Bonita Canyon Campground

About

Bonita Canyon Campground occupies a historic, tree-covered setting within Chiricahua National Monument, known as the 'Wonderland of Rocks' for its towering rhyolite columns and balanced rock formations. At approximately 5,400 feet elevation, the campground offers cooler temperatures than the surrounding desert valleys, with summer highs in the 80s and 90s and winter lows often near or below freezing. The 23 sites include 22 standard non-electric sites ($25/night) and one group tent-only site accommodating 9-24 people ($50/night). Each site features a picnic table, raised charcoal/wood grill, and shared food storage lockers. Flush toilets and potable water are available year-round. No hookups, showers, or dump station exist on site. The campground provides access to 17 miles of day-use hiking trails through the monument's volcanic rock formations. The 8-mile Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive ends at Massai Point with sweeping views of the Sulphur Springs and San Simon valleys. Birders frequent the area for the exceptional diversity of species in this Madrean sky island ecosystem. Ground fires and firewood collection are permanently prohibited; only purchased firewood or charcoal may be used in the provided grills.

Directions

From I-10, take exit 336 toward Willcox for 4 miles. Turn left onto AZ-186 E for 31 miles. Turn left onto AZ-181 E for 4 miles. Veer left onto E Bonita Canyon Road into the monument. The campground is 2.5 miles ahead on the left, about 3.5 miles past the entrance station.