camping

Coconino National Forest, Camp Verde

Just off State Route 260, this campground is nestled in a riparian area on the banks of Clear Creek. That means that sycamores and cottonwoods surround it — you know, the types of trees that thrive along water.

Although the creek is just a trickle through the campground, this is a popular destination on weekends. Maybe that’s because of its proximity to Camp Verde or to Alcantara Vineyards. Most likely, it’s because of its enormous picnic area and views of Verde Valley hills.

Coronado National Forest, Pearce

Legends were born in the Dragoon Mountains. There, Chiricahua Apache leader Cochise hid from and battled his enemies, and there he’s buried. “I have drunk the waters of the Dragoon Mountains, and they have cooled me,” Cochise is believed to have said. “I do not want to leave here.”

After a visit to Cochise Stronghold Campground, you may not want to leave the Dragoons, either. But you’ll have to — there’s a 14-day stay limit.

Cattail Cove State Park, Lake Havasu City

Of the 61 campsites at Cattail Cove State Park, 28 are accessible by boat only. Like other state-park campgrounds, Cattail Cove is well developed and chock-full of amenities, including a fish-cleaning station. Campsites, with the exception of the boat-accessible sites, are situated toward the center of the park, but lake access is easy. Boats, of course, are welcome, and there’s plenty of room for them. The same goes for RVs, which are popular here because of electrical hookups and a dump station.

Bureau of Land Management, Chloride

Just 2 miles past Packsaddle Campground, along Big Wash Road, Windy Point Campground is appropriately named. At a moderately high elevation, with sweeping views of the valley, it seems as if the wind wants to kiss the top of the Cerbat Mountains.

Bird-watching, hiking and picnicking are big here. The route to the campground is a scenic drive in and of itself, and photo opportunities abound. Amenities include picnic tables, fire pits and grills, and Chloride is a short drive away, in case you’ve forgotten your s’mores supplies.

Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia

Great blue herons love Patagonia Lake. And why wouldn’t they? Its cool blue waters are full of catfish, crappie, bluegill and bass. The fish draw anglers to the lake, as well, and it’s also a great place to camp.

Beaches, picnic areas, ramadas and a playground make the park family-friendly, and all-electric sites attract RV enthusiasts. Tent camping along the lake is a definite draw, and the campground is particularly popular on weekends.

Coronado National Forest, Sonoita

Lakeview Campground overlooks Parker Canyon Lake, and the views are spectacular — both of the water and the surrounding Canelo Hills.

Regardless of the simplicity of its name, Lakeview is an extraordinary campground. Water recreation and hiking are big draws, and a 5-mile lakefront trail features interpretive signs and fantastic opportunities to spot wildlife, including Coues deer, ospreys and, if you’re lucky, bald eagles and coatis, raccoon-like creatures that have a masked face and long tail and snout.

Coconino National Forest, Pine

You’ll fall asleep on top of a car at Blue Ridge Campground. Seriously. Smashed, recycled cars compose the renovated sites here.