White Rock Campground
4.5610 reviewsWhite Rock Campground, Nogales, AZ 85621
White Rock Campground
$7.50 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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 is $15 per night, with a discounted fee of $7.50 for senior passes. Double sites cost $30 per night. Cash or checks accepted at the campground.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Coronado National Forest, White Rock Campground offers an intimate escape where towering oak trees create natural cathedral ceilings above your tent. This thoughtfully designed retreat features both upper and lower camping sections, each offering its own charm—whether you prefer the dappled sunlight filtering through ancient oaks or panoramic views of dramatic rocky cliffs. Just a stone's throw from the sparkling waters of Peña Blanca Lake, this hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking both comfort and wilderness. For those craving even more solitude, dispersed camping opportunities dot the surrounding landscape.
White Rock Campground offers tent and small trailer camping accommodations. It does not support large RVs or provide hookups.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of White Rock Campground may be modest, the ancient oaks standing sentinel over the campsites whisper stories of countless generations who have sought shelter in their shade. This timeless landscape invites modern adventurers to create their own chapters in the ongoing story of human connection with the Coronado wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full palette at White Rock, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Spring and fall bring perfect camping weather with crisp mornings giving way to warm, golden afternoons. Summer transforms the campground into a cool refuge from desert heat, thanks to the shade of mature oaks and the 4,000-foot elevation. Winter visitors are rewarded with crystalline skies and frost-kissed mornings, though temperatures can dip dramatically after sunset. With rainfall scarce and blue skies dominating 79-98% of the time, you'll find ideal conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures year-round.
ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet above sea level, White Rock Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and clean. This sweet spot elevation delivers the best of both worlds—high enough to escape the desert's scorching temperatures, yet accessible enough to avoid the challenges of extreme altitude. Here, you'll breathe easier, sleep deeper, and wake to mornings that invite exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryWhite Rock Campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. Majestic oak trees spread their gnarled branches overhead, creating living umbrellas that dance with shadows and light. The campground's namesake rocky cliffs rise dramatically from the canyon floor, their weathered faces telling geological stories millions of years in the making. A seasonal stream meanders through the area, its gentle music accompanying your outdoor adventures when conditions allow. From various vantage points throughout the campground, sweeping vistas of Peña Blanca Canyon unfold, offering sunset views that transform the landscape into a canvas of gold and crimson.
Geological RegionSet within the rugged beauty of Peña Blanca Canyon, White Rock Campground occupies a unique geological crossroads in Coronado National Forest. Here, ancient rock formations stand as monuments to the Earth's dynamic past, their cliff faces carved by millennia of wind and water. The canyon's distinctive geology creates a microclimate where hardy oaks thrive, their roots finding purchase in the rocky soil. This dramatic landscape serves as both playground and classroom for those fascinated by the raw power of geological forces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information about specific accessibility features at this campground.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary; some sites are large enough to accommodate trailers up to 27 feet.
Sites PrivacySites vary in privacy with some having ramadas and limited natural shade, while others are more secluded and shaded.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite recommendations based on user reviews: Site 9 and 10 are ideal for large trailers and groups. Sites 1-6 offer more natural shade due to Evergreen Oaks.
Best CampsitesSites 9 and 10 are noted for accommodating larger trailers and providing scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official check-in time not provided.
Check-out
Check-out is at noon, per operational guidelines.
Stay Limit
14 day stay limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of 2 vehicles per site.
Groups
- There is no designated group camping area
- sites are primarily for individual tents and small trailers.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into Upper White Rock (13 sites) and Lower White Rock (2 sites). Sites are accessible off Forest Road 39. Upper White Rock is split into shaded hillside areas and semi-parking lot configurations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available, sites are first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. Sites fill quickly during peak season and holiday weekends.
Cancellation PolicyNo information provided regarding cancellations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
White Rock Campground offers limited recreational activities directly on-site but is located near Peña Blanca Lake, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Hiking trails and scenic views of the canyon and lake enhance the experience for visitors.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available around Peña Blanca Lake but are not directly within the campground.Fishing
Fishing is available at Peña Blanca Lake, featuring species like rainbow trout, crappie, catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass. Catch-and-release is required due to mercury contamination.Boating
Boating is allowed at Peña Blanca Lake with restrictions to electric trolling motors. There is a paved boat ramp available.Wildlife viewing
Visitors often enjoy observing local wildlife in the scenic canyon setting.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating such as kayaking and canoeing is allowed at Peña Blanca Lake but is not directly detailed for the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but firewood is not available onsite. Campers need to bring their own or use charcoal or camp stoves.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available; campers must bring their own supply. Wildlife hazards are not explicitly mentioned, but bears could be a concern based on the location.
Active alertsUser reviews mention overflowing trash dumpsters and poor maintenance, which could affect visitor experience.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.5 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
Closest emergency services are in Nogales, AZ. Nogales District Office is located at 303 Old Tucson Rd., Nogales, AZ, with a contact number of 520-281-2296.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months and cooler months, particularly holiday weekends.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available but have been reported as overflowing, leading to unpleasant odors.
Proximity to water featuresLocated 0.4 miles from Peña Blanca Lake, which offers fishing, boating, and a paved boat ramp.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of water and services, poorly maintained trash facilities, and issues with campground hosts. Per user reviews: 'Trash dumpsters all overflowing and the smell is just horrible.'
HostMixed reviews about the host. One user claimed interactions were unpleasant and raised concerns about theft during their stay.
Campground Map
White Rock Campground, Nogales, AZ 85621
Driving directionsExit at Ruby Road on I-19, approximately 8 miles north of Nogales. Take Ruby Road (AZ Hwy 289) west about 9 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible from a paved road (Ruby Road) until Forest Road 39. There are no seasonal closures mentioned, but accessibility may depend on road conditions.Nearby places
Nogales (approximately 9 miles south), Tucson (approx. 66 miles north), Green Valley (approx. 50 miles north).
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries and supplies available at Nogales. Visitors are advised to bring firewood, charcoal, or camp stoves for cooking as none are provided onsite.
Camper Reviews
4.6
10 reviews
White Rock Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and proximity to Peña Blanca Lake but point out concerns regarding maintenance, overflowing trash bins, and interactions with border patrol.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the quiet atmosphere, scenic location, and proximity to the lake. "Nice quiet campground, good host, walking distance to lake" and "Beautiful area, plenty of room for a 27' trailer in...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints focused on lack of potable water, overflowing dumpsters, and border patrol interruptions. One user noted, "Trash dumpsters all overflowing and the smell is just horrible."
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water; consider sites 9 and 10 for larger trailers. Be prepared for interactions with border patrol due to proximity to the border.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground tends to fill quickly during the cooler months and holiday weekends. Summer sees peak activity due to proximity to Peña Blanca Lake.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Very quiet and beautiful. Easy to find and completely free." "Love this little oasis away from the desert fishing swimming hiking and cliff jumping." "All soft dirt, no water or amenities @ $15 a...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 9 and 10 were noted as suitable for larger trailers and gatherings. "Site 10 or 9 is large, so the combo of 9 & 10 is where to meet friends."
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were found.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. "Dogs must be on a leash" was specifically noted.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025