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Dispersed Camping

Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping

4 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping, near Sonoita, Arizona, is a stunning spot for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. This area offers expansive sites where you can truly spread out and enjoy the great outdoors, with beautiful views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.

Visitors rave about the incredible scenery, often comparing it to the African plains. The roads are well-kept, making it easy to navigate, and you might even spot some roaming cows, antelope, or deer during your stay. Just keep in mind, there’s no shade, so be prepared for the sun.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets directly at the camping area, you can find water and bathrooms at the nearby Empire Ranch headquarters. Some campers have enjoyed the history of the old ranch and even caught a tour from a local guide. If you’re up for a little adventure, Sonoita is just south of here, known for its wineries and breweries—perfect for a tasting trip after a day of exploring.

Campers appreciate the solitude this location offers, with many noting they encountered very few people during their stay. As one visitor put it, “We spent the evening observing the hawks hunting.” Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping is a fantastic choice for your next outdoor getaway.

Fee Info

FREE if you are on BLM land. Just a tad north is State Land. Please be mindful of the location you camp.

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Location

Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

31.80358092102588 N
110.65640438709381 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
TerraSol in Patagonia, Arizona

TerraSol in Patagonia, Arizona

30 min away

Tierra De La Paz

Tierra De La Paz

51 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Kelly B.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2023

Incredible views, peaceful and remote

This place is unreal. It reminds me of African plains. It's a higher elevation grassland that makes you feel like you're anywhere but in Arizona. The area is large. Roads are well-kept. It used to be a huge ranch and now it's owned by the BLM. Cows roam, so be aware. So do antelope and deer.

There's no shade to speak of. You can visit the old ranch headquarters and somtimes there's a doula there to give you a tour. It's interesting for the history.

You can get water at the headquarters and they have bathrooms there, but you cannot stay there overnight.

Just south of this area is Sonoita, famous for its wineries. You can hit some of the wineries or breweries and do some tasting.

The area is just stunning, and the elevation is higher than Tucson so if you're looking for some cooler temps, you'll find them here.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping by Kelly B., March 29, 2023
BThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2023

We like it.

Big sites spread out. There are not many places and that's ok. Looks like local weekenders come with ATV"s. We found a nice spot at the junction of a couple roads. Past the ranch, not in the group site. Noisy ATVs and the threat of snow made us move away however we would come back and spend several days. Beautiful views, we pent the evening observing the hawks hunting.

Sitepast thr ranch, past the group site.
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping by Becky , February 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping by Becky , February 25, 2023
Dalton M.
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2022

Great spot

Perfect little spot if you're looking for a place to get away from the city has vault toilets also there is water available at the actual empire ranch foundation

Month of VisitJune
VThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 10, 2022

Solitude

Really neat spot. Have been here two days so far and so far only two people on horseback on the road. Road should be ok, just take your time. Plenty of firewood and a nice “fire ring”..

  • Review photo of Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping by Vinny D., March 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping by Vinny D., March 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping by Vinny D., March 10, 2022
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Empire Ranch?

Empire Ranch offers basic dispersed camping facilities. The area includes vault toilets for visitors, and water is available at the Empire Ranch Foundation main area (not at individual campsites). Camping spots are spacious and spread out, providing privacy. Many sites have established fire rings, and firewood can be found in the area. There are no electrical hookups, showers, or other developed amenities, as this is primarily a primitive camping experience.

Do I need a permit to camp at Empire Ranch in Arizona?

No permit is typically required for dispersed camping at Empire Ranch, as it's BLM-managed land. Camping is free, following standard BLM dispersed camping regulations. However, it's always advisable to check with the local BLM office for any seasonal restrictions or policy changes before your trip. The area offers a convenient no-reservation camping option, though campsites are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where is Empire Ranch camping located in Arizona?

Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping is located in southeastern Arizona, in a unique high-elevation grassland area that resembles African plains rather than typical Arizona landscape. It's situated on former ranch land that is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The camping area is spread out with multiple spots available past the main Empire Ranch Foundation property. The area offers a remote feel while still being accessible by well-maintained roads.

What outdoor activities can you do while camping at Empire Ranch?

Empire Ranch offers diverse outdoor activities in a stunning high grassland setting. Wildlife viewing is exceptional—visitors can spot antelope, deer, and grazing cattle throughout the area. Horseback riding is popular on the property's roads and trails. ATV riding is common, particularly among weekend visitors. Hiking opportunities abound in the surrounding landscape. The unique terrain also makes for excellent photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. Stargazing is rewarding due to the remote location away from city lights. The area's natural beauty provides a peaceful backdrop for nature appreciation.

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