Is Margies Cove West Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Margies Cove West Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Margies Cove West Campground?

Margies Cove West Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Margies Cove West Campground have?

Margies Cove West Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Margies Cove West Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Margies Cove West Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Margies Cove West Campground?

Margies Cove West Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Margies Cove West Campground

3.99

24 reviews

Lower Sonoran Field Office, 21605 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85027, USA

Top 23% in AZWinter

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Desert Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

1,112 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,112 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

Margies Cove West Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

602-867-5400blm_az_pdoweb@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lower Sonoran Field Office, 21605 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85027, USA

Margies Cove West Campground

Lower Sonoran Field Office, 21605 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85027, USA

Nearby places

Phoenix, AZ — Approximately 60 miles (about 1 hour drive) southwest.

Driving directionsTake Arizona Hwy 85 to Woods Road (just south of mile post 134) and turn east. At the cattleguard/dirt road, turn immediately left and follow the brown MARGIES COVE TRAIL signs which guide you west, then north, along the Hwy 85 fenceline, then east 3.8 miles to Route 8001E. Turn right, drive south 1.2 miles to the campground and trailhead. A high-clearance, two-wheel-drive vehicle is suitable for this road.

Weather at Margies Cove West Campground

Best Time to Camp at Margies Cove West Campground

Best season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable daytime temperatures for desert hiking and wildlife viewing (typical highs in the mid-60s to low-70s°F, nights in the 40s), plus consistently clear skies for stargazing. Trails are easy to access and insect activity is low, so hiking the rocky outcrops and exploring the wide-open vistas is at its peak. Crowd levels are generally low to moderate (except holiday weekends), making the three-site campground feel remote and peaceful. Peak months: January, February, December Avoid: June, July, August

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in AZ

Winter described as best season: comfortable temps and excellent stargazing.

Planning Tips

About Margies Cove West Campground

Margies Cove West Campground is a BLM-managed primitive site in the Arizona foothills near Phoenix, offering quiet desert solitude with trailhead access for hiking rocky outcrops and wide-open vistas. Each of the handful of sites includes a fire ring and picnic table, plus vault toilets serve the campground. Winter brings the best conditions for stargazing and exploring the surrounding terrain, with comfortable daytime temperatures and clear desert skies.

Margies Cove West Campground is a primitive, first-come-first-serve facility with three campsites. It caters to campers seeking a remote and natural experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable daytime temperatures for desert hiking and wildlife viewing (typical highs in the mid-60s to low-70s°F, nights in the 40s), plus consistently clear skies for stargazing. Trails are easy to access and insect activity is low, so hiking the rocky outcrops and exploring the wide-open vistas is at its peak. Crowd levels are generally low to moderate (except holiday weekends), making the three-site campground feel remote and peaceful. Peak months: January, February, December Avoid: June, July, August

Elevation1112 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rugged Sonoran Desert terrain marked by rocky outcroppings, sparse desert vegetation, and wide-open views that stretch to distant horizons. Squirrels are common. The landscape is rocky and weathered, with earth tones dominating the palette. One reviewer praised the natural surroundings and stargazing conditions. The setting feels genuinely remote, surrounded by what one camper described as "peace and quiet."

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground only offers primitive campsites and does not provide additional lodging options such as cabins or hotels.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limit stated for the campsite.

Groups

There are no designated group camping facilities at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground is not reservable.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, and the rugged terrain and primitive facilities may pose challenges for some visitors.

Site SizeThe campground includes three campsites, each with space for a vehicle and a picnic table. Specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyThe campground is described as remote and secluded, offering a high degree of privacy. A reviewer stated, "Great spot surrounded by peace and quiet.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose the middle site for better shade. Be prepared with tools for cleaning the vault toilet and a map as trails are not well-marked.

Best CampsitesThe middle site has a tree for shade. That's the only site-specific detail mentioned in reviews.

Amenities available

Margies Cove West Campground offers three primitive campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and steel fire rings. Additional amenities include a vault toilet and informational signage. The campground does not have potable water or electricity, aligning with its remote and primitive nature. "Margie’s Cove is like a slice of wilderness heaven," notes a user, emphasizing the secluded and natural experience.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Margies Cove West Campground offers activities that emphasize solitude and interaction with the natural environment. Key activities include hiking and wildlife viewing, though visitors should be prepared for a rugged experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trash & RecyclingNo dedicated trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. A user noted, "Pack it in - pack it out," indicating that campers are expected to take their waste with them.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception appears to be limited or sporadic. A user mentioned, "No cell phone service, which is great if you are trying to unplug," while another stated that there was "limited cell service due to mountains."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

24 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Margies Cove West Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's remote and tranquil setting, making it ideal for those looking to unplug and enjoy a minimalist camping experience. However, the lack of water and basic facilities received mixed reactions.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

- Campground is quiet and remote, ideal for solitude. - Beautiful natural surroundings and an excellent spot for stargazing. - Trailhead access for hiking and exploring. - Steel fire rings and picnic...

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

- Vault toilet requires cleaning and maintenance. - No potable water or electricity. - Trails are poorly marked, making navigation difficult. - Rugged access road may require a high-clearance vehicle.

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes one user choosing the middle site for its shade-providing tree. Another praised the campground's cleanliness and the presence of picnic tables and fire pits.

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own water supply and sanitation supplies. - A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing the site. - Carry a detailed map or GPS for navigating unmarked trails. - Pack out all...

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User experiences are generally positive across seasons, with winter offering cooler temperatures for hiking. The remote nature makes it less impacted by seasonal crowding. However, summer may be less...

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Margie’s Cove is like a slice of wilderness heaven." 2. "Tears in my wife's eyes because she didn't want to leave. Beautiful, clean, and many miles of exploration." 3. "Located about 60 miles...

Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-specific reviews are not available, but the rugged road and primitive facilities may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Based on 24 reviews