Best Dispersed Camping near Chiricahua, AZ
Looking for the best Chiricahua dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Arizona camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Chiricahua, AZ (16)
1. Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest
Portal, Arizona7 Reviews•20 Photos•256 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. West Turkey Creek Dispersed
Portal, Arizona3 Reviews•13 Photos•103 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
3. Happy Camp Trail
Bowie, Arizona22 Reviews•76 Photos•209 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
4. Pinery Campground Lower - Dispersed
Portal, Arizona1 Review•3 Photos•40 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. Upper Juniper Flats Road
Bisbee, Arizona7 Reviews•13 Photos•89 SavesCamping 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Whitewater Draw WMA
Elfrida, Arizona1 Review•8 SavesThere are officially four campsites at Whitewater Draw. Parking is on a gravel surface and a metal pipe barrier loosely encloses a picnic table within the greater open space. A tent easily fits within this barrier, and a 35ft Class A, plus tow vehicle, can comfortably park within the designated site.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Alcohol
9. Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Tombstone, Arizona3 Reviews•9 Photos•17 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
10. Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping
Willcox, Arizona3 Reviews•3 Photos•50 SavesWillcox Playa is best known for its wintering population of sandhill cranes that migrate to the playa in large numbers, particularly in wet winters. It is not unusual to see several thousand cranes in winter at the power plant ponds viewing area on the southwest side of the playa, or at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 600-acre Wildlife Area on the southeast side. The cranes feed and court, but after February migrate to their summer breeding grounds in the northern Great Plains. Birding is best from mid-October through March, when more than 15 species of birds of prey may also be found here. The annual Wings over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival takes place in nearby Willcox each January and features guided tours. Camping: Overnight public camping is allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 45-day period. There are no facilities at the Wildlife Area. Restrictions: Open fires are allowed in designated areas only, Parking area only. No firewood cutting or gathering.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Chiricahua
54 Reviews of 16 Chiricahua Campgrounds
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Tarryn T.
Traveler
Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Felt like camping on desert safari
Moderately rough road out for non 4x4 vehicle road, but fine going slow. Good spots off the road, fairly private and not too many other campers nearby. Lots of animals nearby very loud waking up and ants on the ground, we were glad we were in a roof tent not on the ground.
- NNathan S.
Guide
Granite Gap
Extreme solitude
First off do not use Google maps. It will not take you to the right place. Use the built-in location found in DYRT. After you turn off I 10 on the left to travel approximately 10 miles the site will be on your right hand side. Follow the road to the left as you go through the gate. The site is very well-maintained. There are only a handful of sites available, but when I was there, I was the only one.
- CChasity M.Guide
Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Peaceful and Quiet
Take Middle March road on left off of highway 80. Campsite is 10 miles on the left. The first .5 miles is paved, the other 9.5 miles is primitive (embedded rock, loose gravel, and about 75%washboard). You’ll cross a few cattle guards and dry river beds. Plenty of camping spots with fire rings.
Tony S.Traveler
Happy Camp Trail
Little busy
Was a little busy and the bulls can get aggressive in your campsite.
- Dean E.
Scout
West Hunt Road
By Cochise Stronghold trailhead
Road in is bad but not horrible. Lots of sites and many open on Wednesday in late February. Great views and clean. 1.5 miles to campground and trailhead.
- CClaudia H.Traveler
Granite Gap
Classic New Mexi o
Great spot. Rocks and cactus and sunrises. Narrow sandy road, but manageable for smaller RV.
- TTracy T.Guide
Camp Site 001 Dispersed Site
Dragoon Mtns
The road up was a little rough and slippery, in some places. It had rained a few days before. I was fine without 4x4, but did slide in a few places. If you’re looking for peace and quiet with spectacular views and a lot of outdoor activities available, you will love it. Bring water, etc… it’s always to town. T-mobile cell good enough to stream.
- TTracy T.Guide
West Turkey Creek Dispersed
Gorgeous
The drive up is beautiful, the road isn’t maintained, but in pretty good condition. I stopped right after the cattle guard. There is another site going up about .5 mile in the left. Couldn’t see good enough in the dark. The creek was flowing and quite a few animals at dawn and dusk. Not a lot of traffic, and a trail right up the road to hike or follow the creek. The last campers left it so nice I was able to add decorations.
Mary B.GuideHappy Camp Trail
Serene Dispersed Camping Location
A beautiful, serene location not too far from I-10 and Fort Bowie. We arrived at around 10pm in our Sprinter van and found a quiet location. The campsites are far apart and you travel on compacted dirt road to get there. The father you go, the more space you have. It will be quite bumpy if you do not have an AWD or 4x4.
- hholly C.
RangerGranite Gap
Beautiful! Quite! Amazing!
Amazing views. A bit sandy of a drive. You have to open and close a gate but it is not locked. Quite, no lights nearby, dispersed camping at its best. Just a few cows. I would camp here again. We made it up in a long bed crew an Chevy 2500. Some camp sites at the bottom. But if you go up to the dead end keep to the left. Site is not to level but throw a couple of rocks under the tires and you can level out. Drive up is a little bit narrow with cactus close to the road. I would not think you need 4x4 but maybe something more then a car would be better. If wet I would think it may get a bit squishy, but with it dry a stock suv would make it just fine. Camped next to a rock face. Just beautiful!
Remington R.TravelerWest Hunt Road
Nice...
Road going in is horrible, washboard the whole way... it's a beautiful little camping area, no bathrooms and no water... I have T-mobile. I didn't get a signal at all, but I have a T-mobile internet modem, and it got a good signal... Beautiful views of the mountains whare I was parked I watched people free climb up than back down, I don't recommend that it was extremely steep...
- Berton M.
LegendHappy Camp Trail
Great Boondocking off the I-10
This is a wonderful place to boondock if you are driving the I-10 or visiting Fort Bowie Nation Historic Park. The dirt road is easily passable for most vehicles. Ver quiet. Decent cell signal with T-Mobile.
- JJoe Z.Traveler
Indian Bread Rocks
Nice dispersed camping area
Happy Camp Canyon is in fairly good condition. There is a trailhead parking area that is posted as no camping but about 50 yards further down there is a clearing with fire rings. We ended up sharing the spot with some cattle for a while.
- HHailee S.Traveler
Happy Camp Trail
Great spot for a quick camp spot
Overall the stay was great. My only complaint would be the bugs that were swarming in the morning. They only swarm certain plants and we happened to be by one so we had bugs EVERYWHERE. But it wasn’t a big deal. We just quickly packed up and went and ate breakfast at the picnic area right down the road and explored the granite rocks for a while.
Kelly K.ScoutTombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Beautiful views, spread out dispersed camps
Middleware road is highly washboarded. Forest Service Road is smoother but has some deep cuts. Made it fairly easily in small Class A. Nice sites with soft dirt and sand. Beautiful views of the Dragoons.
- AAllup E.Scout
Upper Juniper Flats Road
Outstanding Views
Road is very steep in places. 4 wheel drive would be necessary if road is wet or raining, otherwise passenger car and truck passable. Camping spots are at the edges which makes for fantastic sunrises and sunsets
- BButch K.Ranger
Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping
Nice little place to stop overnight
Came in early on a Friday afternoon to find the parking area vacant. Signage is clear: camping is only allowed in the designated area. No amenities, not even a dumpster or a pit toilet. Towards dusk a van pulled in. They were very quiet. But the parking lot is right on a paved 55 Mph Highway with quite a bit of traffic into the night, no trains or planes. Big rigs could easily get in and out of here but after three or four RVs it would be too crowded. No migrating waterfall here at the end of March, just a lot of mourning doves, ravens, and a couple of cows. Not bad for free. This is a state wildlife viewing area but no mention of any required permits
Haley L.GuideHappy Camp Trail
Great Spot
We got there far later than we should have (10:30pm) but were able to find a little space. It was, of course, difficult to navigate in the dark. The entrance was sooner than GPS showed but not too difficult to find. Sadly, we only saw hoof prints. No cows.
- SSteven F.Ranger
Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping
Wilcox Playa
This is just a gravel and dirt parking lot at the trailhead for the bird sanctuary. It has several large water holes when it rains. BUT as long as you know what to expect then it does a great job as an overnight.
Aliza N.LegendHappy Camp Trail
Top notch dispersed camping area
We really enjoyed our time here! The cows were great to watch and we got some great video of them! The road in was dirt and washboard here and there but overall could be easily passed by most any car. GPS coords were pretty accurate as well. Once you are off the main road the sand can be pretty deep and some of the turns pretty tight so scope it out if your in a bigger rig, before heading in. Lots of spots on the left in the first loops and on a spur to the right near some cool rocks. Not many people around when we were here and was nice and quiet.
Monte W.Legend
Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest
Awesome dispersed sites
Drove about 40 minutes down pinery canyon road. Roads weren’t terrible but had a few washboard spots. Several sites located off the main road. Plenty of wood to collect for the fire. It was pretty cold at night in late November but there was plenty of space between sites that my generator wasn’t offensive to others. Very clean site too.
- TTaylorGuide
Happy Camp Trail
Easy access exploring and beautiful spot
This has been our favorite campsite of our road trip so far. Noteworthy mentions: It is off the beaten path. It’s free. There are free roaming cattle There are endless rocks to explore and climb. It will keep your attention for days. Not many people here. Campfires allowed. Would recommend a 4x4 to get to further sites. Awesome remnants of Native American activity. You’re right next to where you wanna be. Thumbs up.
- SSilas T.Guide
Happy Camp Trail
Great time here
Directions from Dyrt were spot on. As others have said If you have a Big rig park by the day use area and SCOUT it out! After the first few sites the road becomes real sandy in places and not anywhere to turn big rigs around without it being sketchy. We stayed about a mile in on the left next to some huge rocks, nice firepit, no trash, no shade. Will be here two weeks. Met some ranchers moving some of their cattle other than them saw nobody. My dogs loved it. I was just concerned about keeping them safe from rattlesnakes. Have seen at least one every day. One was HUGE @ 5' western diamondback but very beautiful red brick color. Just be very aware as this is their home we're just visiting.
Morgan T.TravelerHappy Camp Trail
Cows!
This site was pretty easy to get to and at the foothills were beautiful and well-maintained. Didn’t use the restroom because there was a giant spider and there wasn’t TP, but it was there. People left rock fire pits, which we also didn’t use, but it’s nice they were there. Woke up to see cows hanging around and got to see a baby cow and mom, which was so sweet.
Cameron M.GuideHappy Camp Trail
Cool scenic spot, lots of critters
Stayed here on our way to New Mexico. It was a beautiful spot, very scenic. The dirt was soft as sand, and the area was cleaner than most. The only negative was their was tons of wasps at our site, not sure about the others. They didn’t mess with us but they were annoying like flies.
Alura E.GuideHappy Camp Trail
Definitely scout out if you have a big rig
This area is beautiful and dispersed. A lot of campers so scout out your site before you pull in, we pulled in with our 24 ft TT and it was a little tight to turn around.
-Youtube: Likely Lost
Albert V.GuidePinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest
Great spot to visit Chiricahua NM
I spent one night here. It was very quiet and secluded, and the dirt road is in great condition. There's tons of spots and the trees give a little cover. I rained on and off at night, but I feel the tree foliage kept a lot of water from dripping down onto the tent.
Guide to Chiricahua
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Chiricahua, Arizona, where nature's tranquility meets stunning landscapes. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Enjoy Scenic Hikes while Free Camping Near Chiricahua
- The West Turkey Creek Dispersed area features trails that follow the flowing creek, providing opportunities to explore the local wildlife and enjoy the serene environment.
- At Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping, you can hike through beautiful landscapes while collecting firewood for your evening campfire.
- The John Hands Waterfall Camp offers fantastic hikes along its banks, where you can discover small waterfalls and pools perfect for a refreshing dip.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Features
- The Granite Gap site is known for its extreme solitude, making it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and quiet away from the crowds.
- At Upper Juniper Flats Road, campers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valley, especially during sunrise and sunset.
- The Happy Camp Trail provides a serene location with well-spaced campsites, allowing for privacy while still being close to nature.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Chiricahua, Arizona
- When visiting Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687, be prepared for a moderately rough road; going slow will help you navigate it safely.
- At Whitewater Draw WMA, remember that there are no amenities, so bring everything you need, including water and food.
- If you’re heading to Sorin Camp, pack sunblock and plenty of water, as the area can get quite hot during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Chiricahua, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chiricahua, AZ is Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Chiricahua, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Chiricahua, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.