Rock Bluff Group Site
4.6615 reviews4070 S Avenida Saracino, Hereford, AZ 85615
Rock Bluff Group Site
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$45.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Area Nonelectric facility rate is $45 per night during peak season. Additional fees may apply, including reservation fees ($8 online/app, $9 contact center). Late cancellations also incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee.
About this campground
Nestled within the sprawling Coronado National Forest, Rock Bluff Group Site offers an intimate escape where up to 50 adventurers can gather beneath Arizona's star-studded skies. This secluded haven features thoughtfully arranged camping amenities, with fire rings, picnic tables, and grills tucked into charming walled patios that create cozy gathering spaces for groups. Just a stone's throw from the serene waters of Parker Canyon Lake, this site perfectly balances wilderness solitude with comfortable group camping.
Rock Bluff Group Site is designed for group camping and offers spacious accommodations for large gatherings.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the high desert's captivating climate, where crisp, dry winters give way to pleasantly moderate temperatures throughout much of the year. As daylight fades, the desert reveals its dramatic personality with significant temperature drops that remind you of the wilderness's raw beauty. Winter brings magnificent bald eagles soaring overhead, while fall welcomes migrating osprey on their ancient journey. The region's limited precipitation ensures plenty of clear nights perfect for stargazing and campfire stories.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 5,400 feet above sea level, Rock Bluff occupies a dramatic rocky canyon where the high desert meets the sky. This elevated sanctuary offers cooler temperatures and cleaner air, providing relief from the desert heat below.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a rugged paradise where ancient oaks and aromatic junipers frame your wilderness experience within the canyon's protective embrace. This vibrant ecosystem hosts an enchanting cast of wildlife characters - from the curious coatimundi and bristly javelina to the swift roadrunners darting between rocks. Winter transforms the site into an eagle-watcher's dream as majestic bald eagles patrol the skies, while autumn brings graceful osprey gliding through on their seasonal migrations. The surrounding Coronado National Forest showcases nature's artistry through its famous 'sky islands' - majestic mountain ranges that surge dramatically from the desert floor, creating vertical worlds of biodiversity.
Geological RegionRock Bluff Group Site sits within a intimate rocky canyon at 5,400 feet, part of the magnificent Coronado National Forest that stretches across 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. This remarkable landscape features the region's famous 'sky islands' - isolated mountain ranges that rise like biological arks from the surrounding desert seas, with elevations spanning from 3,000 to 10,720 feet. These geological wonders create unique microclimates and support an extraordinary tapestry of life found nowhere else, making each visit a journey through multiple ecosystems in a single trip.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities are mentioned in the sources.
Sites SizeThe group campsite can accommodate up to 50 people, with ample space for tents and trailers.
Sites PrivacySites are generally private, benefiting from a locked gate. "Really nice having the site entirely to yourself with a locked gate preventing people from even venturing into your campsite," one user noted.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome reviews suggest choosing sites clear of brush or wasp nests. Warren Fayuant recommends bringing extra blankets due to drastic temperature drops.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM (noon)
Stay Limit
- 14 nights per visit
- 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 50 guests per group campsite.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 50 people with ample space for tents and RVs, alongside multiple fire pits and picnic tables.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree sites with small walled patios, each featuring two tables and two fire rings. Parking accommodates trailers and RVs, with user Joshua E mentioning space for three trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season runs from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityA locked gate restricts access, and no mention is made of walk-up availability. Reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival for a $10 fee plus first-night recreation fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before check-in) incur additional penalties. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first-night recreation fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rock Bluff Group Site provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, and other lake-related activities. The proximity to Parker Canyon Lake enriches the overall experience.
Hiking
An interpretive trail around Parker Canyon Lake is accessible within a quarter-mile walk from the campground. Trailside benches are located at wildlife viewing areas.Fishing
Parker Canyon Lake offers fishing opportunities for both cold and warm water species, including rainbow trout, bass, sunfish, and catfish.Boating
Boating is available at Parker Canyon Lake with a restriction of 10-horsepower motors or less.Wildlife viewing
The area is known for diverse wildlife, including coatimundi, javelina, roadrunners, bald eagles (winter sightings), and osprey (fall migration).Winter Activities
Winter activities include wildlife viewing, as bald eagles are often sighted during this season.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities at Parker Canyon Lake, alongside general boating.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be extinguished completely and cannot be left unattended. Visitors are responsible for keeping fires under control.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBears and other animals are present; all food must be secured, and trash disposed in bins provided.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site, with steel animal-resistant trash bins provided. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresApproximately a quarter-mile walk to Parker Canyon Lake. Nearby attractions include a boat ramp, fishing pier, and general store.
Common complaintsSome reviews highlight rough road access, lack of proximity to the lake, and issues with picnic table placement or infestation (e.g., wasps).
Hostnull
Campground Map
4070 S Avenida Saracino, Hereford, AZ 85615
Driving directionsFrom Tucson, drive east on I-10 to the Arizona Route 83 exit. Drive south to Sonoita, and then continue on 83 for approximately 25 miles to Parker Canyon Lake. From Sierra Vista, travel through Fort Huachuca's west gate to State Route 83. Turn south and travel 10 miles to Parker Canyon Lake.
Road access involves paved highways followed by a paved dirt road. Gate is locked at all times, requiring a combination for access. Some reviews, such as Scott F, highlight the road in as 'terrible,' indicating rough conditions.Nearby places
Sonoita (25 miles), Sierra Vista (10 miles)
Nearby supplies
A general store with boat rentals and fishing supplies is available near Parker Canyon Lake, just a short drive from the group area.
Camper Reviews
4.7
15 reviews
Rock Bluff Group Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews praised the site's privacy, spaciousness, and proximity to recreational activities at Parker Canyon Lake. The locked gate was a standout feature for many users, ensuring exclusivity.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean pit toilets, spacious campsite with fire pits and picnic tables, proximity to lake and interpretive trail, and wildlife sightings such as bald eagles and osprey.
Based on 15 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some reviewers found the picnic tables and fire pits inconveniently spaced. Reports of brush-covered and wasp-infested areas during certain times were noted. "Any of the more suitable sites that had...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water as none is available on-site. Wear shoes for pets due to rough terrain. Bring extra blankets as temperatures drop drastically at night. "Definitely recommend shoes for...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlighted bald eagle sightings and cold temperatures. Summer reviews noted the lack of shade and high temperatures, with users opting to picnic near the store rather than at the site.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great group campsite. Plenty of space for tent and RV campers. Clean pit toilets," stated one reviewer. "Wonderful site for large groups. Very private on our favorite little lake. No electric or...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 is consistently praised for its privacy and locked gate. However, some users noted brush-covered areas and infestations during certain months.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were available.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users recommend protective footwear for them due to the rough terrain.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025