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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed

Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed, near Tucson, Arizona, is a rugged spot for those who crave a true desert experience. This area offers a chance to camp among the iconic saguaros and enjoy stunning sunsets, making it a favorite for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

The location is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with plenty of space between sites, allowing for a sense of solitude. Visitors have noted that the dirt roads leading in are manageable, even for smaller vehicles, and the freedom to have campfires adds to the charm. As one camper put it, “It was quiet, breezy—and just what we were looking for.”

While amenities are limited—there's no drinking water, toilets, or trash services—this is part of the allure for many. Campers appreciate the chance to immerse themselves in nature without the distractions of modern conveniences. The area is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

For those eager to explore, the nearby Saguaro National Park is just a short drive away, offering fantastic hiking opportunities. Just be cautious of the local wildlife, as some visitors have raised concerns about potentially dangerous animals in the area. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Ironwood Forest provides a unique backdrop for your next outdoor getaway.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

This Ironwood Forest National Monument is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 4,261 feet. Three areas within the monument, the Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archeological District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The monument is a travel corridor for illegal immigrants traveling from Mexico. All suspected illegal activities should be reported to BLM or local law enforcement authorities. Stay safe by avoiding contact with persons exhibiting suspicious behavior or engaged in dangerous activities. Drive with caution and look for fast-moving vehicles and pedestrians on back roads. Some roads are rugged: high clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in those areas.

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Location

Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.444727 N
111.371757 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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 Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed needs a permit.


Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2024

Animals in the forest

I want to know if there are any dangerous animals in such mountains and forests. My group of friends and I are planning to come here to explore among us.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed May. 2, 2024

Beautiful night

Easy to find- road isn’t too bad. Was quiet, breezy- and just what we were looking for.

SiteJust inside the BLM land mark sign
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Timber , May 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Timber , May 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Timber , May 2, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2023

Peaceful Desert Camping

About 40 minutes away from Saguaro NP. Absolutely beautiful. Arrived late in the afternoon on a Saturday night. Only a couple of other campers, plenty of sites available. Dirt roads, but easily accessible in a mini van. Fires allowed.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Fern B., April 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Fern B., April 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Fern B., April 16, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2023

Good night spot.

Easy access to a few spots off road. Not to busy. Nice sunsets.

SiteBLM
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2023

Love this area

Always leave it cleaner than it was. Some really nice sites, one had super nice fire pit even flat rocks for pans. Another site was basically landscaped with fist size or larger rocks. Very much enjoyed our stay. Seems to becoming more popular but sites are a good distance apart. You can be out of site easily or within 60 feet of the next site if you wish. Don't recommend if it's going to rain, you'll be stuck.

Sitenot numbered
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Silas T., February 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Silas T., February 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Silas T., February 9, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2022

Camping among the saguaros

We stayed here 2 nights and enjoyed our stay for the most part. The highlight is that you’re among all of the beautiful saguaros next to a gorgeous mountain. Noteworthy mentions:

A long dirt road to get to the sites. Gets sketchy in some parts.

Not as many sites available as you’d think. Looks like may 5-6?

The mountain is a ways away from most of the sites.

The mountain itself doesn’t have any marked trails and is a bit of a free for all but we enjoyed exploring it.  Beautiful sunsets.

A lot of helicopter activity above.

Very large space between sites.

Beware of teddy bear cholla cactus! They are everywhere, grab right onto you if you brush them gently by accident. Very painful to get out. View photos.

Site1
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Taylor , November 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Taylor , November 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Taylor , November 26, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2022

Dump trucks

It's nice at night. During the day there are dump trucks passing on north pump station road every 5 minutes

There's also an airport, so planes pass by.

It's good for a free nights stay. It is clean and there are other campers, 👍

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Vaughan H., November 15, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 10, 2022

Feels very “Arizona”

This was my first real Arizona camping experience. I actually came back a second time and my make it back some more. There are very easy dirt roads for awhile. After a bit, you can get into some much rougher, rutted roads. There’s a small cemetery back a ways that I stumbled upon. Fun to camp and/or explore. I could find Verizon service very scarcely but mostly no service. Pretty quiet; which is what I was looking for.

Sitejust off the road, had a fire pit
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Sean , April 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Sean , April 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Sean , April 10, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2021

Good Arizona Experience

If you want the environment you expect Arizona to be, this is the place. Plenty of spots to choose from, open to all types of camping. I chose to tent here, but the majority of people were in RVs. Spots weren’t too hard to find although there were a lot of people. The roads back to it were pretty poor farm roads, but any type of car can make it. No amenities, good cell service. Would stay here again

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Mitchell M., December 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Mitchell M., December 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Mitchell M., December 29, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 28, 2021

Good access and popular

This seems to be the popular dispersed camping area along North Pump Station Road within the BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument. Numerous dispersed sites along a two track dirt road on both sides of the main gravel road. Free dispersed, 14D limit. No water, trash, toilets or designated spots. Cell signal is very good and OTA tv is also very good. Last mile or so from end of pavement is a wide graded dirt road accessing the dispersed sites from either direction, however the Silverbell road access seems to have a narrow bridge with a 6k weight limit?, So access to this site is from the south on gravel west El Tiro Rd for larger rigs?

(Note that State land is adjacent and also offers dispersed camping sites but an AZ state lands permit would be required on State lands.)

One negative issue is the constant target shooting from adjacent State lands.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Greg L., November 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Greg L., November 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed by Greg L., November 28, 2021
  • (12) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed?

    Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed is located at 1976 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed?

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