Two camps Great bird watching, hiking and views

Dedicated to finding campgrounds that have beautiful views of natural settings, I recommend Bog Springs and Lakeview camps near Tucson, Arizona in the Coronado National Forest for its beautiful views of the unique terrain of southeastern Arizona. They are also great for bird watching and hiking.

Bog Springs Campground

Bog Springs is the only camp in Madera Canyon – a world-class birding area with over 200 species of birds. Hawks, quail, pigeons, Road Runners, owls, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Mockingbirds, Thrashers, Nuthatches White-breast, Bridled titmice, Ruby-crowned kings and many more species of birds can be seen in the Madera Canyon area. The campsite is situated at an altitude of 5,200 feet and is small (only 13 camp sites). Once the birds arrive in early spring, it fills quickly. Weekdays are best to find an area camping during the peak birding season.

It is also an ideal base camp for hiking, biking and stars. Three roads out camp to camp nearby springs and is within walking distance of Wood Picnic Area, where there is access to a nature trail. Within walking distance of over 65 miles forest tracks that lead into the woods. Wrightson Wilderness, a mountain bike ride through spectacular Elephant Head Rock, and three units of landscape, one that visits the Smithsonian Institution's Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory.

If you are a bird watcher and do not like hiking, Bog Springs is still a camp for visit, with beautiful views of the Santa Rita Mountains and the arid landscape surrounding desert. The campsite is open all year. We visited the camp in late November (not many birds that time of year). The climate and landscape are gorgeous. Most camp sites were beautiful views of mountains and desert landscape. There were only 2 other campers at the camp at the time. Most campsites are shaded and well spaced, with rocks, trees and other vegetation provides a good separation between sites. Some sites are terraces that also provides for the separation. The campground has a rustic, but very easy paved roads reach almost all of the input.

How to camp is easy. From Tucson, go to Green Valley (about 25 miles). Near the Interstate 19, take the Continental Road / Madera Canyon exit. Turn east and follow the Madera Canyon signs 12.5 miles to camp.

For more information on this camp, call the National Forest District Office at 520-281-2296.

Lakeview Campground

Lakeview campsite is situated on a hill overlooking Parker Canyon Lake. Many of the campsites are well shaded and are shared among a stand of oaks and junipers. Although the camp is only a short walk to the lake shore, only tent sites have views of the beautiful clear waters of Parker Canyon Lake.

Lakeview camping is more remote and less accessible than other camps which is a plus if you do not like crowds. There are five miles of trail hugs the coast takes about Parker Canyon Lake. The lake is ideal for watching ducks and other waterfowl, and bald eagles, osprey and even hummingbirds in the season. The trail has several viewing areas with benches and interpretive signs.

Parker Canyon Lake is also ideal for fishing. It offers both cold and warm water species such as rainbow trout and stored resident sunfish, and catfish. There is a fishing pier and a paved boat ramp on the lake. There is also a small shop operated dealership in the lake for boating, fishing and other supplies.

How to get from Tucson is not as easy as Bog Springs. Much of the access roads are unpaved. From Tucson, travel to east on Interstate 10 to State Route 83 (exit 281) and turn south 50 miles through Sonoita to Parker Canyon Lake.

For more information on Lakeview Campsite called the National Forest District Office at 520-378-0311.
If you like bird watching, hiking, fishing or boating and appreciate the beautiful view from the campsite, try to Bog Springs and Lakeview camps.

About the Author

Carl Zimmerman is owner and webmaster of Camping with a View, dedicated to finding campgrounds with beautiful views. Visit the Arizona Campgrounds – Coronado National Forest Campground Reviews page for photos, reviews and more information on Bog Springs and Lakeview campgrounds.

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