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Best Dispersed Camping near Pearce, AZ

139 Reviews

Dispersed camping in the Dragoon Mountains near Pearce offers primitive sites with dramatic mountain backdrops. Most camping concentrates along Forest Road 687, accessed via Middlemarch Road—a notoriously rough 10-mile washboard dirt route requiring slow travel. Sites are spacious and well-separated, providing privacy despite the area's popularity with rock climbers and hikers. The terrain sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, with potential for snow in winter months and occasional strong winds.

Several additional dispersed camping areas exist near Willcox Playa and Cochise Lake Wildlife Viewing Area, offering flatter terrain and different desert ecosystems. All sites in the region are true backcountry camping—no water, toilets, or services available. Visitors must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. According to one camper, "Lots of sites to select from and a lot of privacy. The morning views were very beautiful." Cell service varies by provider, with Verizon offering reliable coverage in most areas. The 14-day stay limit appears to be actively enforced by rangers who patrol the area.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pearce, Arizona (42)

    1. Dragoon Mountains

    11 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    13 miles

    "Boondockers paradise. Beautiful views and spacious campsites. USFS Coronado National Forest controlled."

    "From the cattle guard you just went through I would say 2-3 miles of established sites even for the bigger rigs and if your smaller or tent camping, just past the next cattle guard and it goes on and on"

    2. Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687

    7 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    12 miles

    "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."

    "Forest Service Road is smoother but has some deep cuts. Made it fairly easily in small Class A. Nice sites with soft dirt and sand. Beautiful views of the Dragoons."

    3. Playa Dispersed Campsite

    10 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    17 miles

    "Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada."

    "Playa Dispersed Campsite is a hidden gem located in the stunning landscapes of Arizona."

    4. West Hunt Road

    3 Reviews
    Dragoon, AZ
    9 miles

    "No facilities. Awesome rock views. 4 miles bumpy dirt road is worth. We did it with a 25 foot travel trailer"

    "Great views and clean. 1.5 miles to campground and trailhead."

    5. Sorin Camp

    1 Review
    Pearce, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 388-8300

    "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. Bring water and sun block and enjoy."

    6. Camp Site 001 Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Tombstone, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-3468

    "Bring water, etc… it’s always to town. T-mobile cell good enough to stream."

    7. Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    17 miles
    Website

    "This is just a gravel and dirt parking lot at the trailhead for the bird sanctuary. It has several large water holes when it rains."

    8. Happy Camp Trail

    22 Reviews
    Bowie, AZ
    30 miles

    "BLM ranger and other law enforcement drove up the road about once per day, which was nice. "

    "Popular boondocking site 8 miles south of I-10 ar Bowie. Easy to find, level dirt road with only a bit of washboard in places. Pit toiletat the day use area."

    9. Cochise Lake Wildlife Viewing Area Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    23 miles

    "Review of RV Boondocking at Cochise Lake Willcox, AZ Cochise Lake is a fantastic boondocking spot with plenty of space, making it perfect for big rigs."

    "The perfect place to boondock, we did just one night but you could easily do a few and have a nice chill quiet time w a great view"

    10. Willcox Lagoon Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    22 miles

    "This location is near the I-10 and great for an overnight while passing thru. No amenities, and I wouldn’t suggest building fires or setting up long term camp."

    "Changed my itinerary at the last minute and found this free camping, had I know Wilcox was so cool I would have stayed longer."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pearce, AZ

82 Photos of 42 Pearce Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pearce, AZ

139 Reviews of 42 Pearce Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Tanque Road Dispersed Camping Near Safford

    Superbloom in the BLM: Camping in a Natural Desert Garden

    Wildflowers at their peak. a full on superbloom of California poppies amidst cacti greeted us at this BLM spot just southeast of Mt. Graham. Lots of places to pull over for a night or for a week or two along Tanque Road, and almost no road noise since the highway is far enough away. Tanque Road is dirt but was doable for our vintage trailer for the first mile or so, but we've heard it gets sandy and harder to navigate the further in you get.

    Well-positioned in between the Coronado National Forest and the Hot Well Dunes area. No services, no water, no toilets, just beautiful open desert. Come prepared with drinking water and please Leave No Trace.

    Closest town is Safford, AZ about 30 minutes away, and has all that you need.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2019

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Private and close to the Chiricahuan Nat'l Monument

    If the campground at the national monument is full, head up Piney Canyon Rd. and you will find a number of free spots for both tent camping and RV’s just off the main road inside the boundary of the national forest.  Most sites are tree covered, but we found one with an open sunny space for our solar panel. Our site was right next to a very clean flowing stream, which provided not only a nice soundtrack but also a filterable water source.  Most of the sites seemed to have established fire pits, with ours being the monster of all fire pits we’ve ever seen. These are dispersed sites, so no potable water, picnic tables, or toilets are available, so come prepared with what you need to be comfortable.  Also note that the road into the forest is not maintained well and is full of washboards for about a mile or so, and many washes cross this road, so pay close attention to rain in the forecast as you could get stuck on the other side of one of these washes for an indefinite period of time.  

    The closest grocery store and gas station is in Willcox, which is about 40 minutes away.  There are also a number of wineries in the area, as this is 1 of the 3 Arizona wine regions.

    Note:  There is no cell service anywhere along this road, your best bet for an LTE connection is at the top of the monument’s road (Sugarloaf Mountain or Echo Canyon parking lots) or the guest wifi network at the visitor’s center.

  • Deborah C.
    Mar. 14, 2021

    Dragoon Mountains

    Beautiful Views and nice campsites

    Boondockers paradise. Beautiful views and spacious campsites. 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.

    Had two Canyon Towhees come visit us every morning.

    Some traffic as it is a popular rock climbing area especially on Friday and Saturday. 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. We got water at the Stampede RV park in Tombstone. The other RV parks didn't allow us to fill. About 45 minutes to Sierra Vista for supplies. Will definitely stay here again.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Happy Camp Trail

    Secluded and beautiful

    This site is relatively easy to get to, considering how remote and alone and quiet it feels once here. We found a nice spot at 32.2437301, -109.5120963 in our 26 ft class C.  Some sketchy parts of the road, rocky and narrow with some dips, but it can be done if you're careful.  

    BLM ranger and other law enforcement drove up the road about once per day, which was nice. 

    Drive through Bowie to get to Apache Pass Rd then a left on Happy Camp Canyon dirt road which is wide and flat but washboarded. Once you get to the recreation area, there is a picnic spot with tables and toilet but no camping is allowed in that area, you'll have to keep driving a bit further. There were a lot of campers when we stayed but we found a nice spot right off the dirt road with amazing views. Heard some gun shooting going on the first day but none following that. There are open range cattle roaming around so give them space and keep your animals leashed. On a hike one was walking right up to us so be aware.There were times on our hikes where you turn a corner and there are a few just standing there. The brush is high enough to hide some too so keep an eye out. This is BLM so the camping is FREE there is however a private property further up the dirt road (property is gated and fenced off). Spots are adequate for tents, smaller RVs or trailers. 

    Good place to hike, scramble up the rocks or mountain bike.  

    Good verizon and AT&T reception.

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2022

    Road Canyon Camping Area

    Barren Freedom

    As Laura said, easy dirt road from just east of Sonoita & Hwy 82. (GPS had no clue what I was doing, but the coordinates are good) Upon arrival, only one other travel trailer & nice peeps. Lots of dried cow patties, some fire rings & sadly a bit of trash. 2 bars of Verizon. NO toilets NO water.

  • Rush C.
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    a profound sense of peace and connection with nature.

    Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada. Known for its otherworldly landscape, this remote site offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking solitude, vast horizons, and stunning sunsets. The flat, cracked playa surface stretches endlessly in all directions, creating a sense of open freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. Camping here is truly off-grid— there are no amenities, no marked spots, and no shade— just you, the wind, and the desert sky. color rush

  • Michael B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Pinery Campground Lower - Dispersed

    Tucked Away

    This dispersed campground is on the Pinery Scenic Route#42 on an all dirt road just before the incline up the mountain. It is a large campsite that can hold a group if necessary. There are no facilities or drinking water but there was a large fire ring available. You are tucked on the side of a hill and covered by trees for a nice shady spot to camp.

  • CJ T.
    May. 3, 2021

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Pretty good dispersed sites

    Your best bet if you are looking to visit Chiricahua National Monument and Bonita is full. This is the closest in proximity from what I could tell. Obviously no bathrooms, but Chiricahua visitor center does have a bathroom. It’s not practical for every bathroom use, but maybe worth it to poop 😅 otherwise, good dispersed sites. They don’t start for a mile or two after entering Coronado NF. Sites on the right side of the road tend to have more shade then on the left. Sites have rock fire pits and good shade. We heard turkeys, had a nightly skunk visitor who was pretty un-afraid of humans and definitely was looking for food. We locked food in covered truck bed to prevent too many visitors.

  • Pappy C.
    Mar. 28, 2025

    Upper Juniper Flats Road

    Very nice views, but know your rig's limitations for getting up there.

    This camping area is very convenient to Bisbee and environs.  Spacing between most established camping areas is good. The dirt road up is maintained, but it is loose when dry, and it has a steep grade in some spots with very tight switchbacks.  I had a surprise snow in March of '22 that almost prevented me coming back down, so be aware of weather. Most parking is not pull-through and some is very tight. Any 4WD vehicle and most pickups will be fine.  I would not recommend for Class A. Class B is okay (4WD and/or good clearance a plus) and really know your rig for Class C.  I would think any trailer longer than 25' is a no-go, but I'm sure some have done it.  Have seen quite a few 19-footers up there.  Phone service is great- you might even be able to hear calls through dental appliances! ;^)

Guide to Pearce

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pearce, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers stunning landscapes, peaceful surroundings, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Dragoon Mountains provide breathtaking vistas that are perfect for photography and relaxation. Many campers have praised the beautiful backdrop of these mountains.
  • Campers at Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687 enjoy stunning views while being surrounded by nature, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility.
  • The area around Sorin Camp is known for its picturesque landscapes, offering excellent opportunities for stargazing and enjoying the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Pearce

  • Hiking enthusiasts can explore the trails near Dragoon Mountains, with options like the Slavin Gulch hike that many campers recommend.
  • Wildlife viewing is a highlight at Wilcox Playa Viewing Area, where visitors can spot various birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Campers at Middlemarch Pass Dispersed Camping can enjoy hiking and exploring the surrounding Coronado National Forest, which is rich in flora and fauna.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Cochise

  • The area around Cochise offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, making it a fascinating spot for exploration.
  • Campers can find numerous secluded spots in the vicinity of West Hunt Road, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.
  • The rugged terrain and diverse landscapes near Whitewater Draw WMA provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including birdwatching and photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pearce, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pearce, AZ is Dragoon Mountains with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pearce, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 42 dispersed camping locations near Pearce, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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