric M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Spencer Canyon Campground

    Clean sites

    Tons of sites make sure to lock up your food i had a skunk visitor

  • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    Camping not available

    Was a great site before, but now all the camp sites are blocked and no longer allowed. This area will be missed it was very convenient.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Redrock Trail Head Dispersed

    Quiet and peaceful, but be aware of cholla cacti

    This is a nice spot to camp, whether it just be an overnight or for multiple days. It was peaceful and serene when I visited in April, with very few people around. The dirt road in is pretty short and smooth (my Toyota Corolla did just fine), and there were at least a few viable sites. I pitched a tent without any problems. There seems to be a shooting range somewhere nearby since I could hear what sounded like shots in the distance at times, but that was minimal and didn’t interrupt my stay.

    I recommend this spot, but be aware of the cacti, as it was kind of like a cholla forest. I visited with my dog and we definitely had to be cautious when setting up camp and just moving about. Walking on the road we drove in on was fine, but walking around the campsite itself was more of an issue since there were cholla balls scattered throughout. You should be fine if you’re careful, but I’d suggest reconsidering if you have a dog with you and that dog doesn’t have shoes/boots.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Cactus Forest Dispersed

    Beauty all around

    If you want to see blooming cacti, this is the place.

    Unreal sunsets too.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    If you need to get out of the heat

    It was packed on the weekends, but holy cow, was it gorgeous.

    Bunch of hiking trails near by, and perfect temperatures in the summer heat.

  • J
    May. 31, 2025

    Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    Beautiful, however…

    We drove 3 hours from Phoenix for a weekend in the forest, new to town and learning the ways of Arizona camping, didn’t realize fires are some times allowed and some times not. We would have gone somewhere closer to home if this app had updated information that campfires (wood) are currently not allowed. :/

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    Canyon Vistas RV Resort and Superstition Views Resort

    Very nice!

    All the amenities you would ever want and then some. Lots of activities 14 pickleball courts! Or site 411 was very close to the pool, but not the main pool with the bar. So it did poor rain and hail on us. Running out for that walk

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2025

    Peralta Regional Park Primitive Remote Campsites

    No more dispersed camping

    This was my favorite place for dispersed camping! (Not at the established campground) but as of May 2025, they have dug TRENCHES in front of every single dispersed camping site so you cannot access them anymore. What a shame


Guide to Winkelman

The Winkelman area sits at the junction of the Gila and San Pedro Rivers, where elevations range from around 1,900 feet in town to over 5,900 feet at nearby mountain campgrounds. This transition zone between desert lowlands and pine-forested highlands creates dramatic temperature differences, often exceeding 30°F between day and night during spring and fall camping seasons. Water access is particularly important here, with several campgrounds offering riverside sites despite the arid environment.

What to do

Hiking the Pinal Mountains: Located near Globe, about 30 miles from Winkelman, Pioneer Pass Campground offers access to mountain trails. "The campground and bathrooms were clean. Some of the sites are a little close together, but others are nicely separated," notes Ryan D. The campground sits at 5,900 feet elevation, providing cooler temperatures than the lower desert areas.

River access activities: Christmas - Gila River Recreation Area provides direct access to the Gila River for fishing, swimming, and paddling. "Nice well kept sites. Pitt toilets, access to gila river. Very small camper vans or tents," reports camper Mark F. The site is suitable for smaller vehicles and tent camping only.

Fishing at local lakes: Just 15 minutes north of Winkelman, Kearny Lake offers fishing opportunities. A camper notes, "Small lake to walk around. Not too busy," highlighting the peaceful setting despite its proximity to town services.

What campers like

Quieter camping experiences: Many campers appreciate the solitude found at Shores Recreation Area, with one visitor remarking, "Quiet, very few campers. Prob fewer as it gets warmer. This will be a scorcher in the middle of summer but the sites do have tree cover for shade." The shaded sites provide crucial relief during warmer months.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The desert landscape around Winkelman hosts diverse wildlife. At Cactus Forest Dispersed camping area, about 90 minutes southwest, a visitor notes, "The cactuses and shrubs provided enough privacy between each site for it to feel like it was just us out there, and shielded us from the road as well." Bird watching is particularly good in river areas.

Dark skies for stargazing: Away from city lights, Needles Eye Ranch offers excellent night sky viewing. "No internet, no phone, no stress. Just peace and quiet, time to unwind," shares Verna L. The area's limited development creates ideal conditions for stargazing away from light pollution.

What you should know

Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to more remote sites often requires capable vehicles. One camper at Upper Pinal Campground explains, "The trip to the top of Pinal Mountains is a journey, very cool and beautiful scenic views, the road is not the best, especially if you don't have a higher clearance vehicle." Many side roads become impassable after rain.

Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most dispersed camping areas have no services. At Cactus Forest, a reviewer cautions, "My only advice here is that it's not fun for dogs. It's incredibly prickly everywhere. Imagine that, prickly in the cactus forest? You'll want to avoid wearing sandals too."

Seasonal considerations are critical: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations. A visitor to Pioneer Pass notes, "Please keep in mind that you are at elevation and temperatures drop significantly." Plan for appropriate gear and water supplies based on your specific camping location.

Tips for camping with families

Sites with amenities: Families often prefer campgrounds with basic facilities. "This is a fine spot for a night/passing through but was not my favorite," writes one camper about Shores Recreation Area, noting its "trash containers and toilets, lots of birds" while warning about the "murky water and not a pleasant smell in the air."

Safety considerations: Desert camping presents unique challenges. A reviewer at Cactus Forest warns, "It's not fun for kids either? It's incredibly prickly everywhere... I found myself with a piece of a cactus stuck to my foot." Always bring tweezers and first aid supplies.

Water-based recreation options: For families seeking water activities, Kearny Lake City Park offers accessible options. "For a free site, this place is amazing... It has flush toilets with a sink! There are also fish cleaning areas," writes Beth G., though noting "this would be a great place to stop for a night, but not stay for an extended period of time."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Riverbed RV Park offers the most complete hookups near Winkelman with electric, water, and sewer connections. "Very nice and quiet place to stay for an extended time," reports David G. The park provides amenities for longer-term stays.

Size restrictions matter: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Kearny Lake City Park, "Site 2 has electric hookup and is more like $30," notes one camper, indicating the limited number of sites with hookups despite being reasonably priced at $14 per car for standard sites.

Dump station access: Plan waste management carefully. While Riverbed RV Park offers sewer hookups, most other sites near Winkelman require travel to dump stations. RVers should arrive with empty tanks and conserve water, especially during summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots in Winkelman, Arizona?

The Winkelman area offers several camping options. Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed provides primitive camping between Apache Junction and Florence, about 2-5 miles along both sides of the road after turning east from Highway 74. For those seeking riverside camping, Christmas - Gila River Recreation Area offers boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access. If you're willing to travel a bit further, Picket Post provides free dispersed camping with easy access from Highway 60 and proximity to the Arizona Trail. Remember that an Arizona State Trust pass is required for some dispersed camping areas.

What amenities are available at Winkelman camping areas?

Amenities vary significantly across Winkelman area camping spots. Catalina State Park Campground offers the most comprehensive facilities with huge, level, paved sites, water and electric hookups (20A, 30A, and 50A), picnic tables, BBQs, and dump stations. In contrast, dispersed camping areas like Peralta Road Dispersed Camping provide no amenities - you'll need to pack in everything including water and pack out all waste. For something in between, Molino Basin Campground provides basic amenities in a scenic mountain setting with sites spaced far apart, though you should bring your own water.

What camping is available near Winkelman, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Winkelman, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Winkelman, AZ and 30 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Winkelman, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Winkelman, AZ is Shores Recreation Area with a 3.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Winkelman, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 free dispersed camping spots near Winkelman, AZ.