Primitive camping near Nogales, Arizona provides easy access to the Coronado National Forest, where elevations range from 3,500 to 9,400 feet. The region features seasonal monsoon rains from July through September, creating short-lived washes and increasing humidity. Many sites on forest roads remain accessible to standard vehicles except during the heaviest rainfall periods when mud can make travel difficult.
What to do
Mountain biking on Harshaw Road: Access numerous trails directly from Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon sites. "This dispersed camping area was a lot more secluded and quieter than I expected. My friend and I were looking to camp overnight before going on a gravel bike ride in the area. Harshaw Road was already along the bike route, so this was an ideal location," reports Molly S.
Explore historic ranch sites: Visit the Empire Ranch museum while staying at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area. "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," notes Michael R. The ranch spans 44,000 acres with structures used in western films.
Wildlife watching: The conservation areas offer extensive wildlife viewing opportunities. "The ranch is 44,000 acres boastes lots of wildlife elk, antelope, coyotes, kangaroo rats, and roadrunners," shares Jamie P. At dawn, pronghorns are often visible in open grasslands.
What campers like
Stargazing without light pollution: Clear desert skies make for excellent night viewing. "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," says Michael R. about camping at Las Cienegas Conservation Area.
Secluded camping spots: Find privacy by exploring beyond marked sites. At Gardner Canyon Rd Dispersed, "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," reports Jake G.
Desert sunsets: Camp on higher ground for spectacular sunset views. "Loved our easy access experience. It's a lovely, late sunset. This site is a little lower than others with a better view perhaps, but the trees provide a better buffer against the wind," writes Eric C. about Proctor Road Dispersed Camping.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary by location: Many secondary roads require high-clearance vehicles. "This is a dusty, bumpy road with sites carved out amongst thorny trees. The roads are not for the faint at heart," notes Jeff H. about Proctor Road sites.
Weather monitoring is critical: Flash flooding can trap vehicles. "Watch the weather report or you will be stuck in the mud trying to get out," warns Jeff H.
Border Patrol presence: Expect to see frequent patrols throughout the region. At Arivaca Lake, "Pretty sure some immigrants walked through the lower parking lot around 1am, but didn't bug us at all," reports Shianne E.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for both domestic and wild animals. "You will see cows and a bull wandering through your campsite so watch your pets," advises Jennifer M. Campers at Proctor Road reported: "We had two skunks walk through our site early Saturday morning and one did spray our 10 months old puppy."
Tips for camping with families
Upper camping areas at Arivaca Lake: For families with standard vehicles, consider the upper lot. "There is an upper lot that you can camp at with fire rings and mediocre lake views. There is a middle area with a little sketchy dirt road you'd need high clearance and 4WD to get to," explains Shianne E.
Secure belongings: Never leave items unattended at camp. At Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest, one camper reported: "We had to leave our very private site one day and left a few things behind — sadly it was all gone when we came back. Lesson learned, but a big bummer."
Consider road noise: Some sites experience traffic disruptions. "This site, and the few other sites I saw, are right next to Harshaw Rd. which is pretty busy with fast moving traffic all day," notes Lisa S. Ollie adds, "I heard road noice throughout the night except for Sunday night."
Tips from RVers
Airstrip camping for large rigs: At Las Cienegas Conservation Area, the former airstrip offers the easiest access. "The ranch has an airport which all the large Class A Class Cs and goose neck campers usually camp because the campsites are on the air strip area and requires very little backing," explains Jamie P.
Power management: Generator use is restricted in many areas. "We are 8 miles or about 20 minutes from downtown Patagonia which has a few little shops and restaurants as well as gas and propane though things seem to be a bit more expensive here," notes Jennifer M.
Water sources for filling tanks: The Empire Ranch provides potable water access. "There's a place to fill water a couple miles away at Empire ranch though no place close to dump," reports Jennifer M.
