Dispersed camping opportunities near Chiricahua, Arizona provide access to desert landscapes at elevations ranging from 4,200 to 5,800 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations between seasons, with summer highs reaching 95°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Free camping options on Bureau of Land Management lands offer varying terrain conditions from packed gravel to sandy soil depending on recent precipitation levels.
What to do
Bird watching during migration seasons: At Playa Dispersed Campsite, wildlife viewing becomes exceptional during winter months. "Got here about 6 PM and the lagoon was filled with cranes. Got amazing pictures of them. In the morning the lagoon was empty. You must have to get here during certain migrations," notes Ken, who visited in March 2024.
Rock climbing on granite formations: The Dragoon Mountains provide technical climbing routes for various skill levels. "Endless trails, with amazing sights at every bend. Stumble upon rivers, vistas, sunning reptiles, and imagine what its like to be a native, shaking up settlers and hiding from Colonialists," shares Dan N. about the climbing opportunities near equestrian-friendly camping areas.
Trail riding with horses: Several backcountry routes accommodate horseback riding with moderate terrain. The firm ground at dispersed sites provides stable footing for horses, though riders should note most areas lack dedicated equestrian facilities. Water crossings on access roads can become impassable after heavy rain, requiring careful planning for horse trailers.
What campers like
Solitude and dark skies: Wide-open spaces create ideal stargazing conditions. Aaron notes at Playa Dispersed Campsite: "Wide open skies, peaceful surroundings, and incredible sunrises made for a perfect desert camping experience. The solitude was just what we needed, and the stars at night were unbelievable."
Oak and juniper shade: Cochise Stronghold Campground provides natural cooling in an otherwise exposed landscape. "Various Oaks and Alligator Junipers abound at this cute little National Forest campground tucked in the Dragoon Mountains, another of Arizona's beautiful 'Islands in the Sky,'" reports Shari G.
Level camping surfaces: Firm ground accommodates various camping setups. "We headed over here early on a Saturday morning and found a dispersed spot without a problem. Tons of spots available and some of the dips might require high clearance but we did fine with our vintage trailer and suburban. The spots are level and shaded (or full sun if you prefer)," explains Emily A. about the dispersed camping options near Cochise Stronghold.
What you should know
Water crossings on access roads: After rain events, routes to horse campgrounds near Chiricahua can become temporarily impassable. "If there is rain in the forecast, be aware that you may get stuck in this campground for a couple of days, as you have to cross numerous washes on the road to/from the campground. We were there for 3 days before it was safe to pull a small camper across the 'death wash' that grew to 6 feet high and 20 feet wide during a 24-hour rain event!" warns Shari G.
No amenities at dispersed sites: Pack in all supplies including water for yourself and horses. "No water or amenities and hardly any cell service on Verizon but it was awesome. Would definitely recommend!" reports Emily A. about the dispersed camping experience.
Limited cell service: Communication options are restricted in most areas. Prepare for offline navigation and emergency planning before arrival. Signal strength varies by provider but remains unreliable throughout the region's camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Arrive during daylight hours: Navigation becomes challenging after dark on unmarked roads. Beth G. advises: "I recommend arriving during daylight hours. We left after work, and it was harder to navigate the primitive roads back to the campground in the dark. You do have to cross the stream several times to get the the site."
Plan for temperature swings: Desert climate means substantial day-to-night temperature variations requiring adaptable clothing layers. Winter camping requires cold-weather gear as temperatures frequently drop below freezing overnight despite warm daytime conditions.
Select established sites for amenities: Tombstone RV & Campground offers facilities that make family camping more comfortable. "Clean and quiet. Easy to get in and out. Great amenities. A short distance from town," notes Vickie F., highlighting the convenience for families needing reliable facilities.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance considerations: Many routes to equestrian campgrounds require higher clearance vehicles. "When we crossed the water was 3-6" deep and a few crossing are over rocks (not pavement). We had no issues in our F250, but any vehicle with a normal amount of clearance should be fine. We saw several small SUVs/crossovers, small trailers, a dirt bike and a Prius," shares Beth G.
Length restrictions at established sites: Larger rigs may struggle at some campgrounds. "Each site has a good amount of space but oddly a small amount of space for tents and RV's longer than 24 feet won't fit in most of the sites," notes Shari G. regarding limitations for larger vehicles.
Level sites for horse trailers: When hauling horses to camping areas near Chiricahua, arrive early to secure the most level spots. Ground conditions can vary significantly based on recent weather patterns, affecting stability for larger trailers.
