BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Pipeline Rd Dispersed camping

We stayed here for 5 nights in a 24 foot RV (March 20 - 25) . I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was overnight. We parked one of the closest open spots to the main Silverbell Road. It was far enough away from Silverbell that I really had to focus to hear anyone (in a regular vehicle) driving down that road. We sometimes heard some side by sides driving around the area, but, it was maybe 1 - 2 times a day max. There seemed to be a lot of daily traffic on the side road (off of Silverbell) - we assumed it was people coming in to do some hiking further in. We saw a couple of 4 wheel drive trucks come in and didn't see them depart until the next day, but, most of the traffic seemed to come in late morning and leave mid afternoon. Once sunset arrived it was perfectly quiet until morning. We picked up a few items of trash - but they were few and far between. The weather was a bit warm on some of the days (87 - 90), but, we are use to very hot days in Phoenix, so, mostly tolerable for us in the shade. We did not hear any huge trucks on Silverbell Road the entire time we were there - just passenger vehicles, pickup trucks or sometimes side by sides. Silverbell has a lot of various degrees of washboard - we went slow so it didn't bother us. The side road off of Silverbell Road was a little narrow and bumpy in places, which is why we essentially picked one of the first spots - but, we were quite happy with it.  As for other noises, I may have heard some shooting, but, it was so far off I couldn't be sure and it was rare. I did see and hear a number of airplanes, but, giving the location I was not surprised, nor did they bother us. We very much enjoyed our stay and would happily stay here again!

This BLM dispersed camping area is along a two-track dirt road that follows a buried pipeline. The start of the pipeline rdo from Avra road is .6 tens mile from the cattleguard on Avra Road and Pump Station road jct. There is no BLM sign or other signage on Avra road for the pipeline road turnoff and the entrance is somewhat obscured by the dense palo verde trees. There was some pink flagging marking the entrance to pipeline road 01.2022. Pipeline road is a lumpy bumpy two track that looks dicey but larger class As and 5th wheels RVs seem to get into this area ok.

The dispersed camping is only for about the first 1/2 mile as the two-track road crosses a deep wash (TTs will drag bumper!) past the 1/2 mile or so and then goes onto State Lands. Access to the paved road and access back into Marana or Tucson Estates area shopping makes this site more useful than other dispersed sites in the BLM Ironwood Forest monument. No toilets, water, tables or trash, however cell signal is very good. Sites are easy to get to and good flat areas are available. Only issue to note as a warning is the exit from the dirt camping road back onto the paved Avra Road is obscured by dense shrubs/trees and make it a bit dicey..the paved road does have truck traffic from the active Silver Bell copper mine at the end of the road. Three stars due to truck noise from the mine that seems to start at dawn..and the recent pipeline construction. In addition the target shooters are constant all around, even though it is illegal to target shoot on the Ironwood Monument and the State Trust lands...the local sheriff and BLM cops do not seem to be able to stop the shooters.

Wide open BLM dispersed camping area near Saguaro National Monument outside Marana, AZ.

The road to the site is paved until you leave Avra Valley Rd on Pipeline, which is a very good dirt road. Our site was as far from the pavement as you can get and we had no problems getting in with our 41’ fifth wheel. There are a few short areas on the road that are a bit bumpy, but nothing that can’t be handled easily by simply driving very slowly over the bumps. Most of the road is smooth, and wasn’t even washboarded while we were there (March, 2021).

There are many sites in the area and most are very suitable for even the largest rigs. I’d guess that fewer than a third of the sites were occupied while we were there, and our nearest neighbor was maybe a quarter mile away.

ATT and Verizon had decent cell signal and internet speeds were sufficient for streaming. My Verizon hotspot typically gave me 20-30 Mbps and my ATT phone was in the same range or faster.

We saw no trash and the area is well maintained. We stayed a full two weeks, left for a week, and returned for another 5 nights. During that time we saw one ranger who was very friendly. He mentioned that they came through to pick up garbage from time to time.

Lots of Saguaro around all the sites. Nice dark skies, and quiet. We had to drive 20 minutes or so for shopping and gas, but that’s a price I’m very willing to pay to camp in a place like this.

Date of Stay: 1/20/21 Vehicle: Subaru Crosstrek w/ tow-behind popup

I was a bit wary of this campground due to lack of reviews, but after an unsuccessful attempt to camp at another campground close to Saguaro NP East, we decided to give this site a go - and I’m SO glad we did. This is the perfect BLM campground - very dispersed, quiet, and FREE!

We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon with only about two other groups there. Directions from the Dyrt are perfectly accurate, but the turn is a bit tricky to see, as it is a narrow dirt road surrounded by brush. You can actually turn left or right when prompted by directions, but we went right and drove about ¾ of a mile down (you’ll see a sign addressed to campers so you’ll know you’re in the right place). Road is mostly very flat but does have the occasional bump/washout, and there is no shortage of rocks. Had no problem in my vehicle w/ trailer.

I honestly don’t know how many “campsites” are here, as they seem to be scattered pretty randomly around. There are little side roads that branch off the main road as well, we went down one of those and found a quaint little spot with camper-made fire pit that isn’t visible to the main road. Because of this, I would highly recommend arriving to this spot during the day, as we would have never found our great spot had it been dark.

As for the spot itself, it isn’t the prettiest because it’s mostly desert brush and dirt, but the Saguaros most definitely make up for it. Our specific campsite is marked by a towering, twenty-foot high Saguaro that I love waking up to every morning. There is little to no shade, but during the winter, the sun is very welcome. As for wildlife, we’ve seen several coyotes and roadrunners but not much else, at least during the day.

Location of this site is optimal - about five minutes from a local mart with all essentials, and ten from a Speedway and Dollar General. About 35 minutes from Saguaro West/Mountain Park and the same into central Tucson. Overall, I highly recommend this site for any avid BLM camper who is accustomed to no amenities. This may be my favorite BLM site I’ve ever camped.

Relatively easy access from main road for most any vehicle, just take it slow and watch for ruts, especially after a rain. 

There are many cool places to pull off and camp, but stay on established open spaces, we saw little baby things trying to grow all over the place so don’t squash them. We arrived on a Wednesday, and it was peaceful and quiet and serene until that Friday, when a group of guffawing dude-bros took up camp across the road from us. Voices carry here, especially this type of voice. The ranger drove down Pipeline Rd in a truck to check on things several times, something I always appreciate. 

You can hear road noise the closer you are to the main road (W Avra Valley Rd), especially trucks driving to and from the quarry, which can sound like thunder. Beautiful landscape, saguaros everywhere, beautiful sunrise and sunset, very peaceful despite the truck noise. If we had a rig that could make it in further we would have camped further away from the road to minimize the noise. Pretty regular traffic going in and out on Pipeline Rd, campers and ATVers. 

Free range cattle also in the area. 

Good verizon and AT&T service.