Camping and Birding Adventures in Arizona

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When winter starts fading to spring, it’s time for our camping and birding adventures in southern Arizona. A state filled with big skies, western terrain and wonderful wildlife. It’s a treasure for the nature-loving senses. We’re sharing southern Arizona locations for birders, campers, hikers and nature seekers.

We’re all about maximizing the fun and speeding up the planning.

As a quick recap, I’m a full time photographer, blogger and content creator. My hubby and I started our camping adventures when we purchased our Tab 400 Boondock by nuCamp aka “Sheen’s Bean.” Since then, we spend three to four months throughout the year traveling this amazing country. (Check out: 8 Proven Camping Trip Planning Tips That will Keep You Happy Camping).

(Featured image of our camper above is by Ed Ketterer.)

Arizona Bound? Check out these southern Camping and Birding Locations

This year, dear friends of ours decided to go birding in Patagonia, Arizona. When they shared their plans, it was, “how fast can we meet you there?” We spent several activity-packed weeks last year camping and birding in Arizona. Before camping, we traveled here many times prior as well.

As we camped along the way here, our first stop in Arizona was via Harvest Hosts El Pais Hotel and Campground in Tucson. After a refuel and refill, time for camping. First camping and birding stop? Patagonia area.

Patagonia Area and Patagonia Lake State Campground

We camped at Patagonia Lake State Campground for five nights. This area fills the air with birds calling for their spring mates, warm breezes and gentle streams.

Hiking trails, boating (we rented a row boat), and birding starts outside your camper window. Peaceful, quiet, easy to access, we rate this area a high 10.

Birds spotted included: warblers, hummingbirds, waterfowl, herons, kingbirds, phoebes, flycatchers and others. Plus, the campground’s native gardens attract butterflies, hummingbirds, moths and bees.

In-Town Patagonia

Our friends stayed in an in-town VRBO rental filled with local charm and spacious room. The downtown area of Patagonia is very walkable to restaurants and local markets. So if you’re not a camper, there are great options to stay in town.

The local food scene in Patagonia is also alive and well! Our favorite was The Ovens of Patagonia. Their gourmet hand-crafted sandwiches, coffee, pastries is yummy goodness that rivals any bakery, anywhere. Three visits in five days, need we say more?

Great birding locations also reside within the town. The Paton Center for Hummingbirds offers diverse birding views across the landscape. Easy walking with benches to sit, wait and watch. The wait lasts for only a few minutes, then the zipping and zinging of flying hummers starts again.

The Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve covers over 800 acres of protected lands and waters. This riparian habitat supports endangered fishes, butterflies and birds. Winding trails takes you through woods and fields. At the main area, hummingbirds and other species zip across the array of feeders. Another sit and wait opportunity for the birds to come to you.

In short, many great spots here to step into nature. The sunsets are pretty nice too. And, if you need supplies, groceries, vibrant Nogales, Arizona is just down the road.

Dispersed Camping and Birding in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

After leaving Patagonia, we cruised over to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Within an hour or so from Patagonia, we were off into a remote area where seeing other people? Not so much. In fact, we saw three other campers within a two mile radius.

Campendium’s description of the dispersed camping in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge lead us to this remote gem.

When you think of getting away from the rush of town life, this secluded area is what makes dispersed camping so desirable. Remote, quiet, surrounded by nature with a big, clear sky overhead. The dirt roads cater to runners, cyclists and backroad drivers to take in more views.

Flowing, native grasses reminded us both of movies set in the African plains. Beautiful light in the golden and blue hours each day.

The western birds here were a bit on the slower side versus Patagonia, however the landscape scene more than compensated. In another month, this area’s bird population will significantly increase with migration.

Camping spots were easy to find, park and set up. With a cell tower nearby, we were able to connect (AT&T) with solid service. The small town of Arivaca hosts a gas station, a local market for supply refill if needed and restaurant. While we didn’t eat there, the parking lot was quite full in the evenings.

Madera Canyon & Bog Springs – A Repeat Camping and Birding Visit

When you spend time in an area that rewards the senses, a repeat visit is in order. Last year we camped at Bog Springs located in the heart of Madera Canyon. A first come, first serve, we scored a camping site the first round through, which is tough to do.

This year, is a different story. Filled to the brim! No worries. A terrific dispersed camping site is near the park’s entrance.

It’s a bit hairy driving back in to the dispersed area at first. A stream, steep hills and rocks, then the skies and terrain opens up for quite a few dispersed camping sites. The good news? The views totally rock.

With our annual America the Beautiful Pass from the National Park Service, going in and out of Madera Canyon (and all National Parks, Monuments and locations that accept intra-agency passes) is easy.

Madera Canyon winds through the mountains and is a hikers, walkers and birding haven. The Santa Rita Lodge area is a hotspot for hummingbirds, woodpeckers, tanagers and other songbirds. With many bird feeding stations, birders and photographers sit, wait and watch.

Within seconds, views of western birds, oblivious to their ‘captive’ audience are flitting in and out. Pardon the pun.

Parking for the bird viewing is in the picnic areas just down a bit unless a shopping visit to the gift shop is in order. We bought a portable hummingbird feeder to set up by our camper. Within minutes, hummers buzzed and zipped at our campsite.

Nearby Green Valley, Arizona

The closest town of Green Valley, is a thriving, growing community. All big city conveniences, are within a 30 minute drive from Madera Canyon. This includes large grocery stores, shops, medical and veterinary services. We needed vet care while in Arizona, Exceptional Pets, was responsive and provided high quality service.

What about Sierra Vista?

While our trip this year didn’t include this amazing area, we covered quite a bit of ground here over the course of a few years. Check out: Camping and Birding in Arizona: More Fun in the Sun for location details on birding, lodging, Harvest Hosts and more.

What’s next? We’re heading to Northern Arizona next for more dispersed camping in Sheen’s Bean. Happy trails, camping and birding await!