Sunny Flat Campground

Star4.68
78 reviews
Sunny Flat Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Coronado National Forest
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$8 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Coronado National Forest site

Official Website
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Sunny Flat Campground
$8.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site costs $20 per night, reduced to $10 with Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass. Double site costs $40...
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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

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 78 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsfriendlywell-maintainedsites

"User reviews highlight Sunny Flat Campground as a well-maintained, serene location ideal for birdwatching and enjoying scenic views. Common themes include the helpfulness of the camp host, the clean restroom facilities, and concerns about limited water availability."

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Campground Map

Sunny Flat Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Coronado National Forest

Sunny Flat Campground

Sunny Flat Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Coronado National Forest

Driving directions150 miles east of Tucson. Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80. 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 3 miles to Sunny Flat Campground. All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.
All roads are paved and accessible for passenger vehicles. However, the entry road involves a steep creek crossing, which may become impassable during wet weather.
Nearby places
Rodeo, NM: Approximately 7 miles
Douglas, AZ: Approximately 50 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Portal, AZ, approximately 7 miles away, where visitors can find basic groceries and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Sunny Flat Campground

Experience the full symphony of seasons at Sunny Flat, where each brings its own magic. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, creating perfect camping conditions. Summer delivers warm days ideal for creek exploration and cool nights perfect for stargazing. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland, though temperatures can plummet dramatically. Be aware that monsoon rains can occasionally swell Cave Creek, requiring temporary evacuations for safety—nature's reminder of its untamed power.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer noted as a season here; shade and creek help but site can be warm; birding continues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open year-round; fall likely pleasant with good views and birding opportunities.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in AZ

Spring brings wildflower blooms and peak birding; reviewers call it ideal camping season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open in winter but reviewers note cold conditions and need to be well-prepared.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated, but birding season may affect occupancy rates.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Campground is evacuated if rainfall exceeds 1.5 inches due to flood danger.

About Sunny Flat Campground

Nestled in a sun-dappled meadow where Cave Creek whispers through ancient sycamores and oaks, Sunny Flat Campground invites you to experience nature's theater. Twelve thoughtfully placed campsites frame this grassy sanctuary, each offering front-row seats to Cave Creek Canyon's dramatic rock spires that pierce the sky like nature's cathedrals. Birdsong fills the morning air as enthusiasts flock here to spot rare species, while adventurers use the campground as their basecamp for exploring the network of trails and scenic drives that wind through this enchanted landscape.
Sunny Flat Campground provides tent camping, combined sites accommodating both tents and small RVs, and group camping facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specified check-in time.
Check-out
No specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
Limit of 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sunny Flat Campground is renowned for birdwatching, with sightings of species like the elegant trogon being common. Hiking opportunities are available, though trails near the campground are unmarked. No fishing, swimming, or boating activities are provided.
HikingHiking trails are available nearby but remain unmarked. The Vista Point Trail and South Fork birding areas are recommended attractions.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, especially for birdwatching. Notable species include the elegant trogon and Gila monster.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe nearby Cave Creek Visitor Information Center offers interpretive information, books, and examples of local wildlife year-round.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are common in the area, necessitating careful food storage. The entry road includes a steep creek crossing that may be impassable after heavy rainfall.
Active AlertsCampground is evacuated if rainfall exceeds 1.5 inches due to flood danger.
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 lockers are available at each site to ensure safe storage of food and garbage.

Weather at Sunny Flat Campground

Reviews

4.7
78 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Sunny Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Sunny Flat Campground as a well-maintained, serene location ideal for birdwatching and enjoying scenic views. Common themes include the helpfulness of the camp host, the clean restroom facilities, and concerns about limited water availability.
Review Summaries
Based on 78 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include breathtaking views of towering rock formations, abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, and well-maintained campsites. Many reviewers praise the camp host's...
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Based on 78 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of potable water, small campsite sizes that may not accommodate larger groups, and issues with water spigots being out of service for extended periods.
Based on 78 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend arriving early to secure a campsite, preparing for cold temperatures in winter, foraging for downed wood, and using bear-proof containers for food and trash disposal.
Based on 78 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that winter months bring cold conditions, requiring campers to be well-prepared. Birdwatching peaks during the spring and summer seasons, though the campground can become highly...
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Based on 78 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The surroundings of this camping area are top-notch.' - Nelson Daley 2. 'Sites are all spacious and reasonably distanced.' - Tristan Herwood 3. 'The women's restroom was actually really clean.' -...
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Based on 78 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback suggests most campsites are small and suited for tents or small RVs rather than large travel trailers.
Based on 78 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly toilets are available, though access may be challenging for some. Accessibility features receive mixed reviews.
Based on 78 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with rules enforced such as leash requirements. 'Lots of wildlife if campers are quiet,' notes one reviewer, highlighting the importance of controlling pets to prevent disturbances.
Based on 78 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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