Top Camping Spots Near Avra Valley, AZ: Nature Adventures & Scenic Getaways
Avra Valley, AZ, offers an enchanting gateway to the Sonoran Desert, providing diverse camping options that cater to every outdoor enthusiast. For RV adventurers, the nearby Gilbert Ray Campground is a favored destination, featuring well-maintained sites with stunning views of the desert landscape and easy access to nearby Saguaro National Park. Tent campers can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature at the scenic Sweetwater Wetlands Park, where they can enjoy birdwatching and serene hikes along its lush trails. For those seeking solitude, dispersed camping in the surrounding BLM land offers a unique off-the-beaten-path experience, allowing campers to set up under the star-studded Arizona sky amidst breathtaking desert flora. Visitors should prepare for the region's arid climate and stay hydrated while exploring various hiking trails, which boast a rich array of wildlife and striking geology. Avra Valley stands as a perfect backdrop for a memorable camping experience, blending adventure and tranquility in the heart of Arizona’s unique desert environment.

















Picacho Peak Campground is part of Picacho Peak State Park in Arizona (just 25 min northwest of Marana, AZ) with an elevation of 1,891 feet. There are a total of 78 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 50 and 105 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric hookups. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, restroom, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Gilbert Ray Campground in Pima County is located 31 min southwest of Casas Adobes, AZ with an elevation of 2,630 feet. There are a total of 133 campsites including 7 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 126 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 60 feet. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. 128 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $10.00 to $35.00. Some amenities include drinking water, dump station, restroom, trash dumpster, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Catalina Campground is part of Catalina State Park in Arizona (just 9 min east of Oro Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 2,668 feet. There are a total of 147 campsites including 8 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 139 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 155 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 117 sites have electric and water hookups. 8 sites have water hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, restroom, ramada, telescope, gift shop, horse stable, flush toilets. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Whitetail Campground is located in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (1 hr northeast of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 8,105 feet. There are a total of 5 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 26 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $125.00 to $165.00. Activities include hiking trails.
Showers Point Group Site Campground is located in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (59 min northeast of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 7,793 feet. There are a total of 3 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the end of October. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $95.00 per night. Activities include fishing.
Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin is located in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (57 min northeast of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 7,925 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $125.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails, rock climbing.
Peppersauce Campground is located in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (46 min northeast of Oro Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 4,602 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $50.00 per night. Activities include hiking trails.
Rose Canyon Campground is located in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (52 min northeast of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 7,273 feet. There are a total of 32 campsites including 24 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the end of October. 6 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 22 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $24.00 to $95.00. Some amenities include general store, amphitheater. Activities include fishing.
Molino Campground is located in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (36 min east of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 4,334 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $100.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Kent Springs Cabin is located in the Nogales Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (just 29 min southeast of Sahuarita, AZ) with an elevation of 6,700 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $150.00 per night. Activities include hiking trails.
Kentucky Camp Cabin And Headquarters Building is located in the Nogales Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (52 min southeast of Sahuarita, AZ) with an elevation of 5,071 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Patagonia Lake Campground is part of Patagonia Lake State Park in Arizona (1 hr 4 min south of Sahuarita, AZ) with an elevation of 3,918 feet. There are a total of 123 campsites including 7 cabins and 13 boating sites. The campground is open all year. 103 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 55 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 108 sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $17.00 to $119.00. Some amenities include dump station, general store, playground, boat ramp, swimming, marina, restroom, gasoline pump. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, water skiing, floating sports.
Kartchner Caverns Campground is part of Kartchner Caverns State Park in Arizona (just 25 min north of Sierra Vista, AZ) with an elevation of 4,631 feet. There are a total of 62 campsites including 4 cabins. The campground is open all year. 57 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 75 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $30.00 to $59.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Lost Dutchman Campground is part of Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona (just 17 min northeast of Apache Junction, AZ) with an elevation of 2,074 feet. There are a total of 132 campsites including 5 cabins. The campground is open all year. 126 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 125 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 68 sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $89.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, restroom, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Calabasas Group Campground is located in the Nogales Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (47 min south of Sahuarita, AZ) with an elevation of 4,040 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $55.00 per night. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Buckhorn Campground, Usery Mtn Regional Park in Maricopa County is located just 18 min northeast of Mesa, AZ with an elevation of 2,016 feet. There are a total of 71 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 44 and 114 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric and water hookups. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, sewer hookup, restroom, trash dumpster, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Rock Bluff Group Site is located in the Sierra Vista Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (1 hr 13 min southwest of Sierra Vista, AZ) with an elevation of 5,442 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $45.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Grapevine Group Campground is located in the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 27 min northeast of Apache Junction, AZ) with an elevation of 2,299 feet. There are a total of 9 campsites. The campground is open all year. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, playground, boat ramp, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Frazier Horse Campground is located in the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 30 min northeast of Apache Junction, AZ) with an elevation of 2,192 feet. There are a total of 8 campsites. The campground is open all year. Max equipment length is 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $16.00 per night. Activities include horseback riding.
Upper Hospital Flat Group Site is located in the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (2 hrs 54 min east of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 9,026 feet. The site is normally open from mid April to mid November. Prices start at $25.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Frazier Group is located in the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 31 min northeast of Apache Junction, AZ) with an elevation of 2,185 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, floating sports.
Treasure Park - North Campground is located in the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (2 hrs 54 min east of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 9,017 feet. The site is normally open from mid April to mid November. Prices start at $25.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Treasure Park Group Campground - East is located in the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (2 hrs 54 min east of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 9,017 feet. The site is normally open from mid April to mid November. Prices start at $25.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Half Moon Ranch is located in the Douglas Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (1 hr 13 min northeast of Sierra Vista, AZ) with an elevation of 4,739 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $150.00 per night. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails, rock climbing.
Stockton Pass Campground is located in the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (2 hrs 5 min east of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 5,690 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $25.00 per night. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Shaw House is located in the Douglas Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (1 hr 20 min northeast of Sierra Vista, AZ) with an elevation of 5,478 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $150.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, flush toilets. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Upper Twilight Group Site is located in the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (2 hrs 35 min east of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 7,535 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $25.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Lower Twilight Group Site is located in the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (2 hrs 35 min east of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 7,535 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $25.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Upper Arcadia Campground is located in the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest (2 hrs 23 min east of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 6,609 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $25.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Rowland Campground at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Maricopa County is located 41 min east of Scottsdale, AZ with an elevation of 1,640 feet. There are a total of 74 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 46 and 116 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric and water hookups. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, sewer hookup, playground, restroom, trash dumpster, flush toilets. Activities include biking, hiking trails.