Bonita Canyon Campground

Star4.65
1.2K reviews
12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$24 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to D...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bonita Canyon Campground
$24.00 - $72.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Tent Site fees range from $24 to $72 per night. Individual campsite fees are $25 for both electric and non-electric sites. Displayed rates do...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$72.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
520-824-3560suzanne_moody@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 1.2K reviews

154 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsshadehikingfriendly

Some mention

noise

"Bonita Canyon Campground receives high praise for its natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Common complaints include the lack of showers, limited restroom facilities, and challenges for larger vehicles. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities."

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Campground Map

12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA

Bonita Canyon Campground

12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA

Driving directionsFrom I-10 east: Take exit 336 toward Willcox for 4 miles. Turn left onto Arizona 186 E (East Maley Street) for 31 miles. Turn left onto Arizona 181 E for 4 miles. Veer left onto E Bonita Canyon Road and into Chiricahua National Monument. The campground is 2.5 miles ahead on your left. From I-10 west: Take exit 344 toward Willcox. Continue on N Haskell Ave for 5 miles. Turn right onto Arizona 186 E (East Maley Street) for 31 miles. Turn left onto Arizona 181 E for 4 miles. Veer left onto East Bonita Canyon Road and into Chiricahua National Monument. The campground is 2.5 miles ahead on your left.
Access to the campground involves paved roads. Be cautious of the two creek bed dips on the road which may scrape the undercarriage of vehicles with low clearance or those exceeding the 29-foot maximum vehicle length.
Nearby places
Willcox (37 miles, 45 minutes), Tucson (Approx. 2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including fuel and groceries, are available in Willcox, AZ, approximately 37 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Bonita Canyon Campground

Experience the dynamic personality of the high desert throughout the year at Bonita Canyon. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland, occasionally dusting the higher peaks with snow while maintaining comfortable camping conditions below. Summer brings warm days perfectly tempered by the campground's generous tree cover, creating natural air conditioning for comfortable afternoon relaxation. The dramatic monsoon season paints the sky with spectacular thunderheads, occasionally awakening the normally peaceful creek beds with rushing waters that remind visitors of nature's raw power.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer brings hotter temps and monsoons; more wildlife but bugs and storms increase.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall cited as an ideal time with pleasant weather and fewer bugs in reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring highlighted as ideal by reviewers for pleasant weather and fewer bugs.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter is crisp with occasional snow and good scenery, but limited facilities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: December 24 - April 30 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 1 to December 23. Closed during monsoon season and for maintenance.
  • Current Alerts: May include seasonal closures due to flooding or maintenance. Check Recreation.gov for current alerts before visiting.

About Bonita Canyon Campground

Nestled within the otherworldly landscape of Chiricahua National Monument, Bonita Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape among towering stone spires and ancient hoodoos. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers seeking solitude beneath a canopy of shade trees, where winding nature trails beckon exploration and panoramic vistas reward every turn. The campground's thoughtfully designed sites accommodate both tent enthusiasts and those traveling with smaller RVs, creating the perfect basecamp for discovering one of Arizona's most dramatic geological wonders.
Bonita Canyon Campground caters primarily to tent campers and smaller RVs or trailers. It is not equipped for large RVs due to size and road limitations.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground, with a limit of 14 nights total per year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Bonita Canyon Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its unique natural surroundings. Campers can enjoy day-use hiking trails, bird watching, photography, and scenic drives. Stargazing is a popular nighttime activity due to the area's dark skies.
HikingChiricahua National Monument features 17 miles of day-use hiking trails, including the popular Echo Canyon Loop and Heart of Rocks trails. Trails vary in difficulty, offering opportunities for both novice and experienced hikers.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently spot wildlife such as deer, coatimundi, wild turkeys, and various bird species. "Coatimundi sightings are a highlight for many campers," notes one reviewer.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational Ranger-led programs are occasionally offered, focusing on the park's natural and cultural history. The nearby Visitor Center provides additional interpretive exhibits.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (bears, skunks, coatimundis), flooding during monsoon season, and limited maneuverability for larger vehicles.
Active AlertsMay include seasonal closures due to flooding or maintenance. Check Recreation.gov for current alerts before visiting.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredMetal food storage lockers are available at each site to deter wildlife such as bears and coatimundis.

Weather at Bonita Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.7
1.2K reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bonita Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Bonita Canyon Campground receives high praise for its natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Common complaints include the lack of showers, limited restroom facilities, and challenges for larger vehicles. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 1164 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews often mention the campground's tranquility, shaded sites, proximity to excellent hiking trails, and the friendly and knowledgeable camp hosts.
Based on 1164 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include small and closely packed campsites, lack of showers, and occasional maintenance issues with restroom facilities. Some visitors note the challenge of maneuvering larger...
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Based on 1164 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Reserve sites early, especially during peak seasons. - Bring your own firewood and a raised fire pit. - Be prepared for limited cell service and no RV hookups. - Sites #6, 7, 11, and 13 offer more...
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Based on 1164 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that spring and fall are ideal times to visit for pleasant weather and fewer bugs. Summer brings more wildlife activity but also hotter temperatures and monsoons. Winter visitors...
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Based on 1164 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "One of the nicest campgrounds we've ever stayed at!" - Madeleine C. - "The stars are amazing on a clear night!" - Chenery K. - "Coatimundi sightings were a highlight of our trip." - John M.
Based on 1164 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #6, 7, 11, and 13 are recommended for more privacy and peace. Site #8 is noted for accessibility. Some RV users report challenges with maneuvering into sites due to tight spaces and low-hanging...
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Based on 1164 reviews

Accessibility Features

Site #8 is designated for accessibility needs. Visitors with disabilities have noted the paved roads and accessible restroom facilities as positives, though the campsite terrain can vary.
Based on 1164 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Many trails do not permit dogs, limiting some hiking opportunities for pet owners.
Based on 1164 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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