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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.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Closed for the winter season. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | No reservations. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Area Amenities: | Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
| Fees: | Single site: $20. With Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access pass $10. Payable with cash or check. |
| Open Season: | May 1st - October 31st |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | 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 |
| Closest Towns: | Portal is 2 miles Northeast. |
| Information Center: | Douglas Ranger District 520-364-3468 |
General Information
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.Activities
Campground Camping
Scenic canyon setting, Forested sites, Nearby stream, Bird/wildlife watching, Nearby Forest trails, Close to Cave Creek Visitor Information Center. Tables and fire grills.
| No. of Sites | 9 |
Amenities
| Picnic tables: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Fee charged for some activities: | Yes |
| Parking: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Yes |
| Drinking water: | Drinking water is available May through October. |
Related Information
Location
