| Dedicated to finding campgrounds that have | | | | Getting to the campground is easy. From |
| beautiful views of natural settings, I | | | | Tuscon, go toward Green Valley (about 25 |
| recommend Bog Springs and Lakeview | | | | miles). Off Interstate 19, take the |
| campgrounds located near Tucson, Arizona in | | | | Continental Road/Madera Canyon Exit. Turn |
| Coronado National Forest for their beautiful | | | | east and follow the Madera Canyon signs 12.5 |
| views of the unique terrain of southeastern | | | | miles to the campground. |
| Arizona. They're also great for bird watching | | | | |
| and hiking. | | | | For more information on this campground, call |
| | | | the District National Forest office at |
| Bog Springs Campground | | | | 520-281-2296. |
| | | | |
| Bog Springs is the only campground in Madera | | | | Lakeview Campground |
| Canyon - a world-class birding area with over | | | | |
| 200 species of birds. Hawks, Quail, Doves, | | | | Lakeview campground is located on a hill |
| Road Runners, Owls, Woodpeckers, | | | | overlooking Parker Canyon Lake. Many of the |
| Hummingbirds, Jays, Cardinals, Mockingbirds, | | | | campsites are well shaded and are spread |
| Thrashers, White-breasted Nuthatches, Bridled | | | | among a stand of oaks and junipers. Although |
| Titmice, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and many more | | | | the campground is just a short walk to the |
| bird species can all be seen in the Madera | | | | lakeshore, only the tent sites have views of |
| Canyon area. The campground is at an | | | | the beautiful clear waters of Parker Canyon |
| elevation of 5,200 feet and is small (only 13 | | | | Lake. |
| camp sites). Once the birds arrive in early | | | | |
| spring, it fills up fast. Weekdays are best | | | | Lakeview Campground is more remote and less |
| for finding a camp site during the peak bird | | | | accessible than other campgrounds which is a |
| watching season. | | | | plus if you don't like crowds. There is a |
| | | | five mile trail hugging the shoreline that |
| It's also a great base camp for hiking, | | | | leads around Parker Canyon Lake. The lake is |
| biking and stargazing. Three trails leave | | | | great for watching ducks and other waterfowl |
| from the campground to nearby springs and the | | | | as well as bald eagles, osprey and even |
| campground is just a short walk away from | | | | hummingbirds in season. The trail has several |
| Madera Picnic Area, where there is access to | | | | viewing areas with benches and interpretive |
| a nature trail. Within driving distance are | | | | signs. |
| over 65 miles of Forest trails that lead into | | | | |
| the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness, a mountain bike | | | | Parker Canyon Lake is also great for fishing. |
| ride around spectacular Elephant Head Rock, | | | | It offers both cold and warm water species, |
| and three scenic drives, one of which visits | | | | including stocked rainbow trout and resident |
| the Smithsonian's Fred Lawrence Whipple | | | | bass, sunfish, and catfish. There is a |
| Observatory. | | | | fishing pier and a paved boat ramp at the |
| | | | lake. There is also a small |
| If you're not a bird watcher and don't like | | | | concessionaire-operated store at the |
| to hike, Bog Springs is still a great | | | | lakeshore for boating, fishing and other |
| campground to visit with beautiful views of | | | | supplies. |
| the Santa Rita Mountains and surrounding | | | | |
| desert/arid landscape. The campground is open | | | | Getting there from Tucson isn't quite as easy |
| all year. We visited the campground in Late | | | | as Bog Springs. A good bit of the access |
| November (not many birds that time of year). | | | | roads are not paved. From Tucson, travel east |
| The weather and scenery were gorgeous. Most | | | | on Interstate 10 to State Route 83 (exit 281) |
| of the camp sites had beautiful views of the | | | | and turn south 50 miles through Sonoita to |
| mountains and desert landscape. There were | | | | Parker Canyon Lake. |
| only 2 other campers in the campground at the | | | | |
| time. Most of the camp sites are shaded and | | | | For more information on Lakeview campground |
| well spaced with boulders, trees and other | | | | call the District National Forest office at |
| vegetation providing good separation between | | | | 520-378-0311. |
| sites. Some of the sites are terraced which | | | | |
| also provides separation. The campground has | | | | If you like bird watching, hiking, fishing or |
| a rustic feel but is very easy to get to with | | | | boating and appreciate beautiful views from |
| paved roads almost all the way to the | | | | your camp site, try Bog Springs or Lakeview |
| entrance. | | | | campgrounds. |
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