The 5 Best Winter Camping Spots in Arizona
Winter camping often brings to mind snowy landscapes and more layers of clothing than you can count. But in southern Arizona the air is warm, the cacti blooming, and the trails dry. Here are five of my favorite spots to camp in Arizona in the winter.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Why Go: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a gem in the Sonoran Desert. Located on the border with Mexico it has a phenomenal campground, great ranger programs, plenty of hiking and very few visitors.
Nearest Town: Why, Arizona
Where to Camp: Twin Peaks Campground
Adventures:
- Drive the Ajo Mountain Road and hike Estes Canyon
- Hike the Desert View Trail at sunset
- Go on a ranger led full moon hike through the desert
The Sky Islands
Why Go: The Sky Islands are the high-elevation meeting point of desert and forest. The Islands are covered in sweeping grasslands, wooded streams, and have some of the best bird watching you'll find in Arizona.
Nearest Town: Patagonia, Arizona
Where to Camp: Patagonia Lake State Park
Adventures:
- Watch hummingbirds at the Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds
- Kayak Patagonia Lake
- Explore the San Rafael Valley, where Oklahoma! was filmed
Chiricahua National Monument
Why Go: Chiricahua National Monument is a land of granite hoodoos, quiet camping, and views for days.
Nearest Town: Willcox, Arizona
Where to Camp: Bonita Canyon Campground
Adventures:
- Hike the Big Loop
- Hike to the Ruins of Fort Bowie
- Go rock climbing in the Dragoon Mountains
Tucson Mountain Park
Why Go: Tucson Mountain Park has plentiful trails for hiking and biking and a world class museum. It's also right next door to Saguaro National Park.
Nearest Town: Tucson, Arizona
Where to Camp: Gilbert Ray Campground
Adventures:
- Hike the Valley View Overlook Trail
- Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, ranked one of the best museums in the United States
- Visit Saguro National Park
Sedona
Why Go: Sedona has the type of red rock beauty that draws people in and doesn't let them go. Visiting in winter means fewer people in town, in campgrounds, and on the trails. Watch the overnight temperatures, they can dip below freezing during cold spells.
Nearest Town: Sedona, Arizona
Where to Camp: Loy Butte Road BLM
Adventures:
- Hike Bell Rock, or one of Sedona's other famous vortexes
- Mountain bike the Hiline Trail
- Visit the cliff dwellings at Palataki
