Herb Martyr Campground

About

Herb Martyr Campground sits at approximately 5,800 feet elevation in the scenic Cave Creek Canyon, one of the most celebrated birding destinations in North America. The small, shaded campground is set among oak and streamside trees along Cave Creek, providing a cool respite in southeastern Arizona. Sites are designated for tent camping only, with no RV or trailer access permitted. The campground serves as the gateway to the Chiricahua Wilderness via the Herb Martyr Trail. Over 300 bird species have been documented in the surrounding mountains, including elegant trogons, blue-throated and magnificent hummingbirds, and Montezuma quail. Wildlife such as Apache fox squirrels, coatimundis, and Coues white-tailed deer are frequently spotted. The final two miles of access road (FR 42A) are unpaved but passable for standard passenger vehicles. All camping is first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Campers must bring their own drinking water as none is available on-site.

Directions

From Portal, take Forest Road 42 approximately 5 miles west, then turn onto FR 42A and continue 2 miles to the campground. Roads are paved except for the final 2 miles on FR 42A, which is unpaved but suitable for passenger vehicles.