Stewart Campground
04 reviewsStewart Campground
$8.00 - $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 single site. Double site costs $40 per night. Golden Age/Access/Interagency Senior/Access Pass holders pay $10 for single site. Day use fee is $8 per vehicle per day or $10 per week.
About this campground
Tucked beneath a verdant canopy of towering Arizona cypress and graceful sycamore trees, Stewart Campground offers a refreshing streamside retreat where cool shadows dance across the water. This hidden gem has become a beloved destination for birdwatchers who flock here to spot rare species among the rustling leaves, while hiking enthusiasts appreciate the convenient access to nearby trails that wind through the surrounding wilderness.
Stewart Campground offers camping options primarily for RVs and tent campers. It also has double campsites available. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with fewer than ten total sites.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Arizona's diverse climate at Stewart Campground, where each season brings its own character. Winter nights can dip below freezing, creating crisp mornings perfect for campfire coffee, while summer days soar past 90°F, making the shade of the cypress trees and the babbling creek especially welcome. This remarkable temperature range showcases the desert's stunning adaptability throughout the year.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's streamside setting creates an unexpected oasis where water nurtures a lush riparian ecosystem. Majestic Arizona cypress trees stretch their evergreen branches overhead, while stately sycamores display their distinctive mottled bark and broad leaves that whisper in the breeze. This verdant corridor attracts diverse wildlife and creates a microclimate that feels worlds away from the surrounding arid landscape.
Geological RegionNestled in the enchanting Cave Creek Canyon, Stewart Campground occupies a special place where water has carved through ancient rock to create a sheltered haven. The protective embrace of Arizona cypress and sycamore trees forms a natural cathedral overhead, their roots drinking from the life-giving stream that has shaped this remarkable canyon ecosystem over countless millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the sources provided.
Sites SizeSites accommodate RVs and trailers up to 16 feet.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest that some sites, even those near the road, feel secluded.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers recommend arriving early to secure a site due to limited availability.
Best CampsitesSite #1, noted for being secluded despite proximity to the road.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
10 persons per site.
Groups
Group sites are not detailed in the sources provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites include pull-ins suitable for RVs up to 16 feet.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"First-come-first-served," with less than 10 sites available.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Stewart Campground is particularly noted for its excellent birding opportunities. The nearby Cave Creek Nature Trail and South Fork Trail offer additional recreational activities, including hiking and wildlife viewing. The Cathedral Vista Trail provides impressive views of Cave Creek Canyon, and stargazing at the nearby bridge is highly recommended.
Hiking
Nearby trails such as the Cave Creek Nature Trail and South Fork Trail are accessible from Stewart Campground. The Cathedral Vista Trail offers easy hiking with little elevation gain and provides unobstructed views of Cave Creek Canyon.Wildlife viewing
Stewart Campground is an excellent spot for birding, with nearby trails offering additional opportunities for observing local wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, but it is noted that water is turned off during the winter months due to freezing conditions.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned in the sources provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire grills available; no specific prohibitions mentioned.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bear sightings in the area. Poison ivy reported by campers.
Active alertsWater is turned off during winter months at first freeze.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 14.3 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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are provided on-site. Campers are encouraged to adhere to the 'pack it in, pack it out' principle.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Cave Creek and Cathedral Vista Trail.
Common complaintsPoison ivy is frequent in the area. Restrooms may lack maintenance including toilet paper. Self-pay station often runs out of forms.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directions150 miles east of Tucson. 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 2.3 miles to Stewart Campground. All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.
All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.Nearby places
Douglas: 50 miles, Rodeo, NM: 2 miles, Tucson: 150 miles
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Stewart Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful, secluded sites with natural shade and proximity to trails. Some reviews point out maintenance issues, such as lack of bathroom supplies and broken community water facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the scenic beauty of the campground, spacious and private campsites, excellent birding opportunities, and proximity to hiking trails. The night sky and stargazing...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes reports of maintenance issues such as bathrooms without toilet paper, broken community water facilities, and a self-pay station lacking forms. Additionally, poison ivy was...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest arriving early to secure a site, as the campground has fewer than ten sites and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Stargazing at the nearby bridge is highly recommended.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter visitors mentioned that potable water is turned off due to freezing conditions. Early spring visitors noted that some nearby campsites were closed. No seasonal-specific complaints or praises...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This is one of the prettiest campgrounds ever, the creek is running, you have spacious campsites and a spectacular view.' - Denise Bartelle
2. 'Extremely quiet and private. Go to the bridge for...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 was mentioned positively for its surprising level of privacy despite being near the road.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user mentioned poison ivy as a potential hazard for dogs that are let off-leash.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025