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Recreation Region: Chiricahua Mountains

Idlewilde Campground

 

Idlewilde Campground is the first campground you encounter as you enter Cave Creek Canyon from the east.

Cave Creek Canyon is well known for its spectacular scenery and excellent birding. In addition, a short distance from the entrance, you’ll find the trailhead for the Cave Creek Nature Trail, which spans the lower Cave Creek Canyon from Sunny Flat Campground to the Silver Peak Trailhead.

Sites at Idlewilde are best suited for camping in tents, vans, or pickup truck campers. No trailers are permitted.

Note: Black bears are common in the area.

General Information

May 1 - October 31

Tents, vans, or pickup truck campers only. No trailers are permitted. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in the campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14-day stay limit. No hook-ups

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $20 per night
Double Site: $40 per night
Day Use:
$8 per vehicle per day
$10 per vehicle per week

Buy a pass online, or purchase a day pass on-site with cash or check. Proof of payment, or a valid Coronado National Forest Annual Pass or Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, including the Annual, Senior, Access, or Military Pass, must be displayed on the driver's side of the vehicle dashboard. Learn more about accepted passes.

Camping discounts apply only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not any additional campsite(s) occupied by the pass holder's party.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 31.89805556

Longitude: -109.1611111

Elevation

5,000 feet

Directions

150 miles east of Tucson, 2 miles southwest of Portal, 54 miles northeast of Douglas. 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 miles to Idlewild Campground. All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.

Parking

Yes

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Yes

Last updated August 21, 2025