Primitive camping near Dragoon, Arizona occurs at elevations between 4,500-5,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between day and night. This southeastern Arizona region experiences monsoon season from July through September, when afternoon thunderstorms can develop rapidly. Winter campers should prepare for occasional snow and nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Dragoon Mountains offers exceptional climbing opportunities on granite formations. According to one visitor, "Beautiful rock backdrops and views with lots of trails. There is much dispersed camping and although the area can be quite busy, there's lots of space and privacy can be had."
Wildlife viewing: Drive 30 minutes north to Willcox Lagoon Dispersed Site for bird watching. A camper noted, "Great spot for a night or two to listen and watch the sandhill cranes. Unfortunately some locals tagged my van with a paintball. Be cautious."
Hiking trails: Explore the Slavin Gulch Trail, accessible from Forest Road 687 camping areas. As one camper reported, "Lots of sites available, also very popular. Beautiful dragoon mountains. Stayed about 1 miles after the Slavin Gulch hike (great hike)."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687 provides well-separated camping spots. A recent visitor mentioned, "Followed Middlemarch to 687 and picked our own site - plenty of sites to be found, all spaced out really nicely apart from one another."
Usable cell service: Most camping areas maintain workable connectivity for remote workers. According to one review, "Washboard road first 10 miles. Then rough sandy road 5 more miles to the area. Many secluded spots. Good service with Verizon."
Night sky viewing: The area's minimal light pollution creates outstanding astronomical viewing. A camper at West Hunt Road observed, "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."
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Access roads require slow, careful driving. One camper advised, "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."
Wildlife awareness: Desert wildlife includes various reptiles and insects. A camper reported, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires extra preparation. A visitor at Happy Camp Trail noted, "In late September, 90s during the day and 60s at night." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during daytime hours.
Ranger monitoring: Forest Service rangers actively patrol the area. According to one camper, "BLM ranger and other law enforcement drove up the road about once per day, which was nice."
Tips for camping with families
Easy exploration areas: Sorin Camp provides accessible terrain for children. One visitor recommended, "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."
Wildlife education opportunities: Free-range cattle roam throughout the region, creating wildlife viewing chances for children. A camper observed, "There are open range cattle roaming around so give them space and keep your animals leashed."
Pack extra supplies: The remote location requires bringing all essentials, including extra water. According to one camper, "You're roughly at 5000' so winter camping be prepared for snow on occasion. It also can be a little breezy."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Larger rigs should utilize camping spots closer to main access roads. One RVer advised, "I wouldn't suggest any large campers to go very far past the first few sites the road gets narrow and rough."
Rig size limitations: Playa Dispersed Campsite accommodates larger vehicles without difficult access roads. A reviewer noted, "Easy access for our RV, and the ground was level and firm. Huge thanks to the BLM for keeping places like this free and accessible."
Leveling preparations: Bring leveling blocks, as most sites feature uneven terrain. According to a camper, "My sprinter had no problem getting there without needing 4WD but I would not take a trailer or anything larger than 25 ft."
