The best campgrounds near Winkelman, Arizona with climbing

Winkelman draws climbers for its rugged canyons and sharp desert crags—perfect if you want to camp where you climb. With over 300 campsites tailored for climbing nearby, you’ll find spots starting at $25 a night, with most sites averaging around $39. Sites like La Hacienda Chuparosa (110 reviews), Lush Desert Ranch (8 reviews), and Angel's Summerhaven Retreat (5 reviews) get high marks from campers who want to crash close to the rock. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly policies are common, so you’ll have what you need after a day on the wall. Fishing and wildlife-watching fill the downtime. Pack your chalk and look for sites with easy access to climbs—you’ll be back at camp before your arms stop shaking.

90% (129)

Top-rated campgrounds

Winkelman draws climbers for its rugged canyons and sharp desert crags—perfect if you want to camp where you climb. With over 300 campsites tailored for climbing nearby, you’ll find spots starting at $25 a night, with most sites averaging around $39. Sites like La Hacienda Chuparosa (110 reviews), Lush Desert Ranch (8 reviews), and Angel's Summerhaven Retreat (5 reviews) get high marks from campers who want to crash close to the rock. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly policies are common, so you’ll have what you need after a day on the wall. Fishing and wildlife-watching fill the downtime. Pack your chalk and look for sites with easy access to climbs—you’ll be back at camp before your arms stop shaking.

90% (129)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. La Hacienda Chuparosa

95%

(137)

49mi from Winkelman · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tucson, AZ

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.

2. Angel's Summerhaven Retreat

79%

(7)

37mi from Winkelman · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Mount Lemmon, AZ

The main camping area is a flat area on the mountainside East of Summerhaven, with a steep approach (be prepared!). The view from the area is great, and the area has some pines, as do the neighboring properties. Turkey cross the property seasonally, as well as the occasional deer. This is a leave no trace site. The site is current undergoing enchancements, so there will be evidence of demolished boulders, landscaping, and fencing. The site is safe to traverse, but care should be taken to avoid rock and uneven terrain, fence posts, and so on. Usage of the site is at your own risk. Toilet and waste: A bucket toilet is provided, with composting bags. Toilet waste, as well as other waste, must be taken with you, when you leave; there is no trash service. There are sometimes dumpsters in town that can be used to dispose of waste. The bucket toilet consists of a bucket, bucket seat, funnel, and hose. The consumables are composting toilet bags, wood shavings/chips, and toilet paper. You do not need to use the funnel and hose, but may if you wish. At a minimum, place the bag into the bucket, with the bag edge over the edge of the bucket, and place the bucket seat onto the bucket. The bucket seat should firmly fit onto the bucket, and retain the bag. When your stay is complete, please make sure the seat and bucket are clean, as well as the funnel and hose, if you used them. Please make sure all supplies are returned to the Toilet Supplies container. Directions: The address is 12672 N Ray Ave. Make your way to the intersection of N Sabino Canyon Parkway and Retreat Rd. in Summerhaven, AZ. Head east up the steep Retreat Rd., and make the right onto Tucson Ave., followed by a quick left onto what Google says is Ray Ave. Make an immediate right onto N. Ray Ave, and follow the dirt road until a steep driveway on the left appears. This driveway (and the other entrance 100 ft further on) provide access to the land. If trying to park off the driveway, enter the first driveway entrance to drive forward onto the approach and park, or enter the second driveway and then back onto the approach and park. Once parked (See Parking for additional instructions), access the land from the driveway according to the images. Parking: WARNING: Do not park on the driveway itself. There is a half-moon driveway that provides a way to either drive forward or backward onto the approach. Park on the (1) dirt approach to the land, just off the steep driveway, or (2) on the half moon parking spot at the top of the driveway, or (3) at the bottom on Ray Ave, out of the way. If any vehicles are blocking vehicular access to the dirt approach to the land, please contact me. Recreation: The shops of Summerhaven are close. Marshall Gulch is a popular recreation area on the Arizona Trail, South of Summerhaven. There is also a lot of opportunity to hike and rock climb on the area. The area is not very suitable for RVs; it is not possible to bring an RV onto the property.

3. Gila River View

100%

(5)

7.9mi from Winkelman · 2 sites · Lodging · Dripping Springs, AZ

Savor the sounds of nature along the Gila River without your phone distracting you! This is a hidden retreat behind a locked gate where you can relax and reset away from technology and people. Your main visitors will be our cattle, horses, and wildlife. Feel free to fish or swim at the Gila River 300 yards from the campsite. Enjoy a mesquite fire to sit around or even cook on! Wood is provided! Enjoy a beautiful overlooking view of the river! Escape from the hustle and bustle and recharge! We do currently have a rented camper on location but you won’t even notice each other. it’s away from the site and there’s plenty of space to enjoy.

4. Tonto National Forest

89%

(41)

1364 sites · Tonto Basin, Arizona

Hike, bike, and camp in Arizona’s largest and most diverse national forest.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Lush Desert Ranch

94%

(9)

27mi from Winkelman · 1 site · RV · Tucson, AZ

You will be staying on several acres of lush desert filled with all types of desert plants, rocks and wildlife with mountain views! Explore around the property to find geodes, lava, granite, marble, limestone and more! Wildlife abounds with everything from rattlesnakes to cattle! We have several washes to explore and are told we are in an area with the most diverse desert plants. We are in view and an hour from Mt Lemon or 45 min to Picacho Peak and 30 min to Catalina State Park, Walmart and restaurants and a theater.

Public campgrounds near Winkelman

Pioneer Pass Campground

21mi from Winkelman · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campground

21mi from Winkelman · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

Sulphide Del Rey Campground

22mi from Winkelman · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

Kellner Group Campground

26mi from Winkelman · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

Oak Flat Campground

28mi from Winkelman · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campground

100%

(1)

Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campground

39mi from Winkelman · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

Jones Water Campground

43mi from Winkelman · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tonto National Forest

Rafter Take-Out Campground

45mi from Winkelman · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

EADS Wash Campground

45mi from Winkelman · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

Diversion Dam Campground

46mi from Winkelman · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

HZ Wash Campground

46mi from Winkelman · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

Eucalyptus Campground

46mi from Winkelman · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Tonto National Forest

Stories from the community

David

2 weeks ago

5 nights at Gila River View

This was one of the best places we've ever stayed! The host, Amber, was incredible and made sure we had everything we needed. The area is secluded and private and we never heard any noise other than nature. We loved that it's a working cattle ranch with horses, cattle, and pigs. The animals were all friendly and never bothered us. Oh, there was a very friendly barn cat that did snuggle with us a bunch! The camper was an amazing accommodation that offered everything we needed for an indoor experience and sleeping. The hiking opportunities are endless here! With just a 10 minute hike you can be on the top of a mountain overlooking 2 different valleys that the Gila river runs through. In about a 20-25ish minute hike you can make it from the camp clear into a hidden valley on the back side and make it right up to a secret spot next to the Gila river. We spent half a day at this spot relaxing and enjoying the weather and nature! It's about a 10 minute drive to the nearest town for any supplies or if you want a restaurant. We only went once to get more drinking water and we were back at camp within the hour! We will definitely stay here again! We love the place and it's less than 2 hours from our house! A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thank you so much Amber! We appreciated everything you did to make our stay wonderful! : )

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!

C

Cody

October 2025

With pets

3 nights at Gila River View

Huge open, peaceful ranch along the river made for an amazing stay for my family of 5 with 2 dogs in tow. Amber was very responsive and welcoming, would definitely recommend!

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.

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.

N

Nathaniel

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to La Hacienda Chuparosa

I felt welcomed and acommated for here. The hosts worked with me as I was having scheduling difficulties on my part and were nice to me but please be respectful of their time as I say onto you. I can tell they have a love for animals and work hard to maintain a peaceful space. It amplified my stay in Tuscon and found the area relaxing when coming back from where ever. I recommend checking out the bear canyon trailhead near this spot to get the full experience, but camping here was very nice. Since there are horses on site, it'll keep all matters of venomous critters away as they regularly move about, but the horses are very quiet at night so I was able to rest well. It's far enough from the city to hear the nature of the sanoran desert. Overall a very enjoyable stay.

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Ian

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gila River View

Our family absolutely loved staying here. This will be one we look forward to staying at frequently. Everything was clean, and provided. It was a good stay at the ranch. We enjoyed seeing the animals and sitting in the creek even though it was pretty cold! Don’t think twice about booking this place ! Our host went above and beyond and the experience was great.

S

April 2025

Tent

4 nights at La Hacienda Chuparosa

Cute farm! Julie and Mark and incredibly kind and hospitable. And their animals want pets and snacks. Nice place to be!

M

Mary

March 2025

Tent

1 night at La Hacienda Chuparosa

Julie's campground was clean and quaint, just what we needed after a long drive from Big Bend National Park. The tent pad was more than enough space for our two-person tent, the restroom facilities were clean, and our equine neighbors were quiet throughout the night. The coyotes kept us company with their songs, and watching the caretakers tend to the horses in the morning was wonderful. Julie's your best bet if you're looking for a comfy place to stay for the night with quick access to Saguaro National Park!

G

Greg

March 2025

Tent

2 nights at La Hacienda Chuparosa

Tent camping on Julie's land was fun and comfortable. Easy access to water, shower, toilet and the neighboring horses were nice company too.

C

Chris

March 2025

Tent

2 nights at La Hacienda Chuparosa

Mark and Julie were super nice, everything was easy. You can go in and out as you please once they show you around, pretty simple.

A

Annemarie

March 2025

Tent

1 night at La Hacienda Chuparosa

Beautiful and very peaceful camping spot. Beautiful views of the mountains, we love animals so this was amazing to be sleeping next to ponies and horses. Very clean bathroom facilities. Extremely safe. We loved playing with Mark and Julies’s dogs.

S

Sarah

February 2025

Tent

1 night at La Hacienda Chuparosa

Mark and Julie’s property was great. They shared more than what was even expected of their property. We camped out near the horses and slept to sounds of owls and coyotes. Their dogs were also the best. The entire place was extremely clean. I’d absolutely recommend it to friends.

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Jason

February 2025

Tent

3 nights at La Hacienda Chuparosa

Awesome three night tent camping stay here. Check-in was fast, smooth and informative and host was super-friendly and hospitable. I was staying here to hike Saguaro Nat’l Park-Rincon and Mt Lemmon so this was a perfect location, close to stores and restaurants as well. My tent spot was next to three horse stalls so got to hang with the ponies; one a tiny horse. They did not disturb me during the day or night-it was nice to have them around. This seems to be an active horse boarding facility so much work is being done but my spot was out of the way. With free WiFi, a bathroom and shower available, 2 friendly dogs and horses all around this was a great deal for the price, would definitely stay again!

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Chris

January 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Lush Desert Ranch

Lush Desert Ranch was the perfect spot for a peaceful and unique off-grid experience! The campsite was well-maintained. The remote location offered stunning desert views, beautiful night skies, and a true wilderness feel. Would definitely stay here again. Thanks, Amy, for a fantastic experience!

Juli

January 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to La Hacienda Chuparosa

I stayed two nights and it was an overall positive experience. Hosts were very friendly and welcoming. The site had a hose for water, a designated tent space with gravel, a fire pit, and a picnic table. The bathroom was several hundred feet from the site. As mentioned in the description, the campsite was next to some horses and the owner's dogs came to visit. They were not a nuisance to me as I'm an animal lover. As another camper mentioned, there was a security camera overlooking the site and the property owners were often nearby to care for the horses. I was fine with this but if you're hoping for more privacy, you'll need to make sure your tent provides that. I added a firewood bundle to my accommodation; the host arranged the firewood from small to large, making it very easy to build the fire. They were generous and I had more than enough for a campfire on night 1 and then another the second morning. At one point, the host offered me a hand warmer. I had a great experience and would return!