Dispersed camping near St. David, Arizona provides access to the Dragoon Mountains at elevations between 4,800-5,000 feet, creating moderate temperatures compared to lower desert regions. The area sits within Coronado National Forest, where camping is permitted for up to 14 days at a time. Roads to dispersed sites typically feature washboard conditions requiring slower travel speeds, especially on Middlemarch Road leading to popular camping areas.
What to do
Explore cave formations: Take a guided tour of Kartchner Caverns, located just 12 miles from St. David. "The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up. Three trails are located within the park," notes Bill R. about Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground.
Rock climbing access: The Dragoon Mountains offer numerous climbing routes for various skill levels. "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," writes Rachel about camping options in the Dragoon Mountains.
Historical sites exploration: Visit Tombstone's historic district, just minutes from nearby campgrounds. "We were only a few minutes drive away from all the best attractions Tombstone has to offer, but the location is quiet and away from all the commotion," explains Christina H. about her stay at Tombstone RV & Campground.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant distance between campers. "Followed Middlemarch to 687 and picked our own site - plenty of sites to be found, all spaced out really nicely apart from one another. Quiet camping, gorgeous backdrop of Dragoon Mountains, incredible star gazing!" shares Audrey about Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687.
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing. "It's super dark at night, so sky viewing is great!" notes Jennifer H. about the area's minimal light pollution, making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Privacy in natural settings: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of dispersed camping in the area. "Found a spot down a side road that was perfect. Quiet with great views. 2 bars with Verizon," reports Dave B. about his experience at Cochise Stronghold Campground, noting both privacy and connectivity.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires driving on rough roads. "Washboard road first 10 miles. Then rough sandy road 5 more miles to the area," warns Dave B. about access to camping areas in the Dragoons, suggesting high-clearance vehicles for certain locations.
Water availability: No potable water exists at dispersed sites. "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," advises Deborah C. about planning for water needs when staying at Tombstone Territories RV Park.
Weather variations: Prepare for potentially extreme temperature swings. "**Watch your step, we came across a Diamond Back Rattle Snake about 4 feet from our picnic bench. It's Arizona, summer times will be hot, our temp in June was 108," cautions David T. about camping conditions in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Kartchner Caverns provides natural science learning experiences. "Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don't take a tour into the caves," mentions David T., highlighting educational options beyond the cave tour itself.
Activity options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreation facilities. "The kids and I used the hiking trails and played horseshoe toss. There are bathrooms, showers, and washing machines," reports Ray S. about amenities that kept his family entertained during their stay at Benson KOA.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for desert wildlife sightings. "Had two Canyon Towhees come visit us every morning," shares Deborah C. about the bird watching opportunities during her camping trip, suggesting binoculars for family members interested in desert fauna.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Not all dispersed sites accommodate larger rigs. "I wouldn't suggest any large campers to go very far past the first few sites the road gets narrow and rough," advises aron F. about Forest Road 687, suggesting bigger rigs stay closer to the entrance areas.
Hookup options: Plan for different utility needs at established campgrounds. "Full hookups were available at most established sites. Each site has water and electric hookup, a picnic table and fire ring. The back in sites are paved and level," notes a reviewer about Valley Vista RV Resort, one of several options with utilities near St. David.
Supply planning: RVers should stock up before arrival at remote sites. "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," advises Deborah C. about the logistics of staying at dispersed sites in the area.
