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National Forest
ALTO PIT OHV CAMPGROUND
Cottonwood, Arizona
Federal campground in Arizona.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About CALABASAS
Federal campground in Arizona.
Calabasas National Forest offers an authentic Arizona camping experience nestled in the natural beauty of the state's diverse landscape. This campground provides the perfect base for travelers seeking to explore the rugged charm of Arizona's backcountry while enjoying the comforts of an RV setup.
The location captures the essence of the American Southwest, where towering saguaro cacti, rocky outcrops, and sweeping desert vistas create an unforgettable backdrop for your camping adventure. The elevation and surroundings create a more temperate climate compared to lower desert areas, making it an appealing destination during shoulder seasons and cooler months when the intense heat of lower elevations becomes challenging for RV travelers.
What makes Calabasas particularly special is its accessibility to the broader Arizona wilderness. The nearby national forest lands offer endless opportunities for exploration, whether you're interested in hiking scenic trails, observing local wildlife, or simply soaking in the profound silence of the desert landscape. The area's natural terrain provides excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to disconnect from the everyday hustle and immerse themselves in authentic Southwestern scenery.
The campground serves as an ideal launching point for discovering Arizona's diverse attractions. History buffs will appreciate the region's rich cultural heritage and mining history that shaped the area. Photographers find endless inspiration in the dramatic desert landscapes and stunning sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and reds.
Calabasas appeals to a wide range of travelers. Retirees seeking peaceful, scenic camping find the quieter pace and natural surroundings restorative. Adventure seekers enjoy access to exploration opportunities in the surrounding national forest. Families appreciate the outdoor recreation possibilities and the chance to introduce younger generations to desert camping. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or a comfortable home base for regional exploration, Calabasas National Forest provides a genuine Arizona camping experience with solid accommodations and a well-deserved 4.3-star rating from fellow travelers.
The location captures the essence of the American Southwest, where towering saguaro cacti, rocky outcrops, and sweeping desert vistas create an unforgettable backdrop for your camping adventure. The elevation and surroundings create a more temperate climate compared to lower desert areas, making it an appealing destination during shoulder seasons and cooler months when the intense heat of lower elevations becomes challenging for RV travelers.
What makes Calabasas particularly special is its accessibility to the broader Arizona wilderness. The nearby national forest lands offer endless opportunities for exploration, whether you're interested in hiking scenic trails, observing local wildlife, or simply soaking in the profound silence of the desert landscape. The area's natural terrain provides excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to disconnect from the everyday hustle and immerse themselves in authentic Southwestern scenery.
The campground serves as an ideal launching point for discovering Arizona's diverse attractions. History buffs will appreciate the region's rich cultural heritage and mining history that shaped the area. Photographers find endless inspiration in the dramatic desert landscapes and stunning sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and reds.
Calabasas appeals to a wide range of travelers. Retirees seeking peaceful, scenic camping find the quieter pace and natural surroundings restorative. Adventure seekers enjoy access to exploration opportunities in the surrounding national forest. Families appreciate the outdoor recreation possibilities and the chance to introduce younger generations to desert camping. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or a comfortable home base for regional exploration, Calabasas National Forest provides a genuine Arizona camping experience with solid accommodations and a well-deserved 4.3-star rating from fellow travelers.
4.3
Rating
21
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Patagonia is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
Arizona weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Patagonia.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Patagonia. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
CALABASAS Reviews
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Uncle Jholio
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Uncle Jholio
This site is perfect for a large group. Secluded enough that your party won't disturb other campers, easily navigated in any vehicle, and out house, plenty of places for camp fires and a centralized are that can be set up for chow.
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Been2 All50
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Been2 All50
This a nice large site with enough room for several campers. It’s close to Peña Blanca Lake which is small but quite scenic. It’s mostly catch and release because of too much mercury in the water. The campground has a locked gate for security. I probably wouldn’t stay just by ourselves because of the illegals crossing and the vigilantes trying to stop them, but with a group it’s fine. Two othe... This a nice large site with enough room for several campers. It’s close to Peña Blanca Lake which is small but quite scenic. It’s mostly catch and release because of too much mercury in the water. The campground has a locked gate for security. I probably wouldn’t stay just by ourselves because of the illegals crossing and the vigilantes trying to stop them, but with a group it’s fine. Two other minuses: The campground is surrounded by open range and even though it’s fenced, the livestock have no problem entering and leaving their calling cards everywhere. So take a shovel. Also, the restrooms, (pit toilets) were pretty nasty so we had to clean them when we arrived. They could do a much better job of keeping the grounds clean too. Finally, one other positive, is the ghost town of Ruby is about an hour away. It’s privately owned and you need to get a permit in advance to get in. It was an interesting day trip
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Star Sullivan
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Star Sullivan
Awesome camp site! Great area, we had a great time!
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Eric Hernando
Mar 18, 2026
3.0
Google Review by Eric Hernando
Campsite is great, location is a bit shady. We saw a group of guys that we can only assume were drug mules quickly hike through, pick up backpacks hidden in the brush and keep hiking. Cell service was not good enough to call or alert authorities in a timely manner (you have to hike to the top of the hill to get reliable cell service.)
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John Mares
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by John Mares
Large campgrounds with huge fire pits for large groups. Clean restrooms and close to Peña Blanca Lake. We had a great time with family and friends! Well worth the trip from Tucson!
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