Lake Camping Near Vail, Arizona, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Lake camping near Vail means cool mornings, mountain reflections, and easy access to the water—ideal if you want to swim, fish, or just watch wildlife drift by. With over 380 lake campsites in the area, you’ll find everything from pet-friendly spots to places where campfires are allowed and showers are on hand. Prices start at $37 a night, with the average hovering around $39. Top picks like Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek (206 reviews), La Hacienda Chuparosa (110 reviews), and Three Pines Homestead (13 reviews) consistently get high marks for their access to swimming, hiking trails, and up-close wildlife encounters. Bring your binoculars, your hiking boots, and your swimsuit—this is lake camping done right.

98% (331)

Top-rated campgrounds near Vail

Lake camping near Vail means cool mornings, mountain reflections, and easy access to the water—ideal if you want to swim, fish, or just watch wildlife drift by. With over 380 lake campsites in the area, you’ll find everything from pet-friendly spots to places where campfires are allowed and showers are on hand. Prices start at $37 a night, with the average hovering around $39. Top picks like Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek (206 reviews), La Hacienda Chuparosa (110 reviews), and Three Pines Homestead (13 reviews) consistently get high marks for their access to swimming, hiking trails, and up-close wildlife encounters. Bring your binoculars, your hiking boots, and your swimsuit—this is lake camping done right.

98% (331)

Top-rated campgrounds near Vail

1. Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

100%

(380)

33mi from Vail · 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. La Hacienda Chuparosa

95%

(137)

19mi from Vail · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

When my husband and I were dating in NY we confessed our mutual desire to get back "home" to the west. It made me fall in love with him even faster. So when we married we moved to Washington DC knowing that in time we would make it west. 5 years later, when the traffic and the politics has taken its toll, we made a trip to Tucson and fell in love with this charming property that exudes all the beauty and grace of the Sonoran Desert. We looked at each other as we walked around looking at the stunning Mtn. Views and the mesquite fence and knew we were finally "home." I've always adored the SW Hummingbirds and wanted to name the property La Hacienda Chuparosa. When we moved in, for the first week, every morning a hummingbird was sipping nectar from one of our plants in the front yard. We knew it was meant to be. So we added a couple of horses to our dream, built some stalls, and now are ready to welcome you to La Hacienda Chuparosa. We know you will find the same magic here that we do.

3. Coronado National Forest

80%

(46)

479 sites · Sonoita, Arizona

If you think southern Arizona is nothing but parched desert, think again.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. 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 Vail

100%

(1)

Kentucky Camp Dispersed Camping Area

19mi from Vail · 1 site · in Coronado National Forest

Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters Building

20mi from Vail · 1 site · in Coronado National Forest

100%

(1)

Whitetail Campground

22mi from Vail · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coronado National Forest

Cactus Ramada Campground (No. 2)

22mi from Vail · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Coronado National Forest

Horrible photo, but I forgot to take more. This was the supermoon rising over the campground. The sunrises were just ad stunning.

100%

(4)

Molino Campground

22mi from Vail · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Coronado National Forest

100%

(1)

Gordon Hirabayashi Campground

22mi from Vail · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coronado National Forest

100%

(5)

Bog Springs Campground

23mi from Vail · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coronado National Forest

Kent Springs Cabin

23mi from Vail · 1 site · in Coronado National Forest

100%

(1)

General Hitchcock Campground

25mi from Vail · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coronado National Forest

63%

(4)

Rose Canyon Campground

26mi from Vail · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coronado National Forest

Showers Point Group Campground

27mi from Vail · 3 sites · in Coronado National Forest

Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin

27mi from Vail · 1 site · in Coronado National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

L

Lisa

November 2025

Tent

1 night at La Hacienda Chuparosa

What a fantastic experience! Perfect little spot to nestle in while in Tucson. Thank you, Julie!

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!

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.

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!

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.

M

Meg

May 2025

Tent

4 nights at La Hacienda Chuparosa

Julie and her husband were wonderful hosts! The property is fully fenced in and feels very safe. The campsite was comfortable and well setup, with a nice fire pit. Easy access to the toilet and shower in the tack room. Their dogs are extremely friendly and fun to have around and being right there with the horses was exactly what I was looking 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.

L

Lisa

May 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

So peaceful and clean. Great walkability. We won't hesitate to book here again in the future.

K

Kim

April 2025

29 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Live this place clean quite yet in the center of everything. Great bike trails just a peddle away.

Jennifer

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to La Hacienda Chuparosa

My partner and I had a lovely time on Julie's land. It was perfect for what we were looking for and we enjoyed the dogs and farm animal friends, and the peaceful evenings. We also enjoyed being so close to the east side of Saguaro National Park - just a 15 minute drive to the trailhead we hiked from. The bathroom space was maintained nicely. I was actually able to log into work from the campsite, so the wifi was quite good for those who might want that. Overall we enjoyed our stay and would recommend for others.

J

Jo

April 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Sanctuary at Sonoita Creek

Great communication from the host-she answered my inquiry promptly and was so welcoming. The camp was spotlessly clean with modern hookups. The location was perfect for us bird nerds! Right in town within walking distance of the park, restaurants, shops, and the Paton Hummingbird Center. Great birding all around us! Thank you Melanie! We would definitely stay there again or recommend to others.