Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, AZ is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Arizona camping adventure.
"Convenient spot close to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument."
"Within just 20 miles of the Organ Pipe National Monument, Gunsight Wash allows dispersed camping up to 14 days."
"This is a dispersed BLM area behind the old copper mine tailings and a wide washboard dusty road goes back into the area."
"First time camping near Ajo. We turned onto the scenic loop drive off Darby Wells Road and quickly found a large flat spot down off the road. Very little traffic and no neighbors. A new favorite!"
"Plenty of space for disperse, primitive camping. This seems like a popular place for primitive camping, but it is so easy to find a quiet private spot. The Ajo MTB trails are here and there is OHV."
"Managed by Lower Sonoran BLM Field Office
Very quiet so much glass and old rusted tin cans, possibly from when mining was active here."
LegendPrimitive and far from civilization. Right next to highway 85, so there is a lot of traffic noise. Since this is dispersed there are not any facilities, but surprisingly there is little privacy. Several RVs,but no hook ups. Very close to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
TravelerConvenient spot close to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. I got a little confused trying to find this spot at night, but once you find where the dirt road passes through the gate there are plenty of places to camp right there. There was only one other group there in October, but I would assume it gets more crowded during the winter months. It's a little close to the highway, so you will hear some cars passing by, but it's not too bad.
LegendWithin just 20 miles of the Organ Pipe National Monument, Gunsight Wash allows dispersed camping up to 14 days. There are enough flat parking areas scattered throughout the BLM area to accommodate hundreds of rigs. You should be able to find a quiet spot, though it's unlikely that you'll have the place all to yourself.
As with most dispersed camping areas managed by the BLM, there are no services for bathroom, water, or trash. There is a day-use rest area across the highway, but please do not dump your trash there (AZDOT will charge the BLM to dispose of this trash, and that will mean that the BLM will have to start charging us -- so be a good neighbor and dispose of your stuff in the nearby town of Why).
The main road between Why and Sonoyta (Mexico) is very busy during the days.
However, the border crossing is closed at night so being parked near the pavement isn't going to keep you awake all night. However, we found that getting further away made the hanging out around camp more pleasant.
There are many hiking and biking opportunities available just a short drive away into the National Monument. The Visitor's Center is also worth a visit, and the NPS campground is super cute and offers all the usual amenities of developed campground in the NPS. The town of Why is within 2 miles of the Gunsight Wash turn off, which offers a gas station and convenience store. Further up the road lies Ajo, AZ, which has more in the way of restaurants and grocery stores.
LegendThis is a dispersed BLM area behind the old copper mine tailings and a wide washboard dusty road goes back into the area. Scenic Sonoran desert vegetation due to the cactus diversity but some areas have been trashed by past use during the mining days. Cell signal was mixed to poor, only TMobile worked barely for me. Close to Ajo but no water, trash, or tables. Access road can be dusty and washboard.
LegendThis is a very nice place for FREE camping on BLM land. Lots of room and it does go farther back from the highway. Just be careful of some areas may wash out when it rains. A little difficult to find, but look at your odometer when leaving Aho, it will be 13 miles on your right going south. A few miles further you will be at the Organ Pipe National Park. Some very nice scenic drives there.
LegendThis camping area is next to the County roping arena. There was some kind of grid RV area in distant past but now the entire area is neglected and rundown. There are a couple derelict RV trailer camps and some trashy campers that need to be booted out. This is a free 14d area and seems the County will come by and issue you a free permit. Cell signal is very good but no water, no trash, no tables and the old toilet by the arena is locked. Overall just a neglected Pima County park resource.
LegendBig open area with some shrubs, cacti and washes. There is LOTS is space here so plenty of room to spread out but bc of the low nature of most of the plants there isn’t a ton of privacy. You prob won’t be alone but you won’t need to be right next to someone either.
Mostly level area, great roads. Everyone around was quiet and respectful. Saw a few coyotes while we were here and heard them yipping throughout the night. Very peaceful and close to Organ Pipe National Monument.
LegendI have found that this is a nice location. If you want to visit in this area, it is very conveniently located about three miles from the Organ Pipe National Park. There is a campground in the park. It offers paved parking and barbecue grills, but it still dry camping. Since this is free I find it a lot better for dry camping. It is close to a town called Why, that has gas, and a restaurant called Grannies that has the best burritos this area has to offer. Can also get ice and propane at the gas station there. I chose to Camp close to the road, because I don't mind the noise from traffic, I feel it is a little soothing at times personally. The BLM area goes back several miles and if you don't mind driving in a little farther in, it is much quieter. I really like this area BLM land and I'm sure to come here again and again.
TravelerThis was my first trip in an RV and my first time experiencing off grid/BLM Dispersed Camping and I loved it! Closest neighbor was over 100 years away, it was quiet, calm, and the sunset was gorgeous! Highly recommend. Some folks may be interested in knowing there is quite a bit of USBP activity in the area due to the proximity of Gunsight Wash to the international border. There is a reason they are there, so be aware. Not necessarily scared or deterred, just simply aware. I had zero issues at all and look forward to a return visit.
Dispersed camping near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscape while enjoying the freedom of primitive camping. With various options available, campers can find solitude and adventure in this beautiful region of Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping area with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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