Top Free Dispersed Camping near Dragoon, AZ
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Dragoon? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Dragoon's most popular destinations.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Dragoon, AZ (46)
1. Dragoon Mountains
10 Reviews•21 Photos•150 SavesPart of the Douglas Ranger District
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
2. Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
22 Reviews•76 Photos•203 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
3 Reviews•9 Photos•13 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
14 Reviews•35 Photos•162 SavesAccessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
5. West Hunt Road
2 Reviews•4 Photos•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Sorin Camp
1 Review•27 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping
3 Reviews•3 Photos•47 SavesWillcox Playa is best known for its wintering population of sandhill cranes that migrate to the playa in large numbers, particularly in wet winters. It is not unusual to see several thousand cranes in winter at the power plant ponds viewing area on the southwest side of the playa, or at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 600-acre Wildlife Area on the southeast side. The cranes feed and court, but after February migrate to their summer breeding grounds in the northern Great Plains. Birding is best from mid-October through March, when more than 15 species of birds of prey may also be found here. The annual Wings over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival takes place in nearby Willcox each January and features guided tours. Camping: Overnight public camping is allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 45-day period. There are no facilities at the Wildlife Area. Restrictions: Open fires are allowed in designated areas only, Parking area only. No firewood cutting or gathering.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
8. Camp Site 001 Dispersed Site
1 Review•11 Photos•9 SavesYou 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.
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
9. Juniper Flats Dispersed
7 Reviews•13 Photos•84 SavesCamping 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Reddington Pass Dispersed
3 Reviews•12 Photos•44 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
Showing results 1-10 of 46 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Dragoon
121 Reviews of 46 Dragoon Campgrounds
- Joan D.
TravelerAZT/ Parker Trailhead Dispersed
Not really a Campsite
We stayed here in late August to hike the AZ Trail, but it isn't really a campsite. We set up a tiny tent in the tall grass, but there isn't a designated place to set-up camp, fire pit, etc. Also, it might get busy with cars during the more popular hiking seasons because it is a starting point for both passage 1 and 2 of the Arizona Trail. That being said, it worked for us for one night. It had a nice view of the lake.
Cass G.
Guide
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!
- Cass G.Guide
Scotia Canyon - Coronado National Forest
One on my favorites
This is site is always a fun time, i’ve been camping along this dirt road so many times and now make it a yearly visit. All of these photos are different years. For greener grass I recommend going any month before late August! All photos taken with dry grass is October various years. Tons of dispersed camping sites and pull offs along the dirt road once you pass Parker Canyon Lake area. Good hiking in the area, tons of wildlife. Watch out for rattlesnakes and javelina especially if you have dogs with you! Most of the sites have fire rings already established so you don’t have to do much work. I’d rate it 11/10!
- J
Josh P.
Scout
Mount Bigelow Dispersed
Well kept and secluded
Awesome views, secluded spots. Just make sure you have 4wd and go all the way to the back
- SShane W.
Ranger
Gardner Canyon Rd Dispersed
Pretty Area, no amenities
Great area of you plan to have everything with you. There is a ranch up the road along the way to the end of the road towards the top. Great place to hang out and enjoy the quiet. Take a drive up the road. Onyx Cave isn’t far.
- DDynamical Thunder D.Scout
Mount Bigelow Dispersed
Beautiful and friendly
Very crowded on the weekend but the crowd is friendly and respectful. Great way to escape the summer heat of Tucson! Bring your hats and gloves!
Julie F.Guide
Dragoon Mountains
Lots of sites, beautiful and peaceful
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)
- SShane W.Ranger
Marijilda
Fresh Mountain Spring Water
Not much for camping area, but it’s right on the creek and secluded and quiet. No toilets. No trash. Verizon in and out. 4x4 needed to exit. Road is a couple miles, rough, and one shallow water crossing.
- SShane W.Ranger
Jacobson Canyon Overlook
Not a campground
This is an overlook of the Gila Valley with a wall to keep people from driving off. Verizon works. It dead ends just past the wall. You could camp here in an RTT. There is a place further down that has a couple dispersed areas by the creek. Marijilda Ranch Road. It’s rough but worth the run. Pictures in this review are of that area.
- TTarryn T.Traveler
Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Felt like camping on desert safari
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.
Jake G.TravelerGardner Canyon Rd Dispersed
Convenient and scenic
There are lots of sites along Gardner Canyon road, and it can get a little busy. We had a site by a large tree and a wash. The first time cows were our only visitors, but on another trip there was a camper 100 yards away or so. Some of the sites are quite large and are able to fit several large rigs. Depending on the time of year there are some small water crossings passed the ranch. Overall a great place to camp.
- CChasity M.Guide
Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Peaceful and Quiet
Take 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.
Tony S.Traveler
Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
Little busy
Was a little busy and the bulls can get aggressive in your campsite.
- MMichael R.Scout
Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
La Cienaguita
I first came upon this area three years ago and have come back every year since. It is isolated, camp sites are well spaced and the scenery is great. There is no highway noise and the night time stars are brilliant. It is free range for cattle so you may wake up several mornings to see them in 'your backyard'. 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.
Empire Ranch has a great but small museum, with trails around it for walking, nice restrooms, free water for filling your RV, and a rich history. If La Cieneguita campground is full (only eight sites) There are other areas with La Cienagas National Conservation Area for camping including a large former small airport on the other side of Empire Ranch.
- Dean E.Scout
West Hunt Road
By Cochise Stronghold trailhead
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.
- DDwight H.Scout
Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping
When I was 19, I spent two weeks camping and hiking through canyon on foot.
We parked car on dirt road above canyon. We were only ones for a week. Then other young group showed up.
- TTyler E.Traveler
Reddington Pass Dispersed
Camping at reddington pass
Great spot to go camping! The trail into the campground was great, you will need a 4x4 in certain spots, but mostly it’s a smooth ride. At night the view of the stars was beautiful since there was hardly any light pollution. 10/10 recommended
- TTracy T.Guide
West Turkey Creek Dispersed
Gorgeous
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.
- hholly C.Ranger
Dragoon Mountains
Amazing
Make sure to take the road out of tombstone, east to find. Road it a bit washboard but not hard. So many sites to find.
Christopher F.TravelerCieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
Great dispersed camping with plenty of wildlife to see.
Prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors. Too many birds to count.
Mary B.GuideIndian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
Serene Dispersed Camping Location
A beautiful, serene location not too far from I-10 and Fort Bowie. We arrived at around 10pm in our Sprinter van and found a quiet location. The campsites are far apart and you travel on compacted dirt road to get there. The father you go, the more space you have. It will be quite bumpy if you do not have an AWD or 4x4.
Remington R.TravelerWest Hunt Road
Nice...
Road 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...
- Berton M.
LegendIndian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
Great Boondocking off the I-10
This is a wonderful place to boondock if you are driving the I-10 or visiting Fort Bowie Nation Historic Park. The dirt road is easily passable for most vehicles. Ver quiet. Decent cell signal with T-Mobile.
- JJoe Z.Traveler
Indian Bread Rocks
Nice dispersed camping area
Happy Camp Canyon is in fairly good condition. There is a trailhead parking area that is posted as no camping but about 50 yards further down there is a clearing with fire rings. We ended up sharing the spot with some cattle for a while.
- HHailee S.Traveler
Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
Great spot for a quick camp spot
Overall the stay was great. My only complaint would be the bugs that were swarming in the morning. They only swarm certain plants and we happened to be by one so we had bugs EVERYWHERE. But it wasn’t a big deal. We just quickly packed up and went and ate breakfast at the picnic area right down the road and explored the granite rocks for a while.
Jozi A.TravelerMount 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.
Kelly K.ScoutTombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Beautiful views, spread out dispersed camps
Middleware 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.
Guide to Dragoon
Camping near Dragoon, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Explore Kartchner Caverns State Park: Just a short distance from Dragoon, this park features impressive caves and trails. One visitor noted, "Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don’t take a tour into the caves."
- Hike in the Dragoon Mountains: The area is known for its beautiful hiking trails. A camper shared, "We 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."
- Visit Tombstone: The historic town is nearby and offers a glimpse into the Wild West. A review mentioned, "It’s about 5 minutes from the town of Tombstone. It was getting down to freezing temperatures in November briefly overnight."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer from Tombstone RV & Campground said, "Five-star bathrooms were clean."
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer large, well-spaced sites. A visitor at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground mentioned, "Spots are very large and spaced well."
- Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. A guest at Willcox-Cochise KOA noted, "Staff is very friendly."
What you should know:
- Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper at Cochise Stronghold Campground mentioned, "There was no drinking water when we were there late September."
- Noise levels can vary: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A visitor at Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping said, "Difficult to find a spot away from others if you are after some privacy."
- Wildlife encounters: Be cautious of local wildlife. One camper warned, "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose spacious campgrounds: Look for sites that offer plenty of room for kids to play. A review from Tombstone RV & Campground highlighted, "There is ample area for little ones to ride bikes or play."
- Plan for hot weather: Summer temperatures can soar. A visitor noted, "It’s Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108."
- Bring outdoor games: With beautiful views and open spaces, outdoor games can keep the family entertained. A camper at Dragoon Mountains mentioned, "Incredible star gazing!"
Tips from RVers:
- Check for big rig-friendly sites: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Quail Ridge RV Resort said, "Wide streets for easy maneuvering even larger RVs."
- Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds may have bumpy access roads. A visitor at Happy Camp Trail noted, "It will be quite bumpy if you do not have an AWD or 4x4."
- Look for amenities: Check if the campground has features like laundry and Wi-Fi. A camper at Willcox-Cochise KOA mentioned, "Good Wi-Fi and cable TV selection."
Camping near Dragoon, Arizona, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dragoon, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dragoon, AZ is Dragoon Mountains with a 5-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dragoon, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 dispersed camping locations near Dragoon, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.