Margies Cove West Campground
4.1810 reviewsLower Sonoran Field Office, 21605 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85027, USA
Margies Cove West Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fee is required to use the campground.
About this campground
Escape to the serene isolation of Margies Cove West Campground, where the raw beauty of primitive camping meets the convenience of thoughtful amenities. This intimate desert retreat welcomes adventurers with three well-appointed campsites, each featuring sturdy picnic tables and steel fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Day visitors can take advantage of ample parking for up to ten vehicles, while overnight guests enjoy the simplicity of vault toilet facilities and helpful informational signage. Positioned right at the doorstep of the Margies Cove West Trailhead, this campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Margies Cove West Campground is a primitive, first-come-first-serve facility with three campsites. It caters to campers seeking a remote and natural experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience camping perfection with Margies Cove West's remarkably consistent weather patterns. Blue skies dominate the landscape nearly 88% of the time, creating an outdoor enthusiast's paradise where rain rarely interrupts your adventures (averaging just a 2.6% chance). Temperatures dance comfortably between crisp 41°F mornings and pleasant 65°F afternoons, offering ideal conditions for both active exploration and relaxed evenings by the campfire. Winter transforms this desert haven into a cool-weather camping destination, where dry conditions and moderate temperatures create the perfect escape from harsh winter weather elsewhere.
ElevationElevation information is not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Sonoran Desert at Margies Cove West, where solitude and wilderness converge in perfect harmony. This remote sanctuary offers a front-row seat to nature's desert theater, where curious squirrels dart between resilient desert flora and the landscape stretches endlessly toward distant horizons. The campground's tranquil setting provides an authentic desert experience, far from the crowds and noise of civilization, allowing visitors to truly connect with the rugged beauty and profound silence that only the desert can offer.
Geological RegionSet within the iconic Sonoran Desert, Margies Cove West showcases one of North America's most distinctive landscapes. Here, sparse vegetation punctuates rugged terrain, creating a dramatic tapestry of earth tones and textures. Wide-open vistas stretch to the horizon, offering breathtaking panoramas of this ancient desert ecosystem. The characteristic rocky outcroppings and weathered formations tell the story of millions of years of geological history, while the expansive desert floor invites exploration and discovery at every turn.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, and the rugged terrain and primitive facilities may pose challenges for some visitors.
Sites SizeThe campground includes three campsites, each with space for a vehicle and a picnic table. Specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as remote and secluded, offering a high degree of privacy. A reviewer stated, "Great spot surrounded by peace and quiet."
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose the middle site for better shade. Be prepared with tools for cleaning the vault toilet and a map as trails are not well-marked.
Best CampsitesThe middle site is recommended for shade as it has a tree.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limit stated for the campsite.
Groups
There are no designated group camping facilities at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree primitive sites arranged near the Margies Cove West Trailhead, with picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground is not reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served; there are three sites available.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the campground is not reservable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Margies Cove West Campground offers activities that emphasize solitude and interaction with the natural environment. Key activities include hiking and wildlife viewing, though visitors should be prepared for a rugged experience.
Hiking
The campground is adjacent to Margies Cove West Trailhead. Hiking opportunities abound, but trails are reportedly not well-marked. One user warned, "The trail itself isn't marked well so bring a map and a means to mark it as you go." The terrain is described as easy and suitable for families.Wildlife viewing
Campers can enjoy watching local wildlife in the area. One reviewer appreciated the natural surroundings, saying it was nice to "watch the little squirrels run around."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned but may be limited due to the remote and primitive nature of the campground.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are supported, as there are no water bodies in the vicinity.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Steel fire rings are provided; campfires are allowed within these designated rings.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include the absence of water sources, limited cell service due to mountainous terrain, and challenging dirt road access requiring high-clearance vehicles. Wildlife encounters such as squirrels have been noted.
Weather forecast
100
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11 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
Emergency services including hospitals and police stations are located in Phoenix, AZ, which is approximately 60 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season pricing as the campground is free.
Trash and recyclingNo dedicated trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. A user noted, "Pack it in - pack it out," indicating that campers are expected to take their waste with them.
Proximity to water featuresNo water sources are available at the campground.
Common complaintsComplaints include the condition of tables ('require a tetanus shot'), limited cell phone service, and the vault toilet requiring cleaning.
Campground Map
Lower Sonoran Field Office, 21605 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85027, USA
Driving directionsTake Arizona Hwy 85 to Woods Road (just south of mile post 134) and turn east. At the cattleguard/dirt road, turn immediately left and follow the brown MARGIES COVE TRAIL signs which guide you west, then north, along the Hwy 85 fenceline, then east 3.8 miles to Route 8001E. Turn right, drive south 1.2 miles to the campground and trailhead. A high-clearance, two-wheel-drive vehicle is suitable for this road.
A high-clearance, two-wheel-drive vehicle is suitable for the dirt road leading to the campground. Access is considered remote, and the road may pose challenges for low-clearance vehicles.Nearby places
Phoenix, AZ — Approximately 60 miles (about 1 hour drive) southwest.
Nearby supplies
Phoenix, AZ offers the nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, approximately 60 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
10 reviews
Margies Cove West Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and tranquil setting, making it ideal for those looking to unplug and enjoy a minimalist camping experience. However, the lack of water and basic facilities received mixed reactions.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
- Campground is quiet and remote, ideal for solitude.
- Beautiful natural surroundings and an excellent spot for stargazing.
- Trailhead access for hiking and exploring.
- Steel fire rings and picnic...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Vault toilet requires cleaning and maintenance.
- No potable water or electricity.
- Trails are poorly marked, making navigation difficult.
- Rugged access road may require a high-clearance vehicle.
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own water supply and sanitation supplies.
- A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing the site.
- Carry a detailed map or GPS for navigating unmarked trails.
- Pack out all...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
User experiences are generally positive across seasons, with winter offering cooler temperatures for hiking. The remote nature makes it less impacted by seasonal crowding. However, summer may be less...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Margie’s Cove is like a slice of wilderness heaven."
2. "Tears in my wife's eyes because she didn't want to leave. Beautiful, clean, and many miles of exploration."
3. "Located about 60 miles...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes one user choosing the middle site for its shade-providing tree. Another praised the campground's cleanliness and the presence of picnic tables and fire pits.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility-specific reviews are not available, but the rugged road and primitive facilities may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-specific feedback is not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025