Best Dispersed Camping near Sonoita, AZ

Sonoita is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Sonoita is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Sonoita, AZ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 46 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sonoita, AZ

160 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

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sonoita, Arizona, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy vast open spaces, stunning landscapes, and a variety of wildlife. This area offers several options for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Dispersed campers should check out Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area

  • Located in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area provides a serene environment with well-spaced sites and breathtaking scenery.
  • Campers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including Coues deer and pronghorn antelope, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
  • The area is free to use, and no permits are required, allowing for a hassle-free camping experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Sonoita, Arizona

  • When visiting Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon, be mindful of your belongings, as some campers have reported theft when leaving items unattended.
  • This location is accessible for larger rigs, making it suitable for those traveling with RVs or trailers, but be prepared for some road noise due to nearby traffic.
  • The area is known for its beautiful views and proximity to the charming town of Patagonia, where you can find shops and restaurants for supplies.

Exploring the Empire Ranch Area for dispersed campers

  • The Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping offers incredible views reminiscent of the African plains, perfect for those seeking a unique camping experience.
  • Visitors can explore the historic ranch headquarters nearby, which sometimes features guided tours, adding an educational aspect to your stay.
  • With ample space and few visitors, this area is ideal for those looking to enjoy solitude while surrounded by nature.

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.