By:
Submission
Stewart Campground is a cool, shady streamside camp where sites are clustered under a healthy stand of Arizona cypress trees, with some picturesque old sycamores closer to the streamside. As with all Cave Creek campgrounds, birdwatching is good right in the campground. It’s also close to other areas that are less disturbed and therefore even more productive for adding to your life-list. A short distance upstream from Stewart, the Vista Point Trail climbs above the canyon floor to offer unobstructed views of Cave Creek Canyon. Though this easy stroll has little elevation change, the view it presents is impressive. Other recreation amenities conveniently close to Stewart Campground include the Silver Peak Trail #280. The South Fork area, famous for its birdwatching and beautiful riparian forest, is a short drive away. The campground is located on the Cave Creek/Portal-to-Paradise scenic drive. Sites at Stewart have pull-ins making it one of the better places along Cave Creek for camping if you have an RV. Trailers to 16 feet are permitted. Note: Black bears in area.
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 2.3 miles to Stewart Campground. All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.
Less than ten sites, first come-first served. There are several other easily accessible camps, but two were closed during our visit, early March.
Extremely quiet and private Go to the bridge for best stargazing. Paved road for a couple miles further, then gravel roads to the back country sites and camps.
The Nature Trailhead is just across the road. It will lead you to another trail - if you are up to it.
Go to this haven. Any campground or site will be marvelous.
It's a beautiful space for a campground. However, poison ivy everywhere!!! Watch out!!! I almost blundered into it but for a wise old man who clued us in an hour after we arrived. Don't let your dog run wild, might come back to haunt I mean rash you haha. Also, the bathroom had no paper and the self pay station was out of lil forms you're supposed to fill out...got the sense it was rarely maintained.
Even though we were in spot number 1 near the road the site felt secluded. The campsites were well maintained. The community water was broken but we were able to get water from Sunny Flat. The views from the campsite were lovely.
