The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Tumacacori-Carmen, Arizona

In Tumacacori-Carmen, river camping means waking up to the sound of water and easy access to trails, fishing spots, and wildlife right outside your tent. With over 130 riverfront campsites in the area, you won’t have trouble finding a spot that fits your style, from quiet corners to social clearings. Average nights run about $40, but you’ll see options dipping as low as $25. Reviewers keep coming back to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek (206 reviews) for its shaded banks and reliable showers. La Entrada del Sol and Mountain Views offer more privacy, if that’s your thing. Most spots welcome pets and allow campfires, so dinner by the flames is always on the table. Bring your rod, hiking boots, and binoculars—tumblers and trout are both local regulars.

100% (219)

Top-rated campgrounds near Tumacacori-Carmen

1. Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

100%

(380)

17mi from Tumacacori-Carmen · 4 sites · RVs

Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek was created as a place to enjoy the unique treasures of Patagonia, AZ. We wanted to provide a haven for people who value the outdoors to gather and take advantage of the recreational opportunities in our area. We offer three RV full hookup RV sites. We also have two vintage trailers that are available through Airbnb. We're walking distance to the Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds and the Sonoita Creek Nature Conservancy. We're also walking distance to restaurants and shopping in the Town of Patagonia. Patagonia Lake is only 8 miles away.

2. Patagonia Lake State Park

88%

(12)

117 sites · Beyerville, Arizona

A pristine desert oasis for paddle sports, fishing, and wildlife.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

In Tumacacori-Carmen, river camping means waking up to the sound of water and easy access to trails, fishing spots, and wildlife right outside your tent. With over 130 riverfront campsites in the area, you won’t have trouble finding a spot that fits your style, from quiet corners to social clearings. Average nights run about $40, but you’ll see options dipping as low as $25. Reviewers keep coming back to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek (206 reviews) for its shaded banks and reliable showers. La Entrada del Sol and Mountain Views offer more privacy, if that’s your thing. Most spots welcome pets and allow campfires, so dinner by the flames is always on the table. Bring your rod, hiking boots, and binoculars—tumblers and trout are both local regulars.

100% (219)

Top-rated campgrounds near Tumacacori-Carmen

1. Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

100%

(380)

17mi from Tumacacori-Carmen · 4 sites · RVs

Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek was created as a place to enjoy the unique treasures of Patagonia, AZ. We wanted to provide a haven for people who value the outdoors to gather and take advantage of the recreational opportunities in our area. We offer three RV full hookup RV sites. We also have two vintage trailers that are available through Airbnb. We're walking distance to the Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds and the Sonoita Creek Nature Conservancy. We're also walking distance to restaurants and shopping in the Town of Patagonia. Patagonia Lake is only 8 miles away.

2. Patagonia Lake State Park

88%

(12)

117 sites · Beyerville, Arizona

A pristine desert oasis for paddle sports, fishing, and wildlife.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Tumacacori-Carmen

88%

(12)

Patagonia Lake Campground

12mi from Tumacacori-Carmen · 117 sites · Tents, RVs · in Patagonia Lake State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

H

Heidi

November 2025

20 ft campervan

3 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Have stayed here before. Great value with outdoor shower, restroom and laundry available.

T

Terry

November 2025

25 ft fifth wheel

With pets

2 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

It’s a treasure of a spot. Meet our needs exactly and the fact you could walk from your site into the charming village of Patagonia was the icing on the cake.

M

MaryBeth

November 2025

24 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

This was a little slice of heaven in Patagonia. I've never stayed at a hipcamp this charming and perfect. From the outdoor shower (heaven after a long day of riding) to the quiet, to the laundry facilities, I can't think of how Melanie (and Joanie) could have made this haven any better. 20/10. We're already planning a trip back in the spring!

L

Lee

November 2025

28 ft Class A

14 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Always a special stay. Well taken care of and friendly. Everything an easy walk or bike.

S

Sherri

September 2025

35 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

We love camping at Melanie’s place!! It quiet, clean, convenient to town, very peaceful!! We will definitely be back!!

C

Cathy

August 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Campground was clean and tidy. Checking was easy as I did it online. It was a return visit and I really enjoyed sitting up on the elevated deck. I WILL be back!

A

Ann

July 2025

11 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

This is a quiet place surrounded by tall trees filled with birdsong. This great location features a wonderful outdoor shower and clean restroom. It was a great place to stay and stage for our gravel bike adventure.

C

Chris

July 2025

21 ft travel trailer

1 night at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Convenient location, friendly and welcoming host. Facility was very neat and clean. Enjoyable experience.

Judy

July 2025

30 ft Class A

3 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Always a great peaceful place to stay. Plenty of tall trees provide shade and makes you feel you are miles from nowhere, yet you are only a couple blocks to the Main Street.

S

Sherri

July 2025

35 ft Class A

3 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

We love this spot for camping!!! Shade trees, close to town! We enjoyed the parade for 4th of July!! Clean, safe, beautiful!! We’ll definitely be back!!

T

Tera

June 2025

21 ft travel trailer

5 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Such an amazing place, we loved our stay. Shade over the RV, wonderful outdoor shower, walking distance to Paton's center for hummingbirds, as well as all the shops and restaurants Patagonia has to offer. The other cabins/trailers are brightly painted greens, oranges and blues, and the whole place just has the cutest, most charming, and relaxing vibe you can imagine. 12 out of 10 stars. Friendly, responsive and flexible. Previously we stayed in the Retro, and loved it, but this time we had our own trailer. We stayed at Patagonia lake for a few days first, but if I had to do it over again I would have spent the whole time at the Sanctuary.

Judy

June 2025

29 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Always a great place to stay. Super chill and friendly. Melanie is awesome!!

S

Sherri

June 2025

35 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

We love this quiet, shaded, clean and safe place!! We always enjoy our time here!! There is a friendly little bar just down the street and a very good pizza place, on the Main Street, Velvet Elvis. We’ll definitely be back!

j

jane

June 2025

22 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Oh my goodness! Where to start with this incredible campground? Our favorite Hipcamp stop ever! Nice big sites, free laundry facilities, outdoor shower, free bikes and kayaks, and a spiral staircase leading to a rooftop deck with nice views! Quiet and so close to town and an outstanding bird sanctuary. Within walking distance! We will FOR SURE be back again! Thank you!

D

Diana

June 2025

29 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

We had an amazing time! The Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek has everything you need for a comfortable camping stay! Thank you, Melanie! We will definitely be back!

Linda

May 2025

17 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Wonderful spot! Close to the hummingbird sanctuary and the town.

S

Shelleen

May 2025

27 ft Class A

With pets

3 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Easy back-in spot, full hookups, quiet neighborhood and within walking distance to town and local bird sanctuary! What more could you ask for?!?!

J

Justin

May 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Great, quaint campground near Patagonia Lake State Park. This was our second year staying here. Shaded, quiet and friendly, with a nice outdoor shower and bathroom. Love staying here and will stay again.

A

Andrew

May 2025

34 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Really quite and peaceful everything you need in walking distance.

D

Don

May 2025

22 ft travel trailer

1 night at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Well described property. Easy access for an RV. Well maintained and great space to have as a home base while in Paragonia. It's very close, walking distance to town and most importantly Patton's Audubon birding center.