Idlewilde Campground

4.73

24 reviews

Idlewilde Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Portal, AZ

Featured in:Tent Camping Arizona Fall Camping Arizona Mountain Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Idlewilde Campground

$10.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single campsites cost $20 per night, reduced to $10 for holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass. Double...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 24 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwell-maintainedsites

Some mention

expensive

"Users consistently praise Idlewilde Campground for its serene environment, cleanliness, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The scenic beauty and nearby stream are frequently highlighted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Idlewilde Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Portal, AZ

Idlewilde Campground

Idlewilde Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Portal, AZ

Driving directions150 miles east of Tucson, 2 miles southwest of Portal, 54 miles northeast of Douglas. Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80 (you will cross the New Mexico border to get to this intersection). Turn right (south) and drive 28 miles, then turn right (west) on the road to Portal, 7 miles. From Douglas, take US 80 east approximately 50 miles to Rodeo, NM. Two miles past Rodeo, turn left (west) on Portal Road. From Portal drive west on Forest Road 42, approximately 2 miles to Idlewilde Campground.

All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.

Nearby places

Portal (2 miles, ~10 minutes), Douglas (54 miles, ~1 hour), Tucson (150 miles, ~3 hours)

Nearby supplies

Limited groceries and gas are available at the intersection of State Rt. 87 and Forest Rt. 3.

Best Time to Camp at Idlewilde Campground

The rhythm of seasons at Idlewilde tells a dramatic story of transformation. Early spring arrives with crisp, bone-chilling mornings that demand warm sleeping bags and hot coffee, while summer unfolds into a tapestry of warm days that can crescendo into sweltering afternoons. Though winter occasionally dusts the canyon with snow and spring sometimes brings refreshing rains, most days gift campers with brilliant azure skies that seem to stretch forever. Savvy adventurers mark their calendars for the sweet spots of weeks 6, 7, and 16, when conditions align perfectly for outdoor exploration. Those seeking solitude might brave the challenges of late December (weeks 48, 50, and 52), when storms sweep through the canyon, creating a more dramatic but demanding camping experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open in summer (May–Oct); higher demand on weekends but pleasant mountain/canyon conditions at 5,000 ft.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 31; reviews note early October is quieter and good for peak birdwatching.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Opens May 1; late‑spring (May) brings crisp mornings and strong bird activity but earlier spring months closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1–Oct 31; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 1 to October 31.
Current Alerts: No active alerts documented at this time.

About Idlewilde Campground

Welcome to Idlewilde Campground, where your Cave Creek Canyon adventure begins. As the first campground you'll discover along this legendary birding corridor, Idlewilde offers an intimate escape perfect for tent campers, van dwellers, and pickup truck adventurers seeking a more rustic experience. While trailers must find accommodations elsewhere, those who arrive with smaller setups are rewarded with prime access to one of Arizona's most biodiverse wonderlands. Just steps from the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where black bears roam freely and over 200 bird species fill the canyon with their songs. This is where the wild heart of the Chiricahua Mountains reveals itself to those ready to listen.

Idlewilde Campground caters to those looking for more primitive camping experiences, with a focus on tent sites and smaller camping accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsThe rhythm of seasons at Idlewilde tells a dramatic story of transformation. Early spring arrives with crisp, bone-chilling mornings that demand warm sleeping bags and hot coffee, while summer unfolds into a tapestry of warm days that can crescendo into sweltering afternoons. Though winter occasionally dusts the canyon with snow and spring sometimes brings refreshing rains, most days gift campers with brilliant azure skies that seem to stretch forever. Savvy adventurers mark their calendars for the sweet spots of weeks 6, 7, and 16, when conditions align perfectly for outdoor exploration. Those seeking solitude might brave the challenges of late December (weeks 48, 50, and 52), when storms sweep through the canyon, creating a more dramatic but demanding camping experience.

ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet above sea level, Idlewilde Campground offers that perfect elevation where desert meets mountain, creating a unique microclimate that supports an astonishing diversity of life. At this altitude, summer heat becomes manageable, winter cold stays reasonable, and the air carries just enough mountain crispness to remind you that you've left the lowlands behind.

Natural Features and SceneryIdlewilde unfolds beneath a living canopy where ancient evergreen oaks spread their weathered branches alongside the pale, papery bark of Arizona sycamores. Towering Arizona cypress trees stand sentinel while gnarled junipers perfume the air with their distinctive fragrance. A melodious stream whispers through the campground, its gentle voice joining the canyon's natural symphony. This is a place where morning light filters through leaves in golden streams, where afternoon shadows create cool refuges, and where evening brings a tranquility so complete it feels like the earth itself is sighing into rest.

Geological RegionCave Creek Canyon cradles Idlewilde Campground in its ancient embrace, a geological masterpiece carved by time and water through the volcanic heart of the Chiricahua Mountains. This spectacular gorge has earned international acclaim as a birding paradise, where the meeting of four major biomes creates an ecological crossroads unlike anywhere else in North America. The canyon walls tell stories millions of years in the making, while the diverse forest of evergreen oak, sycamore, Arizona cypress, and juniper creates a living gallery that changes with every season. Here, where Madrean pine-oak woodlands meet riparian corridors, nature has crafted one of the Southwest's most enchanting outdoor theaters.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of 10 persons per site.

Groups

Group camping is not supported at Idlewilde.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are generally spaced apart, with many raised from the road. Parking aprons are dirt and irregularly shaped.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served. User reviews mention that all 4 campgrounds in the area fill by 4 PM on Fridays during peak season weekends.

Cancellation PolicyIdlewilde Campground does not require reservations, so cancellation policies are not applicable.

AccessibilityAccessible restroom facilities for campers with disabilities are not specified.

Site SizeSites are suitable for tents, vans, or pickup truck campers. No trailers are permitted.

PrivacySites provide a moderate level of privacy. A review notes, 'The sites are not on top of each other and the majority are raised up from the road.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesDirect quotes from user reviews: 'Sites are not on top of each other and the majority are raised up from the road.' 'Great place to camp right by the water, both bathrooms always clean and have toilet paper.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Idlewilde Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography. Its proximity to Cave Creek Nature Trail allows visitors to engage in scenic hikes.

HikingThe nearby Cave Creek Nature Trail is accessible and spans the lower Cave Creek Canyon. This trail connects Sunny Flat Campground to the Silver Peak Trailhead. Unmarked trails are also nearby for further exploration.

Wildlife viewingIdlewilde is renowned for birdwatching. The ecosystem, with cypress trees and diverse bird populations, provides a haven for birders. Deer sightings are also common in the area.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground is near the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center, which offers interpretive programs.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are common in the area, requiring food storage precautions. Steep creek crossings may be impassable during wet weather.

Active AlertsNo active alerts documented at this time.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers and trash cans are available at the campground.

Fire PolicyFire grills are available. No additional policies documented.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Portal or Douglas (~54 miles away), but specific locations for hospitals or police are not documented.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground provides bear-proof trash cans, ensuring safety and convenience.

Water FeaturesCampground is located beside a seasonal stream in Cave Creek Canyon.

Camp HostUser reviews mention that hosts may not always be available.

Weather at Idlewilde Campground

Reviews

4.7

24 reviews

Top-Rated

Idlewilde Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users consistently praise Idlewilde Campground for its serene environment, cleanliness, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The scenic beauty and nearby stream are frequently highlighted.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the clean and well-maintained facilities, birdwatching opportunities, and the scenic stream that runs alongside the campground. One reviewer described it as 'one of the nicest...

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the lack of potable water and expressed concern about the $20 per night price, describing it as slightly expensive. Fast drivers on nearby roads were also mentioned as a safety...

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early, as campsites tend to fill up quickly on weekends. Bringing your own water supply is essential due to the lack of potable water.

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekends see high demand, with all campsites typically occupied by Friday evening. Early October visits are described as quiet, with fewer crowds. Peak birdwatching season coincides with the...

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Plenty of wildlife to film, lots of deer.' 2. 'Great for car camping. Clean and well maintained.' 3. 'Bathrooms always clean and have toilet paper.' 4. 'Sites are not on top of each other and the...

Based on 24 reviews