Best Dispersed Camping near Cortaro, AZ

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Cortaro, Arizona

181 Reviews of 32 Cortaro Campgrounds

• 

  Brad S.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 29, 2021

  Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

  Hey it’s Free

  This BLM land has plenty of spots to park and camp. There is quite a bit of road noise though. Not bad for free camping though.

• 

  Sierra N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 6, 2023

  Reddington Pass Dispersed

  Sleep off the road in cactus or crawl into the mountains to tuck yourself in

  40 mile scenic drive on a 4x4 road, dispersed camping along the way. Extremely popular view to park off the road in the saguaros. But I’d recommend cactus forest north of Tucson in blm land if you want that. Farther in you hit the mountains. We stayed off an off roading rock crawler trail. Def the path less taken. Super quiet and relaxing.

• J

  Jessica C.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 16, 2021

  Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

  Nice stop of the highway.

  The BLM land had several entrances. We went in towards the end of the road, but found the parking was more level at the third or forth turn off. We came in after dark so it was hard to say the best direct route. The second turn in is very steep. We saw the dip when we went to leave and opted for the first turnoff closer to the light. The rocky hill was a nice walk with the dogs in the morning. Lots of rabbits got them excited. Not overly clean, but I would stop here again. The amenities are easy to access. This is one of the few areas I’ve seen where you can access BLM parking and get gas and groceries at the same exit. It’s about 8 miles off the highway. The area isn’t vast but large enough for privacy. It’s perfect for a quick overnight stop.

• 

  Rocco

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 31, 2020

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Adults only?

  My only advice here is that it’s not fun for dogs. (And maybe not fun for kids either?) It’s incredibly prickly everywhere. Imagine that, prickly in the cactus forest? You’ll want to avoid wearing sandals too. (I found myself with a piece of a cactus stuck to my foot and then when trying to remove it I got my hand stuck to the cactus that was stuck to my foot. Tools were required. Pain, lots of pain.) Seriously, NO SANDALS. But! PROS: the saguaro cactus are huge and impressive. We really enjoyed driving through this area at sunset and seeing all the iconic cactus. But then our overnight of camping on this random BLM land was just hours of dodging prickles. It’s quite an interesting place, but fair warning, is prickly. Act accordingly.

• 

  Greg L.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 28, 2021

  Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed

  Good access and popular

  This seems to be the popular dispersed camping area along North Pump Station Road within the BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument. Numerous dispersed sites along a two track dirt road on both sides of the main gravel road. Free dispersed, 14D limit. No water, trash, toilets or designated spots. Cell signal is very good and OTA tv is also very good. Last mile or so from end of pavement is a wide graded dirt road accessing the dispersed sites from either direction, however the Silverbell road access seems to have a narrow bridge with a 6k weight limit?, So access to this site is from the south on gravel west El Tiro Rd for larger rigs?

  (Note that State land is adjacent and also offers dispersed camping sites but an AZ state lands permit would be required on State lands.)

  One negative issue is the constant target shooting from adjacent State lands.

• 

  Beth G.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 23, 2020

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Feels secluded, but close to I-10 and Tucson

  We were surprised on the number of people who ventured out to this BLM spot off Park Link Road in the Cactus Forest over a rainy weekend in Tucson.

  The first dozen dispersed spots were full with camper vans, small trailers and trucks. We continued to drive down the gravel dirt road to a more secluded spot. We didn’t see anyone in our one-night stay beside a mountain biker in the morning.

  Even though It was raining in the area for about 24 hours before we travelled to the campsite, we didn’t have any issues navigating the 1.5 miles down to the site we chose. The truck has some mud in it and the 4x4 wasn’t needed (but made it easier). I would recommend a high clearance vehicle to reach the further back spots. Also, the road was narrow, our F250 brushed a few bushes on the way.

  Most dispersed sites had a fire ring (check locally fire conditions first). I’d suggest bringing in fire wood unless you just want to burn the few fallen twig and limbs. It’s a cactus forest- so the terrain is mostly saguaros, chollas, Palo verde trees and shrubs.

  Our site had a beautiful view of the sunset and a view of Picacho Peak in the distance. We visited in February and the weather was nice (on the chilly side) for our roof top tent. I wouldn’t come here in the summer unless we had a rig with air conditioning. Impressive view of the stars at night. Some traffic noise from I-10.

  No water, toilets, or trash. So be prepared to take out what you bring in. We had 2 bars of LTE slcell service with T-Mobile.

  It’s BLM land close to Tucson, so locals use the area for gun target practice. We heard gun shots until the sunset and starting again the morning. It was basically non-stop. If you want a place to shoot, this would be a good spot to camp.

  🌵 Saguaro Facts: Saguaros can live to be 150-200 years old and grow as tall at 40 feet. A 10 year old saguaro Is about 1.5 inches tall (please watch where you drive, park and step). At 80 years old, it’s around 6 feet tall and starts to bloom. The best time to see saguaro blooms is mid-May through mid-June. At age 95-100, it’s around 15 feet tall and starts to grow it’s first arm. 🌵

• 

  Greg L.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 20, 2021

  Snyder Hill BLM east - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

  Flat free blm

  This area is a short distance from the other Snyder Hill blm area and although closer to the hwy noise, this area is flat and more open for TTs and RVs. Great cell signal, not too trashy and seems BLM rangers patrol weekly. Dispersed camping, no water, no designated sites, no toilets, however a trash dumpster is now at the other Snyder Hill area.

• 

  Greg L.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 29, 2021

  AZ State Land North Pump Station Road Dispersed

  AZ State land dispersed

  AZ State trust lands adjacent to BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument. I noticed the state lands seem to have more trash than the adjacent BLM, hence the two stars. Note that AZ State Trust Lands require a permit to camp on, this permit is online and costs around $20 good for a year. Dispersed camping. No water, toilets or trash dumpsters. Cell signal is very good however.

• 

  Greg L.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 28, 2024

  Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

  Trash camping close to tucson

  SNYDER HILL BLM DISPERSED.

  Recently posted basic camping info about this place close to Tucson west side at Ajo Hwy 86. . Some commenters got upset that I had mentioned this spot on a FB dispersed camping page, as if it was a secret or a pristine location! Hah!

  REALITY update: This place is a 100% CRAP HOLE and should be shutdown by the BLM. Full of marginal rundown vehicles and homeless tent campers. Trash and glass everywhere. Hwy 86 noise 24/7, recreational shooters constant adj somewhere.

  Note that the State of AZ closed and fenced off their adj section two years ago, and another BLM parcel to east past the fire station was closed to camping last year. Time for this crap hole place to be shutdown, imo.

  Some pics of the trash noticed.

• 

  Greg L.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 2, 2021

  BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Pipeline Rd Dispersed camping

  Close to pavement

  This BLM dispersed camping area is along a two-track dirt road that follows a buried pipeline. The start of the pipeline rdo from Avra road is .6 tens mile from the cattleguard on Avra Road and Pump Station road jct. There is no BLM sign or other signage on Avra road for the pipeline road turnoff and the entrance is somewhat obscured by the dense palo verde trees. There was some pink flagging marking the entrance to pipeline road 01.2022. Pipeline road is a lumpy bumpy two track that looks dicey but larger class As and 5th wheels RVs seem to get into this area ok.

  The dispersed camping is only for about the first 1/2 mile as the two-track road crosses a deep wash (TTs will drag bumper!) past the 1/2 mile or so and then goes onto State Lands. Access to the paved road and access back into Marana or Tucson Estates area shopping makes this site more useful than other dispersed sites in the BLM Ironwood Forest monument. No toilets, water, tables or trash, however cell signal is very good. Sites are easy to get to and good flat areas are available. Only issue to note as a warning is the exit from the dirt camping road back onto the paved Avra Road is obscured by dense shrubs/trees and make it a bit dicey..the paved road does have truck traffic from the active Silver Bell copper mine at the end of the road. Three stars due to truck noise from the mine that seems to start at dawn..and the recent pipeline construction. In addition the target shooters are constant all around, even though it is illegal to target shoot on the Ironwood Monument and the State Trust lands...the local sheriff and BLM cops do not seem to be able to stop the shooters.

• E

  Emma A.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 26, 2024

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Great stay

  This was like being able to backcountry camp in Saguaro NP. We got in after dark & overshot the turn in, but looped back around. Our site was great - quiet & peaceful. We enjoyed waking up to the literal forest of cactus.

• 

  JESUS IS KING C.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 2, 2021

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  The place where everyone is not...

  It has what's seems like endless road of dispersed camp sites with endless cacti of any/ every kind... It is no cost and forthe ones who have animals it has a fence yard in the first and second spots for public use...BY FAR ME AND MINES favorite place thus far... Four thumbs up

• 

  Beauvelo V.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 4, 2022

  Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

  BLM Land

  Max 14 day stay free camping. No services. Great cell service. Close to Tucson

• 

  Rachelle J.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 2, 2021

  Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

  Secluded

  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. We camped just past the cieneguita sites tucked back in the mesquite thicket. The dirt at the spot we camped at was so fine it was like talcum powder so everything was covered in dirt in no time BUT it’s camping. You can hear periodic gunfire as this is BLM but people appear to be shooting in areas that are away from campers and towards hillsides. Super quiet otherwise and great skies without light pollution for looking at stars. Pretty cool spot.

• 

  Greg L.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 23, 2023

  Snyder Hill BLM east - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

  Area closed now 11-2023

  Entire area is fenced off and appears to be closed to dispersed camping. The larger area to the west is still available.

• 

  Sierra N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 6, 2023

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Saguaro Cactus Wonderland

  If you want saguaros this is the perfect place for you. Awesome dispersed camping. Watch out for jumping chollas and keep your furry friends close. But breathtaking view all around you!

• A

  Ali B.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 6, 2022

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Beautiful stay

  Beautiful stay. Great views. It is dispersed camping for miles! We were able to find a spot really quick. The coyotes came out at night and people were shooting all day/night by the mountain range but it didn’t bother us! Definitely coming back! :)

• 

  Monte W.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 8, 2023

  Cactus Forest Dispersed Site

  Quiet and peaceful

  Really nice dispersed camp sites along a dirt road. The directions are accurate and bring you to two dirt roads off of Cattle Tank Road. I went East and there were about a dozen sites, mostly sites for tents and small RV’s. After about a mile the road gets a little rougher and narrow. I didn’t notice any existing sites after a mile or so down the dirt road. The sites were well spread out and very clean. I brought wood for a fire and was able to find some wood around the area to burn as well. Very dark sky with lots of stars. I explored the other dirt road West from Cattle Tank Road and the sites were larger and more suitable for larger RV’s.

• 

  Jozi A.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 26, 2023

  Mount Bigelow Dispersed

  Awesome views on Mount Bigelow Rd!

  Great spots along this road for dispersed camping. Saw some wild life like deer and turkey. Only downside is that the road is narrow so if your pulling anything wide just be cautious. Other than that I highly recommend camping here when your at Mt. Lemmon.

• 

  Jamie P.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 25, 2021

  Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

  A real Arizona gem of a dispersed camp spot

  This area is also called Empire Ranch. The ranch is 44,000 acres boastes lots of wildlife elk, antelope, coyotes, kangaroo rats, and roadrunners. The ranch house can be toured along with several bunkhouse and barns. Several western movies have been shot on the ranch and lots of the scenery looks familiar from these said movies. John Wayne Frank, Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sam Elliott are some of the actors in these movies. Water can be acquired at the camp host and gift shop area at the ranch house. 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. A true gem of a dispersed camping area.

• 

  Greg L.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 2, 2022

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Dense cactus..bad for dogs!

  This dispersed camping area is actually on the Cattle Tanks road south of Park Links road. The side two- track sandy roads are very narrow and bordered by dense chain fruit cholla plants. This area is not a good choice for dogs and their owners. Also shooting is in the background like everyday. Access for TTs down narrow side roads would be risky.

• 

  Sierra N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 5, 2023

  Cactus Forest Dispersed Site

  True Cactus Living

  Wonderful dispersed camping with beautiful desert cactus, including the Saguaros. Nice and peaceful with desert wildlife, birds and coyotes singing. If you want to be away from the crowds go further down the road. Watch out for jumping cholla cactus and you’ll be just fine. There is a shooting area down the road, a highway in the distance, and some helicopters/planes noise wise. Well worth the hour drive out of town.

• 

  Haley L.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 25, 2023

  BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Pipeline Rd Dispersed camping

  Favorite Spot

  We’ve just begun our dispersed camping adventures but out of the places we’ve been, this has been the coolest! There was a good number of people out there in all sorts of rigs, but there was still plenty of space! We couldn’t see or hear anyone else. There were a lot of pull offs, which gives plenty of options to find a favorite spot. We turned left right before the dried up river bed & went down a bit from there.

• C

  Carol W.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 13, 2018

  Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

  Boondocking Area

  Bureau of Land Management site. 14 day limit. Easy access and we were able to park our 42 ft motor home easily. The area is quiet with trails and lots of area to walk your four legged camper! We saw horseback riders and ATVs enjoying the area. We were able to stay in contact (ATT ) and the city is within an easy drive for supplies. This is a boondock area. Be aware that while camping here you are sharing the area with wildlife (including rattlers). Boondocking etiquette applies (pick up trash and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived). We have camped here several times and will certainly return!

• 

  Cass G.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 27, 2024

  Reddington Pass Dispersed

  Rough Road, Off Grid

  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!

• S

  Steve

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 18, 2021

  BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Pipeline Rd Dispersed camping

  Pipeline Rd, Marana, AZ

  Wide open BLM dispersed camping area near Saguaro National Monument outside Marana, AZ.

  The road to the site is paved until you leave Avra Valley Rd on Pipeline, which is a very good dirt road. Our site was as far from the pavement as you can get and we had no problems getting in with our 41’ fifth wheel. There are a few short areas on the road that are a bit bumpy, but nothing that can’t be handled easily by simply driving very slowly over the bumps. Most of the road is smooth, and wasn’t even washboarded while we were there (March, 2021).

  There are many sites in the area and most are very suitable for even the largest rigs. I’d guess that fewer than a third of the sites were occupied while we were there, and our nearest neighbor was maybe a quarter mile away.

  ATT and Verizon had decent cell signal and internet speeds were sufficient for streaming. My Verizon hotspot typically gave me 20-30 Mbps and my ATT phone was in the same range or faster.

  We saw no trash and the area is well maintained. We stayed a full two weeks, left for a week, and returned for another 5 nights. During that time we saw one ranger who was very friendly. He mentioned that they came through to pick up garbage from time to time.

  Lots of Saguaro around all the sites. Nice dark skies, and quiet. We had to drive 20 minutes or so for shopping and gas, but that’s a price I’m very willing to pay to camp in a place like this.

• L

  Liz M.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 11, 2022

  The Lake - Dispersed Camping

  Dispersed Bliss

  This was the perfect place to have my first dispersed camping experience. I tried following Google Maps to the gate however the dirt road it had me try was no longer accessible by car as it was very overgrown. I returned back on the road and continued for about 1/4 mile and found the accessible main dirt road. The gate was closed, please close it once you get your car inside. You must have a Public Lands Trust permit which I did not realize until I got to the gate. Getting one was super easy. $20 for a full year permit and $1 online convenience fee. Once I secured the permit, it was time to explore and find my home for the evening. The road is easy to navigate (yellow ribbons on the bushes just in case) and not maintained. Texture is mostly washed rocks with nothing too technical. High clearance vehicle is required and 4x4 suggested. I saw Pond 2 (0.5 miles from the gate) off to my right and decided to take a look instead of going to Pond 1 (1.5 miles from the gate) immediately. I found a spot that would work for me. Fires are allowed (always check BLM for up to date fire restrictions!!) I still cleared a 10 foot radius around my hand built fire ring as there was dried grasses around. No trash service, no water. Surprised to see 2 porta-potties at the gate but I can't say what state they were in as I did not use them. Come and enjoy the solitude and epic sunsets