Idlewilde Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 1, 2025 and operates through October 31. Water is available May through October only.

Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.

Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…

Mount Graham Inclement Weather Road Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads within the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, (“Described…

Fuelwood Sales

The minimum charge for a firewood permit is $20. Depending on the location and availability, for $20 you can select up to 10 cords of softwood or hardwood ($2/cord).  The dates listed in the table below are subject to change depending on conditions and availability of wood.  We recommend you…

Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure

No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area

Target Shooting Refuse Restriction

Possessing or storing any refuse for the purpose of target shooting with a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc).

No Fire Restrictions

There are currently no fire restrictions within the Coronado National Forest.

Jacobson Fire

In response to the Jacobson Fire that started on 5/26, areas are closed to visitor access. Inciweb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azcnf-jacobson-fire

Stronghold Fire

Stronghold Fire information is available at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-stronghold-fire.

Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-005 (Phase 2)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-004 (Phase 1)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

Bighorn Sheep Closure Order

Renewal of the previous Bighorn Sheep closure.

Sabino and Bear Canyon Closure Order 03-05-03-25-002

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources from environmental degradation.Effective January 22, 2025, through January 21, 2028, the Santa Catalina Ranger District has implemented a closure order in the area of Bear Canyon Trail and the Wilderness boundary…

14 Day Camping Closure 03-05-00-24-005

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to mitigate impacts on sensitive plant and wildlife species.

Alcohol Closure

The purpose of this Order is to comply with the Arizona and New Mexico state law and to restrict underage consumption of alcoholic beverages to provide for public health and safety.

Tanque Verde Falls Camping Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources in the Described Area.

Barfoot Snake Closure Order 03-05-01-24-004

The twin-spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) is a Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species and a State of Arizona protected reptile. Due to this species’ extremely limited habitat and population numbers, this Order provides for the protection of this species by precluding entry into the…

Rose Canyon Lake Closure Order 03-05-05-23-022

The Coronado National Forest is renewing the closure of the surface of Rose Canyon Lake. The overall recreation area remains open and fishing from the shore is allowed.

Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure Order 03-05-05-23-019

The purpose of this Order is to protect riparian ecosystem and water quality from the impacts of heavy recreation use in the Described Area. Recreation activities such as camping or offroad motor vehicle use can cause soil compactions and erosion, which is difficult to repair and can lead to…

SVRD Rec Shooting Closure Order 03-05-03-23-010

Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.

Olson Cabin Closure 03-05-05-22-030

Olson Cabin Permit Area is located on the west side of Forest System Road 4458 and approximately 1,500 feet northwest of the junction of Forest System Road 4458 and Forest System Road 639.There are many problems associated with the Olson Cabin Permit Area. The permit area and improvements were…

About

Idlewilde Campground is a primitive first-come, first-served campground located along Cave Creek in the spectacular Cave Creek Canyon of the Chiricahua Mountains. The campground features 9 single-family sites nestled under a grove of Arizona cypress trees at 5,000 feet elevation. Each site has a concrete picnic table and ground-level grill. The campground is renowned for its proximity to world-class birding opportunities, as Cave Creek Canyon attracts birders from around the globe, especially during spring migration from March through June. The campground is best suited for tent camping, vans, or pickup truck campers. No trailers are permitted due to the need to ford Cave Creek to access the sites. A vault toilet and drinking water from a hand pump are available during the operating season. The Cave Creek Nature Trail trailhead is nearby, offering access to lower Cave Creek Canyon hiking. Black bears are common in the area, and campers should take appropriate precautions. The 14-day stay limit applies, with a maximum of 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site.

Directions

From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80 in New Mexico. Turn right and drive south 28 miles, then turn right toward Portal and continue 7 miles. From Portal, drive west on Forest Road 42 approximately 2 miles to Idlewilde Campground. All roads are paved. From Douglas, take US 80 east approximately 50 miles to Rodeo, NM. Two miles past Rodeo, turn left on Portal Road and follow to campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $20

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (520) 388-8300

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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