Camping at Bonita Canyon is a convenient way to observe the Monument's owl species:  Whiskered Screech, Western Screech, Great Horned, Northern Pygmy, and Elf. 

Among USFWS-designated Birds of Conservation Concern for the Sierra Madre Occidental, Sonora Desert, and Chihuahua Desert regions, the following species have been listed multiple times for the Monument:  Mexican Whip-poor-will (April-June), Broad-tailed Hummingbird (March-July), Whiskered Screech-Owl (April-May), Gila Woodpecker (February-April), Arizona Woodpecker (all year), Plumbeous Vireo (April-September), Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (September-December), Mexican Chickadee (November-May), Scott’s Oriole (April-July), Virginia’s Warbler (April and August), Grace’s Warbler (April and July-August), and Black-throated Gray Warbler (April-September).

Other hummingbird species, notably Rivoli's and Black-chinned, may be seen during migration months of April and July-August.

Aside from owls and Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk is the most common raptor, seen year round.

Acorn Woodpecker is the most frequently observed woodpecker, with Northern Flicker also present all year. Ladder-backed and Hairy are observed late winter and early spring.

Flycatchers found April-August, with some species lingering into September, include:  Hammond's, Western, Dusky-capped, Ash-throated, Brown-crested, Greater Pewee, Western Wood-Pewee, Say's Phoebe, and Cassin's Kingbird. 

Hutton's is the most likely observed vireo, with Cassin's and Warbling coming through during migration.  

Mexican Jay are nearly ubiquitous. As well as Woodhouse’s, Mexican and Steller’s Jay aBirders may want to brush up on the calls of Chihuahuan vs Common Raven;  although Chihuahuan are observed less often, both species are present. 

Violet-green is the typical swallow species. White-throated Swift are often seen.

Bewick's is the most common wren found in the campground.

While Dark-eyed Junco are observed October-May, Yellow-eyed Junco are present year round.

Most warblers are found April-September, but Painted Redstart seem to be present year round.

Set in a pine and oak forest area of Chiricahua National Monument below towering rock formations, Bonita Canyon Campground is located not far from the park Visitor Center. Most campsites are well shaded and have a good view of the creekbed (usually dry) that runs through the campground.

Originally built by young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps, there are 25 basic camp sites and one larger group site.  All sites are small, such that total length of pulling vehicle and trailer cannot be longer than 29 feet. The restrooms have flush toilets.  A few potable water spigots are located within the campground.  All campers have access to food storage lockers. All sites have a picnic table, grill, and tent pad, whereas the group site has a fire pit. Utility hookups are not provided, with the exception of one site reserved for ADA access that has electricity available for medical use.  

As of winter 2023, all sites must be reserved and paid online;  first come / first served sites are no longer available.  There are no picnic or day use sites at the campground, though there is no fee to drive or walk the paved road.  A camp host generally occupies one of the camp sites.

A “Wonderland of Rocks” is waiting for you to explore at Chiricahua National Monument. The 8-mile paved scenic drive and 17 miles of day-use hiking trails provide opportunities to discover the beauty, natural sounds, and inhabitants of this 11,985-acre site. Visit the Faraway Ranch Historic District to discover more about the people who have called this area home.

The Hiking - Chiricahua National Monument webpage has descriptions and lengths of easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes in Chiricahua National Monument.