Looking for an adventure where you can explore Winkelman and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Winkelman with tent camping. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Winkelman's most popular destinations.
The site is located along the Gila River upstream from the town of Winkelman, Arizona. The Shores recreation site is minimally developed to provide access to the river for river-related recreation opportunities. River flows during the spring and summer are suitable for river floating activities through outstanding canyon scenery with diverse desert wildlife habitat. Generally, stream flows over 300 cubic feet per second provide small craft floating opportunities, including inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubing. Floating hazards include a fence across the river upstream from the Shores site with an opening for small floating crafts to pass. A permit is not required for private, non-commercial use of the sites. Use of the sites in connection with commercial recreational use requires a BLM Special Recreation Permit. Target shooting is not allowed in developed sites. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not necessary to access the site or to maneuver into driveways and parking turnouts at the recreation site. However, due to the narrow passages, motor homes and trailer RVs are not suitable in the area. The restrooms are wheelchair accessible; however, access to other recreation opportunities is limited because of uneven ground surfaces, loose soils, steep slopes, and dense vegetation. Primitive camp sites are available at the site. Facilities include parking, fire pits, and vault toilets. The camp site is not suitable for motor homes bigger than a small pickup camper. Lodging is available at hotels and campgrounds in the nearby communities of Winkelman, Kearny, Superior, Mammoth, and Globe. Winkelman has a river park with camping, water, toilets and other facilities available for public use. Restaurants, grocery, fuel and convenience stores are available in the Towns of Winkelman and Mammoth. The nearest medical facilities are in Globe at the Cobre Valley Community Hospital, and in Oro Valley at the Oro Valley Hospital. The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Access across private land requires the land owner’s permission. Please respect private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department before driving across state lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for hunting or fishing.
The site is located along the Gila River upstream from the town of Winkelman, Arizona. The Christmas recreation site is minimally developed to provide access to the river for river-related recreation opportunities. River flows during the spring and summer are suitable for river floating activities through outstanding canyon scenery with diverse desert wildlife habitat. Generally, stream flows over 300 cubic feet per second provide small craft floating opportunities, including inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubing. Floating hazards include a fence across the river upstream from the Shores site with an opening for small floating crafts to pass. A permit is not required for private, non-commercial use of the sites. Use of the sites in connection with commercial recreational use requires a BLM Special Recreation Permit. Target shooting is not allowed in developed sites. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary to access the site or to maneuver into driveways and parking turnouts at the recreation site. However, due to the narrow passages, motor homes and trailer RVs are not suitable in the area. The restrooms are wheelchair accessible; however, access to other recreation opportunities is limited because of uneven ground surfaces, loose soils, steep slopes, and dense vegetation. Primitive camp sites are available at the site. Facilities include parking, fire pits, and vault toilets. The campsite is not suitable for motor homes bigger than a small pickup camper. Lodging is available at hotels and campgrounds in the nearby communities of Winkelman, Kearny, Superior, Mammoth, and Globe. Winkelman has a river park with camping, water, toilets and other facilities available for public use. Restaurants, grocery, fuel and convenience stores are available in the Towns of Winkelman and Mammoth. The nearest medical facilities are in Globe at the Cobre Valley Community Hospital, and in Oro Valley at the Oro Valley Hospital. The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Access across private land requires the land owner’s permission. Please respect private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department before driving across state lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for hunting or fishing.
This small, sheltered campground is tucked away just off the Catalina Highway, along the rocky streambed that forms the floor of upper Bear Canyon. Campsites are nestled under a canopy of ponderosa pines, junipers and oaks. Some sites are located right along Bear Creek among large rocks. The Creek generally only flows during rainy periods or during the Spring snowmelt, but be vigilant of flash floods.
$10 / night
Kellner Group Site is nestled at the base of the beautiful Pinal Mountains south of Globe, Arizona. Several picnic areas are separeted from the larger group area creating a semi-secluded setting. This site's interesting rock walls and steps were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It sits in the riparian area of Kellner Canyon, which frequently has a small stream running through it following winter runoff.
Kellner Group Site recreation opportunities include hiking, exploring and wildlife viewing. The Pinal Mountains are considered a "Sky Island" and make for excellent bird watching opportunities. A short seven-mile drive leads to Icehouse Canyon Day Use Area which hosts trailheads for Six Shooter Canyon Trail, Ice House Canyon Trail, Kellner Canyon Trail and the Telephone Trail.
Kellner Group Site recreation opportunities include hiking, exploring and wildlife viewing. The Pinal Mountains are considered a "Sky Island" and make for excellent bird watching opportunities. A short seven-mile drive leads to Icehouse Canyon Day Use Area which hosts trailheads for Six Shooter Canyon Trail, Ice House Canyon Trail, Kellner Canyon Trail and the Telephone Trail.
Kellner Group Site boasts spectacular views of the Pinal Mountains, which rise 3,500 feet above it. The riparian area and stream host large sycamore and white oak trees which give it shade. Wildlife in the Pinal Mountains includes a large variety of birds, chipmunks, squirrels, coatimundi, and coos whitetail deer. A fire came very close to this area in the spring of 2017 and has affected some of the vegetation.
Kellner Group Site is next to the City of Globe which offers an array of restaurants, as well as antique, grocery, and feed and tack stores. It is roughly an hour's drive from the Salt River Canyon, where several overlooks allow you to capture the magnificent beauty of "Arizona's other Grand Canyon." Roosevelt Lake and the Apache Trail are also within driving reach.
$75 / night
The name Prison camp came from the Federal Honor Camp begun in 1937 to house federal prisoners supplying labor to build a road providing access into the Santa Catalina Mountains. Prisoners had been convicted of federal crimes ranging from immigration law violations to tax evasion to bank robbery. During World War II, many of the prisoners were conscientious objectors whose religions prohibited them from serving in the military. Some were Japanese Americans protesting the “Japanese American Relocation,” the largest forced removal and incarceration in U.S. History. After the Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, over 100,000 Japanese Americans, many American Citizens, were imprisoned in crowded internment camps for fear they would conduct espionage and sabotage along the west coast. Gordon Hirabayashi was a senior at the University of Washington in 1942. He challenged the constitutionality of internment based on race or ancestry. He turned himself in to the FBI rather than report for relocation. He was convicted and sentenced to serve at the honor camp in the Santa Catalina Mountains. In 1987 Hirabayashi’s case was overturned. A federal commission determined that the internment had been motivated by racial prejudice and wartime hysteria. In 1988 the Civil Liberties Act was signed by President Ronald Reagan, which acknowledged the injustice and apologized for the internment. In 1999 the Coronado National Forest renamed the site in honor of Dr. Hirabayashi and the other resisters of conscience who were imprisoned there. Dr. Hirabayashi and others attended the dedication ceremony.
The cool shade of tall ponderosa pines and an overlook of Palisade Canyon from the campgrounds edge make Showers Point Group Site a popular place for groups to spend a weekend or an afternoon. Visitors can relax in shaded campsites, picnic at nearby Rose Canyon, hike and mountain bike on nearby trails or take a scenic drive on Catalina Highway.
Within easy walking distance from Showers Point is one of the most scenic overlooks in the Santa Catalinas. From this towering bluff visitors can see the lower slopes of the Santa Catalina Range and the Santa Cruz Valley stretching toward Mexico. Tall, pyramid-shaped Mt. Wrightson of the Santa Rita Mountains stands prominent on the horizon. Visitors enjoy hiking through the Santa Catalina backcountry, via the Palisade Trail that departs near the campground. The trail drops down the southwestern slopes of the mountain range to the popular Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Fishing is also available at the nearby six-acre Rose Canyon Lake. A day-use fee is applicable at Rose Canyon
Showers Point Group Campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains at 7,700 feet. Because of its elevation, it can be much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The campsites are spacious and spread out among stands of big ponderosa pines and clusters of Gambel oak. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.
For facility specific information, please call (520) 314-0069.
Catalina Highway, also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway, is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic highways in the southwest and provides a popular day trip. Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.
$95 - $103 / night
Scout
We got to the parking area about 7:40 PM on November 10th. Started up the road to the campsite about 2 miles further up the mountain but at about 1/2 mile the road was so icy that we lost traction. Snow on the ground by the road, lots of deer tracks in the snow. Ended up backing down the road to spend the night in the parking lot, sleeping in the van.
Scout
Would recommend this campground. Clean lots of trails to hike or bike. No sewer hookup but does have electric and water. Campground was full but still very quiet. I have already reserved again next month
ScoutGreat roomy spots. Terrible ant problem.
Scout
Be sure to read the fine print and/or ask questions before booking.
Traveler
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.
Traveler
The 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.
The campground and bathrooms were clean. Some of the sites are a little close together, but others are nicely separated.
Each site has a nice fire pit with a grill gate and a concrete picnic table.
Traveler
Beautiful desert camping, lots of birds and wildlife. I heard coyotes in the middle of the night that woke me up, and was glad for a rooftop tent.
Guide
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!
ScoutAwesome views, secluded spots. Just make sure you have 4wd and go all the way to the back
GuideHad a quick stay here but was still able to see some. It’s AZ so it’s always hot, just prepare for that. The hiking trails and history are amazing here. Showers and bathrooms well maintained. It did rain pretty good as we were rolling in so the ants were…insane. They were everywhere.
ScoutVery crowded on the weekend but the crowd is friendly and respectful. Great way to escape the summer heat of Tucson! Bring your hats and gloves!
Traveler
Beautiful campground on a hill surrounded by pines. Gets completely silent at night assuming other campers behave. Perfectly dark except for stars between the trees and your fire. Please be careful with fires, keep them small, because there's already clear fire damage all around the area. Stayed 2 nights on Memorial day weekend. There were three groups that just came for a picnic then left, which surprised me considering the miles of washboard dirt road to get there. Our Honda CRV handled the road ok, I've seen worse roads that I would not drive. Do pack everything you need, don't plan to drive back into town if you can help it. Do not drive your ATV up and down the hill especially after quiet hours. I will say there is very little parking and a couple sites have very little flat ground for tents. One group did seem to have a couple large tents in the sites at the top of the hill, and ours at the entrance was good but we slept in our car.
Ranger
Good place to pull off in a pinch for free. You do hear road noise. Close to Arizona Trail, where it crosses 60 so you can hike both directions if you decide to, or take the trail up to the top of the mountain. Very beautiful area
Scout
Not freen 55 plus
Scout
Great place to camp 🏕
Legend
Stayed here a night in early April 2024. There were a lot of positive things about this place. Both vault toilets were very clean. The sites that weren’t overgrown with brush had cement tables and fire rings. The roads were narrow and easily managed in my Forester however much of the road, and camp sites, were covered in brush and overgrown trees. I could only locate about 4 sites that weren’t overgrown. The campsite is off of the highway so there is some road noise. Around 7:30 AM someone stopped by a nearby unoccupied site and started cutting wood for about an hour, and then they left. Overall not a bad place for an escape from the heat not far from Globe.
GuideI travel to Tucson from Phoenix on a regular basis. CSP is close enough to get to my destinations and it provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts in the same vicinity. Plus I can camp and do my astrophotography at the same time.
Traveler
Camped here April 1 since dispersed area was still in snow. Great sites and easy access with toilets, fire pits and bear box.
Traveler
Great easy little spot that is highly used so make sure you plan ahead. Not all sites have fire circle and if you don’t have a toilet there are only a few bushes tall enough. Works for a quick one nighter.
Legend
This is a great little camping spot nestled below Picacho Peak just north of Tucson. The campground is spread through the saguaros, and other cactus so you are right in with them. There isn’t much shade so the campground is only open September thru May. It closes during the hot months of summer. Several sites did have covered picnic tables. Sites have water and electricity, some have sewer. There is a dump station also. The sites are level. There are modern showers and bathrooms. Convenient to several hiking trails. In
GuideI enjoyed my stay here for 2 days. Had a great time hiking the Sunset Trail to Picacho Peak.
PROS - large campsites, picnic tables and fire pits on each site. Some sites have a covered pavilion. Great hot showers. Separate dish washing station. Clean facilities. Electric hookups.
CONS - No hot water or trash cans at the dishwashing station. Can hear road noise from I-10, but you get use to it
RangerAnother newer, paved State Park CG with 85 sites, all electric. No water or sewer hook-ups. Restrooms with flush toilet, showers also available. You can see and hear the traffic on I-10 about a half mile to the east. Some sites are spaced further apart then others but overall, decently distanced.
We stayed 2 nights in March of 2019. planned to climb the peak but ended up biking around on the the hilly roads.
Amazing sunsets!!
TravelerThe amenities at this place are great for the price. Nice pool, hot tub, laundry, bath & showers. There is a mix of full time residents, part time, and traveling campers. Apparently not the best place if you have kids though… not even sure if they “allow” them. Sites are typical RV park style… not much to them/no privacy… but if this is what you’re after I’d imagine you’ll be happy.
RangerWe've stayed here on 3 different trips to the SW, 2019,2020 & 2023. A very nice break from the remote, amenity-less places we usually camp. It's a great place to resupply, dine out, see the sights, clean up and relax in the Arizona sunshine while gazing a the Santa Catalina Mountains.
There is some hiking including guided Ranger led tours. Lots of birds, coyotes and a whole lot of giant saguaro cactus. In spring at least, there is water, sometimes a lot.
I find that some of the sites are well spaced, some with stunted trees which could provide more shade once they leaf out. We've never had that experience with all out visits coming in March or early April.
We're not much for big campgrounds or RV Parks but this one works for us. It has however gotten, like everywhere else, EXTREMELY HARD to reserve a site, especially one of the better ones.
One other note - Wood fires are not allowed!! We use a propane Firebowl there.
TravelerVery nice campground with great views of the mountains, hiking, and biking around Oro Valley on road bike. Easy access to the loop trail. It was low 30s in the mornings (February). Bathroom and showers in loop A were coolish.
TravelerGreat spot to go camping! The trail into the campground was great, you will need a 4x4 in certain spots, but mostly it’s a smooth ride. At night the view of the stars was beautiful since there was hardly any light pollution. 10/10 recommended
Guide
No running water and very minimal cell service but great spot overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Winkelman, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Winkelman, AZ is Shores Recreation Area with a 3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Winkelman, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Winkelman, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
