Best Dispersed Camping near Sonoita, AZ

Las Cienegas National Conservation Area offers multiple free dispersed camping options near Sonoita, with Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area featuring seven designated sites among mesquite trees. The gravel roads are generally accessible for most vehicles, though conditions can worsen during rainy seasons. Empire Ranch serves as the central access point with potable water, vault toilets, and historical buildings open for self-guided tours. According to one visitor, "sites are big and each one has a turn around," making them suitable for various setups including RVs.

Road Canyon Camping Area provides more secluded primitive sites along a dirt road east of Sonoita. The area features wide-open spaces with established fire rings and excellent views. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "there are multiple spots along the road" and "the dirt road is manageable, just drive with caution." Additional dispersed camping can be found along Gardner Canyon Road and Harshaw Road, though these areas have no amenities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species. Most sites have reliable cell service despite their remote setting, and 14-day camping limits are enforced.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sonoita, Arizona (46)

    1. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    7 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."

    2. Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon

    8 Reviews
    Patagonia, AZ
    11 miles
    Website

    "After seeing the dispersed camping, my partner and I knew there must be something better and more secluded."

    "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.  "

    3. Road Canyon Camping Area

    4 Reviews
    Elgin, AZ
    7 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."

    4. Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    10 miles
    Website

    "It's a higher elevation grassland that makes you feel like you're anywhere but in Arizona. The area is large. Roads are well-kept. It used to be a huge ranch and now it's owned by the BLM."

    "Plenty of firewood and a nice “fire ring”.."

    5. Maternity Well Dispersed Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "It can be reserved during certain times of the year so be sure to check out the BLM site. Otherwise it’s free and in a great spot just off the highway and near Empire Ranch."

    "This spot is v quiet and there was no one else around when we were here in December {other than the cows!}. It’s does get quite cold as you’re around 5K ft elevation here."

    6. Empire Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    9 miles

    "Many are dispersed camping but there is also a really great group site for reservation. Great location for Ground Tents, Roof Top Tents, and RVs"

    "The Dyrt coordinates took me to an area in which I did not feel comfortable pulling off the road because of the tall dry grass so I went to the campground."

    7. Gardner Canyon Rd Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Sonoita, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 281-2296

    8. La Cienegas National Conservation Area Dispersed

    1 Review
    Elgin, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "Open space for boondocking. Historic ranch house open for visiting. Saw many birds and few other campers. Public bathroom at ranch headquarters and water ."

    9. Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Patagonia, AZ
    11 miles

    "It was only 10 minutes away from Patagonia and it had lots of dry firewood. The downside is there is no water source and also road noise."

    10. Kentucky Camp

    1 Review
    Sonoita, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 281-2296

    "We hiked the Arizona Trail, built shelters next to the RV and loved hearing the sounds of the wildlife at night."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sonoita, AZ

162 Reviews of 46 Sonoita 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

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    Boondocking Area

    Bureau of Land Management site. 14 day limit. Easy access and we were able to park our 42 ft motor home easily. The area is quiet with trails and lots of area to walk your four legged camper! We saw horseback riders and ATVs enjoying the area. We were able to stay in contact (ATT ) and the city is within an easy drive for supplies. This is a boondock area. Be aware that while camping here you are sharing the area with wildlife (including rattlers). Boondocking etiquette applies (pick up trash and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived). We have camped here several times and will certainly return!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2019

    Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    Quiet & Very Close to Saguaro NP (west)

    This BLM property, right off the Ajo highway near Tucson, is extremely convenient for a short or extended stay. Anyone can stay up to 14 nights, free of charge.  Greeted people here from all walks of life -- from those living out of the back of truck to brand new 45 foot motorhomes.

    Like many high-impact BLM areas, the entrance roads are not well-maintained so some are quite rough. We arrived in the dark, which we do not recommend as it was difficult to see where the entrances were and how rough the roads were ahead of us. The parking/camping spaces are not designated, but heavy use has carved out lots of opportunities. 

    There are a few places to walk or ride throughout the property, which is actually quite small based on typical BLM property.  However, the nearby areas of Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park, offer plenty of opportunities for both. 

    No facilities, no water or even a stream…so plan ahead!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2021

    Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    Rough access free blm

    The Snyder Hill BLM area is a bit of a trashy rough road access site. No water, no toilets, 14d limit. Good cell and close to Tucson Estates. Tons of broken glass litters the ground, some campers are sketch on tents. Hwy noise could be a factor. BLM rangers visit weekly and that is good. Only use this area if you cannot get into Gilbert Ray CG instead. There is no CG in Saguaro NP West. Another free BLM is Ironwood Forest NationZl Monument but the BLM proposed to start charging a daily $15 camping fee there in 2025?

  • 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Arivaca Lake

    Quiet and relaxing

    We camped here March 17th, a little warm in the day (high 85) but nice and cool at night. There are several fire rings in the main parking lot. You can get there in a sedan. There is an upper lot that you can camp at with fire rings and mediocre lake views. There is a middle area with a little sketchy dirt road you’d need high clearance and 4WD to get to, but you can also walk your stuff up the hill. We camped here and it was gorgeous, although some trash was around. Pretty sure some immigrants walked through the lower parking lot around 1am, but didn’t bug us at all.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 16, 2021

    Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    Nice stop of the highway.

    The BLM land had several entrances. We went in towards the end of the road, but found the parking was more level at the third or forth turn off. We came in after dark so it was hard to say the best direct route. The second turn in is very steep. We saw the dip when we went to leave and opted for the first turnoff closer to the light. The rocky hill was a nice walk with the dogs in the morning. Lots of rabbits got them excited. Not overly clean, but I would stop here again. The amenities are easy to access. This is one of the few areas I’ve seen where you can access BLM parking and get gas and groceries at the same exit. It’s about 8 miles off the highway. The area isn’t vast but large enough for privacy. It’s perfect for a quick overnight stop.


Guide to Sonoita

Las Cienegas National Conservation Area sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation near Sonoita, Arizona, creating a cooler climate than nearby Tucson. The high desert grasslands transform seasonally, with summer monsoons bringing vibrant greenery and wildlife activity to this remote camping region. Rustic camping sites throughout the area offer varying degrees of seclusion and terrain, from mesquite groves to wide-open spaces with mountain views.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Las Cienegas Conservation Area offers exceptional wildlife viewing beyond the usual desert species. According to a camper at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area, "You can wake up with cattle around your spot," while others report seeing "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."

Visit Empire Ranch historic buildings: The preserved ranch headquarters provides a glimpse into Arizona ranching history with self-guided tours available. A visitor to Empire Ranch Dispersed Camping notes, "The ranch is wonderful to visit as is Las Cienegas with their amazing diversity of landscapes. Quiet during the week."

Mountain biking on gravel roads: The network of maintained roads throughout the conservation area provides excellent biking opportunities. A camper at La Cienegas National Conservation Area Dispersed describes it as "A mountain biking riding area - gravel roads and cattle in fields," making it ideal for casual rides with minimal elevation gain.

What campers like

Quiet, spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at dispersed sites. At Road Canyon Camping Area, "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."

Free camping with basic amenities: While most sites are completely undeveloped, access to water and toilets at central locations provides convenience. A camper notes, "Clean vault toilets at the ranch house parking and potable water, approx. 2.3 miles from campsite. Other small pullout spots along some of the side ranch roads. Verizon 2-3 bars LTE."

Night sky viewing: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. A visitor to Maternity Well Dispersed Campsite reports, "Only sound was cattle and the wind through the tall grass. Gorgeous views in every direction," while others mention "the night time stars are brilliant" in this area with minimal light pollution.

What you should know

Road conditions vary seasonally: While many roads are maintained gravel, weather can affect accessibility. At Road Canyon, "Road was a little rough to get in, but definitely not bad when it's dry," though others caution about conditions changing after rain.

Temperature fluctuations: The higher elevation means cooler temperatures year-round. A camper at Maternity Well notes, "It does get quite cold as you're around 5K ft elevation here. We camped near the Group site but not in it. There are a few other flat spots that would work for smaller set ups."

Limited camping duration: BLM enforces camping limits strictly in this area. At Gardner Canyon Rd Dispersed, "There are lots of sites along Gardner Canyon road, and it can get a little busy," especially during peak seasons, so arrive early for the best spots.

Tips for camping with families

Bring bikes for exploration: The network of gravel roads is perfect for family cycling. One camper recommends, "You should definitely bring bikes to ride along some of the trails and go check out the Old Empire Ranch buildings two miles further down the road."

Prepare for wildlife encounters: Free-range cattle frequently visit campsites. At Maternity Well, visitors report, "Camped in our 34 ft. C class. We only went about a 10th of a mile down the dirt road before finding a small sight. Just right for us. Further down the road the was a group of campers with RV's and 5th Wheels."

Pack all supplies: The remote location requires thorough preparation. A visitor to Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest advises, "I enjoyed this camp site overall. It was only 10 minutes away from Patagonia and it had lots of dry firewood. The downside is there is no water source and also road noise."

Tips from RVers

Suitable spots for various RV sizes: Many dispersed sites can accommodate larger vehicles. According to one RVer, "We were able to tow our 36' fifth wheel up here with no problem as this road seems to be regularly maintained."

Water and waste management: Plan for complete self-sufficiency. One RVer explains, "Empire Ranch has a great but small museum, with trails around it for walking, nice restrooms, free water for filling your RV," but no dump stations are available in the immediate area.

Finding level campsites: The terrain varies across the region. A visitor with a Class C motorhome reports, "Only went about a 10th of a mile down the dirt road before finding a small sight. Just right for us," suggesting that RVers should scout potential sites before committing, particularly when arriving with larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sonoita, AZ is Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 46 dispersed camping locations near Sonoita, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.