Best Tent Camping near Playas, NM
Tent camping options near Playas, New Mexico include several established campgrounds in the Coronado National Forest across the Arizona border. West Turkey Creek Dispersed camping area and Sycamore Campground offer tent-specific sites within driving distance, both located near Pearce, Arizona. Herb Martyr Campground provides an additional tent camping option near Douglas, Arizona, with primitive facilities in a natural setting.
Most tent sites in the region require travel on unmaintained dirt roads, with some requiring 8-10 miles of washboard terrain to access. Campers should bring all necessary water supplies as drinking water is not available at most locations. Vault toilets are present at established campgrounds like Sycamore and Herb Martyr, while picnic tables and fire rings are common amenities. Bear boxes are provided at some sites due to wildlife activity. The area experiences seasonal variations, with creek water levels changing throughout the year.
"This spot was quiet, isolated, beautiful, and serene," noted one visitor about West Turkey Creek Dispersed camping. Tent campers frequently encounter wildlife, with multiple reviews mentioning deer, turkeys, and birds. Creek access is a highlight at several campgrounds, with Turkey Creek offering "fantastic hikes along its banks" and "multiple small waterfalls and pools to splash in." Sites provide varying levels of shade and privacy, with dispersed camping options offering more seclusion than established campgrounds. The Cave Creek area receives particular praise for its night sky viewing opportunities. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most tent camping locations, creating a truly disconnected wilderness experience.