Cave Creek Canyon--Idlewild CG

About this Location

Idlewilde Campground is the first campground you encounter as you enter Cave Creek Canyon from the east. To get to these 9 streamside sites shaded by Arizona cypress trees, you’ll have to traverse Cave Creek on a one-lane bridge.

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 Campgound to the Silver Peak Trailhead.

Sites at Idlewild are best suited for camping in tents, vans, or pickup truck campers. No trailers are permitted.

Note: Black bears are common in the area.

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.

About Cave Creek Canyon

See all hotspots at Cave Creek Canyon

Nestled in the Chiricahua Mountains of Southeastern Arizona, 150 miles east of Tucson and 50 miles north of Douglas, is Cave Creek Canyon, a hidden gem with spectacular cliffs, flowing streams, and an abundance of wildlife.

Endowed with magnificent scenery and unparalleled biodiversity, Cave Creek Canyon is truly a special place. Residents and visitors who want to help protect the area now have a chance to do so by joining, volunteering, or contributing to the Friends of Cave Creek Canyon.

As individuals and families, we work closely with Coronado National Forest to support its work and mission in Southeast Arizona. We seek to provide educational opportunities for area residents, visitors, school groups, scientific researchers, and others who cherish the special qualities of our region.

Researchers and scientists claim that Cave Creek Canyon has the richest diversity of wildlife in the U.S. Birding is fine here year-round and especially rewarding in the summer. Many interesting birds from south of the border can be found here in the Chiricahua Mountains.

Notable Trails

Nearby trails include Vista Point and Silver Peak.

Content from Official Website, Friends of Cave Creek Canyon Hiking webpage, Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory, and Cave Creek Canyon webpage