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Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
This Ironwood Forest National Monument (map: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2020-12/AZ_IronwoodForestNM-508.pdf) 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.
You may camp outside of developed areas across most of the Coronado National Forest at no charge. We recommend that you stop in to one of our five ranger stations to pick up a free travel management map so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted.
Potable water, restrooms, and other amenities are not available at dispersed sites. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas.
The Coronado National Forest has a 14-day stay limit on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.
Primitive camping
Primitive camping is allowed on existing sites only. Map: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2020-12/AZ_LasCienegas_NCA_map-508.pdf Camping may not exceed 14 consecutive days. You must camp at least 0.25 mile from cattle and wildlife water holes. You will need to bring your own water and firewood. The nearest lodging is available in Sonoita, 5 miles south on Highway 83, and in Patagonia. Campfires are allowed, except during periods of extreme fire danger. Food and Supplies A gas station and a variety of restaurants and services are located in the town of Sonoita, Arizona.
You may camp outside of developed areas across most of the Coronado National Forest at no charge. We recommend that you stop in to one of our five ranger stations to pick up a free travel management map so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted. Potable water, restrooms, and other amenities are not available at dispersed sites. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas. The Coronado National Forest has a 14-day stay limit on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.
ScoutThis BLM land has plenty of spots to park and camp. There is quite a bit of road noise though. Not bad for free camping though.
Traveler
I enjoyed this camp site overall. It was only 10 minutes away from Patagonia and it had lots of dry firewood. The downside is there is no water source and also road noise. I was there Friday night through Monday morning and heard road noice throughout the night except for Sunday night.
I would recommend exploring above where the pin is because there is more free dispersed camping that will be quieter and more remote.
Scout
After seeing the dispersed camping, my partner and I knew there must be something better and more secluded. About a 1/4 mile before the dispersed camping there is a national forest access road on the right. You’ll see a forest fire prevention sign at the entrance. 4x4 only no trailers. 3 or 4 dispersed sites. Beautiful hike up 4x4 road. Border patrol active. Close to Arizona’s trail trailhead. Great place to stay and see Patagonia.
TravelerThe BLM land had several entrances. We went in towards the end of the road, but found the parking was more level at the third or forth turn off. We came in after dark so it was hard to say the best direct route. The second turn in is very steep. We saw the dip when we went to leave and opted for the first turnoff closer to the light. The rocky hill was a nice walk with the dogs in the morning. Lots of rabbits got them excited. Not overly clean, but I would stop here again. The amenities are easy to access. This is one of the few areas I’ve seen where you can access BLM parking and get gas and groceries at the same exit. It’s about 8 miles off the highway. The area isn’t vast but large enough for privacy. It’s perfect for a quick overnight stop.
LegendJust a few miles up Harshaw Rd. (just outside of the adorable village of Patagonia), you will find a variety of free camping options with no services, just National Forest land available to both RVers and tent campers. There are streams running throughout the area, but the water simply isn’t drinkable even with filtering and leaves a sticky white mineral residue on everything it touches; thank goodness there is a reverse osmosis filling machine in the village of Patagonia, right in front of the bakery. The backroads in this area are great for hiking or mountain biking, you can choose from relatively flat to crazy steep with amazing views.
The village of Patagonia is colorful and fun, and has a nice market with a great produce selection for its size, a small bakery, a launderette, a gas station, and a few cleverly named restaurants. Also, be sure to check out the Paton Center for Hummingbirds (a birdwatcher’s paradise) -- it’s free! The locals are super friendly.
Note: You will see Border Patrol both hanging out in hidden spots and zooming down the roads through this area, appearing to be in hot pursuit. But we never saw a single “situation” that warranted their presence.
GuideThis dispersed camping area was a lot more secluded and quieter than I expected. My friend and I were looking to camp overnight before going on a gravel bike ride in the area.
Harshaw Road was already along the bike route, so this was an ideal location. Bonus that this is pretty close to Patagonia which came in handy when we couldn't make coffee in the morning.
We drove a little further than the GPS marker to find a camping spot that was tucked in from the main road. There were plenty of spots for a large group with rock fire pits. As someone mentioned, there was an area further back that was clearly the bathroom spot.
Assume that this spot could get full in the shoulder seasons, but again was pleasantly surprised to be the only ones there.
Legend
This area is a short distance from the other Snyder Hill blm area and although closer to the hwy noise, this area is flat and more open for TTs and RVs. Great cell signal, not too trashy and seems BLM rangers patrol weekly. Dispersed camping, no water, no designated sites, no toilets, however a trash dumpster is now at the other Snyder Hill area.
LegendSNYDER HILL BLM DISPERSED.
Recently posted basic camping info about this place close to Tucson west side at Ajo Hwy 86. . Some commenters got upset that I had mentioned this spot on a FB dispersed camping page, as if it was a secret or a pristine location! Hah!
REALITY update: This place is a 100% CRAP HOLE and should be shutdown by the BLM. Full of marginal rundown vehicles and homeless tent campers. Trash and glass everywhere. Hwy 86 noise 24/7, recreational shooters constant adj somewhere.
Note that the State of AZ closed and fenced off their adj section two years ago, and another BLM parcel to east past the fire station was closed to camping last year. Time for this crap hole place to be shutdown, imo.
Some pics of the trash noticed.
ScoutMax 14 day stay free camping. No services. Great cell service. Close to Tucson
Traveler
Dispersed camping. No amenities. The spots at the cieneguita camp are full Everytime we have camped at the preserve but there is plenty of open area to pick a spot. We camped just past the cieneguita sites tucked back in the mesquite thicket. The dirt at the spot we camped at was so fine it was like talcum powder so everything was covered in dirt in no time BUT it’s camping. You can hear periodic gunfire as this is BLM but people appear to be shooting in areas that are away from campers and towards hillsides. Super quiet otherwise and great skies without light pollution for looking at stars. Pretty cool spot.
LegendEntire area is fenced off and appears to be closed to dispersed camping. The larger area to the west is still available.
Guide
There are many places to camp on empire ranch. Many are dispersed camping but there is also a really great group site for reservation. Great location for Ground Tents, Roof Top Tents, and RVs
Legend
Dispersed camping, no amenities, but FREE.
Easy drive in on partially washboarded flat gravel road (E Yucca Farm Rd). The dirt road into Road Canyon is manageable, just drive with caution. Area is wide open and quiet with multiple spots. Did not see many people during our stay here, just a few hikers and ATV’ers, and one trailer camping down the road. As you are driving in there are several decent spots to pull off and camp. There are stone fire rings that people have made and the area is free from left litter.
Further down the dirt road you come upon a “no trespassing” sign indicating that it is State Trust land and that a permit is required to go any further, and to call 602-542-2119. Arizona Trust Land Permit is $20/year for family of 4, $15/year individual.
Saw some antelope on our way out but no other wildlife. There are free range cattle but did not see any. Nice quiet place to let the dogs run free.
There are other camping areas further up the main road.
Good Verizon and AT&T reception
RangerThis area is also called Empire Ranch. The ranch is 44,000 acres boastes lots of wildlife elk, antelope, coyotes, kangaroo rats, and roadrunners. The ranch house can be toured along with several bunkhouse and barns. Several western movies have been shot on the ranch and lots of the scenery looks familiar from these said movies. John Wayne Frank, Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sam Elliott are some of the actors in these movies. Water can be acquired at the camp host and gift shop area at the ranch house. The ranch has an airport which all the large Class A Class Cs and goose neck campers usually camp because the campsites are on the air strip area and requires very little backing. A true gem of a dispersed camping area.
GuideBureau of Land Management site. 14 day limit. Easy access and we were able to park our 42 ft motor home easily. The area is quiet with trails and lots of area to walk your four legged camper! We saw horseback riders and ATVs enjoying the area. We were able to stay in contact (ATT ) and the city is within an easy drive for supplies. This is a boondock area. Be aware that while camping here you are sharing the area with wildlife (including rattlers). Boondocking etiquette applies (pick up trash and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived). We have camped here several times and will certainly return!
Guide
Open space for boondocking. Historic ranch house open for visiting. Saw many birds and few other campers. Public bathroom at ranch headquarters and water . A mountain biking riding area - gravel roads and cattle in fields.
Scout
This was the perfect place to have my first dispersed camping experience. I tried following Google Maps to the gate however the dirt road it had me try was no longer accessible by car as it was very overgrown. I returned back on the road and continued for about 1/4 mile and found the accessible main dirt road. The gate was closed, please close it once you get your car inside. You must have a Public Lands Trust permit which I did not realize until I got to the gate. Getting one was super easy. $20 for a full year permit and $1 online convenience fee. Once I secured the permit, it was time to explore and find my home for the evening. The road is easy to navigate (yellow ribbons on the bushes just in case) and not maintained. Texture is mostly washed rocks with nothing too technical. High clearance vehicle is required and 4x4 suggested. I saw Pond 2 (0.5 miles from the gate) off to my right and decided to take a look instead of going to Pond 1 (1.5 miles from the gate) immediately. I found a spot that would work for me. Fires are allowed (always check BLM for up to date fire restrictions!!) I still cleared a 10 foot radius around my hand built fire ring as there was dried grasses around. No trash service, no water. Surprised to see 2 porta-potties at the gate but I can't say what state they were in as I did not use them. Come and enjoy the solitude and epic sunsets
GuideFirst time taking our 30’ travel trailer out. Selected Patagonia because it’s close to home base and there was dispersed camping available. Traveled on a weekday and arrived early. Found a site tucked back enough from the road so road noise wasn’t a issue. After we unhooked we explored further down the road. Hook a right and drive all the way to the mine entrance. You’ll pass numerous campsites along both sides of the road to pick from. Total dry camping but wooded and peaceful. We enjoyed hiking and exploring the charming town of Patagonia. Returning on Saturday we noticed lots of traffic headed to Patagonia (boats, off road vehicles, rvs, etc). Patagonia is popular with Tucson residents for recreation.
We visited again in April and stayed in a larger site on the road closer to the mine entrance. Liked our larger site an had it to ourselves for a night. During a hike went up a well worn path to discover an area campers had been using as their bathroom. Lots of wipes with rocks placed on top. Yuck! Later a big group of campers arrived pulling a pop up. The next morning we saw some of them trooping up the hill to the “bathroom” spot. Not much to say except pack it out people or dig a hole and bury.
Legend
This free BLM dispersed area is at the southeast corner of the National Monument at jct of Mile Wide road and Reservation road. Access on either road is on a wide gravel road for about a mile Note that Mile Wide road has two narrow bridges with a 10k weight limit. Free dispersed, no water, toilets, fire rings, tables or trash containers. However cell signal is very good. This site is only a few miles from both Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mt Park. Entrance has an unlocked gate (close gate behind you) and a new fancy BLM sign. There was a sign in past visits noting no target shooting in the Ironwood monument but someone ripped it down. State trust lands are adjacent and intermixed in this area also. (Camping is allowed on State trust lands but you have to get an online permits for $20). Only 2 stars due to lack of saguaros or ironwood trees and other interesting vegetation, just a sandy flat plain with creosote bushes, but safe for dogs though! ATV use may be an issue on weekends. Seems target shooters are close by with no County Sheriff intervention and the dense dried grass makes campfires a risk. Also there is a high pitch machine noise from the water pump stations nearby that can be irritating. Two stars, maybe one star...
TravelerThis is a huge dispersed camping area. You definitely want to go early in day to scout out a spot because it is quite large. The campground has "all walks of life" staying here. You will see areas with upper scale 5th wheels/travel trailers all the way down to people living full time in cars/tents although the max allowable stay is supposedly 2 weeks per stay. The main road is paved, but then you have to pull off into gravel/dirt roads that are hard bottomed. Many areas have ruts so if u have a low axle, you will need to scout area first. If you have a small camper/tent and a 4 wheel drive you can drive up to the top of some areas to get spectacular sunsets over the city lights of Tucson. The solar system of stars is breath taking at night. I highly recommend this campground. There is a convenience store less than a mile down the main highway for any amenities you may need. There is no water/electric/dump station, but there are two different truck stops who have dump station and potable water. Generators are allowed in less populated areas but we asked our neighbors anyway and they had no problem with it. It is also a popular area for recreational vehicles and dust can be high at times with them running around as well as on days of high wind. There are bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, snakes and spiders. We did not encounter any but they all have been reported so I guess it will be the area u choose as well as the season when u arrive.
We will definitely be returning when in the area. I hope this helps with any questions u may have had.
Ranger
This is a huge group campsite with a few fire rings and plenty of space to spread out. It can be reserved during certain times of the year so be sure to check out the BLM site. Otherwise it’s free and in a great spot just off the highway and near Empire Ranch. You should definitely bring bikes to ride along some of the trails and go check out the Old Empire Ranch buildings two miles further down the road.
ScoutI first came upon this area three years ago and have come back every year since. It is isolated, camp sites are well spaced and the scenery is great. There is no highway noise and the night time stars are brilliant. It is free range for cattle so you may wake up several mornings to see them in 'your backyard'. There are Coues deer (a small whitetail), pronghorns (get up early to see them), a prairie dog town, coyotes can be heard many nights, and all kinds of birds.
Empire Ranch has a great but small museum, with trails around it for walking, nice restrooms, free water for filling your RV, and a rich history. If La Cieneguita campground is full (only eight sites) There are other areas with La Cienagas National Conservation Area for camping including a large former small airport on the other side of Empire Ranch.
LegendThe Snyder Hill BLM area is a bit of a trashy rough road access site. No water, no toilets, 14d limit. Good cell and close to Tucson Estates. Tons of broken glass litters the ground, some campers are sketch on tents. Hwy noise could be a factor. BLM rangers visit weekly and that is good. Only use this area if you cannot get into Gilbert Ray CG instead. There is no CG in Saguaro NP West. Another free BLM is Ironwood Forest NationZl Monument but the BLM proposed to start charging a daily $15 camping fee there in 2025?
Guide
We Camped here for two nights with a nice view of elephant head. It is an open range so there are cows walking around. There are quite a few camping spots but had all of them filled by the time we made camp on Friday afternoon. One of the really downsides was we had two skunks walk through our site early Saturday morning and one did spray our 10 months old puppy.
GuideReally nice area flat. BLM Numbered campsites, but you can also go to the end of that campground and there's a fence you can go through and there's camping out that way also. Watch out for potholes. Two weeks camping permitted. No services good Verizon
LegendThis BLM property, right off the Ajo highway near Tucson, is extremely convenient for a short or extended stay. Anyone can stay up to 14 nights, free of charge. Greeted people here from all walks of life -- from those living out of the back of truck to brand new 45 foot motorhomes.
Like many high-impact BLM areas, the entrance roads are not well-maintained so some are quite rough. We arrived in the dark, which we do not recommend as it was difficult to see where the entrances were and how rough the roads were ahead of us. The parking/camping spaces are not designated, but heavy use has carved out lots of opportunities.
There are a few places to walk or ride throughout the property, which is actually quite small based on typical BLM property. However, the nearby areas of Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park, offer plenty of opportunities for both.
No facilities, no water or even a stream…so plan ahead!
GuideTypical BLM site, road noise, and shooting range sounds are familiar here. The road and areas are pretty flat; ok in rains also
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Arivaca, Arizona, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Arivaca, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Arivaca, AZ is Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area with a 3.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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