Sunny Flat Campground is the first and largest developed campground in Cave Creek Canyon — situated where the canyon opens up just past the community of Portal. Despite the name, the campground is well shaded by Arizona sycamores, oaks, junipers, and pines that line both sides of Cave Creek.

The campground sits at 5,200 feet with views of the canyon walls from many of the sites. Cave Creek runs nearby — audible from camp and accessible for birding and short walks. The campground has year-round drinking water, vault toilets, and a trail that begins near the end of the loop and follows the creek downstream approximately one mile to the information center. RVs up to 28 feet are accommodated.

Our Camp — April 30–May 1, 2026

We arrived in the evening of April 30th with a storm building over the canyon walls. At the very end of the campground loop we found what appeared to be one of the last available sites — and it was exactly right. A large slab with a ramada, picnic table, and bear box, with a view of the canyon cliffs directly in front of us.

We parked, popped up the Alu-Cab rooftop tent, and Luca set up his cot under the ramada as the sprinkles started. The rain came in fully and stayed for six hours. We hung around under the ramada watching the mist move through the valley — reading, snacking, and at one point pulling on rain gear for a walk to pay our site fee and check the restrooms. The kind of small errand that feels completely different in the rain.

The lightning started later in the evening. Six good strikes — and what happened to the thunder is something we still talk about. It rolled both directions through the canyon simultaneously. When it hit a side canyon you could hear it split — going two ways at once. The sound traveled the full length of the canyon in both directions, echoing off the walls before fading. We didn't record it. Wish we had an audio recording — the visual isn't the thing that stays with you, it's the sound.

We went to bed late, listening to the last of the rain on the tent. Blue sky the next morning.

The Sunny Flat Trail

A trail begins near the end of the campground and follows Cave Creek downstream approximately one mile to the information center. Along the way we discovered explosive shacks — small structures built into the stone walls with rock construction and metal doors, used as storage for explosives during road construction through the canyon. Interpretive signs identify native plants throughout. We spotted a Fremont Cottonwood, a group of deer, and heard turkey calls in the distance.

Birding

Sunny Flat is in the heart of one of the premier birding destinations in North America. The canyon is famous for Elegant Trogons, Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers, and numerous other Mexican species that barely reach the United States. Spring migration — April and May — is peak season. The campground itself is active with birds at all hours.

South Fork Cave Creek

The South Fork of Cave Creek — one of the best Elegant Trogon locations in the US — is a short drive from Sunny Flat. Day use only, no camping. During nesting season recording equipment is not permitted.

More Information

• Camping fee: $20/night — self-pay fee station on site

• Day use fee: $8/vehicle

• First-come first-served, no reservations

• RVs up to 28 feet accommodated.

• No vehicles over 41 feet in canyon

• Fees current as of 2026

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