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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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).
Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure
No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area
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.
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.
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.
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.
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a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.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.
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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