I grew up near a small town, so maybe that’s why I get so much joy out of visiting them wherever I go. There’s just something special about exploring each little community, discovering what makes it unique, and getting to know the amazing people who call it home.
Exploring Arizona’s small towns offers RV travelers a blend of history, natural beauty, and unique attractions. Here are three charming destinations to consider.
Bisbee
Nestled in southeastern Arizona, Bisbee is a former mining town renowned for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant arts scene. Located about 90 miles southeast of Tucson, it provides a picturesque setting with its hillside homes and historic downtown.
Visitors can delve into the town’s mining heritage at the Copper Queen Mine Tour or explore the eclectic shops and galleries that line the streets.
For RV accommodations, the Bisbee RV Park at Turquoise Valley offers spacious sites with full hookups, propane services, and laundry facilities.
Patagonia
Tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona, Patagonia is a hidden treasure known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It’s located about 60 miles south of Tucson.
Patagonia Lake State Park is a highlight, offering a campground, beach, picnic areas, and a creek trail. The park is popular for water activities like fishing and boating, as well as hiking and birdwatching. The campground provides 105 developed sites, many with electric hookups, accommodating both RVs and tents.
Williams
Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams is located about 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and 35 miles west of Flagstaff. The town’s historic Route 66 charm is evident in its downtown area, filled with diners, shops, and vintage signage.
The Grand Canyon Railway departs from Williams, offering a scenic journey to the canyon. For RV travelers, several campgrounds are available in the area, providing convenient access to both the town’s attractions and the Grand Canyon.
Each of these small towns offers a unique slice of Arizona’s rich tapestry, ensuring that RV travelers can find the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on their journey. Plan a visit!
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Don’t forget Oatman!
We took the train from Williams to the Grand Canyon. Very entertaining ride. Added bonus was a dog kennel that was very reasonable for our two dogs.
Williams has overnight RV hookups at the Grand Canyon Railroad station.
In Patagonia, be sure to visit the Tucson Audobon Society’s Paton Hummingbird Center. Dozens of hummingbirds and other small birds are attracted to all the feeders there, benches abound, and it is as colorful in winter as in summer. Perfect way to spend several hours enjoying bird species generally found only in subtropical climates. Take a camera!
Bisbee has a wonderful history museum, which sometimes has traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian. Personally, Bisbee is much more “real” than its more famous neighbor Tombstone with its fake OK Corral gunfights, overpriced “saloons”, and T-shirt shops.
The Bisbee Queen Mine RV Park in the Old Bisbee neighborhood is another fine choice for RVers. An unknown gem for RVers who don’t mind dry camping is the Thirsty Lizard Bar & Grill on 5838 W. Double Adobe Road – an 8-10 minute drive along AZ-80 E from Old Bisbee. The Thirsty Lizard has a Harvest Host-like policy – exchanging a night’s stay for buying a scrumptious roadhouse meal. The stargazing on its 12 acres is spectacular.
Thank you for sharing the information, Gail! Yes, each sounds interesting and worth visiting (if we lived within 500 miles of them). Have a great week and safe travels!