The best camping near Chiricahua National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Chiricahua adventure.

100% (10 reviews)

An offbeat wonderland of hoodoos and balanced rocks in a seldom-visited corner of Arizona.

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Community favorites near Chiricahua National Monument

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Chiricahua National Monument

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Bonita Canyon Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Chiricahua National Monument

Top-rated campgrounds near Chiricahua National Monument

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Birds and Barrels Vineyards

6 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Willcox, AZ

Chad and Monica moved from the metro phoenix area to Willcox Arizona in the summer of 2015 with the goal of starting a vineyard and winery and living a simpler life in the country. Since moving to Willcox they have cleared 50 acres and planted over 6000 grape vines with more to plant coming soon. They fell in love with the spectacular views, the wildlife and the people. With spectacular sunrises and sunsets and clear night skies its a beautiful place to live and visit. With a working vineyard and winery you can walk from your camp and buy a bottle of wine or just enjoy a glass on the large deck located at the tasting room that over looks the grain field and silos, orchards and vineyards. There is incredible history that surrounds the area including: Cochise and Geronimo's battle grounds against the US Calvery, the Butterfield Stagecoach routes and pony express trails, The battle of the OK Coral with the Earp Brothers nearby. Birds and Barrels Vineyards is located within one of the only two American Viticulture Areas(AVA's) in Arizona. With over a dozen other wineries within a short drive, it makes for a enjoyable experience with family and friends.Learn more about this land:Located in the heart of Arizona Wine Country, the campsites over look the vineyard to the west and is surrounded by orchards and grain fields. Spectacular views of the Chiricahua's and Dos Cabezas Mountains. At 4300 feet cool evenings and warm days can be expected. Beautiful sunsets in the afternoons with crystal clear skies at night for star gazing abound. Hiking and biking are near by. Lots of Western History all around the area. Plenty of bird watching and wildlife to view. Within walking distance of the onsite winery /tasting room with many others near by.

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Moksha Sanctuary

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sunizona, AZ

Hello, we have acreage that we are allowing travelers to stay on. We are 15 miles from Chiricahua National Monument, located along the ‘Wilcox Loop’. Along the loop is also Cochise Stronghold and many wineries! If you travel south from here, we are 45 minutes from my favorite town Bisbee. Stars galore!

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Smugglers' Roost

10 sites · RVs49 acres · Animas, NM

Smugglers' Roost is located in Animas, NM, situated at the site of the infamous Clanton Gang’s hideout along Smuggler’s Trail. The community is positioned along the original Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Winter Route; a short two hour drive from Las Cruces , New Mexico or just 2.5-hours from either El Paso, Texas or Tucson, Arizona. We are located in the Middle of Everywhere, surrounded by wealth of wide-ranging activities and natural amenities which include extraordinary, yet uncrowded state and national recreation areas, caves, mines, ghost towns, museums, historic locations, native sites, observatories, local wineries and micro-breweries. Learn more about this land: Bring your RV and join us at Smugglers' Roost for our warm sunny days and starlit nights! We are a pioneering community which serves as a hub for exploration, creativity, trade and most of all... the passionate celebration of life! We offer 228 Full Hook-up RV Sites with 50-amp electric, water, commercial septic and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Pull-throughs are available and there's plenty of room to spread out! Smugglers' Roost is located in Animas, NM, situated at the site of the infamous Clanton Gang’s hideout along Smuggler’s Trail. The community is positioned along the original Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Winter Route; a short two hour drive from Las Cruces , New Mexico or just 2.5-hours from either El Paso, Texas or Tucson, Arizona. We are located in the Middle of Everywhere, surrounded by a treasure trove of wide-ranging activities and natural amenities which include extraordinary, yet uncrowded state and national recreation areas, caves, mines, ghost towns, museums, historic locations, native sites, observatories, local wineries and micro-breweries. BIRD WITH US! We offer an onsite birding station and three additional affiliated and nationally acclaimed birding sites, including one at the mouth of the famed Cave Creek Canyon in Portal, AZ only a short drive away. EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE! Our dead-dark night skies are nothing short of awe-inspiring, so come explore with our onsite star guides with telescopes!

Savanna Hermitage

2 sites · Lodging25 acres · Sunizona, AZ

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Light Homestead

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Pearce, AZ

Located 10 miles west of the Chiricahua Mountains and Wilderness and nine miles from a well stocked country store, enjoy quiet camping in a shady orchard. With toilet, shower, laundry and other amenities, this is a beautiful place to access high country adventures, explore old west ghost towns, hand out and sing campfire songs, and/or share in healthy homestead produce!

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The Rocking T

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Elfrida, AZ

Hi, I am a city girl and he is a country boy. We talked about getting land for a long time, to start a ranch. In 2020 we did just that. We are constantly improving and expanding our ranch. Making it more enjoyable for everyone. I hope that you will come for a bit and enjoy it with us. Pet the animals and enjoy the landscape. And enjoy all the famous sights in the area. With tons of areas for bird watching, and hikes. The old western Tombstone, 30 minutes away. Benson, an hour away. and Bisbee. Dragoons, Mountains, The border. And so much more.

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Coyotes Howling

8 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · AZ

From sunrises over the Swisshelm Mountains to sunsets over the Mule Mountains, this location, consisting of a 9 acre lot in the Tombstone Ranch Estates is pristine and has not been abused. There are no abandoned ranch houses, mobile homes, cars/trucks…. no garbage at all. For anybody who knows Cochise County very well, that is not the case in a lot of areas. This Hipcamp consists of 2 26 ft tipi's and 6 campsites. It is on Drifters Way...turning west off of Frontier Road going S or N. Frontier runs into Davis Road going N. If you hit Davis Road you missed Drifters Way.

Saved 7 times

Shadow Hill

12 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Sunizona, AZ

Looking for land nearly exhausted my husband and I. We had looked at properties all day. Decided to stop and get something to eat and head home to call it a day, when we stopped at Sandy's RV and restaurant up the street (great food btw). Met a woman who told us about the water table there and she said "I wish you could find someone to sell you land like I did; its the best way yo buy). She wasn't kidding! Turns out she forgot her friend at the fruit-stand out front had 80 Acres to sell! We went right over to look at the land and the rest was history! It was breathtaking! I hope you feel the same way we did when we first stepped on it; just peace and safety.Learn more about this land:Survey the beautiful night skies on a private 80 acres lot with breathtaking views panoramically. The property sits in the shadow of the Chiricahua Monuments, as these monuments are less than 25 miles away from the property. Camelback mountain is within feet of the property as well. The property has a private hill that takes up 20 acres of the property. Surrounded by mountains all around, there is no bad view! Nearby winery, family restaurant, and Katchner Caverns. Come enjoy a meal by fireside with family and friends. Elfrida is higher elevated and has mild autumn nights and warm days. The nights sky is majestic and clear enough to count the stars. I look forward to hosting you, your loved one, or family and friends.

Granite Gap Adventure Park

6 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Cotton City, NM

Granite Gap lies west of Lordsburg on NM 80, 17 miles north of Rodeo. (Take the Road Forks exit off I-10 and drive south 11 miles.) Located in a transitional area between the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, Granite Peak and other limestone ridges and rock formations rise to 6,500 feet above the Gila River basin range, providing habitat for bighorn sheep, javelina, mule deer, cougar and coyote. In season, blooming ocotillo, cactus, agave, yucca and wildflowers brighten the coarsely textured landscape. Lizards, rattlesnakes, and the rare Gila monster crawl around the crevices. Gambel's quail, golden eagle, roadrunner, hummingbird, and northern mockingbird further enhance this desert drama playing against the backdrop of the Peloncillo Mountains. To the south, Cochise's profile, chiseled along the range top, watches over the ghosts of the Chiricahua Apaches. This location is great for Dark Sky viewing and the valley is already a hot stop for astronomers and many telescopes dot the land Rodeo valley landscape. The land is private property located in the Southwest corner of New Mexico. The park is made up of beautiful desert landscape and offers beautiful scenic views overlooking the valley below. Currently the property offers off-the-grid camping only and there is no water source or electricity. The property does not currently have designated camp spots and guest are welcome to camp where they like as long as they stay within the property boundaries. The property boundaries are not currently physically marked and there will be markers installed in the coming year to identify the corners of the property. The gate at the entry to the property is locked and will need to be unlocked to allow for entry which will be coordinated through a local individual. The area is the natural habitat for wildlife that could be dangerous such as Rattlesnakes, scorpions, Mountain Lions, coyotes and many other animals and insects native to the deserts of the Southwest and is raw terrain with loose rocks and difficult hiking conditions and is intended for experience hikers and climbers only. The location has no cell phone service and there is no way to call for emergency medical service. All visitors should proceed at their own risk. Granite Gap Adventure Part (GGAP) shall not be held liable for any injuries sustained on the property.

Desert Mermaid Ranch

7 sites · Tents40 acres · Willcox, AZ

Located near local vineyards on the Willcox Wine Trail, you can taste local wines by day and unwind under the stars at night. Also of interest are local U-Pick orchards, with seasonal offerings and activities for individuals and families. We are currently offering primitive tent camping sites with some limited amenities.

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18+ Artists' Nature Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents24 acres · Tombstone, AZ

Come stay a while on our earth-building based-artists' retreat homestead! We host people with all sorts of passions, and provide a space for growth, creativity, and memory making! Owned and operated by a nationally renowned artist and earth-building expert, Richard Ward, and managed by longtime nomad and entrepreneur Thea Margaret. There are thousands of opportunities to tour, learn, create, and get your hands dirty! The Homestead is directly next to hundreds of acres of BLM land, full of hills with an astounding history, hiking trails on ancient coral reefs, and wildlife abound! Speaking of historic, we are very conveniently situated between the old mining towns of Tombstone, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista, Arizona! See where and how the wild west was forged! Explore the Homestead, the land, or the towns! And come home to safety and comfort in one of our various sites. There is something for everyone here! Our available sites include the micro-home cottage, a developed primitive campsite designed for solitude, and tent / RV / Van sites within our community. Micro-Home cottage: From a touring tiny home on wheels to a remodeled tiny cob cottage, this space has all of the amenities travelers need for comfort, relaxation, and adventure! It comes with a comfortable, full-sized bed with a memory foam mattress, an outdoor kitchen, a refrigerator, seating area, and incredible views. Improved tent sites: Includes a platform to pitch your tent, access to camp kitchen, and a communal fire pit. "Primitive" tent site: Is secluded from the rest of the commune, nestled among the creosote and Ocotillo with stunning night skies, mountain views, and wildlife viewing opportunities galore! You have the option of visiting the main property or not see anyone at all during your stay. All sites include access to our shower house with on-demand hot water, community space with Wi-Fi and a composting commode and some pretty stellar views of its own. Laundry facilities, firewood and water fill-ups are available on the property as add-ons. ______ THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK • We are 2 miles down a dirt road. The road is passable by standard clearance 2-wheel drive vehicles (Civic, Prius, etc). It is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles or trailers over 16 ft. • We are a nudist/naturalist/clothing-optional friendly community. There is no requirement to participate, but please know that others may and to be respectful of everyone. • Pets that are people and animal-friendly are welcome. Our dogs are friendly with other animals and are often off-leash outside. They may bark, but are friendly. For people with pets, do be mindful that we are off-grid in the wild of the desert and have every creature imaginable wild on the property. Including Coyotes, Javelina, Rattle Snakes, Scorpions, Bob Cats and more. You are responsible for the care and cleanup of your pets. • We are an 18+ property and can not host children. • We are a pack-in-pack-out leave no trace campground! We do not have septic or flush toilets on the property. We use a composting toilet system and do require any self-contained units to have black and grey water tanks. Please plan on taking all of your trash with you. • For our shower, laundry, and kitchen facilities we ask that you only use biodegradable soaps to protect our plants and trees. If you do not have biodegradable soaps we can provide them for you. • We offer paid private classes for you and your group covering everything from nature plant walks, to pottery and ceramics, to off grid building and education. If you are interested in learning more about off-grid living send us a message and we can let you know what we have available during your stay.

Cougar DAO Camp

1 site · Tent1 acre · Dragoon, AZ

Nestled in the tranquil expanse of the Wilcox area, CougarDAO camp is a pristine desert haven, offering a unique blend of serene isolation and adventure. Spanning a generous space, this campsite is a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and quiet with minimal intrusion, as it boasts just one neighbor in the vicinity. The true essence of CougarDAO camp lies in its celestial offerings. Here, the night sky unveils a stellar spectacle, inviting campers to partake in an unrivaled stargazing experience. As night falls, the Milky Way unfurls its majestic beauty, allowing you to traverse the cosmos from the comfort of your tent. For nature enthusiasts, the camp is a living tableau, featuring occasional visits from roaming cows that add a touch of pastoral charm to the landscape. The surrounding desert is a playground for adventure, with ample space to bring your ATVs and embark on thrilling explorations. The nearby mountains stand as silent sentinels, promising breathtaking vistas and a myriad of hiking opportunities. Despite its secluded allure, CougarDAO camp is conveniently situated near a tapestry of local delights. A short drive will transport you to nearby cities, where you can indulge in local comfort foods and savor the exquisite tastes of the area's wineries. The camp's proximity to historical Tombstone and the spiritual ambiance of a peyote church offers a unique blend of cultural exploration. Practicality meets comfort at CougarDAO camp, with a 660-gallon water tank providing potable water to meet all your hydration and washing needs. Accessibility is effortless, thanks to the freshly paved entrance that welcomes you into this desert sanctuary. Whether you're yearning for a tranquil escape under the stars, an ATV adventure across the desert, or a cultural journey through nearby towns, CougarDAO camp is your gateway to an unforgettable camping adventure in the heart of the beautiful desert.

The best camping near Chiricahua National Monument guide

Overview

About

Set in the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument encompasses a large swath of volcanic rocks carved into an array of pinnacles and spires. Nearly 400 species of birds call the mountains home, making it a hot spot for birdwatching. The 4-mile Echo Canyon Loop hike is a must-do, winding its way through some of the park’s most amazing formations, including a series of cave-like passages called the “Grottoes” and a narrow slot canyon called “Wall Street.” Visit as a day trip from Tucson, try a Hipcamp nearby, or stay overnight in the park’s only campground, Bonita Canyon Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Chiricahua National Monument only has 26 campsites so reservations are strongly recommended.
Reservations can be made up to six months ahead of time online.
Park campsites are best suited for tents, small RVs, and trailers. Vehicle length is limited to 29 feet.

When to go

Chiricahua National Monument and the Bonita Canyon Campground are open year-round. Spring and fall are the best seasons for camping, hiking, and sightseeing. Summers are hot, but thanks to the park’s high elevation, it’s notably cooler than in the nearby desert cities of Tucson and Phoenix. Monsoon rains and thunderstorms are common in July, August, and September. Flash flooding may occasionally close park roads and campsites. Winters are cool but pleasant with daytime temperatures often reaching 50° to 60°F.

Know before you go

Chiricahua National Monument is free to visit with no entrance fee required.
Campground restrooms have flush toilets and sinks but no hot water or showers. Drinking water is available.
No water, electricity, or sewer hookups are available at Bonita Canyon Campground. The nearest dump station is in Wilcox, Arizona.
Cellular service is extremely limited in the park, but free public wifi is available at the visitor center.
Vehicles over 24 feet in length are not allowed on the park’s scenic drive. Also, make sure you arrive with a full tank of gas—the closest gas station is located in Sunizona, 25 miles southwest of the park visitor center.