Idlewilde Campground
4.6810 reviewsIdlewilde Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Portal, AZ
Idlewilde Campground
$10.00 - $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
Single campsites cost $20 per night, reduced to $10 for holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass. Double sites cost $40 per night. Day use fees are $8 per vehicle or $10 for a week. Federal passes are accepted.
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About this campground
Welcome to Idlewilde Campground, where your Cave Creek Canyon adventure begins. As the first campground you'll discover along this legendary birding corridor, Idlewilde offers an intimate escape perfect for tent campers, van dwellers, and pickup truck adventurers seeking a more rustic experience. While trailers must find accommodations elsewhere, those who arrive with smaller setups are rewarded with prime access to one of Arizona's most biodiverse wonderlands. Just steps from the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where black bears roam freely and over 200 bird species fill the canyon with their songs. This is where the wild heart of the Chiricahua Mountains reveals itself to those ready to listen.
Idlewilde Campground caters to those looking for more primitive camping experiences, with a focus on tent sites and smaller camping accommodations.
Weather and SeasonsThe rhythm of seasons at Idlewilde tells a dramatic story of transformation. Early spring arrives with crisp, bone-chilling mornings that demand warm sleeping bags and hot coffee, while summer unfolds into a tapestry of warm days that can crescendo into sweltering afternoons. Though winter occasionally dusts the canyon with snow and spring sometimes brings refreshing rains, most days gift campers with brilliant azure skies that seem to stretch forever. Savvy adventurers mark their calendars for the sweet spots of weeks 6, 7, and 16, when conditions align perfectly for outdoor exploration. Those seeking solitude might brave the challenges of late December (weeks 48, 50, and 52), when storms sweep through the canyon, creating a more dramatic but demanding camping experience.
ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet above sea level, Idlewilde Campground offers that perfect elevation where desert meets mountain, creating a unique microclimate that supports an astonishing diversity of life. At this altitude, summer heat becomes manageable, winter cold stays reasonable, and the air carries just enough mountain crispness to remind you that you've left the lowlands behind.
Natural Features and SceneryIdlewilde unfolds beneath a living canopy where ancient evergreen oaks spread their weathered branches alongside the pale, papery bark of Arizona sycamores. Towering Arizona cypress trees stand sentinel while gnarled junipers perfume the air with their distinctive fragrance. A melodious stream whispers through the campground, its gentle voice joining the canyon's natural symphony. This is a place where morning light filters through leaves in golden streams, where afternoon shadows create cool refuges, and where evening brings a tranquility so complete it feels like the earth itself is sighing into rest.
Geological RegionCave Creek Canyon cradles Idlewilde Campground in its ancient embrace, a geological masterpiece carved by time and water through the volcanic heart of the Chiricahua Mountains. This spectacular gorge has earned international acclaim as a birding paradise, where the meeting of four major biomes creates an ecological crossroads unlike anywhere else in North America. The canyon walls tell stories millions of years in the making, while the diverse forest of evergreen oak, sycamore, Arizona cypress, and juniper creates a living gallery that changes with every season. Here, where Madrean pine-oak woodlands meet riparian corridors, nature has crafted one of the Southwest's most enchanting outdoor theaters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible restroom facilities for campers with disabilities are not specified.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for tents, vans, or pickup truck campers. No trailers are permitted.
Sites PrivacySites provide a moderate level of privacy. A review notes, 'The sites are not on top of each other and the majority are raised up from the road.'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDirect quotes from user reviews: 'Sites are not on top of each other and the majority are raised up from the road.' 'Great place to camp right by the water, both bathrooms always clean and have toilet paper.'
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of 10 persons per site.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at Idlewilde.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are generally spaced apart, with many raised from the road. Parking aprons are dirt and irregularly shaped.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 1 to October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served. User reviews mention that all 4 campgrounds in the area fill by 4 PM on Fridays during peak season weekends.
Cancellation PolicyIdlewilde Campground does not require reservations, so cancellation policies are not applicable.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Idlewilde Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography. Its proximity to Cave Creek Nature Trail allows visitors to engage in scenic hikes.
Hiking
The nearby Cave Creek Nature Trail is accessible and spans the lower Cave Creek Canyon. This trail connects Sunny Flat Campground to the Silver Peak Trailhead. Unmarked trails are also nearby for further exploration.Wildlife viewing
Idlewilde is renowned for birdwatching. The ecosystem, with cypress trees and diverse bird populations, provides a haven for birders. Deer sightings are also common in the area.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground is near the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center, which offers interpretive programs.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, likely due to seasonal closures.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available or supported at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire grills are available. No additional policies documented.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are common in the area, requiring food storage precautions. Steep creek crossings may be impassable during wet weather.
Active alertsNo active alerts documented at this time.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 14.1 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
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 are likely in Portal or Douglas (~54 miles away), but specific locations for hospitals or police are not documented.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to October 31.
Trash and recyclingThe campground provides bear-proof trash cans, ensuring safety and convenience.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is located beside a seasonal stream in Cave Creek Canyon.
Common complaintsUser reviews note that campgrounds fill quickly during weekends and the nightly fee ($20) is considered expensive by some visitors. Lack of potable water is a consistent concern.
HostUser reviews mention that hosts may not always be available.
Campground Map
Idlewilde Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Portal, AZ
Driving directions150 miles east of Tucson, 2 miles southwest of Portal, 54 miles northeast of Douglas. Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80 (you will cross the New Mexico border to get to this intersection). Turn right (south) and drive 28 miles, then turn right (west) on the road to Portal, 7 miles. From Douglas, take US 80 east approximately 50 miles to Rodeo, NM. Two miles past Rodeo, turn left (west) on Portal Road. From Portal drive west on Forest Road 42, approximately 2 miles to Idlewilde Campground.
All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.Nearby places
Portal (2 miles, ~10 minutes), Douglas (54 miles, ~1 hour), Tucson (150 miles, ~3 hours)
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries and gas are available at the intersection of State Rt. 87 and Forest Rt. 3.
Camper Reviews
4.7
10 reviews
Idlewilde Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users consistently praise Idlewilde Campground for its serene environment, cleanliness, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The scenic beauty and nearby stream are frequently highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the clean and well-maintained facilities, birdwatching opportunities, and the scenic stream that runs alongside the campground. One reviewer described it as 'one of the nicest...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted the lack of potable water and expressed concern about the $20 per night price, describing it as slightly expensive. Fast drivers on nearby roads were also mentioned as a safety...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving early, as campsites tend to fill up quickly on weekends. Bringing your own water supply is essential due to the lack of potable water.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weekends see high demand, with all campsites typically occupied by Friday evening. Early October visits are described as quiet, with fewer crowds. Peak birdwatching season coincides with the...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Plenty of wildlife to film, lots of deer.' 2. 'Great for car camping. Clean and well maintained.' 3. 'Bathrooms always clean and have toilet paper.' 4. 'Sites are not on top of each other and the...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites are described as raised and well-spaced, providing privacy. There is no mention of specific site numbers being superior.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features or challenges.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not provide specific insights into pet policies or experiences.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025