Open hillside terrain and wide sightlines across the Sonoita grasslands set the tone at Rancho del Nido, a working horse ranch that doubles as a small private campground southeast of Tucson. Getting there requires about two miles of graded dirt and gravel road, which most vehicles handle without difficulty, though the rough access is worth factoring into trip planning. The RV hookup sites are clustered closely together near the edge of the property, visible through the trees, and the campground operates on a reservation basis with instant book available.
Hosts Kim and Dan are consistently praised across reviews for responsiveness and local knowledge, including recommendations for nearby dining and day trips. The ranch has horses and cows on the property, and horseback riding is available for guests who want it. Reviewers note the spring water on-site is notably fresh, the port-a-potty is kept clean, and the surrounding area has horse trails. For campers planning a broader stay in the region, camping near Sonoita includes several public land options, among them the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area to the northeast.
"Come for the stars, if nothing else," notes Maryrose L. The campground sits in open terrain away from significant light pollution, which makes the night sky one of its more noted features. Saguaro National Park's east side is roughly an hour's drive, and Tombstone is about the same distance. At $40 to $50 per night with electric and water hookups, Rancho del Nido works best for self-contained rigs or tent campers who want a base with some ranch character and room to explore southeastern Arizona.
Description
Surrounded by gorgeous, scenic mountains & grasslands, you will enjoy magnificent views & pure serenity here at Rancho del Nido. When you ride or hike out on the Empire Ranch, you will feel miles away from anything and 100 years back in time. Each RV site includes full water & electric hookups with an easily accessible community dump station for septic. Horse stalls, 2 arenas & round pens on site. Trail ride through our direct gate access to the historic Empire Ranch (Las Cienegas National Conservation Area) & enjoy thousands of acres of trails. Horses/pets welcome! OHV’s welcome! Close to over 18 wineries!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRancho del Nido is located in Arizona near Sonoita
Directions
Right off Hwy 83, down a dirt road, on the left
Coordinates
31.757689 N
110.64124700000002 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 32 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 34 min from Tucson, AZ
- 2 hrs 27 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 32 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
