Looking for the best options for tent camping near Cochise? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Cochise. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
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.
The story of Saguaro National Park dates back much farther than its establishment in 1994. Prior to this, the area was designated a national monument in 1933 as a way to preserve the unique Sonoran Desert landscapes of the Tucson and Rincon mountain districts. This saved the area from the ranchers and miners who settled in the area in the 1880s. These followed the Spanish explorers who established a military fort in Tucson in the 1770s, nearly a century after founding a mission in the ares in the 1690s. Petroglyphs and potshards indicate that the Hohokam peoples inhabited the area for more than a millennium prior to the Spanish. Travel back even farther, and there’s a complex geologic history of exactly how the landscape came into being—and why it’s worth preserving.
Camping in Saguaro is like entering a time machine. With no campgrounds in the park accessible by vehicle, the only way to camp is to hike in to any of the six designated campgrounds. The trails to get to the campgrounds typically start from developed roads and trailheads, but venture deep into the Sonoran backcountry, where only the rocks, plants, and animals tell the story of a landscape that’s changed little—with the exception of who’s occupied it—for the past several thousand years. One of the more popular campsites for those looking to bag 8,482-foot Rincon Peak, is the Happy Valley Saddle, which lies in a grove of scrubby pine and juniper forest, about halfway along the hike to the peak.
This small campsite is located on the east end of the Rincon Mountain District. The campsite is accessible via a 3.9-mile trail that climbs 2,000 feet from the Miller Creek Trailhead. The road to this trailhead is not maintained, so may not be passable by passenger vehicles, or following inclement weather. The site offers three spaces for pitching tents. The water supply at nearby Miller Creek is seasonal at best, so visitors should plan accordingly. There are no facilities here, so hikers should exercise Leave No Trace and pack-it-in-pack-it-out practices. Camping in the Saguaro Wilderness backcountry requires a park-issued wilderness permit, which can be acquired in person at the park visitor center, or by submitting an application in advance.
$8 / night
When early settlers ventured up Mount Graham, the Arcadia area was usually as far as they got on the first day. A little later in the history of the Pinaleños, Arcadia was the site of one of several Civilian Conservation Corps camps established in the 1930s to provide jobs for workers idled by the Great Depression. Today, Arcadia Campground, which has 19 campsites, is the first campground visitors encounter on their way up Mount Graham by way of the Swift Trail (AZ 366), which was built by those Depression-era workers. Arcadia Campground is shaded by stands of tall ponderosa pine interspersed with Gambel oaks and Arizona walnuts. Such a diverse habitat makes this an excellent area for bird watching. Watch for poison ivy. Note: Black bear area.
$20 / night
Located on the west side of the Chiricahuas, Sycamore Campground straddles the banks of West Turkey Creek, a small perennial stream that cascades into the campground down a series of small waterfalls and through a rocky cleft decorated with wildflowers. These sycamore- and oak-shaded sites are located near the end of Turkey Creek Road in an area that serves as a jumping off place into the Chiricahua Wilderness. A number of trails start in the vicinity of the campground and climb to destinations and connecting trails high in the mountains. If you’re a hiker or an equestrian, you’ll find this an excellent base of operations with enough nearby trail miles to keep you busy for quite a while. Note: Black bears in area.
In 1884, Levi Manning emigrated from Mississippi to Tucson, Arizona, and after some years established L.H. Manning and Company. He later expanded his business interests with ranching and acquired a 160-acre homestead in the Rincon Mountains. There, at an elevation of 8,000 feet, amid pine forest near a perennial spring, he selected a site for what would become his family’s summer home. Manning hired local workers to build an 11-mile wagon road to the site, which was used to transport the tools and materials used to construct his remote, five-room retreat. However, Manning would only enjoy his mountain getaway for a couple summers before his homestead was absorbed into the newly-formed Coronado National Forest in 1907. For the next half-century, the Manning Cabin was used mostly by Forest Service fire and trail crews. During this time, it went through various states of disrepair and reconstruction. From the late 1950s until the late 1970s, the cabin was largely abandoned until it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. One again restored and back in operation, the Manning Cabin serves as a base for area research and backcountry rangers. The cabin is not open to the public, but visitors can hike to the cabin and pitch their tents in the nearby Manning Camp. This small campground has six tent sites that can accommodate up to six people each. Camping here requires obtaining a Saguaro National Park backcountry permit, which can be acquired at a park visitor center, or by mailing in a request form in advance. There are several hiking trails that can be used to get to Manning Camp. All are long, and all are difficult. The trail from Happy Valley is 9.8 miles (one-way), and gains a total of 4,700 feet of elevation. This trail starts at the Miller Creek trailhead, near the eastern border of the park, and requires driving an unmaintained forest road; 4WD and/or a high-clearance vehicle are recommended. From the Loma Alta trailhead, in the southwest corner of the Rincon Mountain Unit, the route is 13.5 miles (one-way), and gains more than 5,700 feet of elevation. The trails to Manning Camp climb through a mix of desert scrub, oak woodlands and conifer forests. This area is home to black bears and mountain lions; store all food in the camp’s bear-proof lockers. Hikers should follow LNT guidelines, and treat all backcountry water sources.
Located in an oak woodland at an elevation of 5,200 feet, Round-the-Mountain campground is pleasant year-round. This campground includes 3 campsites, a restroom, horse corrals, and a trailhead.
This small, sheltered campground is tucked away just off the Catalina Highway, along the rocky streambed that forms the floor of upper Bear Canyon. Campsites are nestled under a canopy of ponderosa pines, junipers and oaks. Some sites are located right along Bear Creek among large rocks. The Creek generally only flows during rainy periods or during the Spring snowmelt, but be vigilant of flash floods.
$10 / night
Ranger
I have been full timing in my 22 ft travel Trailer for 2.5 years.. this easily is one of my fav spots. Camping is $3a day near the hot wells but outside the recreation area, is all BLM camping. Hot wells right next to our spot were amazing. I just wish they were working all 24 hours a day. The wells are pumped by a solar pump so cloud coverage or night mean the solar pumps aren’t pumping. But they fill up about an hour after sunrise and about an hour after sunset it drains. We were the only ones there for 4 days. It was awesome
Guide
Nice spot just off the AZT, stayed while on a bike trip on the trail. Camped in the La Selvilla section in the back of the canyon. Plenty of room and spots are not too tight and most had shade trees. All had flat tent pad, table and fire ring. There is a group spot with a pavilion that has running water, and pit toilets. Verizon was one bar, got a few calls out but text would not work. They do lock the gate at 4:00, so once in, you are there for the night. Only one other group when we were there. Would go back for sure.
Guide
Sadly, there is construction going on in the park right now. It is windy and cold. The sites are pretty private and there are nice picnic table covers. Unfortunately, the dump station is closed for a while.
Guide
This campground has nicely spaced sites with lots of green around them. A 3 mile nature walk from the campsite. Very heavy canopy overhead. Sadly it took out the top of our campers ladder 😕Longer vehicles won’t make the road. Our Rv got a broken
RangerThis is our second time staying here and they have started doing some upgrades to the park. New dump station and some new bathrooms and shower houses. We stayed in the Hacienda loop both times. I like this loop better because it doesn’t seem as crowded as the other loops. Sites are well spaced and level. Nice hiking trails around the lake also where you can fish. Very close to Safford and Thatcher that have a great number of stores.
Scout
We ended up staying longer than planned, very nice place close to bisbee but far enough to enjoy some quiet and beautiful night sky. Clean facilities with hot showers. the clubhouse is also a great place to hangout, with lots of appliances free to use. Owners very sweet and always here to help. Highly recommend and will be back!! They have RV sites with full hookups but also dry camping sites
Traveler
Easy access to Bisbee historical area. 5 minute walk! Nice quiet park, level spots, and view of town.
Traveler
Great campsite. We had two campers, a 34 ft 5th wheel and a 17 foot TT. Sites were built to accommodate both easily. Water, electric, sewer hookup, and even sites made it a quick set up and we were able to get to site-seeing in town quickly! Breakfast at the Shotgun Cafe was excellent! You have to order the country potatoes!
Traveler
Found a beautiful dispersed camping spot beneath the Aspens and Ponderosas on the north side of FR803 about a mile west of the Riggs Flat Lake Campground. There’s a great overlook to the east looking out toward Pima and Safford.
Scout
The paved road turns to dirt road about half a mile before the turn off. Pretty bumpy. Once we arrived we drove the loop and saw no pull off spots for our RV.
Guide
I love Bonita canyon campground in Chiricahua second time visiting, I plan to visit this amazing place every year Milky Way photography varies depending on the month of visit
Guide
I’ve camped at Redington Pass a few times throughout the years. It’s a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn’t recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we’ve seen them get stuck trying to turn around. The road is rough but if you don’t mind driving slow over the holes and bumps then no big deal.
Easy to find, follow Tanque Verde Rd all the way East until it turns into Redington Road, this then leads to a dirt road with TONS of dispersed camping pull offs with established fire rings. The further east you travel on the pass the less people you have to camp next to. The camping sites closer to the entrance get packed on the weekends.
The further you go you’ll run out of service, no bathrooms, no water hook ups, nothing, just dispersed wild camping!
Traveler
This place is perfect for dry camping a short distance from historic Main Street Tombstone. There were no amenities, so be prepared! You cannot beat the price! For car/tent camping there are some private spaces with a little shade and evidence of past campfires. Be sure to stay to the left of the sign to go into the lower camping area. Pay your 10 bucks at the drop box.
Guide
-This was a great little spot! There is no light pollution besides maybe a neighbor that forgot to turn off their lights. -Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don’t take a tour into the caves. -Couple stores within 20miles for any forgotten items. -Spots a very large and spaced well. -Restrooms/showers well maintained *Shower water pressure is less than desired. -Visited Tombstone, AZ as well. About a 30min drive. **Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench. ***It’s Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108.
Guide
Quiet park, level and clean gravel sites. About 5 minutes from the town of Tombstone. It’s was getting down to freezing temperatures in November briefly over night. You can rent an outdoor fireplace and buy firewood on site too.
GuideIf 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.
Scout
I tried to stay here, and they had openings, but I was in a Tesla and refused service. I have an adapter. Looked like a nice place, but couldn’t stay because of ignorance.
Ranger
Not much for camping area, but it’s right on the creek and secluded and quiet. No toilets. No trash. Verizon in and out. 4x4 needed to exit. Road is a couple miles, rough, and one shallow water crossing.
ScoutThe place was clean. People were friendly close to attractions and enjoyed our stay very much. Would recommend it. Five star bathrooms were clean.
TravelerArrived around 1pm. Almost empty. Pay cash $10/n at box near entry. Walk to old town. Attended shootout and ok coral. Walked through DT and back to campsite. Clean and convenient. Will stay here again.
LegendBonita 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. Inner loop sites are often a bit close (rate 3).
Price 2024: $ 10 w interagency
Usage during visit: Very full, especially weekends.
Site Privacy: No
Site Spacing: Outside sites are spacious
Pad surface: Gravel
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Very quiet.
Outside Road Noise: None
Through Traffic in campground: No
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water Available: Yes. Spigots are scattered, locations clearly marked
Generators: Allowed, but other than ours, I never heard one.
Bathroom: Built by CCC. Clean and rustic. I like them.
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any
Cell Service (AT&T): No. WiFi at the visitor center
Setting: Woods
Recent Weather: 70s to low 80s.
Solar: At our site with good positioning, we were able to bring in 12amps per day with 400 watt fixed panels.
Insects: None now
Host: Yes, 2 couples
Rig Size: Limited to 24’.
Traveler
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.
Scout
Great place to camp 🏕
GuideThe Stampede is the perfect place to stay. It's right next the town so you can walk if you want. It's quiet and feels safe. The grounds are clean, gravel, and even. We enjoyed our stay.
GuideTake 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.
Traveler
Was a little busy and the bulls can get aggressive in your campsite.
Traveler
Camped here April 1 since dispersed area was still in snow. Great sites and easy access with toilets, fire pits and bear box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cochise, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cochise, AZ is Happy Camp Trail with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Cochise, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
