Top Tent Camping near Playas, NM
Searching for a tent campsite near Playas? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your New Mexico camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Playas, NM (9)
1. Sycamore Campground
3 Reviews•5 Photos•58 SavesLocated on the west side of the Chiricahuas, Sycamore Campground straddles the banks of West Turkey Creek, a small perennial stream that cascades into the campground down a series of small waterfalls and through a rocky cleft decorated with wildflowers. These sycamore- and oak-shaded sites are located near the end of Turkey Creek Road in an area that serves as a jumping off place into the Chiricahua Wilderness. A number of trails start in the vicinity of the campground and climb to destinations and connecting trails high in the mountains. If you’re a hiker or an equestrian, you’ll find this an excellent base of operations with enough nearby trail miles to keep you busy for quite a while. Note: Black bears in area.
- Pets
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
3. Herb Martyr Campground
1 Review•8 SavesThe Herb Martyr trailhead, located near Herb Martyr campgound, is one of the popular birdwatching and overall hiking areas in Cave Creek Canyon. Though South Fork is known for its trogons, there are plenty of other interesting and rare creatures to encounter here. Over 300 species of birds have been sighted in the Chiricahua Mountains, including the magnificent hummingbird, blue-throated hummingbird and Montezuma quail. Other interesting types of wildlife frequently sighted here include Apache fox squirrels, coatimundis and Coues white-tailed deer. The scenery is quite impressive in this area, too.
- Pets
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
4. Rucker Lake - Tahoe National Forest
1 Review•4 Saves- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
5. John Hands
Be the first to review!•1 Save- Tents
- Toilets
6. Rucker Forest Camp
Be the first to review!•2 SavesThis camp is located at the end of a Forest road that wanders up Rucker Canyon into the Chiricahua high country. Campsites are situated on both sides of the road in a stand of big trees that include ponderosa pine, Apache pine and Arizona cypress. This is bear country, so you’ll want to take advantage of the bearproof food boxes for storing your cooler and any other odorous items. On the way to Rucker Forest Camp, you’ll pass old Rucker Lake bed, which silted in after the Rattlesnake Fire in 1994. Rucker Creek still runs nearby. Closer to the campground, a number of Forest trails offer opportunities to explore the Chiricahua Wilderness high on the upper slopes.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
8. Camp Rucker - Coronado National Forest
Be the first to review!•2 Saves- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews In Playas
77 Reviews of 9 Playas Campgrounds
Pedro G.
Guide
Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua is Amazing
I love Bonita canyon campground in Chiricahua second time visiting, I plan to visit this amazing place every year Milky Way photography varies depending on the month of visit
Rod D.GuideBonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument is special indeed
If approved by congress, Chiricahua National Monument will become Arizona's fourth National Park. While the current monument is a compact area geographically, it definitely has the uniqueness of a national park and warrants the added protections. It will however make a very special place more popular, so you might want to visit sooner than later.
If you camp in a tent, van, micro-camper, or small travel trailer you will find Bonita Canyon Campground to be a memorable and wonderful place. Don't try to bring any big rigs as they simply won't fit. Reservations are a must.
The campground is small, beautiful, shaded and right in the middle of some incredible scenery providing easy access to the fantastic hiking and wildlife viewing that is all around you. Hosts were professional and friendly, bathhouse small but super clean, and the site boundaries were mostly marked with fences which is somewhat unique. This is an old CCC built campground. From the campground you can easily walk to the foundations of the original camp located nearby.
Pay attention to fire regulations and status. If permitted, campfires are limited to the raised grills (no rings) but you can bring your own solo type camp stove. You will need to bring your own wood and ice. Pay attention to your fuel levels in your vehicle as this is a remote place.
This is premier birdwatching country. If you can, I would highly recommend taking one of the guided walks provided by the rangers and park biologists. We learned a bunch and I am not even "a birder" and enjoyed it. The nearby visitor center will have the details.
The Arizona Coatimundi's are a very unique mammal and frequently visit the campground. Deer, turkeys, quail, and other wildlife are in abundance and easy to see from the hikes. The views of the night sky are unparalleled.
A short drive away provides access to some incredible trails for hiking or simply viewing the surrounding Wilderness areas. The rock features found in this area make it unique.
This continues to be one of our favorite places in Arizona to camp and hike.
Roger W.
LegendBonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
An Amazing National Monument
Bonita Canyon CG- Chiricahua NM: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: Campsites in outer loop are more nicely spaced(rate 4) and trailer adds to privacy. Inner loop sites are often a bit close (rate 3). Price 2024: $ 10 w interagency Usage during visit: Very full, especially weekends.
Site Privacy: No Site Spacing: Outside sites are spacious Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet.
Outside Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Yes. Spigots are scattered, locations clearly marked Generators: Allowed, but other than ours, I never heard one. Bathroom: Built by CCC. Clean and rustic. I like them. Showers: No Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any Cell Service (AT&T): No. WiFi at the visitor center Setting: Woods Recent Weather: 70s to low 80s.
Solar: At our site with good positioning, we were able to bring in 12amps per day with 400 watt fixed panels.
Insects: None now Host: Yes, 2 couples Rig Size: Limited to 24’.
Melissa S.Guide
Gold Gulch Road
Nice place to pull over for the night
We came in after dark, but the roads were clear and it was easy to set up. Quiet.
Joel R.LegendBonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Quiet and peaceful
Bonita Canyon Campground at the Chiricahua National Monument is a quiet little campground in a scrub pine forest. Chiricahua National Monument is a “dark sky” park, so there is very little light at night. Bring flashlights but leave lanterns at home! There are 36 sites with picnic tables and grills. There are community water faucets, but all were turned off when we were there. There are bathrooms with flush toilet, but no hookups or showers. Most sites are small and could accommodate tents, a small class C or van campers. 25’ is the max length and 14 days is max stay. The sign said the campground was full but there were empty sites. All sites are reservable through the www.US.gov web site.
- RRick F.
Scout
Sunny Flat Campground
Great campground, but extremely difficult to get a site
Beautiful location, but odds of finding an available campsite are almost nil. FCFS policy. Have tried several times, never successful. Similar for Stewart Campground nearby, these are the only ones open in winter. Be prepared for alternatives.
- RRick F.Scout
Rusty's RV Ranch
Well-run and good location
Rusty runs a tight ship, and the state of the campground reflects that. All services work properly and facilities are neat and clean. Price is $35 per night and absolutely no refunds are given for any reason (you sign a separate agreement to that effect).
James P.Legend
Lordsburg KOA
Nice campground
Level gravel sites. FHU worked fine; appears to be maintained. Nice staff, well stocked store. Would stay here again.
Bill R.
RangerBonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Old school CCC built campground in an out of the way location
We've stayed here a number of times, always in March. Very nice, quiet campground in a wooded canyon with a small stream running right through the CG. There are 25 sites, mostly smallish, better suited for small rvs/trailers or tents. Not enough room for very rigs in here.
Water spigots are scattered throughout, 1 restroom with flush toilet. Last time we were there they had an issue with water system and had to shut it off and bring in port-a-potties.
As far as other amenities, there's spotty cell service (at least Verizon) and Wifi at the visitor center not far from the CG. Nearest services and dump station are in Willcox, 37 miles away. There's also a gas station/convenience store at a place called the Mustang Mall (it's not a mall in the usual sense), 29 miles west of Bonita.
A number of good hiking trails, mostly up on top at Massai Point with a few additional trails starting at the CG. Our favorite is Echo Canyon to the Visitor Cntr.
One important note: Ground fires are not allowed (at least as of 2023), which means you can have one in the above ground little BBQ grill or you have to have your own fire pan to have a wood fire. Speaking of which, no wood is for sale at the Monument nor are you allowed to gather it.
So, bring everything you need!!
- TTracy T.Guide
West Turkey Creek Dispersed
Gorgeous
The drive up is beautiful, the road isn’t maintained, but in pretty good condition. I stopped right after the cattle guard. There is another site going up about .5 mile in the left. Couldn’t see good enough in the dark. The creek was flowing and quite a few animals at dawn and dusk. Not a lot of traffic, and a trail right up the road to hike or follow the creek. The last campers left it so nice I was able to add decorations.
- Felix G.Scout
Ridge Park RV
Nickel and dimed to death
This is a very nice park as far as scenery, the staff which is a husband and wife, are friendly enough. With no offense to anyone else who has written positives on this park, we don't mean to rain on your parade. But the one thing that really threw us back was, is that there are virtually no amenities, that come without a cost, if a person wants to take a shower, let's say for 5 minutes, that cost you$3, for yourself, and three more dollars for your spouse, add that up daily then multiply by weekly and then by monthly. And you can see that that is insane for the cost, and one does not find out about this until you get to the campground and fill out the paperwork and then they let you know this at the last minute, I am a handicap person, and needless to say, I count on Campground showers as there are roomier, and we make sure that we pay more than enough in our stay, so that we can enjoy such. But sadly for the month that we were there between November the 20th to December 20th. There was nothing very pleasurable, about our stay there. On top of that, there is no internet, nor do they have any Commerce with any service that has internet service, even though other RV parks in that region have them. There is no cable either. So basically the only thing that you get is your spot, running water, trash, and Sewer, for 425 per month. Needless to say as a forwarding to anybody, if you plan to travel between that park there and Silver City New Mexico it is approximately 12 miles between the two, but the expence gets up there quik, bth ways if you drive a truck. We camped at Ridge Park RV& Campground in a Travel Trailer.
Jake C.Legend
Granite Gap Adventure Park
New to the Dyrt!
Jake from the Dyrt here! Granite Gap Adventure Park is in a unique part of New Mexico with plenty of awesome natural views to take in. Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!
- Jake C.Legend
Stagecoach Flats
Camping on Private Raw Land
Jake from the Dyrt here! Stagecoach flats is a raw land campground where you can choose your own site, with plenty of expansion planned for the future. Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!
Dawid M.
TravelerGold Gulch Road
Safari
a place like from some safari movie, beautiful sunset, you can see a herd of cows. plenty of room for everyone and an easy route
- Pedro G.Guide
Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Perfect place to camp!
Bonita canyon campground is the perfect place to camp, great for small groups in normal sites, group site are available. Perfect place to watch the sky at night and take amazing pictures.
- BBikerMonkeyGuide
Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
OMG!
This is an incredible place. Campground was constructed in the 30’s by the CCC and its impeccably maintained by NPS, it’s no surprise that it is about to become AZ’s fourth National Park.
- RRobert H.Guide
Lordsburg KOA
Ok for a night
Staff is not as friendly as other KOAS.
- RRobert H.Guide
Ridge Park RV
Nice folks a beautiful view
It’s inexpensive, some sites have shade. It’s typical high desert camping.
Duncan G.Legend
Sunsets at The Fiddlers Roost
Convenient Spot with Hookups
I called the number to check availability and no one answered and there was no voicemail. I drove there because it was getting dark and I was tired. I dry camped in one of the sites. There are six full hookup RV sites that did not look functional. It all looked pretty funky and old. However, out of curiosity I checked the 30 amp plug at my site and it had power. This place could benefit from some TLC. It was quiet and peaceful.
Untrammelers B.GuideRusty's RV Ranch
Well kept
Rusty does a lot to keep this little rv park a cool place to visit. She’s built trails and has goats/birds that the campers can interact with. Showers are lovely. The gathering hall and laundry room is clean and inviting.
- kkr S.Traveler
Ridge Park RV
Roomy sites, quiet, near Gila NF, CD trailhead and Silver City
This is an awesome park. The RV sites all have full hookups and are extra long and wide. Because the rv sites are situated around the perimeter of the very large greenspace and dog park, all sites have expansive views in all directions. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets! There are tent sites in the central green area with picnic table, firepit and shade trees. There is a great hiking trail, about 1/2 mile, that makes a loop. It is comfortably wide so you and your dog can see the trail and won't accidentally run into cactus. The park is a straight-shot easy 15 minute drive into Silver City and is convenient to Gila NF trails, several Continental Divide trailheads, the Catwalk and lots of other natural areas. Rosie and Bill, the owners are a wealth of info about the local sites and trails. The campground has a bathhouse, laundry, gym, communal library with books, games and puzzles.
Mary C.GuideBonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Bonita Canyon Campground
Great little campground with great camp hosts. The campground is clean and quiet. Park rangers are friendly and helpful. Nice clean bathroom with flush toilets.
- ddonna H.Guide
Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
Hidden gem
Remote, quiet, dark skies. Great campground with amazing hiking within the Monument. Large campsites
Dan C.ScoutLordsburg KOA
Very quiet
Our Space was level and had good Wi-Fi . Felt safe and got a good nights rest. Dirt and gravel.
- GGarret M.Traveler
Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument
RV Comfy
Small but adequate campground in the National Monument. Some sites are tight for a trailer. Fabulous hiking nearby.
- FFrancois T.Scout
Rusty's RV Ranch
Nice place for Stargazing
Very nice place, well maintained. Very quiet place too. Perfect for astronomer / stargazing. Concrete pad (could support 2 telescopes) are available with power outlet to run all astronomy gear. Bring some tie down, the wind could be very strong. Highly recommend this place.
(Very poor wifi internet connection)
I was there 3 times in 8 months… August, February and April.
- jjudy E.Guide
Sunny Flat Campground
Great campsite and location
We depend on solar so we really liked having enough sunshine even though we are surrounded by gorgeous peaks. Lots of wildlife and birds, we had families of deer nesting down in the bushes around our camper. Great hikes in the area. Enjoyed meeting new friends around our fire pit.
Guide to Playas
Camping near Playas, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of outdoor experiences, from stargazing to exploring local wildlife. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature.
What to do
- Hiking: There are great trails nearby, especially around the Chiricahua Mountains. One camper mentioned, "There are hundreds of beautiful, well-maintained trails throughout the mountain range" at Chiricahua Mountains.
- Stargazing: The dark skies in this region make it perfect for stargazing. A visitor at Rusty's RV Ranch said, "Perfect place for astronomer/stargazing."
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "We saw deer and turkeys" while camping at Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping.
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Rusty's RV Ranch highlighted, "The gathering hall and laundry room is clean and inviting."
- Friendly Atmosphere: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming vibe. One camper at Smugglers' Roost mentioned, "Other campers are nice and welcoming."
- Quiet Environment: Campgrounds like Cattlemen Trail are noted for their peaceful surroundings. A reviewer said, "It was quiet and secluded."
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gila National Forest Road 861, have no drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No services."
- First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Sunny Flat Campground shared, "Odds of finding an available campsite are almost nil."
- Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A camper advised, "If coming from the east your GPS might try to take you via White Water Rd - DON’T!" when heading to Cattlemen Trail.
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like picnic tables and clean restrooms. A family at Rusty's RV Ranch enjoyed the "lovely showers" and "trails."
- Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One reviewer at Glamping @ Solar City mentioned, "Amidst all the work and entertainment, you want to relax a little."
- Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Smugglers' Roost noted, "There is a cute restaurant in walking distance."
Tips from RVers
- Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A visitor at Lordsburg KOA mentioned, "FHU worked fine; appears to be maintained."
- Be Prepared for Wind: Some areas can be windy, so bring tie-downs for your setup. A reviewer at Rusty's RV Ranch advised, "Bring some tie down, the wind could be very strong."
- Stay Connected: If you need internet, check the Wi-Fi availability. One camper at Rusty's RV Ranch said, "Very poor Wi-Fi internet connection."
Camping near Playas, New Mexico, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for families and RVers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Playas, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Playas, NM is Sycamore Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Playas, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Playas, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.