Visitors to the Dragoon Mountains near Douglas, Arizona experience rugged desert terrain with elevations ranging from 4,600 to 7,500 feet. The area features distinctive granite formations and oak woodlands. Camping opportunities include primitive Forest Service sites with several water crossings required for access, and established RV parks with more amenities located within driving distance of Douglas.
What to do
Explore rocky formations: Cochise Stronghold Campground provides access to distinctive boulder-filled landscapes. "The rocks of the Dragoon Mountains are amazing and wandering among them is certainly worth it," notes Travis D., who recommends "head[ing] up at least to half moon tank to see water and amazing rock formations."
Rock climbing adventures: The Dragoon Mountains offer diverse climbing opportunities for various skill levels. "The climbing here is rugged and relatively undeveloped and the views are pretty amazing," says Danielle A. about Cochise Stronghold Campground. "The rock that's formed here is unlike anything else in the area and just spending time here far from civilization makes you feel like an Apache warrior hiding out in the mountains."
Visit historic sites: The area around Tombstone offers numerous historical attractions within easy driving distance. "We even got to ride in a stagecoach!" shares GoldDust D. about their visit near Tombstone RV & Campground. "There is a boothill cemetery and the legendary downtown Tombstone and the OK Corral."
What campers like
Secluded dispersed options: Forest Service land near Cochise Stronghold offers free camping alternatives. "We headed over here early on a Saturday morning and found a dispersed spot without a problem. Tons of spots available and some of the dips might require high clearance but we did fine with our vintage trailer and suburban," reports Emily A., who found the spots "level and shaded (or full sun if you prefer)."
Convenient access to attractions: Apache Flats RV Resort serves as a well-maintained base for exploring the region. "Beautiful, scenic, and well maintained. Staff was very friendly and helpful," notes Paul P. about this military facility near Sierra Vista.
Shade coverage: Many campsites feature mature trees providing natural shelter from the desert sun. Dan N. describes Cochise Stronghold as a "rustic camping paradise" with "endless trails, with amazing sights at every bend" where campers can "stumble upon rivers, vistas, sunning reptiles, and imagine what it's like to be a native."
What you should know
Water crossing access: The road to Cochise Stronghold requires multiple stream crossings that can become impassable after rainfall. "You do have to cross the stream several times to get the the site. When we crossed the water was 3-6" deep and a few crossing are over rocks (not pavement)," explains Beth G. about Cochise Stronghold Campground. "We had no issues in our F250, but any vehicle with a normal amount of clearance should be fine."
Limited equestrian facilities: While the Douglas area offers diverse camping opportunities, specialized horse camping facilities are scarce. Most established campgrounds lack dedicated equestrian amenities such as corrals or horse-specific trails, requiring horse owners to make additional arrangements.
Weather considerations: Flash floods can temporarily strand campers in remote areas. "If there is rain in the forecast, be aware that you may get stuck in this campground for a couple of days, as you have to cross numerous washes on the road to/from the campground," warns Shari G., who experienced "death wash" that grew to "6 feet high and 20 feet wide during a 24-hour rain event."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational facilities: Some campgrounds provide additional entertainment options beyond hiking. Rich J. notes that Tombstone RV & Campground offers a "large clubhouse with TV, shuffleboard, ping pong, etc." along with a "nice pool" and "dog parks."
Seasonal timing: For comfortable family camping experiences, plan trips during spring or fall. "I went in March and the weather was perfect. Aim for spring or fall," advises Dan N., who recommends getting "in early to find a spot" since "there's always something available, but get in early to find the good spots."
Limited connectivity: Prepare children for reduced technology access in remote areas. Emily A. notes there's "hardly any cell service on Verizon" at dispersed camping areas, which can be a benefit for families wanting to disconnect.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many established campgrounds have restrictions on RV size. At Cochise Stronghold, Shari G. observed "RV's longer than 24 feet won't fit in most of the sites," noting there is "oddly a small amount of space for tents" despite each site having "a good amount of space."
Full hookup options: Tombstone RV & Campground provides complete RV services about 45 miles from Douglas. "About a mile outside of Tombstone. Very clean, large/wide sites, nice pool, dog parks," notes Rich J., who found the "very helpful staff" accommodating during their two-night stay.
Solar considerations: Tree coverage impacts solar charging capabilities at certain campgrounds. Shari G. mentions that at Cochise Stronghold, "each site has good tree coverage (almost too much for our solar suitcase on an extension cord)," requiring alternative power planning for extended stays.
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