Glamping near Winkelman, Arizona offers outdoor enthusiasts elevated camping experiences at elevations ranging from 3,800 to 7,900 feet. The region experiences temperature variations of 15-20 degrees cooler than nearby cities during summer months, making it a popular retreat from desert heat. Campsites typically fill by Thursday afternoon during peak season with many locations operating seasonally from May through October.
What to do
Hike mountain trails: Pioneer Pass Campground sits at 5,900 feet elevation with nearby trails offering scenic views. One visitor noted, "This campground is nestled in a secluded canyon amongst the Ponderosa Pines and next to an intermittent mountain stream. The views on the drive up from Globe to the campground at 5,900 feet are gorgeous."
Wildlife observation: Coronado National Forest Whitetail Group Site provides opportunities for wildlife viewing at higher elevations. "This campground boasts several group sites, complete with plenty of parking, large gazebos with multiple grills for your group gatherings, and tent pads scattered throughout," explains one camper who appreciated the layout.
Stargazing sessions: Clear mountain skies offer exceptional night viewing conditions away from city lights. A Pioneer Pass visitor shared: "Probably beautiful. Had to turn around and drive all the way back. Do not go unless you have a 4x4 or are positive about the condition at the top. It was 67° in Globe this day... Sky was amazing at night."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Picacho-Tucson NW KOA maintains well-kept amenities for glampers seeking comfort. A recent guest commented, "We've stayed at a lot of KOAs across the country and this is the cleanest one I've ever been to. Excellent facilities- laundry, bathrooms, pool area, dog run, and clear tent spots."
Temperature relief: General Hitchcock Campground provides cooler conditions during summer months. "This sky island campground in Mt Lemmon is perfect for a quick weekend getaway from Tucson. The weather here is 10-15 degrees cooler than the city," explains one camper who appreciated the climate difference.
Spacious sites: Many glamping locations offer generous spacing between sites. A Timber Camp visitor noted, "We reserved this spot for a large family gathering and it served our needs perfectly. The spot is in a great patch on Ponderosa Pines in the primarily pinyon juniper surroundings. It is a very large space and each family can spread out as much as they want."
What you should know
Road conditions: Upper Pinal Campground requires careful driving consideration. A camper warned, "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."
Campsite layout: Many glamping areas feature unconventional site arrangements. One Pioneer Pass visitor explained, "This place is a little easier to get to than upper pinal, which is just on the other side of Pinal Mountains. This campground was set up kinda weird, but worked out good."
Reservation timing: Securing glamping spots requires advance planning. A Whitetail visitor advised, "This campground is actually about an hour further up toward Mt Lemmon. Search 'Whitetail campground' to find it. All the roads in this area are gated off."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites with consideration for noise levels near play areas. A Picacho-Tucson visitor mentioned, "This KOA is a good place for families and it has a lot of amenities. The sites are close together and not private unless you have a patio site for an extra cost. The sites by the playground and clubhouse area are noisy during the day with children playing."
Activity options: Timber Camp Recreation Area offers space for family recreation. A visitor shared, "It is a very large space and each family can spread out as much as they want - and still have space for wiffle ball! Hiking from camp was nice along a dry creek bed (in June)."
Bathroom facilities: Restroom cleanliness varies by location. A General Hitchcock camper noted, "A vaulted bathroom is at the center of the parking lot," while another mentioned, "There are 2 large BBQs at the end of the loop, covered ramadas with picnic tables, and an oversized metal fire pit."
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Spencer Canyon Campground offers limited RV spots. A camper observed, "Parking can be limited with only a few of the sites having adequate parking for trailers up to 22 feet. Your best bet for a good site for the weekend is to get there on Thursday or early Friday."
Hookup availability: Many glamping sites near Winkelman lack full hookups. At Pioneer Pass, a visitor explained, "This campground is Free. There are 17-21 sites dispersed & in groups that include cement picnic tables, metal ring fire pits, and some sites also have Bear Boxes. There are 3-4 outhouses, no running water or amenities."
Size restrictions: Large RVs face challenges at mountain campgrounds. One Pioneer Pass visitor cautioned, "Quiet off the beaten path place. Switchbacks most of the way up to the area. Wouldn't advise a 'big' rig. But once there and settled in loved it!"
