Sunny Flat Campground
4.6923 reviewsSunny Flat Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Coronado National Forest
Sunny Flat 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
Single site costs $20 per night, reduced to $10 with Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, or Interagency Access Pass. Double site costs $40 per night. Day use is $8 per vehicle or $10 per week.
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About this campground
Nestled in a sun-dappled meadow where Cave Creek whispers through ancient sycamores and oaks, Sunny Flat Campground invites you to experience nature's theater. Twelve thoughtfully placed campsites frame this grassy sanctuary, each offering front-row seats to Cave Creek Canyon's dramatic rock spires that pierce the sky like nature's cathedrals. Birdsong fills the morning air as enthusiasts flock here to spot rare species, while adventurers use the campground as their basecamp for exploring the network of trails and scenic drives that wind through this enchanted landscape.
Sunny Flat Campground provides tent camping, combined sites accommodating both tents and small RVs, and group camping facilities.
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable landscape has captivated humans for millennia, serving as a crossroads where diverse ecosystems meet and mingle. The extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, combined with the area's striking geological features, has made it a natural classroom for generations of visitors. Today, the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center stands as a gateway to understanding, offering carefully curated books and interpretive materials that unlock the secrets of this ecological treasure trove.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full symphony of seasons at Sunny Flat, where each brings its own magic. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, creating perfect camping conditions. Summer delivers warm days ideal for creek exploration and cool nights perfect for stargazing. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland, though temperatures can plummet dramatically. Be aware that monsoon rains can occasionally swell Cave Creek, requiring temporary evacuations for safety—nature's reminder of its untamed power.
ElevationPerched at 5,200 feet where the desert meets the mountains, Sunny Flat Campground offers a refreshing escape from lower elevation heat. This sweet spot in the sky nurtures a unique blend of high-altitude vegetation and wildlife found nowhere else in the region. The elevation gifts visitors with crisp, pine-scented mornings and temperatures that can be 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below—a natural air conditioning system that makes summer camping a pleasure.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living gallery where massive sycamores spread their pale branches overhead, creating natural pavilions of shade. Stately oaks and evergreen cousins add texture to the canopy, their leaves dancing in canyon breezes. Cave Creek meanders nearby, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack, while seasonal pools reflect the towering rock formations that stand sentinel over the canyon. These ancient stone monuments, carved by eons of wind and water, glow golden at sunrise and blush pink at sunset, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural artistry.
Geological RegionCave Creek Canyon stands as one of the Southwest's most spectacular geological showcases, where towering rhyolite cliffs and volcanic formations tell the story of Earth's fiery past. Crystal-clear streams have carved their way through this rocky wonderland, creating ribbons of life that support magnificent sycamores and diverse oak groves. This biological hotspot attracts birdwatchers from around the globe, drawn by the incredible diversity of species that thrive where multiple habitats converge. Wildlife enthusiasts treasure the canyon's ability to surprise—from elegant coatimundis to colorful trogons, each visit promises new discoveries.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available, but users note accessibility challenges.
Sites SizeSites are described as small with two paved parking spots and a concrete area including picnic tables and tent pads. Larger sites may accommodate travel trailers.
Sites PrivacyVaried privacy levels; some sites offer excellent separation, while others are more clustered.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the creek offer better views and proximity to natural features.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not highlighted; many users recommend early arrival to secure a spot.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specified check-in time.
Check-out
No specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
Limit of 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 10 guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 12 sites, each equipped with tables and grills surrounding a grassy meadow. Sites are reasonably spaced for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites in the campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some reviews mention high competition for sites during peak birding times.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sunny Flat Campground is renowned for birdwatching, with sightings of species like the elegant trogon being common. Hiking opportunities are available, though trails near the campground are unmarked. No fishing, swimming, or boating activities are provided.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available nearby but remain unmarked. The Vista Point Trail and South Fork birding areas are recommended attractions.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, especially for birdwatching. Notable species include the elegant trogon and Gila monster.Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby Cave Creek Visitor Information Center offers interpretive information, books, and examples of local wildlife year-round.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are not mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are provided at each site. Foraging for downed and dead wood is permitted.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are common in the area, necessitating careful food storage. The entry road includes a steep creek crossing that may be impassable after heavy rainfall.
Active alertsCampground is evacuated if rainfall exceeds 1.5 inches due to flood danger.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 15.3 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
Nearest emergency services are likely in Douglas, AZ, approximately 50 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated, but birding season may affect occupancy rates.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are provided at each campsite to ensure safe waste disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Cave Creek, which is seasonal. No fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention water being out of service for extended periods and high competition for campsites during peak times.
HostCampground hosts are described as helpful and well-organized in multiple reviews. One user noted, 'The camp host was super sweet and welcoming!!' while another stated, 'The camp host kept a tight ship on the campground.'
Campground Map
Sunny Flat Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, Coronado National Forest
Driving directions150 miles east of Tucson. Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80. 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 3 miles to Sunny Flat Campground. All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.
All roads are paved and accessible for passenger vehicles. However, the entry road involves a steep creek crossing, which may become impassable during wet weather.Nearby places
Rodeo, NM: Approximately 7 miles
Douglas, AZ: Approximately 50 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Portal, AZ, approximately 7 miles away, where visitors can find basic groceries and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.7
23 reviews
Sunny Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Sunny Flat Campground as a well-maintained, serene location ideal for birdwatching and enjoying scenic views. Common themes include the helpfulness of the camp host, the clean restroom facilities, and concerns about limited water availability.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include breathtaking views of towering rock formations, abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, and well-maintained campsites. Many reviewers praise the camp host's...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of potable water, small campsite sizes that may not accommodate larger groups, and issues with water spigots being out of service for extended periods.
Based on 23 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers recommend arriving early to secure a campsite, preparing for cold temperatures in winter, foraging for downed wood, and using bear-proof containers for food and trash disposal.
Based on 23 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that winter months bring cold conditions, requiring campers to be well-prepared. Birdwatching peaks during the spring and summer seasons, though the campground can become highly...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The surroundings of this camping area are top-notch.' - Nelson Daley
2. 'Sites are all spacious and reasonably distanced.' - Tristan Herwood
3. 'The women's restroom was actually really clean.' -...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback suggests most campsites are small and suited for tents or small RVs rather than large travel trailers.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly toilets are available, though access may be challenging for some. Accessibility features receive mixed reviews.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with rules enforced such as leash requirements. 'Lots of wildlife if campers are quiet,' notes one reviewer, highlighting the importance of controlling pets to prevent disturbances.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025