Calabasas Group Site: Group Camping Near Pena Blanca Lake, AZ

21 reviews

Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
webSite

Calabasas Group Site Introduce

Welcome to Calabasas Group Site, located in Nogales, AZ 85621. As part of the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Calabasas Group Site is designed to accommodate larger groups seeking an outdoor experience near Pena Blanca Lake.

Calabasas Group Site offers a spacious area suitable for multiple campers. The campground's proximity to Pena Blanca Lake provides access to a scenic, though small, lake known for its fishing, which is primarily catch and release due to mercury levels.

Security is a feature of this campground, with a locked gate providing a level of protection. However, reviewers have noted concerns regarding illegal border crossings and vigilante activity in the area, suggesting that staying in a group is advisable.

The campground's environment presents some challenges. The surrounding open range allows livestock to enter the fenced area, resulting in animal droppings. Visitors are advised to bring a shovel. Additionally, the pit toilets have been reported as unsanitary, requiring cleaning upon arrival. The general cleanliness of the grounds has also been a concern.

On the positive side, Calabasas Group Site offers a convenient location for exploring the nearby ghost town of Ruby, which is about an hour away. This privately owned ghost town requires an advance permit for entry and provides an interesting day trip.

Overall, Calabasas Group Site is an "awesome camp site!" and a great area for group camping. Visitors should be prepared for potential challenges regarding cleanliness and security, but can enjoy the spacious site, proximity to Pena Blanca Lake, and the opportunity to visit the Ruby ghost town.

Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Activities
Hiking

Amenities
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Tent sites

Children
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes

Parking
On-site parking

Pets
Dogs allowed

Location

Arizona Santa Cruz County Nogales

Customer Reviews

4.0

21 reviews

Been2 All50

Jan 02, 2022

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

Star Sullivan

Apr 24, 2023

Awesome camp site! Great area, we had a great time!

Eric Hernando

Nov 08, 2022

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.)

John Mares

Apr 28, 2019

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!

Jake

May 18, 2019

Great site, 5 or so fire pits, large trees for shade, plenty of tables and spots. Bring your own wood to burn, you won't find it there.