Idlewilde Campground
Open for the season May 1 through October 31. First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations. 14-day stay limit.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 22 at 10:48AM MST until July 25 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 100 to 105 expected with Major HeatRisk. * WHERE...Eastern Cochise County below 5000 feet, Upper San Pedro River Valley, and Upper Santa Cruz River Valley/Altar Valley. * WHEN...From 10 AM Friday to 8 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
Marshall Gulch Area Closure
Marshall Gulch area closed during reconstruction of picnic area and trailhead
Ski Run Road Closure
PURPOSETo protect public health and safety from potential hazards. This closure is necessary to remove hazard trees and snags overhanging the road.
About
Idlewilde Campground sits at the entrance to Cave Creek Canyon, one of the premier birding destinations in North America. Located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, the campground provides access to a unique riparian ecosystem where species from the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Madre, and Sonoran Desert converge. Birders flock here to spot elegant trogons, Mexican jays, and sulphur-bellied flycatchers. The campground offers 9 single-family sites along the creek, each equipped with a concrete picnic table and ground-level grill. Facilities include vault toilets and potable water available from a hand pump. Sites accommodate tents, vans, and pickup truck campers only; trailers are not permitted due to the narrow canyon road and compact site layout. Black bears are common in the area, so proper food storage is essential. The 14-day stay limit, combined with restrictions of 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site, helps preserve the quiet character of this popular canyon destination.
Directions
From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80 (crossing into New Mexico briefly). Turn south and drive 28 miles, then turn west toward Portal for 7 miles. From Portal, drive west on Forest Road 42 approximately 2 miles to Idlewilde Campground. All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $40 |
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 |
Useful Links
| USFS Idlewilde Campground | |
| Coronado NF Alerts & Closures |
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