Margies Cove West Campground

4.32

24 reviews

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

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Desert Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

1,112 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

1,112 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Margies Cove West Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee is required to use the campground.

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(623) 580-5500blm_az_pdo@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 24 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethiking

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

A high-clearance, two-wheel-drive vehicle is suitable for the dirt road leading to the campground. Access is considered remote, and the road may pose challenges for low-clearance vehicles.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Phoenix, AZ offers the nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, approximately 60 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Margies Cove West Campground

Experience camping perfection with Margies Cove West's remarkably consistent weather patterns. Blue skies dominate the landscape nearly 88% of the time, creating an outdoor enthusiast's paradise where rain rarely interrupts your adventures (averaging just a 2.6% chance). Temperatures dance comfortably between crisp 41°F mornings and pleasant 65°F afternoons, offering ideal conditions for both active exploration and relaxed evenings by the campfire. Winter transforms this desert haven into a cool-weather camping destination, where dry conditions and moderate temperatures create the perfect escape from harsh winter weather elsewhere.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer likely very hot in Sonoran Desert; reviewers note summer less pleasant.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers pleasant weather and low crowds; open year-round with consistent blue skies.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely pleasant for hiking with consistent blue skies; minimal seasonal crowding noted.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in AZ

Winter offers cooler temperatures for hiking; reviewers report positive winter visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season pricing as the campground is free.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Margies Cove West Campground

Escape to the serene isolation of Margies Cove West Campground, where the raw beauty of primitive camping meets the convenience of thoughtful amenities. This intimate desert retreat welcomes adventurers with three well-appointed campsites, each featuring sturdy picnic tables and steel fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Day visitors can take advantage of ample parking for up to ten vehicles, while overnight guests enjoy the simplicity of vault toilet facilities and helpful informational signage. Positioned right at the doorstep of the Margies Cove West Trailhead, this campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

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 SeasonsExperience camping perfection with Margies Cove West's remarkably consistent weather patterns. Blue skies dominate the landscape nearly 88% of the time, creating an outdoor enthusiast's paradise where rain rarely interrupts your adventures (averaging just a 2.6% chance). Temperatures dance comfortably between crisp 41°F mornings and pleasant 65°F afternoons, offering ideal conditions for both active exploration and relaxed evenings by the campfire. Winter transforms this desert haven into a cool-weather camping destination, where dry conditions and moderate temperatures create the perfect escape from harsh winter weather elsewhere.

ElevationElevation information is not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Sonoran Desert at Margies Cove West, where solitude and wilderness converge in perfect harmony. This remote sanctuary offers a front-row seat to nature's desert theater, where curious squirrels dart between resilient desert flora and the landscape stretches endlessly toward distant horizons. The campground's tranquil setting provides an authentic desert experience, far from the crowds and noise of civilization, allowing visitors to truly connect with the rugged beauty and profound silence that only the desert can offer.

Geological RegionSet within the iconic Sonoran Desert, Margies Cove West showcases one of North America's most distinctive landscapes. Here, sparse vegetation punctuates rugged terrain, creating a dramatic tapestry of earth tones and textures. Wide-open vistas stretch to the horizon, offering breathtaking panoramas of this ancient desert ecosystem. The characteristic rocky outcroppings and weathered formations tell the story of millions of years of geological history, while the expansive desert floor invites exploration and discovery at every turn.

Best Campsites

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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

Site layoutThree primitive sites arranged near the Margies Cove West Trailhead, with picnic tables and fire rings.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground is not reservable.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served; there are three sites available.

Cancellation PolicyNot 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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingThe campground is adjacent to Margies Cove West Trailhead. Hiking opportunities abound, but trails are reportedly not well-marked. One user warned, "The trail itself isn't marked well so bring a map and a means to mark it as you go." The terrain is described as easy and suitable for families.

Wildlife viewingCampers can enjoy watching local wildlife in the area. One reviewer appreciated the natural surroundings, saying it was nice to "watch the little squirrels run around."

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the absence of water sources, limited cell service due to mountainous terrain, and challenging dirt road access requiring high-clearance vehicles. Wildlife encounters such as squirrels have been noted.

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

Fire PolicySteel fire rings are provided; campfires are allowed within these designated rings.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services including hospitals and police stations are located in Phoenix, AZ, which is approximately 60 miles away.

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.

Water FeaturesNo water sources are available at the campground.

Weather at Margies Cove West Campground

Reviews

4.3

24 reviews

Recommended

Margies Cove West Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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

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

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-specific feedback is not mentioned in the reviews.

Based on 24 reviews

0 review

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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