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Facilities

Established Camping

Cochise Stronghold Campground

Cochise Stronghold Campground, near Cochise, Arizona, is a rugged spot that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With its picturesque granite formations and ample hiking opportunities, this campground is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The campground features designated sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire at night. Visitors have noted the lack of drinking water, so it's essential to come prepared with your own supplies. As one camper mentioned, “There was no drinking water when we were there late September, but there are several spigots around camp.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area is a paradise for hiking and climbing. Many campers rave about the stunning trails and rock formations, with one reviewer stating, “The climbing here is rugged and relatively undeveloped and the views are pretty amazing.” Keep in mind that the campground can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea to secure a spot.

If you're looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature, Cochise Stronghold Campground is a solid choice. Just be ready for some primitive camping—no showers or electric hookups here, but that’s part of the charm. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and soak in the breathtaking scenery that makes this area special.

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Location

Cochise Stronghold Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Tucson, take I-10 east 72 miles to US 191. Turn right (south) and drive 12 miles to Ironwood Road. Turn right (east) on Ironwood Road. From Douglas, take US 80 two miles to US 191. Go north approximately 45 miles to Sun Sites, then turn left (west) on Ironwood Road. Continue on Ironwood Road (which becomes Forest Road 84 at the Forest boundary) for 8 miles to Cochise Stronghold Campground.

Coordinates

31.93945274 N
109.97829897 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 1, 2023

Remote, cold, beautiful

Bumpy road washed out farther up but the dispersed area was fine. Pretty cold and rugged in Jan but really gorgeous. Creek runs near road.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by cal K., March 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by cal K., March 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by cal K., March 1, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2021

What a surprise

There are a lot of small campsites all grouped together in the middle of the camping area, but me and the guys picked site 18, which has a lot of flat area for several tents, and has a much more relaxed vibe. Campus nestled right against some beautiful granite features, and well covered by evergreen oaks. Easy access to hiking and adventuring in the granite boulder area. There was no drinking water when we were there late September, but there are several spigots around camp. Maybe they turn it on at some point. We really enjoyed this space

Site18
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Kaileen F., September 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Kaileen F., September 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Kaileen F., September 29, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Mar. 7, 2021

Great little campground!

Spent the weekend here and it didn’t disappoint. Great little campground. Lots are close together but we had great neighbors. There is no water and decent pit toilets. No cell service but that was what we were looking for. Great hiking in the area!

  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Dave , March 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Dave , March 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Dave , March 7, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Feb. 15, 2021

Excellent dispersed option!

We headed over here early on a Saturday morning and found a dispersed spot without a problem. Tons of spots available and some of the dips might require high clearance but we did fine with our vintage trailer and suburban. The spots are level and shaded (or full sun if you prefer). No water or amenities and hardly any cell service on Verizon but it was awesome. Would definitely recommend!

  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Emily A., February 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Emily A., February 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Emily A., February 15, 2021
Reviewed Dec. 24, 2020

Great hiking spot

We had a great time camping and hiking at Cochise Stronghold. Stayed at the main campground but will stay at down at the dispersed area next time.

Reviewed Feb. 16, 2020

Small campground but worth a visit

My husband, myself and our 2 small dogs live in Tucson, AZ. We recently acquired a roof top tent and we’ve been trying out various campgrounds across the Southwest.

Dog friendly hiking opportunities from this campground on the Cochise Trail. I recommend arriving during daylight hours. We left after work, and it was harder to navigate the primitive roads back to the campground in the dark. You do have to cross the stream several times to get the the site. When we crossed the water was 3-6” deep and a few crossing are over rocks (not pavement). We had no issues in our F250, but any vehicle with a normal amount of clearance should be fine. We saw several small SUVs/crossovers, small trailers, a dirt bike and a Prius.

It’s a popular place and we were lucky to get the last site available that night. There are also dispersed camp sites (also popular) along the W Hunt Rd loop.

The campground has pit toilets (with 2 stalls each). Each site has a picnic table, a nice fire ring and a tall BBQ grill. The sites are close together. No water, so bring your own.

We will definitely return to the Cochise Stronghold area.

  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Beth G., February 16, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

High Desert

Dry camping and good hiking. Cheap stay and deposit on honor system.

Reviewed Apr. 17, 2019

Gorgeous Hiking & Climbing Opps!

Various Oaks and Alligator Junipers abound at this cute little National Forest campground tucked in the Dragoon Mountains, another of Arizona’s beautiful “Islands in the Sky.”  Named for the late Apache leader, Chief Cochise, this campground sits at the base of a few absolutely gorgeous hiking trails and rock climbing areas.

Each site has a good amount of space but oddly a small amount of space for tents and RV’s longer than 24 feet won’t fit in most of the sites.  There is no privacy in between sites, but each site has good tree coverage (almost too much for our solar suitcase on an extension cord). Each site has a huge cement picnic table, fire ring, and grill and there are a couple composting toilets.  There was no drinking water available at the campground (the website says there is water), but there is a creek you can pull water from for filtering, so come prepared.

Important note:  If there is rain in the forecast, be aware that you may get stuck in this campground for a couple of days, as you have to cross numerous washes on the road to/from the campground. We were there for 3 days before it was safe to pull a small camper across the “death wash” that grew to 6 feet high and 20 feet wide during a 24-hour rain event!

Site5
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Shari  G., April 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Shari  G., April 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Shari  G., April 17, 2019
  • (10) View All
Reviewed May. 13, 2017

Great Rocks!

We went here for a quick overnight and it did not disappoint. The campground itself is pretty small and would be cramped if full, luckily it was no where near full when we were there (late fall). The rocks of the Dragoon Mountains are amazing and wandering among them is certainly worth it. We came back another time and discovered multiple dispersed camping spots on the Forest Service road that veers off just as you cross the Forest boundary as you head in towards the campground - this is where we will camp in the future (no fee). The hiking is amazing - head to up at least to half moon tank to see water and amazing rock formations.

  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Travis D., May 13, 2017
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Travis D., May 13, 2017
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Travis D., May 13, 2017
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2017

Tiny Camp with Big Adventure

I love it here. The campsites are fairly small and there's not much room for tents, but you don't go to the Stronghold to spend much time at camp anyway. The climbing here is rugged and relatively undeveloped and the views are pretty amazing. The rock that's formed here is unlike anything else in the area and just spending time here far from civilization makes you feel like an Apache warrior hiding out in the mountains.

  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Danielle A., April 6, 2017
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2016

One of the best

We loved staying at Cochise. The sunsets were amazing every night, there were tons of trees for shade and hanging hammocks and it was a great place to make a basecamp for a couple days of climbing.

  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Leah W., September 24, 2016
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by Leah W., September 24, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2016

Unforgettable Adventure Grounds

Rustic camping paradise. Endless trails, with amazing sights at every bend. Stumble upon rivers, vistas, sunning reptiles, and imagine what its like to be a native, shaking up settlers and hiding from Colonialists.

I can't wait to go back. I went in March and the weather was perfect. Aim for spring or fall, and get in early to find a spot. There's always something available, but get in early to find the good spots, lots of them spread out! COCHISE IS THE BEST!!! Lots of rock climbing too! So much scrambling, bouldering, and trad and sport routes. You'll love it even if you don't climb.

  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by dan N., July 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Cochise Stronghold Campground by dan N., July 31, 2016
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Cochise Stronghold Campground?

    Cochise Stronghold Campground allows vehicles up to 22 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Cochise Stronghold Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cochise Stronghold Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Cochise Stronghold Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Cochise Stronghold Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Cochise Stronghold Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.