- Patagonia Lake State Park
The best camping in Patagonia Lake State Park, AZ
88% (13)
The best camping in Patagonia Lake State Park, AZ
88% (13)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Patagonia Lake State Park adventure.
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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 😁
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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!
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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.
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Joshua
2 weeks ago
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great views and a very nice property with room to walk.
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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!
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Heidi
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Have stayed here before. Great value with outdoor shower, restroom and laundry available.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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
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Lee
2 weeks ago
28 ft Class A
Always a special stay. Well taken care of and friendly. Everything an easy walk or bike.
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Kari
2 weeks ago
24 ft Class B
With pets
This is a sweet little spot close to town, nice views and quiet.
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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.
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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.
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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!!
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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!
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Andrew
3 weeks ago
36 ft toy hauler
Great stay at the ranch. Appreciated how close it was to sonoita for some tastings and also close to some pretty epic riding on the side by side. Thanks for being such a great host Kim. Hope to see you all again someday.
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Other options near Patagonia Lake State Park
The best camping in Patagonia Lake State Park, AZ guide
Overview
About
Hidden away in the rugged hills of southeastern Arizona, Patagonia Lake State Park is an excellent spot for camping, boating, fishing, and just enjoying nature. Patagonia Lake was created by the damming of Sonoita Creek and is now one of the best fishing lakes in the state. In addition to housing a healthy population of largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfish, rainbow trout are stocked regularly from November through March. The Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is located downstream from Patagonia Lake and offers additional hiking, backcountry camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Campsite reservations are strongly recommended in summer and on weekends the rest of the year. Reservations can be made by phone or online up to 365 days in advance.
- A two-night minimum stay is required during peak season weekends.
- Eight camping cabins are available at Patagonia Lake State Park, some with lake views or pets allowed.
- Twelve boat-in campsites can be reserved in advance. A boat is required to reach the sites and campers must bring their own toilet.
When to go
Patagonia Lake State Park is open year-round—the best time of year to visit depends on what activities you most want to enjoy. Spring is a great time for hiking, fishing, and camping. June and July are the warmest, making for a great time for water sports, while monsoon rains tend to cool things off in late July and August. Winters are typically mild and great for birdwatching and fishing.
Know before you go
- Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, and some sites have shade structures. All but two campsites have electric hookups.
- An onsite market sells fishing licenses, firewood, grocery items, and other camping supplies. The Patagonia Lake Marina rents boats, canoes, and paddleboats.
- Jet skis are prohibited on the lake, and waterskiing is only allowed on weekdays from May 1 through October 1. Waterskiing is allowed all days of the week for the rest of the year.
- Guided bird walks are offered year-round. Stop by the visitor center or the Birding Trail kiosk near campsite #12 for information.
- Dogs are not allowed at the beach day-use area but are allowed in all other areas of the park.
88%
13 ratings · 5 reviews
May 2018
Lake front camping was great! But beware you will be camping very close to other people. We camped at site 104 and had a lot of RV's to our left but on our right we had 4 adults, 6 kids and 2 dogs. We rented a canoe from the marina for $35 for 2 hours. It was nice to paddle around the lake and see everything. Afterwords we "hit the beach" as my kids say. The next day was the annual Mariachi band festival with food trucks and wine tasting. Every campsite was booked and we had a good time on this busy weekend at the park. We will be back to try the boat-in only campsites so we won't be as close to other people.
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Clayton G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2018
Didn’t spend the night here. Pretty crowded campgrounds. As a vanlifer, I visit state parks to shower and refill water as a way to support the park systems. So my review is limited to day use. The lake was pretty! Enjoyed some time on the water kayaking with my dog. Facilities were nice as were all the people working there. We went during February, and all the snowbirds seemed to make up the majority of campers as we chatted with people around the park.
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Erica E.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2017
When you reserve the island (highly recommend) check in at the dock and use the shuttle service to get your gear out there. $100 for shuttle but totally worth it.
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Jenny Z.
8 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· April 2017
For beginner campers, this is great place to start. 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. If you're not so lucky, annoying, loud ones, haha. Finding sites with appropriate shading can be tricky so get out early to snag one if you plan on staying for more than a night. I'd suggest bringing a tarp for shade just in case you don't. The water is nice and refreshing and if you know someone with a boat, water skiing is always a blast! I've gone fishing and have never had bad luck catching at least a little, ol' blue gill.
Sarah B.
8 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
Patagonia is only "isolated" in it's Location. The campground itself is quite compacted with sites, some too close to the septic field! But the Big Draw here is the lake which is the biggest around & has boat rentals & dockage. Fishing is good here so the park is very popular. Best bets are the primitive boat-in only sites dotted along the lake.
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Marshall K.
9 years on Hipcamp