Planning a dispersed camping trip near Douglas? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Arizona camping adventure.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Part of the Douglas Ranger District
There are officially four campsites at Whitewater Draw. Parking is on a gravel surface and a metal pipe barrier loosely encloses a picnic table within the greater open space. A tent easily fits within this barrier, and a 35ft Class A, plus tow vehicle, can comfortably park within the designated site.
The Hereford Trailhead provides access to the San Pedro Trail to the San Pedro House along Highway 90 to the north, approximately 9.5 miles away, and to Waters Road to the south, approximately 3.5 miles. The Hereford trailhead includes improved parking, a picnic shelter and tables, and a toilet. The trail is available for non-motorized travel, including hiking, bicycling and equestrian riding.
The trail to the north crosses under the Hereford Road Bridge, and follows a historic road along the scenic San Pedro River valley, and passes several historic farm fields that are now turning into sacaton grassland and mesquite bosque. The trail passes by the Miller Backcountry Camp approximately 6 miles north of Hereford. The camp has is primitive, with tent pads, fireplaces, and a toilet.
The trail south also follows the river valley, and crosses historic farm fields also revegetating to native plant communities. The trail passes by an artesian about a mile south of the trailhead, where an aquatic habitat refugia is maintained.
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.
Guide
Off of main road, it’s about 10 miles + of washboard. A bit rough but wide road and fine when going slow. Lots of sites available, also very popular. Beautiful dragoon mountains. Stayed about 1 miles after the Slavin Gulch hike (great hike). Was here thanksgiving weekend (Nov 2023)
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.
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.
Scout
Road in is bad but not horrible. Lots of sites and many open on Wednesday in late February. Great views and clean. 1.5 miles to campground and trailhead.
Guide
The road up was a little rough and slippery, in some places. It had rained a few days before. I was fine without 4x4, but did slide in a few places. If you’re looking for peace and quiet with spectacular views and a lot of outdoor activities available, you will love it. Bring water, etc… it’s always to town. T-mobile cell good enough to stream.
Guide
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. Couldn’t see good enough in the dark. The creek was flowing and quite a few animals at dawn and dusk. Not a lot of traffic, and a trail right up the road to hike or follow the creek. The last campers left it so nice I was able to add decorations.
RangerMake sure to take the road out of tombstone, east to find. Road it a bit washboard but not hard. So many sites to find.
TravelerRoad going in is horrible, washboard the whole way... it's a beautiful little camping area, no bathrooms and no water... I have T-mobile. I didn't get a signal at all, but I have a T-mobile internet modem, and it got a good signal... Beautiful views of the mountains whare I was parked I watched people free climb up than back down, I don't recommend that it was extremely steep...
ScoutMiddleware road is highly washboarded. 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.
Scout
Road is very steep in places. 4 wheel drive would be necessary if road is wet or raining, otherwise passenger car and truck passable. Camping spots are at the edges which makes for fantastic sunrises and sunsets
Guide
We were able to easily get our RV there and tour Tombstone during the day. Quiet…close to road but road isn’t busy. It’s basically just a parking lot at a trailhead. It will do if you are looking for a quick spot to lay your head. There were other campers…we felt safe there.
Legend
Drove about 40 minutes down pinery canyon road. Roads weren’t terrible but had a few washboard spots. Several sites located off the main road. Plenty of wood to collect for the fire. It was pretty cold at night in late November but there was plenty of space between sites that my generator wasn’t offensive to others. Very clean site too.
ScoutWe found a nice secluded spot among the rocks. Pretty popular place, most spots along the road were occupied but seemed like there were a couple open. Rangers stopped by mid day.
ScoutIt’s great. It is what I enjoy about camping. No light or sound pollution. And it’s beautiful.
GuideI spent one night here. It was very quiet and secluded, and the dirt road is in great condition. There's tons of spots and the trees give a little cover. I rained on and off at night, but I feel the tree foliage kept a lot of water from dripping down onto the tent.
ScoutThis site offers great views of the surrounding valley and some of Bisbee! Nice and quite at night and privacy doesn’t seem like an issue. The road up is in good shape and accessible by vehicles even without 4X4 for the majority of the road, I believe it may get a little sketchy deeper in. Only issue with this site is wind, there is definitely constant wind.
GuideFrom sunset to sunrise it was absolutely an awesome spot to stay. Many spots, with or without shade. Great access roads with no issues for any vehicles.
TravelerLong washboard road coming in, but worth it for the views.
LegendReally lovely spot outside Bisbee. We stayed here on our way to Las Cruces and really enjoyed the views. It was cccold and windy but worth it. Road is it great shape. Sites are right off the dirt road. Not many folks around when we were here so had lots of privacy.
TravelerFollowed Middlemarch to 687 and picked our own site - plenty of sites to be found, all spaced out really nicely apart from one another. Quiet camping, gorgeous backdrop of Dragoon Mountains, incredible star gazing! About ten minutes from Tombstone.
Traveler
I when up ash canyon rd in my 32ft motorhome. There are a lot of new built homes for quite always going up. The road narrows to one lane even for snaller cars. I wasn't sure if I could even turn around. Then to my right was a half circle with fire ring. It was tight. I pulled in. It was getting dark so I justification pulled slides out and stater. Starting about 5am I could hear cars going up the hill. E Everyore stopped in road road and was just starting in disbelief. I didn't feel welcome. I did stay another two nights. That's why I don't think this is still a spot. Someone in smaller rig should look passed where I went incase there up further. Something cool must be up the road lots of cats went up there for hours at a time. Hope to see a future update from fellow wonder Peace Out.
ScoutThis is a remote setting with beautiful views of the Dragoons.
TravelerThe road up is well maintained gravel/dirt road. We made it up easily in our Transit. The wind is a bit crazy and it's cold, but it's January for gosh sakes! The views are stunning and there are several spots along Juniper Flats Rd.
TravelerMy favorite camp spots. I’ve visited the monument multiple times and i love this area. Some spots are closer together to allow for bigger groups but most are semi secluded. Never disappoints and have camped here in every weather which the trees protect at least somewhat.
TravelerLimited amount of spots along this road due to some areas being private property. At the end of the road is entry to the wilderness and a trail.
RangerNice views looking down in to Bisbee surrounded by mountains. Close to road, several small pullouts great for vans or smaller camera.
RangerThis is a dispersed spot. Room for two rigs. Great view but it’s a bit windy at night. You can also go up the steep hill around the corner and find more dispersed spots further up the road. During hunting season there is a bit of traffic on this road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Douglas, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Douglas, AZ is Upper Juniper Flats Road with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Douglas, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Douglas, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
