East Campground

4.27

145 reviews

East Campground

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

Price

$129/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Arizona State Parks site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

Price

$129/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Arizona State Parks site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

East Campground

$129.00 - $129.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin fee $129 per night. $5 reservation fee per reserved cabin. Refundable $50 cleaning deposit collected at reservation; refunded if cabin returned...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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Arizona State Parks

Provider

(520) 287-6965; (877) 697-2757

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 145 reviews

2754 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

crowdedsignal

"Overall positive reviews: visitors praise the lake setting, birding opportunities, boating/fishing access, and clean restrooms/showers; frequent criticisms include crowded weekends, unlevel campsites, occasional closed facilities/maintenance, and spotty cell service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

East Campground

No map location available

Best Time to Camp at East Campground

Here's the insider secret: Patagonia Lake is genuinely a four-season destination, just with an Arizona twist. Fall through spring delivers those picture-perfect days—warm sunshine, cool breezes, and comfortable temperatures that make every hike and birding expedition a pleasure. Come summer, when temperatures climb, the lake becomes your best friend, offering refreshing swims and endless hours on the water. Just remember that word has gotten out about this gem, so booking ahead during the busy season (late spring through fall) is your ticket to securing a spot at one of Arizona's most beloved lakeside retreats.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Water activities help, but Arizona summers can be hot; four-season note tempers score.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

“Fall through spring delivers those picture-perfect days.”

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring grouped with fall/winter as picture-perfect camping season.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Winter included in the ‘four-season’ appeal; good birding and mild days expected.

Planning Tips

About East Campground

Picture yourself camping just steps from the shimmering waters of Patagonia Lake, where your mornings begin with a symphony of songbirds and your evenings end beneath a canopy of stars. East Campground puts you right on the doorstep of world-class birding trails and endless lake adventures, all from spacious, shaded sites that feel like your own private slice of southern Arizona paradise.

Patagonia Lake offers developed RV and tent campsites plus a separate cabin area with multiple deluxe cabins. Boat-in campsites are also available.

Historical Significance

The park page notes the rich western history of southern Arizona as part of the visitor experience; visitors may appreciate regional western heritage alongside natural history and wildlife viewing.

Weather and SeasonsHere's the insider secret: Patagonia Lake is genuinely a four-season destination, just with an Arizona twist. Fall through spring delivers those picture-perfect days—warm sunshine, cool breezes, and comfortable temperatures that make every hike and birding expedition a pleasure. Come summer, when temperatures climb, the lake becomes your best friend, offering refreshing swims and endless hours on the water. Just remember that word has gotten out about this gem, so booking ahead during the busy season (late spring through fall) is your ticket to securing a spot at one of Arizona's most beloved lakeside retreats.

Natural Features and SceneryThis isn't just any desert lake—it's a genuine oasis where cottonwoods and mesquite trees cast dappled shade over the shoreline, and the water stretches out in every direction like liquid sapphire. Birders travel from around the globe to walk the riparian trails here, hoping to catch a glimpse of rare species that call this unique habitat home. When you're ready to trade binoculars for a paddle, the full-service marina awaits, along with inviting sandy beaches and hidden coves that seem made for lazy afternoons of exploration.

Geological RegionSouthern Arizona foothills (Sky Island / Sky Island-adjacent region)

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 noon

Stay Limit

Maximum length of stay: 14 consecutive nights per household

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsArizona State Parks reservation system — online reservations and by phone at 1-877-MY-PARKS (1-877-697-2757). Reservations may be made up to 365 days in advance.

Cancellation PolicySee Reservation Terms & Conditions (Reservation policies on Arizona State Parks site).

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Lakeside recreation including boating and fishing, plus trail-based wildlife viewing and hiking. Boat-in campsites and marina services support on-water activities.

HikingDiverse desert and lakeside trails in good condition, frequently used for birding and wildlife viewing.

FishingFishing for resident bass, trout, and catfish is popular; lake access and boat rentals support fishing activities.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFish advisory in effect for flathead catfish (ADEQ recommends limiting consumption). Summer heat can be extreme. Many sites are sloped or uneven (site levelness varies). Weekends and holidays can be crowded.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at East Campground

Reviews

4.3

145 reviews

Satisfactory

East Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall positive reviews: visitors praise the lake setting, birding opportunities, boating/fishing access, and clean restrooms/showers; frequent criticisms include crowded weekends, unlevel campsites, occasional closed facilities/maintenance, and spotty cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 145 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic lakefront setting and strong birding opportunities; boat rentals and boat-in campsites; clean, spacious restrooms and showers; developed sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire...

Based on 145 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve campsites or cabins in advance (reservations available up to 365 days). For cabin guests: bring your own linens (cabins have beds but no linens) and note cabins have electricity but no...

Based on 145 reviews