Best Dispersed Camping near Coronado National Forest

Coronado National Forest in Arizona gives you the chance to camp freely across the Sonoran Desert's rugged terrain. Redington Pass in Saguaro National Park has basic sites where you can experience desert quiet away from crowds. You'll need to bring everything you need since these areas have no facilities whatsoever. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace practices to keep the desert healthy. Rules require camping a certain distance from roads and water sources. You can stay up to 14 days in most spots. Many camping areas need vehicles with good clearance because of rough roads. Check if fire bans are active before planning to have a campfire. Remember that you must carry out all trash and waste. If you want another option, Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687 has some out-of-the-way spots. Desert temperatures change dramatically between day and night, so pack for both hot and cold. Summer gets extremely hot, making fall and spring much better times to visit. Double-check that your vehicle can handle the tough roads to these remote camping spots. Always look up current rules and conditions before heading out for your trip.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Coronado National Forest (50)

    1. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "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."

    "Occasionally you will end up with cows surrounding you. Happened to me. This campground is allowed up to 14 days, BUT that is every 6 months. Not the normal 30 days."

    2. Dragoon Mountains

    11 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    19 miles

    "Boondockers paradise. Beautiful views and spacious campsites. USFS Coronado National Forest controlled."

    "From the cattle guard you just went through I would say 2-3 miles of established sites even for the bigger rigs and if your smaller or tent camping, just past the next cattle guard and it goes on and on"

    3. Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687

    7 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    22 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Road Canyon Camping Area

    4 Reviews
    Elgin, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "As Laura said, easy dirt road from just east of Sonoita & Hwy 82. (GPS had no clue what I was doing, but the coordinates are good) Upon arrival, only one other travel trailer & nice peeps."

    "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."

    5. Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    27 miles
    Website

    "It’s just past the Tanque Verde Falls trailhead parking lot. Beautiful views and lots of RVs around. Off-road route can be bumpy but worth it. Car camping OK."

    "We parked car on dirt road above canyon. We were only ones for a week. Then other young group showed up."

    6. Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    21 miles
    Website

    "It's a higher elevation grassland that makes you feel like you're anywhere but in Arizona. The area is large. Roads are well-kept. It used to be a huge ranch and now it's owned by the BLM."

    "Plenty of firewood and a nice “fire ring”.."

    7. Empire Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    20 miles

    "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"

    "The Dyrt coordinates took me to an area in which I did not feel comfortable pulling off the road because of the tall dry grass so I went to the campground."

    8. Mescal Road Dispersed Site

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    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    9. Mescal Road Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    6 miles

    10. La Cienegas National Conservation Area Dispersed

    1 Review
    Elgin, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "Open space for boondocking. Historic ranch house open for visiting. Saw many birds and few other campers. Public bathroom at ranch headquarters and water ."

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Showing results 1-10 of 50 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Coronado National Forest

185 Reviews of 50 Coronado National Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Coronado National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Coronado National Forest in Arizona, where nature lovers can enjoy stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. This area offers a variety of spots for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Wildlife Watching while Free Camping near Coronado National Forest

  • At the Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area, visitors often encounter Coues deer and pronghorn antelope, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • The Dragoon Mountains are home to a diverse range of birds, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching amidst breathtaking mountain views.
  • Campers at the Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping can spot free-range cattle and various wildlife while enjoying the expansive grasslands.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687 is conveniently located near several hiking trails, allowing campers to explore the stunning landscapes of the surrounding area.
  • Hikers can access the Slavin Gulch hike from the Dragoon Mountains, which offers a beautiful backdrop and a chance to immerse in nature.
  • The Maternity Well Dispersed Campsite provides access to trails that lead to picturesque views, perfect for those looking to combine camping with outdoor adventures.

Unique Historical Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Coronado National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Coronado National Forest is Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Coronado National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 50 dispersed camping locations near Coronado National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.