- Coronado National Forest
The best camping in Coronado National Forest, AZ
80% (46)
If you think southern Arizona is nothing but parched desert, think again.
Camper favorites near Coronado National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Stories from the community
C
Caleb
5 days ago
Tent
With pets
This was my first time using HipCamp and boy, does Karla set the bar high. The property speaks for itself, attention to detail everywhere, very clean property and very well organized and thought out. Treated us with a community fire pit, got to make some new camp friends along the way. Restroom was super convenient and clean, the tent site allowed us to have a covered gazebo over us for added warmth and comfort. Overall a 5-star experience and wouldn’t hesitate to book again. Oh, and Reba the donkey is super friendly and loves ear scritches in the morning 😁
See more
T
Tom
5 days ago
45 ft travel trailer
This is a wonderful place! A private residence/small ranch setting with lots of care to create a pleasant and relaxing experience. Plenty to do in a reasonably short drive. Great visit!
See more
B
Brian
1 week ago
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
My partner Teirza and I (plus our two chihuahuas) had a fantastic stay here. Jorgiana was an incredible host, and both she and the property owner were genuinely friendly, welcoming, and helpful from the moment we arrived. The site was clean, ready for us, and perfectly set up.
You’re surrounded by saguaros the second you step outside, and there are great bike trails just minutes away. The views are absolutely stunning—sunrise and sunset both felt like something out of a painting. And if you head downtown, do yourself a favor and grab the best hot dog ever at Ruiz’s.
Couldn’t ask for a better stay. We’d definitely come back.
See more
J
Joshua
2 weeks ago
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great views and a very nice property with room to walk.
See more
a
andrew
2 weeks ago
Tent
I work out of town occasionaly and dont like to waste money on motel rooms. Itd great there are places like this where someone can just pitch a tent, and enjoy the quietness of the outdoors. The campsites themselves were great. A small open area surrounded by trees. There were chairs provided around campfire pits. A portapotty was provided, which is a great benefit you dont get while rustic camping. The price was unbeatable! I will definately be back to spend some more time with the awesome hosts, and the adorable animals!
See more
H
Heidi
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Have stayed here before. Great value with outdoor shower, restroom and laundry available.
See more
T
Terry
2 weeks ago
25 ft fifth wheel
With pets
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.
See more
B
Bronwyn
2 weeks ago
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
Karla’s land was open, clean, and very easy to move around in. It really shows that she takes great care of her property, and the structures she has built are wonderfully creative! ( to call them sheds does not seem appropriate:-) Her property is gated, and I felt very comfortable and safe there.
See more
M
MaryBeth
2 weeks ago
24 ft travel trailer
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!
See more
J
Jeff
2 weeks ago
17 ft pop-up camper
With pets
What a great spot. Very welcoming staff, and great vibe that they've obviously put a lot of work into creating. The facilities were clean and well maintained. The common area is a great spot to hang out, watch a movie, and meet fellow travelers. The general area has some great food trucks and a fun neighborhood dive bar right across the street. Looking forward to coming back through.
See more
L
Lori
2 weeks ago
19 ft travel trailer
Karla is lovely. There when you need her but gives you your privacy. Gorgeous property!!! Will be our new weekend get away! Thank you Karla for offering this experience!
See more
k
kendra
2 weeks ago
17 ft travel trailer
With pets
Super cool place with lots of common areas and Mary was very knowledge and helpful. Plus, you're only about 1/2 mile from downtown Patagonia. Highly recommend checking out Queen of Cups.
See moreJ
Jana
2 weeks ago
17 ft travel trailer
A lot going on here! Two showers, bikes to borrow, kitchen, filtered water for your water bottle, super cool cat and easy going host. Unique and reasonably priced, clean, arranged nicely
See moreL
Lee
2 weeks ago
28 ft Class A
Always a special stay. Well taken care of and friendly. Everything an easy walk or bike.
See more
K
Kari
2 weeks ago
24 ft Class B
With pets
This is a sweet little spot close to town, nice views and quiet.
See more
L
Lauren
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
The hosts were excellent and went out of their way to make the stay wonderful. The outdoor movies were fun and popcorn was available. Morning coffee came with the stay which made it nice . The common areas were comfortable and nicely decorated. Although it was in the city limits it felt like it was in a world of it's own. It was secure by locked gates so I felt safe.
See more
M
Marie
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Epic Private 300 Acre Saguaro Park
Loved this stay. Airstream was very cute and cozy. Has everything you’ll need for your stay. Hosts are friendly and communicative! We hope to be back.
See more
N
Nick
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Really enjoyed my stay at Myke's place! Easy to find and convenient to anything you'd want to do in Tucson.
See moreJ
Jerry
3 weeks ago
20 ft Class C
Karla’s place is as good as it gets, very clean and the set up was great, easy access to camp spots with electric and water at a convenient location.
The facilities were top notch, next to the bathroom there’s your own private room with everything you need for a great stay, amenities were the best, pool access, pool house with table and chairs and the decoration throughout were great.
Karla is the best, she treated us like we were family. When we go her way again we will definitely use her Hipcamp!!
See more
W
Wendy
3 weeks ago
29 ft travel trailer
With pets
My favorite things about camping here was that it was peaceful, quiet and the perfect spot for stargazing. It feels like you are far away from everything and everybody yet there is so much to see and do within a short drive. Claudia was attentive and ensured that we had everything needed. Having full hook-ups, internet and so much space all to ourselves felt quite luxurious!
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Coronado National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Coronado National Forest, AZ guide
Overview
About
Remember the term sky island. Here in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, mountains seemingly come out of nowhere to dominate an otherwise flat landscape. Discover the five distinct areas of this national forest, all of which have their own sky islands.
Start your wanderings at Sabino Canyon. Steep rock cliffs and unique desert vegetation follow Sabino Creek, which maintains water year-round. Keep a sharp eye out for desert wildlife adapted for high heat and low humidity. Gila monsters may sun themselves on rocks, while bobcats sip from the creek's water.
Discover Miller Peak, the highest peak in the Huachuca Mountains. Wilderness surrounding the area comprises vertical cliffs and deep canyons. Follow an 11.5-mile, moderately hard trail to the top of the mountain. The mountain rises 3,500 feet above the countryside.
Campgrounds abound here. Choose year-round campsites from 3,000 feet to 9,000 feet above sea level.
80%
46 ratings · 28 reviews
Mixed feelings
· July 2025
Did not go
A
Audrey M.
7 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Sunny Flat Campground
Beautiful spot. Sites are spread out with privacy in between. No running water. Had to get water from the visitor center.
I
Ilene L.
2 reviews
Nice campground on Mt Lemmon. Bear box, picnic table, fire pit, and grill included. Potable water available near the bathrooms. We stayed at site 37 and liked the site.
A
Anna R.
9 months on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· April 2025
I didn't go
C
Connie K.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Small campground, but generally nice. Sites are pretty close together. Easy access to trails in Madera Canyon.
B
Brandon L.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2020
Absolutely beautiful my husband and I camp here alot. We love it alot.
Sherry E.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2019
9-21-2019, We went to check out Spencer Canyon campground and rented a spot for day use. Nice area with fresh air amidst ponderosa pines.
Plenty of spaces (60). First come, first served.
Several well kept and pleasant smelling vault toilets with fresh paint and no graffiti.
All campsites have iron fire pit, grill, stone table and steel food box to protect food from bears.
Fees: Bring cash and no change is available. Fill out envelope, insert cash, keep stub, and drop envelope in slot
Overnight camping is $24.00,
Single vehicle day use is $10.00
Firewood bundle for $6.00
Carl R.
8 years on Hipcamp
Tried to get to last week but road was closed. Had to move on but everything on the mountain is great so no problem. Forest service said Treasure park would open soon.
J
J G.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2019
Amazing area & Horse Back Riding!! New place to stay now is Cedar Creek Horse Camp.
T
Trudy H.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2018
Get there early because it's first-come-first-served. Good hiking from the camp. At 5,040ft elevation it is opened year round.
B
Bill G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2018
The camp is at 8,000ft so it can be quite cool up here. It is closed usually from about Nov-Apr. Camp is in the pines.
B
Bill G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2018
Tucked in the forest with access to the Arizona Trail, this spot was cozy and scenic. Small campground and fills up quickly year round. Fun drive up Mt. Lemmon, just above Molina Basin campground so a bit colder at nighttime and upon rising as the sun as more mountain to rise over. Quiet, serene, full of wildlife. Facilities always stocked with TP and clean. Met some neat people during our stay here!
E
Erica E.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2018
Small, isolated campground that fills up quickly even in winter. Summer is the busiest because of Pena Blanca Lake. Great hiking and water sport activities in the area. Only spent one night here, but the facilities were clean and stocked. Beautiful sites and scenery!
E
Erica E.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2018
Love the drive here! Shout out to Ranger Rick for the good company and tips on the area. You follow the road as far as it will go until you dead-end at this campground. Not far from Mexico, be prpeared for random border patrol stops or drones obstructing the beautiful mountain views. Just one trail goes around the lake. It’s very easy but enjoyable and scenic. Staff at the dock are as kind as can be. Took a kayak out on the serene lake and enjoyed watching the bird species overhead. Free firewood was offered after they trimmed trees. Firewood is also available at the store by the dock. Lots of items there in case you forgot important items. Cold winter nights but beautiful sunrises and sunsets and warm days!
E
Erica E.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2018
I love Bog Springs Campground! Gorgeous drive to the secluded area. Bery hard to get a spot here, so be sure to plan as you may make the long drive only to have to make other arrangements. The place was packed in February! I can’t believe we were lucky enough to get the last spot available. Tucked away in the forest, this place is a gem!
E
Erica E.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2018
I loved my weeklong stay here! Started here and moved up Mt. Lemmon Rd to the other campgrounds. The sites are scenic and spacious. The wildlife that inhabits the area will keep your attention with their beauty and intrigue. Hard to get a soot here year round. Cold mountain winter nights could not keep us away. Arizona Trail runs through the area, and lots of other hiking trails are off the main road. Met so many wonderful locals and out-of-towners during our stay. Great drive up the mountain!
E
Erica E.
2 reviews
Recommends
· February 2018
Nice spot in the sky islands to camp while biking the Arizona Trail
Sara L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
Easy free spot to camp while biking the Arizona Trail
Sara L.
8 years on Hipcamp
October 2017
The CCC era drainage/waterfall on Cave Creek is beautufu, and right near the parking area. Careful, immigration happens in the Chiricahuas. We encountered probable drug mule scouts with their two way radios chirping one night.
Robb V.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2017
It gets pretty chilly at night so make sure to take layers!
Patricia O.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2017
There were only 6 sites at this canyon campground on the babbling Cave Creek, but for that reason it felt exclusive, an unexpected and delightful discovery. Ideal for tents, maybe not so much for big RVs. First come, first served -- March and April are the busy season, so an end-of-April visit was perfect, and even a 6-site location was only half full. Highly recommend this and nearby Idlewild and Sunny Flat Campgrounds.
Solveig M.
9 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· April 2017
For beginner campers, this is prime real estate. Campsites are pretty close together and there are restrooms nearby. BBQ grills surround each campsite and if you're lucky, so are friendly, fellow campers. There is great shade coverage on hot days and the wind gusting through will cool off anyone.
Sarah B.
8 years on Hipcamp
February 2017
Beautiful off-the-grid spot! We loved the hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and gorgeous night sky. This is a very special place to unwind.
M
Marisa H.
8 years on Hipcamp
November 2016
Great views from the top! 2.5 mile hikes up to Carr Peak or down to the Creek. The drive up is 5-10 mph, super steep and narrow, but a lot of fun and beautiful. Max stay is 14 days. Bathrooms and bear proof trash cans are just a few meters from each camp site. Hikes are also super navigable by the little ones! Great stay!
Patrick L.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
Spencer Canyon campground and Gordon Hirabayashi campground are NOT the same, and are thousands of feet different in elevation. They are both on Mt. Lemmon. I'd recommend rewriting this description. I prefer Spencer Canyon because it's much higher, in a pine forest rather than high desert (which is where Hirabayashi is). Incidentally, Hirabayashi campground was called prison camp until recently. It's where Asian Americans were imprisoned in the 40s. I've been there a few times, and you can see the foundations of old prison buildings. Very sad.
Rachel C.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
Truly a Beautiful Park with beautiful well spaced sites & a Lake to boot! Too bad none of the campsites are anywhere Near the lake, but their location in amongst the spruces & Pines lack for Nada!! Very popular.
M
Marshall K.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 2016
Beautiful but remote campsite by the creek. Great area for birding, hiking, or atv's. There are first come, first serve camp or trailer sites for $10. There are bear boxes provided, lantern hook, picnic bench, and tent area & RV pad. There are no hook-ups or cell service. There is raised toilet & water spigot. You are able to access wi-fi at ranger station/visitor center about 1.5 miles away or at the Portal library parking lot.
Mildred O.
9 years on Hipcamp
I have just been googling Kentucky Camp for next spring's roadtrip. According to the website, you CAN camp anywhere outside the fence surrounding the property! No facilities, dirt road into it but accessible by 2wd.
C
Connie S.
10 years on Hipcamp