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