About Margies Cove West Campground
Margies Cove West Campground is located in the Sonoran Desert National Monument. includes day-use parking for ten vehicles, three primitive campsites with picnic tables and steel fire rings, a vault toilet, and informational signage.There is no water at Margies Cove.The campground is adjacent to Margies Cove West Trailhead and the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area.
How to Get There
A high-clearance, two-wheel-drive vehicle is suitable for this road.To access the campground and trailhead, take State Route 85 to Woods Road (just south of mile post 134) and turn east. At the cattle guard/dirt road, turn immediately left and follow the brown Margies Cove Trail signs which guide you west, then north, along the Hwy 85 fence line, then east 3.8 miles to Route 8001E. Turn right, drive south 1.2 miles to the campground and trailhead.Download a map.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Margies Cove West Campground
Heading to Margies Cove West Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Margies Cove West Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Margies Cove West Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/261714) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Margies Cove West Campground?
A high-clearance, two-wheel-drive vehicle is suitable for this road.To access the campground and trailhead, take State Route 85 to Woods Road (just south of mile post 134) and turn east. At the cattle guard/dirt road, turn immediately left and follow the brown Margies Cove Trail signs which guide you west, then north, along the Hwy 85 fence line, then east 3.8 miles to Route 8001E. Turn right, dri…
How do I contact Margies Cove West Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 602-867-5400 or email: [email protected].
References & Official Resources