Dispersed camping opportunities near Coronado National Forest range from desert locations to high mountain sites between 4,000-9,000 feet elevation. The area's camping environment varies dramatically by season, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F in lower elevations while mountain sites remain significantly cooler. Road conditions to many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, especially during and after monsoon season when washes can become impassable.
What to do
Explore cave tours: Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offers impressive cave tours that showcase unique formations. "The caverns are amazing" reports one visitor, while another mentions "We reserved and did the Rotunda/Throne Tour. It was very cool and our 1st cave tour. I would suggest reading the rules for tours before reserving."
Hike desert trails: The foothills near Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground provide challenging hiking opportunities. "I hiked the Foothills Loop which was challenging in spots especially around the apex. Walking sticks are recommended. The views were awesome," notes one camper. Another visitor adds that "There are three trails located within the park."
Stargaze without light pollution: The remote nature of many sites creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. At Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area, "The night time stars are brilliant," according to one reviewer. Another camper at Dragoon Mountains shares that "Beautiful views and nice campsites. USFS Coronado National Forest controlled."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The conservation areas surrounding Coronado National Forest support diverse wildlife. One camper at Las Cienegas notes, "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."
Hiking trail accessibility: Many camping areas feature direct trail access. At Tombstone Territories RV Park, one visitor appreciated the "Hiking trail entrances right in the park and it's close to the San Pedro river." Another camper notes the Dragoon Mountains area offers "Beautiful rock backdrops and views with lots of trails."
Historical attractions: The region's rich history provides interesting side trips. One camper mentions, "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." Another adds that "Several western movies have been shot on the ranch and lots of the scenery looks familiar from these said movies."
What you should know
Water availability: Many dispersed sites have no water sources. A camper at Dragoon Mountains notes, "We got water at the Stampede RV park in Tombstone. The other RV parks didn't allow us to fill." At Las Cienegas, "Water can be acquired at the camp host and gift shop area at the ranch house."
Difficult road access: Several dispersed camping areas require navigating rough roads. A visitor to Dragoon Mountains warns, "Coming from Tombstone you travel on N Middlemarch rd which is 10 miles of dirt washboard and just plain bumpy for 10 miles until FR 687 comes up as you Y to the left." Another camper adds, "Washboard road first 10 miles. Then rough sandy road 5 more miles to the area."
Temperature extremes: The desert climate creates challenging conditions. One camper cautions about Coronado National Forest camping, "You're roughly at 5000' so winter camping be prepared for snow on occasion. It also can be a little breezy." Another warns, "It's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108."
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer facilities that appeal to children. Benson KOA provides "tons of activities for families. Corn hole, horseshoes, pool table in the game room and a great play ground." One visitor mentions, "They do have a pool and hot tub but it was closed because it too is new to the resort so although it looked ready the sign said they were doing the final touches."
Watch for wildlife hazards: Desert camping requires vigilance with children. One camper warns, "Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench."
Consider proximity to attractions: When camping with kids, location can be crucial. A visitor to Kartchner Caverns notes, "Couple stores within 20 miles for any forgotten items. Visited Tombstone, AZ as well. About a 30 min drive."
Tips from RVers
Check washboard road conditions: RV owners should assess road conditions before attempting dispersed camping. One RVer at Dragoon Mountains advises, "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."
Consider established RV parks for amenities: For those wanting full hookups, Butterfield RV Resort and Observatory offers unique features. "This is a smaller high end facility that is managed very well. As a point of interest there is also a functional observatory on site that has free tours for those staying at the park," notes one visitor.
Verify site spacing: RV parks vary in how crowded they feel. A visitor to Red Barn Campground explains, "Small park. Very tiny sites but they have mostly drive throughs." In contrast, at Tombstone Territories, campers appreciate "Nice big lots!" noting "Site was clean, level and pull through."
