Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Dragoon, AZ has a lot to offer. Dragoon is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Dragoon, reviewed by campers like you.
"Boondockers paradise. Beautiful views and spacious campsites. USFS Coronado National Forest controlled."
"This is a remote setting with beautiful views of the Dragoons."
"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."
"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."
"No facilities. Awesome rock views. 4 miles bumpy dirt road is worth. We did it with a 25 foot travel trailer"
"Great views and clean. 1.5 miles to campground and trailhead."
"Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada."
"Playa Dispersed Campsite is a hidden gem located in the stunning landscapes of Arizona."
"If you want to enjoy some time away from it all, head here. Also, on the West side of the mountains there are excellent sites with views from the Lion King. Bring water and sun block and enjoy."
"Review of RV Boondocking at Cochise Lake Willcox, AZ
Cochise Lake is a fantastic boondocking spot with plenty of space, making it perfect for big rigs."
"The perfect place to boondock, we did just one night but you could easily do a few and have a nice chill quiet time w a great view"
"Bring water, etc… it’s always to town. T-mobile cell good enough to stream."
"This location is near the I-10 and great for an overnight while passing thru. No amenities, and I wouldn’t suggest building fires or setting up long term camp."
"Changed my itinerary at the last minute and found this free camping, had I know Wilcox was so cool I would have stayed longer."
"This is just a gravel and dirt parking lot at the trailhead for the bird sanctuary. It has several large water holes when it rains."
"BLM ranger and other law enforcement drove up the road about once per day, which was nice. "
"Popular boondocking site 8 miles south of I-10 ar Bowie. Easy to find, level dirt road with only a bit of washboard in places. Pit toiletat the day use area."
ScoutThis 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
LegendWildflowers at their peak. a full on superbloom of California poppies amidst cacti greeted us at this BLM spot just southeast of Mt. Graham. Lots of places to pull over for a night or for a week or two along Tanque Road, and almost no road noise since the highway is far enough away. Tanque Road is dirt but was doable for our vintage trailer for the first mile or so, but we've heard it gets sandy and harder to navigate the further in you get.
Well-positioned in between the Coronado National Forest and the Hot Well Dunes area. No services, no water, no toilets, just beautiful open desert. Come prepared with drinking water and please Leave No Trace.
Closest town is Safford, AZ about 30 minutes away, and has all that you need.
LegendIf the campground at the national monument is full, head up Piney Canyon Rd. and you will find a number of free spots for both tent camping and RV’s just off the main road inside the boundary of the national forest. Most sites are tree covered, but we found one with an open sunny space for our solar panel. Our site was right next to a very clean flowing stream, which provided not only a nice soundtrack but also a filterable water source. Most of the sites seemed to have established fire pits, with ours being the monster of all fire pits we’ve ever seen. These are dispersed sites, so no potable water, picnic tables, or toilets are available, so come prepared with what you need to be comfortable. Also note that the road into the forest is not maintained well and is full of washboards for about a mile or so, and many washes cross this road, so pay close attention to rain in the forecast as you could get stuck on the other side of one of these washes for an indefinite period of time.
The closest grocery store and gas station is in Willcox, which is about 40 minutes away. There are also a number of wineries in the area, as this is 1 of the 3 Arizona wine regions.
Note: There is no cell service anywhere along this road, your best bet for an LTE connection is at the top of the monument’s road (Sugarloaf Mountain or Echo Canyon parking lots) or the guest wifi network at the visitor’s center.
GuideBoondockers paradise. Beautiful views and spacious campsites. USFS Coronado National Forest controlled. Ranger came by a day after we arrived and checked in with us. 14 day limit on staying here and it seems like it is enforced.
Had two Canyon Towhees come visit us every morning.
Some traffic as it is a popular rock climbing area especially on Friday and Saturday. Middlemarch Road is wide but very washboard-y. Took us about 45 minutes to go 10 miles. We found a nice spot on FR 687. We got water at the Stampede RV park in Tombstone. The other RV parks didn't allow us to fill. About 45 minutes to Sierra Vista for supplies. Will definitely stay here again.
LegendThis site is relatively easy to get to, considering how remote and alone and quiet it feels once here. We found a nice spot at 32.2437301, -109.5120963 in our 26 ft class C. Some sketchy parts of the road, rocky and narrow with some dips, but it can be done if you're careful.
BLM ranger and other law enforcement drove up the road about once per day, which was nice.
Drive through Bowie to get to Apache Pass Rd then a left on Happy Camp Canyon dirt road which is wide and flat but washboarded. Once you get to the recreation area, there is a picnic spot with tables and toilet but no camping is allowed in that area, you'll have to keep driving a bit further. There were a lot of campers when we stayed but we found a nice spot right off the dirt road with amazing views. Heard some gun shooting going on the first day but none following that. There are open range cattle roaming around so give them space and keep your animals leashed. On a hike one was walking right up to us so be aware.There were times on our hikes where you turn a corner and there are a few just standing there. The brush is high enough to hide some too so keep an eye out. This is BLM so the camping is FREE there is however a private property further up the dirt road (property is gated and fenced off). Spots are adequate for tents, smaller RVs or trailers.
Good place to hike, scramble up the rocks or mountain bike.
Good verizon and AT&T reception.
RangerAs 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. Lots of dried cow patties, some fire rings & sadly a bit of trash. 2 bars of Verizon. NO toilets NO water.
ScoutPlaya Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada. Known for its otherworldly landscape, this remote site offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking solitude, vast horizons, and stunning sunsets. The flat, cracked playa surface stretches endlessly in all directions, creating a sense of open freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. Camping here is truly off-grid— there are no amenities, no marked spots, and no shade— just you, the wind, and the desert sky. color rush
GuideI’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!
GuideThis dispersed campground is on the Pinery Scenic Route#42 on an all dirt road just before the incline up the mountain. It is a large campsite that can hold a group if necessary. There are no facilities or drinking water but there was a large fire ring available. You are tucked on the side of a hill and covered by trees for a nice shady spot to camp.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dragoon, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities for those seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in the Dragoon Mountains?
No specific permits are required for dispersed camping in the Dragoon Mountains, but regulations are enforced. The area is managed by the USFS Coronado National Forest with a strict 14-day stay limit. Rangers actively patrol the area to check on campers and verify compliance. At Road Canyon Camping Area, similar BLM regulations apply. When camping in any dispersed area around the Dragoons, practice Leave No Trace principles by using established sites, properly extinguishing fires, and packing out all trash. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so check with the Coronado National Forest office before your trip for the most current regulations.
Where are the best dispersed camping spots in the Dragoon Mountains?
The best dispersed camping in the Dragoon Mountains can be found throughout the Coronado National Forest area. Dragoon Mountains offers spacious campsites with beautiful views, perfect for boondockers seeking solitude. Many spots are accessible for various vehicle types, though you'll want to scout for level areas. Another excellent option is Happy Camp Trail, which despite some rocky, narrow sections with dips, can accommodate vehicles up to 26-foot class C RVs if you navigate carefully. Look for established fire rings to identify previously used sites, and remember that both areas enforce the standard 14-day stay limit.
What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in the Dragoon Mountains?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant conditions for dispersed camping in the Dragoon Mountains. Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping provides tree-covered sites that offer shade during warmer months, with some open sunny spaces ideal for early spring or late fall camping. Late April brings spectacular wildflower blooms, especially in areas like Tanque Road Dispersed Camping where California poppies create amazing displays. Summers can be extremely hot, while winter nights drop below freezing. Be prepared for surprise weather events regardless of season, as snow can occasionally occur even in March.
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