Dispersed camping options near Coronado National Forest vary from primitive sites at elevations between 4,500-7,000 feet to developed RV parks with full hookups. Winter visitors will find temperatures ranging from 30°F nights to 65°F days, while summer brings monsoon storms and temperatures that regularly exceed 90°F. Camping regulations change seasonally, with stricter fire restrictions typically enforced from May through September.
What to do
Hiking in high desert terrain: Dragoon Mountains offers multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "Plenty of hiking, mtn bike, horseback riding and rock climbing. The locals love it up here too, so there is some traffic," reports camper George K. Trails range from flat desert walks to challenging rock scrambles.
Stargazing in dark sky areas: The Dragoon Mountains provide exceptional night sky viewing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "Quiet camping, gorgeous backdrop of Dragoon Mountains, incredible star gazing!" notes Audrey. Most dispersed camping areas permit overnight stays up to 14 days.
Bird watching near grasslands: Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Camper Michael R. explains, "There are Coues deer (a small whitetail), pronghorns (get up early to see them), a prairie dog town, coyotes can be heard many nights, and all kinds of birds." The area sits within Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, providing access to diverse habitats.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tombstone Territories RV Park provides spacious sites that many campers appreciate. "Off the beaten trail a bit but we really enjoyed our stay here. Hiking trail entrances right in the park and it's close to the San Pedro river," shares Avery T. Sites are arranged to maximize privacy even when the park is full.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Campers frequently mention well-maintained amenities at established campgrounds. At Benson KOA, one reviewer noted, "The laundry looks like it was just re-done. The machines are new and the dryers actually worked! Bathrooms are clean and showers are perfect!"
Accessibility for various vehicle types: Most dispersed camping areas accommodate different rigs. At Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area, "The ranch has an airport which all the large Class A Class Cs and goose neck campers usually camp because the campsites are on the air strip area and requires very little backing," explains Jamie P.
What you should know
Road conditions to remote sites: Access roads to dispersed camping areas often require preparation. For Dragoon Mountains, camper Deborah C. warns, "Middlemarch Road is wide but very washboard-y. Took us about 45 minutes to go 10 miles." Vehicle clearance matters for access to many pet-friendly camping spots near Coronado National Forest.
Water availability is limited: "We got water at the Stampede RV park in Tombstone. The other RV parks didn't allow us to fill," notes Deborah C. about camping in Dragoon Mountains. Always carry sufficient water for humans and pets, as natural sources are unreliable.
Seasonal management changes: Butterfield RV Resort and other campgrounds may have different amenities available depending on season and staffing. One camper observed, "At the end of the winter the work campers that did such a great job all left to go north and the services all but disappeared. The park almost completely emptied out by the 1st of May."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some RV parks feature recreational options for children. "They have tons of activities for families. Corn hole, horseshoes, pool table in the game room and a great play ground," notes Alisa P. about Benson KOA.
Consider sites with wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy watching local wildlife. At Tombstone Territories RV Park, a camper shares, "The kids and I used the hiking trails and played horseshoe toss." Wildlife sightings are common at dawn and dusk.
Check fire restrictions before arrival: Fire policies vary by location and season. The Lakes at St. David RV Resort and many other campgrounds implement restrictions during dry periods. Campers should check current regulations before planning campfires with children.
Tips from RVers
Space between camping units: At Apache Mobile Park, campers note the layout accommodates various RVs. "It's a Mobile home park with 2 rows for rvs," explains one reviewer. Most RV parks in the region maintain sufficient spacing between sites.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete connections. "Full hookups. We stayed a few nights visiting Tombstone just down the road," reports David M. about The Lakes at St. David RV Resort. Hookups typically include water, electric, and sewer, though amp service varies by site.
Watch for desert wildlife: The region's wildlife requires awareness from pet owners. At Apache Mobile Park, "We were warned by our friendly neighbor about javelinas running through the campground at night, and we saw plenty of their hoof prints in the sand," shares Laura M. Keeping dogs on leashes helps prevent unwanted wildlife encounters.
