Camping near Coronado National Forest

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Camping options around Coronado National Forest include a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites in southeastern Arizona. Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with amenities like electric hookups and sanitary dump stations. Near Benson, several RV parks provide full hookup sites, including Benson KOA and Red Barn Campground, which also features cabins described by visitors as "very clean" and looking like they "came out of a Magnolia magazine." For those seeking free camping, dispersed options exist in the Dragoon Mountains and at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area within Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.

The region experiences significant seasonal variations that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though some like Encore Valley Vista operate seasonally from October through April. Travelers should verify availability before arrival, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Developed campgrounds typically provide amenities such as showers, toilets, and trash service, while dispersed sites on public lands offer minimal facilities. Road conditions can vary dramatically, with some dispersed areas requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. As one visitor to a local RV park noted, "The traffic noise is nonstop. I know I should have seen it coming. Trucks (Jake Brakes), Trains, airplanes."

Proximity to historic attractions makes the area popular with RVers exploring southeastern Arizona. Several campgrounds are strategically located near Tombstone and Benson, providing convenient access to regional highlights while offering varying levels of amenities. Sites with unique features tend to receive the highest ratings, such as Butterfield RV Resort and Observatory, which includes an on-site observatory that "has free tours for those staying at the park." Campers frequently mention the importance of location when selecting sites, with some preferring proximity to services while others seek more secluded experiences. Train noise appears in multiple reviews as a consideration, with railroad tracks running near several campgrounds in the region. Staff interactions also feature prominently in visitor experiences, with many reviews highlighting the hospitality of campground hosts and managers.

Best Camping Sites Near Coronado National Forest (194)

    1. Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-4100

    $50 - $129 / night

    "Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don’t take a tour into the caves. -Couple stores within 20miles for any forgotten items."

    "Nice that the trailheads are just a few min walk from the campgrounds. The foothills loop is easy and takes you all around the area without being too challenging."

    2. Benson KOA

    7 Reviews
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    4 miles
    Website

    "My only complaint was we had a back in spot in the back but they called around 4 wanting to know our ETA we said close to 5:30."

    3. Red Barn Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    4 miles
    +1 (520) 586-2035

    $25 - $49 / night

    "Right next to the freeway and a stone’s throw away from gas stations/grocery stores, this is a great place to pull in for the night."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. Butterfield RV Resort and Observatory

    4 Reviews
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-4400

    $45 / night

    "A Safeway, Ace Hardware, restaurants, and a TSC are all within walking distance of the park."

    "The resort is close to the freeway and historic sites as well. The nightly fee is reasonable and staff members are friendly/responsive."

    5. Encore Valley Vista

    3 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The grounds are very clean and it looks like campers are at least one space away from another. We stayed here and traveled to Tombstone, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and Old Tucson."

    6. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

    16 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "We camped just past the cieneguita sites tucked back in the mesquite thicket."

    "Great space to walk the dogs around here. It’s gets a little windy at times and the cows can make a racket every so often, but we really like it here."

    7. Benson I-10 RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-4252

    $50 / night

    8. SKP Saguaro Co-Op

    2 Reviews
    Benson, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 586-7343

    "Close to Tombstone and Benson."

    9. Tombstone Territories RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Huachuca City, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 457-2584

    "Off the beaten trail a bit but we really enjoyed our stay here. Hiking trail entrances right in the park and it’s close to the San Pedro river."

    "Park is out away from civilization, with a lot of hiking /biking trails. Laundry was acceptable but not exceptional. Several machines were out of order at any given time."

    10. Dragoon Mountains

    11 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    19 miles

    "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."

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Coronado National Forest

919 Reviews of 194 Coronado National Forest Campgrounds


  • A
    Dec. 5, 2025

    Garden Grove RV Park

    They don’t follow their own rules

    Watch I’ll get kicked out for telling the truth Karen’s complaining about every tiny little noise. Have an electric drum set with HEADPHONES. The only way you can hear it from outside is if you walk right up into my trailer and I have no one near me. It’s literally tapping noises on rubber. Also I’ve been here three years. Never had an issue until a few Karen’s moved in and think they run the place Did I mention she pulls into the empty lot next to me in a tiny car to back into her spot JUST so she can look into my windows to see if I’m using my soundless drums ( literally tapping) so she can complain. Her dogs and her husbands truck makes more noise than I do. I keep to myself. I don’t cause problems I pay my lot rent usually early and never late. This “woman” has made it her business to mind mine. The rules in the park are quiet times from 10pm-8 am I never broke those rules. Ever. But apparently the rules only apply to others. I’m across from the bathrooms and am constantly woken up or bothered by strangers parking in the empty lot next to I’m pretty confident that when I went outside to do yoga her husbands eyes were wandering a bit and this is why this Karen has it out for me. That’s ok. Will be finding another place to go very soon. Somewhere that allows you to walk heavily in your own trailer and allows normal noises. Ya know. One that follows their own rules. Was told absolutely no noise can come from my trailer. Anyone that’s ever been in a trailer knows you can hear a neighbor fart in Their bathroom next door. I have no one next to me and picked the worst spot in the park next to huge electrical things so no one wants to be there. It obstructs the view and it’s ugly. I did this on purpose so no one would want the spaces next to me and no one so far has. She had the audacity to say some people have jobs. “Lady” and I use this term very loosely. I have a bachelors in behavioral psychology and my husband works his ass off for a company that does a lot for this community You know nothing about me except I drum do yoga (which apparently pisses you off as well) and I have pink hair. Judge much. Next time you reach out to complain about tapping noises come on over I know all the mental health facilities in town because they all have tried hiring me (I don’t need to work sorry) maybe they can point you to a good psychiatrist that can work out why you’ve decided that because you’ve been here two months you can run the place and why you’re so insecure that even me doing yoga outside is triggering for you. You claim “some of us need to work” I’m sorry that you’re jealous that I don’t need to My tapping cannot be heard unless you walk up to my door basically. I use headphones. If anyone wants to come here and have any fun in any way shape or form go elsewhere. I’ve literally been told no noise but theirs trucks running all night. Cars using lots next to me to park who don’t live there and codes for the bathrooms that are handed out to everyone and rarely changed hence needing to protect yourself while in the shower. Men have wandered in multiple times while I was in the women’s room and women have also walked in when my husband was in the men’s bathroom. Btw proper camping etiquette is to NOT walk through or park in empty lots. They make the rules according to who they like and don’t like. Ive kept to myself. When it came to my attention that my acoustic was too loud I was fine with that. I got a electric set with headphones. You literally only hear tapping if you are right up to my door Read your own rules. Quiet hours are 10 pm -8am and I rarely drum anytime other than daytime hours. And they made a huge mistake getting rid of the last camp host Steve. Jealous wives who can’t stand someone doing yoga And I’m sorry Karen that you have to work insinuating that I’m some loser who is uneducated . I have a bachelors in psychology. And my husband takes such good care of me I don’t need to work. I’d give four stars when Steven was here. He actually cared and looked out for the residents and their safety.

  • Dustin T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 4, 2025

    Madera Canyon on Proctor Road

    Quaint dispersed camping

    Fairly calm and quiet camping sites, spread out enough so you almost don't know you have neighbors. Can be cold or windy in the winter months.

    We've seen Golden Eagles, Falcons, Deer and Turkey, listened to the Mocking birds. Lots of wild life.

    Only downside might be the bees during the day, but if you stay in the shade they largely leave you alone. Bring your own shade, there is not much here.

    You can stay up to 14 days in a 60 day period in the National Forest.

  • Steven G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 3, 2025

    Tombstone RV Park

    Awesome

    My brother pulled into Tombstone AZ Brite and early walked around found a flyer for this park and called. No problem Dawn said see you when you get here. Dawn and Scott were the only two staff I dealt with but they were so friendly. I loved the on site laundry, heated pool, and two dog parks. If you're ever doing Historic Tombstone check this place out it's great.

  • Victoria H.
    Nov. 28, 2025

    Gilbert Ray Campground

    Great, comfortable spot

    Awesome location, super close to Saguaro West and the desert museum. Weather was nice too, and there was lots of vegetation and birds (saw gambles quail, cactus wren, thrasher, etc this morning). Campground also has hot water, running water in bathrooms, and great camp hosts. Overall great time.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2025

    Tombstone RV & Campground

    What a nice, relaxing place

    While the office was unstaffed upon our arrival, an off-duty camp host met and got us to our site within minutes of arrival. Our 40’ 5th-wheel got in and out as easily as anywhere we’ve been. Many of the folks we met were there for the long term and if that was the plan, we’d have joined them. Community fire pits were nice as were the horseshoe pits. Facilities were clean and available. Loads of trails nearby and with so any things to do in the Tombstone area, we will definitely be back. Only wish our stay wasn’t so short. Absolutely loved the location, surrounding mountains, and the stars. Wow!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2025

    West Hunt Road

    Breathtaking views

    This place was absolutely gorgeous. Reminds you of a cowboy and Indian setting. Apparently, Cochise is buried somewhere in the area, but nobody knows where. The road is dirt and kind of washboard. You probably wouldn't want to bring a large RV or trailer into this area. Some areas are tight, and some of the roads have big ruts from rain water flooding. If you can get back into this area, it's worth the drive.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2025

    Battle of the Bulls Bridge

    Update info

    Checked out this site on 11/26/25 and there is no overnight camping in this area permitted. Access roads are closed off in this location. BLM sign states no camping except in back country areas and must have a permit to do so.

  • Lucy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2025

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Nice setting for the hearing impaired

    Not great if your in a tent. Surrounded by rvs. Nice seeing but highway noise and neighbors up until 2am when I asked t them nicely to take it in the trailer. Women's bathroom had 2 toilets backed up and smelled bad. I was hoping for less lighting in the area for star gazing.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2025

    Stampede RV Park

    Nice amenities while living like sardines in a can

    Well I had trouble finding the entrance and the office. I like signs that say: Enter Here. Then following the signs and arrows for the office. I had a pull through slot which was good. Full hookups. Good price for thanksgiving week at $45/night. Nice hot shower and $2.00 laundry. It’s just that I have a slot to pull into and that’s it. No picnic table or any space to put your camp chair. Not sure if I can last the week. We’ll see.


Guide to Coronado National Forest

Camping near Coronado National Forest, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to suit different preferences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a secluded area to unwind, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Kartchner Caverns State Park: This park is just a short drive from the campground. One visitor noted, "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up," making it a convenient base for exploring the caverns.
  • Hike in the Dragoon Mountains: Known for its beautiful views, one camper shared, "We found a nice secluded spot among the rocks," highlighting the area's appeal for those seeking solitude and nature.
  • Visit Tombstone: The historic town is nearby, and many campers enjoy the short trip. A review from Tombstone RV & Campground mentions, "It’s was getting down to freezing temperatures in November briefly overnight," reminding visitors to prepare for cooler nights.

What campers like:

  • Amenities at Tucson - Lazydays KOA: Campers appreciate the variety of amenities available. One review states, "This KOA is a true resort with major amenities, such as a pool, putt-putt golf course, pickleball, restaurant, and planned activities."
  • Clean facilities at Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground: Visitors often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A camper remarked, "Clean restrooms, nice showers, friendly camp hosts," which adds to the overall positive experience.
  • Scenic views at Rose Canyon Campground: Campers enjoy the natural beauty of the area. One reviewer said, "Cool little lake, with river that was flowing when we were there in May," showcasing the picturesque surroundings.

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids at Tucson - Lazydays KOA: Families can enjoy various activities. One parent shared, "There are multiple events throughout each day, some for kids, some for family," making it a great spot for family bonding.
  • Nature exploration at Bog Springs Campground: This campground is perfect for nature lovers. A visitor mentioned, "It's great for people who love nature," highlighting the family-friendly environment.
  • Fishing at Lakeview Campground: Kids can enjoy fishing in the nearby lake. A review stated, "This is a great campsite for tent or campers... the fish are almost always biting," making it a fun activity for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Space for RVs at Tucson - Lazydays KOA: RVers appreciate the spacious sites. One camper noted, "The full hookup site was private, had a small grassy area," which is ideal for those traveling with larger vehicles.
  • Access to amenities at Tombstone RV & Campground: RVers enjoy the convenience of nearby facilities. A review mentioned, "Very clean, large/wide sites, nice pool, dog parks," making it a comfortable stay for RV travelers.
  • Road conditions at Dragoon Mountains: RVers should be cautious of the road conditions. One camper advised, "A bit rough but wide road and fine when going slow," which is helpful for those planning to drive in.

Camping near Coronado National Forest, Arizona, offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. With various campgrounds to choose from, each with its own charm, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Coronado National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Coronado National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 194 campgrounds and RV parks near Coronado National Forest and 53 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Coronado National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Coronado National Forest is Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 44 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Coronado National Forest?