Best Dispersed Camping near St. David, AZ

Several dispersed camping areas exist near St. David, Arizona, with free primitive sites located primarily in the Dragoon Mountains and surrounding Coronado National Forest land. Most dispersed camping occurs along Forest Road 687, in West Hunt Road areas, and at the Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area within Las Cienegas National Conservation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These public lands allow no-fee camping with varying levels of remoteness, from areas close to Tombstone to more secluded locations deeper in the mountains.

Access to most dispersed sites requires driving on dirt and gravel roads with washboard sections and occasional rough terrain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many areas, particularly for reaching campsites beyond the main forest roads. The Dragoon Mountains sites typically enforce a 14-day camping limit. Most areas have no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with many sites allowing campfires when conditions permit. Cell service is generally available at higher elevations but can be spotty in canyons and remote areas.

The region provides excellent stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing across desert and mountain terrain. Sites in the Dragoon Mountains offer views of rock formations popular with climbers, while Las Cienegas Conservation Area features grassland vistas. Border Patrol activity is common throughout the region. According to reviews, "The road is easy to navigate but not maintained. Texture is mostly washed rocks with nothing too technical. High clearance vehicle is required and 4x4 suggested." Another camper noted that despite multiple sites being occupied, "the area is wide open and quiet with multiple spots" for camping, making it suitable for those seeking solitude even during busier periods.

Best Dispersed Sites Near St. David, Arizona (51)

    1. Dragoon Mountains

    11 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    11 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
    13 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. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "Dispersed camping. No amenities. The spots at the cieneguita camp are full Everytime we have camped at the preserve but there is plenty of open area to pick a spot."

    "Occasionally you will end up with cows surrounding you. Happened to me. This campground is allowed up to 14 days, BUT that is every 6 months. Not the normal 30 days."

    4. 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."

    5. West Hunt Road

    3 Reviews
    Dragoon, AZ
    16 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."

    6. Sorin Camp

    1 Review
    Pearce, AZ
    15 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."

    7. Mescal Road Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Coronado National Forest, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "One afternoon we checked out the nearby Mescal Movie Set, which was a fun step back in time."

    8. Battle of the Bulls Bridge

    2 Reviews
    Sierra Vista, AZ
    19 miles

    "You drive up a steep hill to the top there are nice spots to park for the night. Not idea for large rigs or trailers. Just park your vehicle. It over looks sierra vista."

    9. Road Canyon Camping Area

    4 Reviews
    Elgin, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "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."

    "Dispersed camping, no amenities, but FREE.  Easy drive in on partially washboarded flat gravel road (E Yucca Farm Rd). The dirt road into Road Canyon is manageable, just drive with caution."

    10. Charleston LDS Monument Site

    1 Review
    Sierra Vista, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "Quiet…close to road but road isn’t busy. It’s basically just a parking lot at a trailhead. It will do if you are looking for a quick spot to lay your head."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near St. David, AZ

165 Reviews of 51 St. David Campgrounds


  • L
    Apr. 11, 2022

    The Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Bliss

    This was the perfect place to have my first dispersed camping experience. I tried following Google Maps to the gate however the dirt road it had me try was no longer accessible by car as it was very overgrown. I returned back on the road and continued for about 1/4 mile and found the accessible main dirt road. The gate was closed, please close it once you get your car inside. You must have a Public Lands Trust permit which I did not realize until I got to the gate. Getting one was super easy. $20 for a full year permit and $1 online convenience fee. Once I secured the permit, it was time to explore and find my home for the evening. The road is easy to navigate (yellow ribbons on the bushes just in case) and not maintained. Texture is mostly washed rocks with nothing too technical. High clearance vehicle is required and 4x4 suggested. I saw Pond 2 (0.5 miles from the gate) off to my right and decided to take a look instead of going to Pond 1 (1.5 miles from the gate) immediately. I found a spot that would work for me. Fires are allowed (always check BLM for up to date fire restrictions!!) I still cleared a 10 foot radius around my hand built fire ring as there was dried grasses around. No trash service, no water. Surprised to see 2 porta-potties at the gate but I can't say what state they were in as I did not use them. Come and enjoy the solitude and epic sunsets

  • Lindsay S.
    Feb. 16, 2021

    Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon

    Camping alternate to Hershaw

    After seeing the dispersed camping, my partner and I knew there must be something better and more secluded. About a 1/4 mile before the dispersed camping there is a national forest access road on the right. You’ll see a forest fire prevention sign at the entrance. 4x4 only no trailers. 3 or 4 dispersed sites. Beautiful hike up 4x4 road. Border patrol active. Close to Arizona’s trail trailhead. Great place to stay and see Patagonia.

  • 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

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

    Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon

    Easy Access to Patagonia

    Just a few miles up Harshaw Rd. (just outside of the adorable village of Patagonia), you will find a variety of free camping options with no services, just National Forest land available to both RVers and tent campers.  There are streams running throughout the area, but the water simply isn’t drinkable even with filtering and leaves a sticky white mineral residue on everything it touches; thank goodness there is a reverse osmosis filling machine in the village of Patagonia, right in front of the bakery.  The backroads in this area are great for hiking or mountain biking, you can choose from relatively flat to crazy steep with amazing views.

    The village of Patagonia is colorful and fun, and has a nice market with a great produce selection for its size, a small bakery, a launderette, a gas station, and a few cleverly named restaurants. Also, be sure to check out the Paton Center for Hummingbirds (a birdwatcher’s paradise) -- it’s free! The locals are super friendly.

    Note: You will see Border Patrol both hanging out in hidden spots and zooming down the roads through this area, appearing to be in hot pursuit.  But we never saw a single “situation” that warranted their presence.

  • Cass G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Reddington Pass Dispersed

    Rough Road, Off Grid

    I’ve camped at Redington Pass a few times throughout the years. It’s a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn’t recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we’ve seen them get stuck trying to turn around. The road is rough but if you don’t mind driving slow over the holes and bumps then no big deal.

    Easy to find, follow Tanque Verde Rd all the way East until it turns into Redington Road, this then leads to a dirt road with TONS of dispersed camping pull offs with established fire rings. The further east you travel on the pass the less people you have to camp next to. The camping sites closer to the entrance get packed on the weekends.

    The further you go you’ll run out of service, no bathrooms, no water hook ups, nothing, just dispersed wild camping!

  • 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 St. David

Primitive camping near St. David, Arizona occurs primarily on public lands at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between summer days and nights. The area's high desert ecosystem features mesquite thickets, grasslands, and rocky outcroppings with seasonal monsoon patterns typically occurring July through September. Free-range cattle often wander through campsites, especially in conservation areas and national forest boundaries.

What to do

Hiking in the Cochise Stronghold area: Access trail networks from West Hunt Road dispersed sites, approximately 25 miles from St. David. "Road in is bad but not horrible. Lots of sites and many open on Wednesday in late February. Great views and clean. 1.5 miles to campground and trailhead," notes a West Hunt Road camper.

Wildlife viewing at Las Cienegas Conservation Area: The 44,000-acre area hosts diverse wildlife including pronghorn antelope, Coues deer, and prairie dogs. "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," explains a visitor to Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area.

Rock climbing in the Dragoon Mountains: The distinctive rock formations attract climbers year-round. "You can wake up with cattle around your spot," mentions one camper about the area's unique experience, while another noted they "watched people free climb up then back down" the extremely steep rock faces.

What campers like

Secluded campsites with privacy: Many sites offer substantial distance between neighbors. At Road Canyon, "There were maybe 4 different spots along the road. We saw one person with a large trailer parked at the spot closest to the main road, but could barely see them once we set up our camp," reports one Road Canyon Camping Area visitor.

Exceptional stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates optimal night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687 described the experience: "The darkness is incredible."

Affordable extended stays: Most dispersed sites allow camping for up to 14 days. "BLM Numbered campsites, but you can also go to the end of that campground and there's a fence you can go through and there's camping out that way also. Two weeks camping permitted. No services good Verizon," notes one camper.

What you should know

Road conditions require planning: Most access routes feature washboard sections and occasional rough terrain. "The road up was a little rough and slippery, in some places. It had rained a few days before. I was fine without 4x4, but did slide in a few places," reports a camper at Camp Site 001 Dispersed Site.

Limited amenities require full self-sufficiency: Very few sites offer any facilities. "Dispersed camping, no amenities, but FREE. Easy drive in on partially washboarded flat gravel road. The dirt road into Road Canyon is manageable, just drive with caution," explains one visitor.

Cell service varies significantly by location: Reception depends on elevation and terrain features. "I have T-mobile. I didn't get a signal at all, but I have a T-mobile internet modem, and it got a good signal," notes a camper, while others report "Good Verizon and AT&T reception" in certain areas.

Tips for camping with families

Fire safety awareness: Seasonal restrictions may prohibit campfires. "Lots of camping spots with fire rings," notes one camper, but conditions can change rapidly, especially during spring winds and summer drought periods.

Wildlife encounters preparation: Children should understand appropriate behavior around local wildlife. "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, and all kinds of birds," explains a visitor to Dragoon Mountains.

Water availability planning: No potable water exists at most sites. "Empire Ranch has nice restrooms, free water for filling your RV," reports one camper, providing a crucial resupply point approximately 30-45 minutes from most camping areas.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions matter: Many dispersed camping roads become progressively narrower and rougher. "I would not suggest any large campers to go very far past the first few sites the road gets narrow and rough," advises one camper.

Site selection strategies: Larger rigs should scout first. "Large level valley with approx 20 designated spots. No facilities. Awesome rock views. 4 miles bumpy dirt road is worth. We did it with a 25 foot travel trailer," reports a visitor at Battle of the Bulls Bridge.

Seasonal timing considerations: Winter nights can drop below freezing. "You're roughly at 5000' so winter camping be prepared for snow on occasion. It also can be a little breezy," notes an experienced camper familiar with the area's variable conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near St. David, AZ?

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

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near St. David, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 51 dispersed camping locations near St. David, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.