Bog Springs Campground
4.5766 reviewsBog Springs Campground
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$20 per night for a single site, $10 with applicable discounts. Double sites cost $40 per night. Day use fees are $8 per vehicle per day, or $10 per vehicle per week.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the enchanting Madera Canyon, Bog Springs Campground beckons nature enthusiasts to discover a mountain sanctuary where the Santa Rita peaks frame every sunrise. This haven for birders and hikers alike serves as your gateway to high grassland adventures, where winding trails lead through landscapes that seem worlds away from the desert below.
Bog Springs Campground accommodates tent and RV camping. Group sites are not explicitly mentioned, and no glamping or cabin options exist.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with perfect camping weather as daytime temperatures hover in the comfortable 80s before dropping to crisp, star-gazing friendly 40s at night. Thanks to its mountain location, you'll find refuge from Tucson's heat throughout the year. Summer brings dramatic afternoon monsoons that paint the sky with lightning before giving way to crystal-clear evenings filled with the scent of rain-washed pine and oak.
ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet above the desert floor, this high-elevation retreat offers a refreshing escape where the air is crisp and clean. Here, you'll discover a remarkable ecosystem that thrives in the cooler mountain climate, creating a completely different world from the saguaro-studded valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient evergreen oaks and distinctive alligator junipers create a natural cathedral around your campsite, their gnarled branches providing shade and shelter for an astounding array of wildlife. More than 200 bird species call these woods home, while white-tailed deer browse quietly through camp at dawn and wild turkeys parade past in the evening light. Every vista reveals the majestic Santa Rita Mountains rising against Arizona's endless sky.
Geological RegionThe Santa Rita Mountains' high grasslands create a unique tapestry where golden meadows meet thick oak woodlands and towering conifer forests. This remarkable geological transition zone showcases nature's diversity as desert gives way to mountain, creating distinct habitats that change with every gain in elevation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited accessibility features. Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available, and some parking aprons are uneven.
Sites SizeSites are terraced with adequate space for tents and small RVs, though some sites are uneven.
Sites PrivacySites offer moderate privacy, with some being hidden from the road while others are close together.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites further from the toilet may offer more privacy. Tent sites at the back (e.g., Sites 9 & 10) are ideal for quieter camping.
Best Campsites"Sites 9 & 10 by the Dutch John Spring trail are tents only" (user review)
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit per 60-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site.
Groups
No group sites are available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are terraced and spread out. Parking aprons are paved, though some are eroded.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis. Campground fills quickly, particularly on weekends.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bog Springs Campground offers various outdoor activities, including hiking and birdwatching. The presence of multiple nearby trails caters to different skill levels, and wildlife viewing is a highlight.
Hiking
There are several trails accessible directly from the campground, including the Bog Springs Trail (2.7 miles) and Dutch John Springs Trail (1.8 miles). Other nearby trails offer varying levels of difficulty, including the Super Trail (8.1 miles) and Old Baldy Trail (4.5 miles).Wildlife viewing
The campground is known for its diverse wildlife, including over 200 bird species, deer, and wild turkeys. It is a popular spot for birdwatchers.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited; the campground operates year-round but does not feature specific winter sports.Water Sports
Water sports are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed except during fire bans. "Many people ignore fire bans during the no-fire season" (user review).
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; use bear-proof food storage containers. Squirrels may be aggressive if food is left unattended.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services information is not provided.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash containers are available at each site. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Common complaintsGenerators running for prolonged periods. Campgrounds often fill quickly, and sites may be reserved by 'placeholders' without actual occupants.
Host"Very helpful and respectful camp host who even shares firewood" (user review). Hosts manage discounts and site protocols.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Tucson, Arizona, travel south on I-19 for approximately 35 miles to the Continental Road exit (Exit 63) in Green Valley, Arizona. Turn left (east) on Continental Road and go approximately 1 mile to the junction with the Madera Canyon/White House Canyon Road. Turn right (southwest) and travel approximately 12.5 miles to the entrance of the Bog Springs Campground.
Forest Rt. 70A is a narrow, winding paved road with potholes, which may pose some challenges. Roads are accessible year-round.Nearby places
Green Valley (12.5 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supply information is not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.6
66 reviews
Bog Springs Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, exceptional birdwatching opportunities, and well-maintained facilities as major draws. However, complaints about generator noise, crowded weekends, and the lack of advanced reservations are common.
Review Summaries
Based on 66 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the natural scenery, shaded sites, abundant wildlife, and accessibility to hiking trails. Birdwatching is frequently praised, with one user describing the site as a 'bird-watching...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include noise from RV generators, limited availability of sites due to the first-come, first-serve policy, and uneven parking areas. Some users expressed frustration with other...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early, ideally before noon, to secure a campsite, especially on weekends. Consider bringing leveling blocks for RVs due to uneven parking aprons. Bring your own firewood and ensure you utilize...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is popular in spring and fall due to mild temperatures and active wildlife. Summer can be hot but is still enjoyable due to shade and elevation. Winter usage appears lower, with no...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The birding this time of year is great.' - Sue Campbell 2. 'Wow wow wow! Everything about this campground is wonderful!' - Dawn Mawhinney 3. 'Great, quiet and relaxing scenery.' - Ryan Best
Based on 66 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 9 and 10 are noted as tent-only and located near the Dutch John Spring Trail. Site 3 is mentioned as rocky and close to site 2, making it less private.
Based on 66 reviewsAccessibility Features
Users note the lack of wheelchair-friendly toilets and uneven parking aprons, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Based on 66 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed. Some users have observed campers not adhering to leash rules, causing disturbances.
Based on 66 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025