Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Chiricahua, AZ

Chiricahua Mountains campgrounds welcome pets across multiple accommodation types, including tent sites, RVs, and cabins. Sunny Flat Campground in San Simon maintains clean facilities with potable water on-site while allowing dogs. Bonita Canyon Campground in Chiricahua National Monument features bear boxes at every site and permits pets with standard National Park Service regulations. West Turkey Creek offers dispersed camping beside a mountain stream where pets can splash in multiple small waterfalls and pools. Most sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with vault toilets available at established campgrounds. Sites on the outside of Chiricahua Mountains campground are large and very private with trees providing shade during warmer months.

FS Road 42 Dispersed camping areas accommodate larger vehicles including full-size vans, with several spots located along a dry creek bed among trees. The Cave Creek Canyon area provides spectacular granite cliff views that surprise first-time visitors with pet-friendly hiking opportunities. South Fork Trail #243 offers an easy 4.1-mile route with water crossings suitable for dogs. Turkey Creek flows beside several campgrounds, creating natural water features for pets to enjoy during summer months. The area attracts birders, particularly during March and April migrations, making weekday arrivals recommended for securing campsites. Temperatures remain cool under tree shade throughout Chiricahua's higher elevations, providing comfortable conditions for pets. Visitors should arrive prepared with supplies as the nearest full grocery stores and services are significant distances away.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Chiricahua, Arizona (52)

    1. Chiricahua Mountains

    9 Reviews
    Portal, AZ
    17 miles

    "Chiricahua Mountains. The eastern route to Chiricahua National Monument is dicey in areas. Check with rangers before traversing this route."

    "There's hundreds of beautiful, well maintained and overgrown trails throughout the mountain range. Tons of wildlife and big trees. It's a forest wonderland compared to the surrounding Arizona desert."

    2. Sunny Flat Campground

    8 Reviews
    Portal, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-3468

    "The Cave Creek Canyon on the western edge of the Chiricahua Mountains is a spectacular area that will completely take you by surprise."

    "There are some campgrounds that just stick out in your mind for their beauty, location, and proximity to other cool stuff.  Sunny Flat is one of them."

    3. Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument

    26 Reviews
    Portal, AZ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 824-3560

    $25 - $50 / night

    "If approved by congress, Chiricahua National Monument will become Arizona's fourth National Park.  "

    "Bonita Canyon CG- Chiricahua NM: Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: Campsites in outer loop are more nicely spaced(rate 4) and trailer adds to privacy."

    4. Cypress Park Campground

    1 Review
    Portal, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-3468

    "Many hiking trails up the road from the campsites. Fort rucker is nearby to see a little bit of Cochise Counties history."

    5. Sycamore Campground

    4 Reviews
    Portal, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-3468

    "The campground is situated right next to a mountain stream that is cool to explore. It's a little tough to get to but it's worth it. Not very many sites though so it may fill up on weekends"

    "Campgrounds are next to a creek with a trailhead leading to a waterfall, couldn’t ask for more for a free campsite."

    6. West Turkey Creek Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Portal, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-3468

    "Turkey creek flows right next to the campground and offers fantastic hikes along it's banks. There are multiple small waterfalls and pools to splash in."

    "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."

    7. FS Road 42 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Portal, AZ
    21 miles

    "From chiricahua entrance head on FSR 42. A mile or two in many many sites along dry creek in the trees. Some Otv and motorcycle activity during day. We stayed only 15 minutes from monument."

    8. Rusty's RV Ranch

    7 Reviews
    Rodeo, NM
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 557-2526

    $29 / night

    "We are birders and were happy with the proximity to many mountain canyons.  Our space was private with a nice patio.  Everyone was easy going and friendly.  The dog park was convenient and clean."

    "While visiting we went exploring and visited the Chiricahua Desert Museum & the Apache Museum next door. Enjoyed all of the displays and history as Geronimo surrendered nearby."

    9. Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Portal, AZ
    27 miles
    Website

    "Your best bet if you are looking to visit Chiricahua National Monument and Bonita is full. This is the closest in proximity from what I could tell."

    "Spent one night on 7/12 at the second campsite a little ways down the road after the GPS says you’ve arrived at the location. About 30 minute drive from the Chiricahuas."

    10. Herb Martyr Campground

    1 Review
    Portal, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-3468
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Chiricahua, AZ

256 Reviews of 52 Chiricahua Campgrounds


  • Renee T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    FS Road 42 Dispersed

    Many spots amongst trees

    From chiricahua entrance head on FSR 42. A mile or two in many many sites along dry creek in the trees. Some Otv and motorcycle activity during day. We stayed only 15 minutes from monument.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2025

    Bisbee RV Park

    Quiet and secure

    Tranquil place for people and pets. Facilities, including dog park is clean and community if friendly. No worries except for no campfires and the nightly visits from javelinas. 😊

  • Carla J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2021

    Rusty's RV Ranch

    Perfect place except for WiFi

    We are birders and were happy with the proximity to many mountain canyons.  Our space was private with a nice patio.  Everyone was easy going and friendly.  The dog park was convenient and clean.

  • Rich J.
    Mar. 23, 2022

    Tombstone RV & Campground

    Clean and Quiet

    About a mile outside of Tombstone. Very clean, large/wide sites, nice pool, dog parks, large clubhouse with TV, shuffleboard, ping pong, etc. Very helpful staff. Lots of snow birds when we were here...we stayed 2 nights.

  • Christina H.
    May. 10, 2025

    Tombstone RV & Campground

    Beautiful and clean, perfect location

    Upon arrival, this park is absolutely gorgeous. Check-in was swift and easy, and we were escorted to our site by a friendly staff member. Although the park is big rig friendly, we found the turn into the row very tight for our 37ft 5th wheel and long tow vehicle (about 55ft total rig length). Once in the proper row, the turn into the pull through sites is easy.

    Full hookups were all working smoothly, and although we did not use any of the facilities, they all looked beautiful and clean. The dog park on the far end was absolutely spotless. The lighting around the campground at night was charming and appreciated. Our site had a tree with a picnic table under it.

    We were only a few minutes drive away from all the best attractions Tombstone has to offer, but the location is quiet and away from all the commotion.

  • C
    Jan. 28, 2021

    Rusty's RV Ranch

    Pet Friendly with Hiking Trails. Dark Skies and Quiet.

    We wanted to get away for a few days during Covid and wanted to stay south where it was warmer so we found Rusty's RV Ranch in Rodeo New Mexico. It was quiet and friendly and just what we were looking for. While visiting we went exploring and visited the Chiricahua Desert Museum & the Apache Museum next door. Enjoyed all of the displays and history as Geronimo surrendered nearby.

    We took a ride over to the Coronado National Forest and coming from the wide-open desert we felt like we had stepped into another world. Definitely worth the trip. We tried to drive the loop around the area on the first day but the directions weren't very good and we didn't go all the way. We went back the next day and went the other direction and went through the little town of Paradise. It was a long bumpy gravel road this way and really wasn't worth the trip....enjoyed the paved road in the National Forest much more. 

    We needed some supplies so we drove down to Douglas AZ at the Mexico border. Visited Walmart and got some tacos that were excellent. Not much between Rusty's and Douglas but was a good drive with little to no traffic. Did see a number of Border Control agents on patrol.

    Rusty's RV Ranch was very clean and well maintained. You could tell that they have made a concerted effort to make the grounds nice from the Swan & Duck pond to the bird enclosures and Koi pond. Loved the hiking trails that went around the entire property and we used those a number of times.

    The space was huge and very private. We didn't have to unhook our toad vehicle until we needed the car which was really nice. The management was very friendly and helpful. 

    We have t-mobile and I will tell you we had no service here. We hooked up to their park wi-fi but could barely check our email. We don't have satellite either so we were totally disconnected mostly.... but that was good too for a change. Fall and Winter are the busiest times here with people looking for warmer winters and avoiding the hot summers.

    There are a couple of restaurants nearby and the closest has a convenience store but that is it... so be sure that you are stocked up on supplies before you go or expect to drive to get them. If you bring your pet be sure to have some flashlights to walk them at night because it is dark dark 😀

    We would definitely visit Rusty's again! 

    Visit our website for more.

  • Rod D.
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Bonita Canyon Campground — Chiricahua National Monument

    Chiricahua National Monument is special indeed

    If approved by congress, Chiricahua National Monument will become Arizona's fourth National Park.  While the current monument  is a compact area geographically,  it definitely has the uniqueness of a national park and warrants the added protections.  It will however make a very special place more popular, so you might want to visit sooner than later. 

    If you camp in a tent, van, micro-camper, or small travel trailer you will find Bonita Canyon Campground to be a memorable and wonderful place.  Don't try to bring any big rigs as they simply won't fit.  Reservations are a must. 

    The campground is small, beautiful, shaded and right in the middle of some incredible scenery providing easy access to the fantastic hiking and wildlife viewing that is all around you.  Hosts were professional and friendly, bathhouse small but super clean, and the site boundaries were mostly marked with fences which is somewhat unique.  This is an old CCC built campground.  From the campground you can easily walk to the foundations of the original camp located nearby.  

    Pay attention to fire regulations and status.  If permitted, campfires are limited to the raised grills (no rings) but you can bring your own solo type camp stove. You will need to bring your own wood and ice.  Pay attention to your fuel levels in your vehicle as this is a remote place.  

    This is premier birdwatching country.  If you can, I would highly recommend taking  one of the guided walks provided by the rangers and park biologists.  We learned a bunch and I am not even "a birder" and enjoyed it.  The nearby visitor center will have the details. 

    The Arizona Coatimundi's are a very unique mammal and frequently visit the campground.  Deer, turkeys, quail, and other wildlife are in abundance and easy to see from the hikes.  The views of the night sky are unparalleled. 

    A short drive away provides access to some incredible trails for hiking or simply viewing the surrounding Wilderness areas.  The rock features found in this area make it unique. 

    This continues to be one of our favorite places in Arizona to camp and hike.

  • Lenore M.
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Chiricahua Mountains

    Chiricahua Mountains

    Chiricahua Mountains. The eastern route to Chiricahua National Monument is dicey in areas. Check with rangers before traversing this route.

  • CJ T.
    May. 3, 2021

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Pretty good dispersed sites

    Your best bet if you are looking to visit Chiricahua National Monument and Bonita is full. This is the closest in proximity from what I could tell. Obviously no bathrooms, but Chiricahua visitor center does have a bathroom. It’s not practical for every bathroom use, but maybe worth it to poop 😅 otherwise, good dispersed sites. They don’t start for a mile or two after entering Coronado NF. Sites on the right side of the road tend to have more shade then on the left. Sites have rock fire pits and good shade. We heard turkeys, had a nightly skunk visitor who was pretty un-afraid of humans and definitely was looking for food. We locked food in covered truck bed to prevent too many visitors.


Guide to Chiricahua

Chiricahua camping areas span elevations from 5,000 to 9,000 feet, creating temperature variations that can be 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding desert regions. Most dispersed camping zones lack cell service, with connectivity only available at higher elevations near Sugarloaf Mountain or Echo Canyon parking lots. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, requiring proper cold-weather gear from November through March.

What to do

Hiking through unique rock formations: The Chiricahua National Monument offers distinctive hiking opportunities among volcanic rock formations. "Small, quiet campground in Chiricahua National Monument with a dutiful camp host and clean bathrooms. Ample water throughout the site and food storage lockers provided. Did not see bears but enjoyed great birding and observed a large family of coati on our day hike," reports Dani P.

Bird watching during migration seasons: Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains attracts serious birders, especially during spring. "This campground might be better for small RV's than some of the others in the area because of the size of the sites, though anything bigger than 25 feet might have a tough time getting backed in. The area is a birder's paradise and at certain times of year can get very busy," notes Shari G.

Water activities in Turkey Creek: Multiple small swimming holes form along creek beds during spring runoff. "Turkey creek flows right next to the campground and offers fantastic hikes along its banks. There are multiple small waterfalls and pools to splash in," shares Travis D.

What campers like

Dark night skies for stargazing: The remote location creates exceptional viewing conditions. "We would have loved to see more of the stars but the trees obviously block the views so I would recommend walking out to the road to stargaze at night," suggests Melissa W.

Pet-friendly trails and swimming spots: West Turkey Creek Dispersed provides dog-friendly water access. "Turkey creek flows right next to the campground and offers fantastic hikes along its banks. There are multiple small waterfalls and pools to splash in," writes Travis D., making this an excellent option for dog friendly campgrounds near Chiricahua.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings are common throughout the region. "Not much in the area for food and gas, so come prepared. The area is a birder's paradise and at certain times of year can get very busy. Great opportunities for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing throughout the entire mountain range," reports Shari G.

What you should know

Limited services and supplies: The region has few nearby amenities. "AT&T coverage was good, but only 1 bar of 5G service with speeds up to 8 MB/s. We had a clear view to the N at the site, so Starlink was fine with speeds up to 25 MB/s," notes Ray & Terri F. from Rusty's RV Ranch.

Washboard roads to dispersed sites: Access roads require careful driving. "Also note that the road into the forest is not maintained well and is full of washboards for about a mile or so, and many washes cross this road, so pay close attention to rain in the forecast as you could get stuck on the other side of one of these washes for an indefinite period of time," cautions Shari G.

Limited campsite availability during peak seasons: Campgrounds fill quickly during migration periods. "Beautiful location, but odds of finding an available campsite are almost nil. FCFS policy. Have tried several times, never successful. Similar for Stewart Campground nearby, these are the only ones open in winter. Be prepared for alternatives," warns Rick F.

Tips for camping with families

Bring wildlife identification guides: The Chiricahua region hosts diverse species. "Saw many deer and turkeys in the area. Saw deer and turkeys. Nice camp fire rings," reports Jsnider from Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping.

Pack adequate water supplies: No potable water exists at many sites. "These are dispersed sites, so no potable water, picnic tables, or toilets are available, so come prepared with what you need to be comfortable," advises Shari G.

Consider spacing between sites: Some campgrounds offer better privacy than others. "Some of the campgrounds located in the middle island have less privacy but there are still some trees and shrubs to separate them. Sites on the outside are large and very private," notes Melissa W.

Tips from RVers

Vehicle size restrictions: Many campgrounds have length limitations. "From chiricahua entrance head on FSR 42. A mile or two in many many sites along dry creek in the trees. Some Otv and motorcycle activity during day. We stayed only 15 minutes from monument," reports Renee T. about FS Road 42 Dispersed, one of the most accessible dog friendly camping areas near Chiricahua.

Limited hookup options: Most sites lack RV amenities. "Small campground best suited for tents or small trailers. Ours is 24 and we just fit. Toilets and great tasting water are the amenities. The hiking and views were amazing as you walked thru the hoodos," shares Mary B.

Road clearance requirements: Many access roads need higher clearance vehicles. "The drive getting there is pretty disappointing however when you arrive the land scale completely changes. We have camped here twice. The first time tent camping in site 3 which was good but not a ton of privacy. The second time in our 23' travel trailer In Site 11," reports Rachelle J.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chiricahua, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chiricahua, AZ is Chiricahua Mountains with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chiricahua, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 52 dog-friendly camping locations near Chiricahua, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.