Dispersed camping in the Dragoon Mountains provides a primitive option for tent and RV campers near St. David, Arizona. Located in southeastern Arizona, this region features both established RV parks and dispersed public lands camping areas with several options within a 20-mile radius of town. For those seeking more amenities, The Lakes at St. David RV Resort offers full hookups and additional facilities, while Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687 provides a more rustic experience with forest road access.
Camping in this area requires preparation for desert conditions and seasonal variations. "Full hookups are available at most established sites, while primitive camping requires bringing all necessary water and supplies," noted one visitor about camping options in the region. Temperatures can be extreme in summer months, with many campers preferring spring and fall for more moderate conditions. Several campgrounds like Cochise Stronghold operate seasonally from September through May to avoid the hottest periods. Road quality varies significantly, with some dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Cell service can be inconsistent in remote areas, and campers should be aware of fire restrictions, particularly during dry seasons.
The region's mixed-use campgrounds offer a range of experiences from lakefront sites to desert landscapes. Several reviewers highlighted the unique opportunities at specialized facilities, with one camper sharing, "The Lakes at St. David is a diamond amongst the many RV parks in the area. There's a heated swimming pool and hot tub and, of course, 'The Lakes', which are really small bodies of water that have campsites around them." Proximity to historic sites presents another draw, as most camping areas are within easy driving distance of Tombstone and Benson. Many campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities vary widely between developed and dispersed sites. During peak winter months, when seasonal visitors arrive, advanced reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, while dispersed areas typically remain available year-round.
$50 - $129 / night
"Kartchner Cave is walking distance with a great observation center even if you don’t take a tour into the caves. -Couple stores within 20miles for any forgotten items."
"Nice that the trailheads are just a few min walk from the campgrounds. The foothills loop is easy and takes you all around the area without being too challenging."
"I found a spot near 'Council Rocks', about 45 mins down the dirt road, there were plenty of other spots that were already taken. "
"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."
$25 - $40 / night
"The lighting around the campground at night was charming and appreciated. Our site had a tree with a picnic table under it."
"Sure it is a little dusty like the west, but you are in Arizona so it can be expected."
"Off the beaten trail a bit but we really enjoyed our stay here. Hiking trail entrances right in the park and it’s close to the San Pedro river."
"Park is out away from civilization, with a lot of hiking /biking trails. Laundry was acceptable but not exceptional. Several machines were out of order at any given time."
"My only complaint was we had a back in spot in the back but they called around 4 wanting to know our ETA we said close to 5:30."
$20 / night
"Various Oaks and Alligator Junipers abound at this cute little National Forest campground tucked in the Dragoon Mountains, another of Arizona’s beautiful “Islands in the Sky.” "
"Easy access to hiking and adventuring in the granite boulder area. There was no drinking water when we were there late September, but there are several spigots around camp."
"Close to Tombstone and Benson."
"By being a Co-Op, it is run by volunteer members and it operates near perfection. No biased manager who treats some people wonderfully and others horribly. "
"The site I chose had a walking path that opened to a vast beautiful valley and dry river bed to explore! Can’t wait to go back. 10 miles of primitive road, but worth the drive!"
"Take Middle March road on left off of highway 80. Campsite is 10 miles on the left."
"The grounds are very clean and it looks like campers are at least one space away from another. We stayed here and traveled to Tombstone, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and Old Tucson."
$25 - $49 / night
"Right next to the freeway and a stone’s throw away from gas stations/grocery stores, this is a great place to pull in for the night."
GuideThis area is right along empire road but it’s a remote enough area that we don’t hear anything all night! We pull up before dark and it wasn’t creepy or hard to navigate. There was two other campers pulled in along the other pull off sites. Level areas so it’s a win for us heading from Tombstone to Tuson
ScoutAlthough I'm in a small spot there are many larger ones. It's very beautiful here and the rock formation is incredible!.
ScoutStayed four nights in four different sites. Road getting in was in good shape, totally fine for 2WD. Plenty of space between campers. Very dusty especially close to the road but overall really enjoyed this spot!
ScoutPerfect way to escape the heat. Bit of a climb from the hi way but worth it. Be sure to take the Old Divide hwy as juniper flats rd is not accessible from Hwy 80
TravelerThis is a nice small dispersed camping area not too far from Tucson. Currently it's 95 in Tucson and only 75 here. Tall beautiful trees and lots of birds. The only drawback to this location is it is right next to the General Hitchcock highway and traffic noise during the day can be occasionally loud. All in all this would easily be five stars without the location close to the road.
TravelerSmall Lake with several species of ducks and at the moment a few hundred Sandhill Cranes with likely more on their way later this afternoon for the evening.
There's free dispersed camping around the perimeter of the lake and on a side road or two. The roads and camping areas are fine sand and it can get dusty when vehicles pass by too fast.
GuideWe’ve actually stayed here before. Fight realize it until I walked into the office. Sites are nice size, gravel, and they take you to your site. Wish they all did that!!!!! They have a cozy restaurant on the property that serves good food and a heated pool. It’s close to a Loves station, Arby’s, and a McDonalds. It’s right off of I-10 West. Very easy access.
ScoutCompletely opposite from every other park I have stayed in. By being a Co-Op, it is run by volunteer members and it operates near perfection. No biased manager who treats some people wonderfully and others horribly.
You can join Escapees to stay in the park and the discount the park gives on your first stay more than pays for your nationwide membership.
Impeccably landscaped, impeccably neat and clean, impeccably operated and numerous activities throughout the season. They even have a fully stocked wood and metal workshop!
I could not find one negative about this amazing place.
GuideCommunity kitchen. Showers. Usually fires at night. I found this place last year hiking AZ Trail. Probably the winter biking Mecca of USA.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near St. David, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, St. David, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 178 campgrounds and RV parks near St. David, AZ and 55 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near St. David, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. David, AZ is Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. David, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 55 free dispersed camping spots near St. David, AZ.
What parks are near St. David, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near St. David, AZ that allow camping, notably Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National Park.
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