I'm thinking about camping in southern Arizona with my wife and the kids ( ages 14, 11 and 6). Any good camp sites or parks? Anything to look for in south Arizona out of the ordinary?

If you haven't been to Kartchner Caverns, just outside of Tucson, it's awesome! There are also some vinyards around there, and some great canyons to explore. One (I can't recall the name right now) supposedly has more species of hummingbirds than anywhere in the US.

If you want to see Kartchner, you'll need to either pre-book (probably sold out by now until the fall) or take a chance on the 100 or so tickets they reserve for first come, first served each day.
It is well worth the wait. It's a living cave and they've gone to great lengths to preserve it that way while allowing those of us who don't like crawling through tiny spaces to see it.

Chiricahua (not spelled right) National Monument is a great place. Has a small campground. (When are you going? some places aren't the greatest in summer).

I stongly recommend the Copper Queen Underground Mine tour in Bisbee.

Organ Pipe National Monument (not in summer)

Kartchner caverns whenever you can. Colossal Cave, Old Tucson western town, Kitt Peak Observatory, Sabino Canyon (tucson)

Besides recommendations above for "what to do's" highly recommend Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, just outside Tucson. Your kids, and you, will love it. Also near Tucson, the Mission San Javier del Bac, one of the few (if not the only) old Spanish missions still in use by Native Americans as a church. Gorgeous, European style with a SW/Indian flavor. If you get anywhere near, you can't miss it. It highly lives up to its nickname, White Dove of the Desert. Your kids will love Old Tucson, a fantastic movie studio, and Tombstone, the town "too tough to die". Have a great time in one of my favorite areas of the world. Looking forward to a trip report.

I would strongly concur with the recommendation below for the Sonoran Desert Museum, Kartchner Caverns, and Bisbee.

I currently live in Sierra Vista, Arizona, which is approximately 30 miles South of Karchner Caverns. Just outside of SV are two wonderful, but tiny campgrounds in Carr Canyon (Reef Townsite and one other). Both are at approximately 7,000 ft elevation on the slopes of Carr Mountain/Miller's Peak. Both offer splendid views for the San Pedro River Valley, SV, and the Chiricuaha's (sp?). The campgrounds, which are about 2 miles apart, both are trailheads for the 7-mile hike to Miller's Peak (approx. 10,000 ft elevation).

The Coronado Nat'l Monument is also about 20 miles east-southeast of SV and is a wonderful park which offers severl hiking trails.

One final note: do not be discouraged or frightened away by the voice of Chicken Little on this list. Yes, there is enormous cross-border traffic in the region, but the chances of encountering migrants in the areas mentioned above are remote. Anyways, few would risk their illicit entry into the US by conducting any misconduct against campers or hikers. All in all, the region is breathtaking in its natural beauty. I strongly recommend visiting.

Sincerely, E.

Also, the canyon alluded to above is RAMSEY CANYON in Sierra Vista, renowned for its hummingbirds.

E.

I agree with Kartchner Caverns. They are amazing and within walking distance of the campground. We went there last month, mainly RV's in the campground but few tents too...we were unable to get tickets but they said we could walk up the day of. I showed up about 730 when they opened and had my pick of tours and times...they told me they usually sell out by 1030 or 1100am. We also went to Tombstone on our way home to Phoenix, kind of cheesy but lots of old west type stuff, saloons and reenactments, could be fun for the kids.