Las Cienegas National Conservation Area encompasses over 45,000 acres of high desert grasslands at an elevation of 4,600-5,200 feet near Sonoita, Arizona. This region experiences significant temperature variations with summer highs reaching the 90s and winter nights dropping below freezing. Cattle freely roam throughout many camping areas as part of active grazing permits, requiring campers to properly secure food and maintain distance from livestock.
What to do
Explore historic ranch buildings: Visit Empire Ranch headquarters, about 2 miles from most dispersed camping areas. "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. If La Cieneguita campground is full (only eight sites) There are other areas with La Cienagas National Conservation Area for camping including a large former small airport on the other side of Empire Ranch," explains a camper at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area.
Go horseback riding: Several camping areas accommodate horses or offer riding opportunities. "This is horse ranch with great host and amazing views. They offer horse back riding which our kids loved," shares a visitor at Rancho del Nido.
Bird watching: The area attracts serious birders with diverse species. "Madera Canyon, they have lots of options for difficulty and length with good wildlife and epic views. There were a LOT of people looking for rare birds in April or May (I forget what they were excited about!)," notes a visitor to Bog Springs Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: The grasslands support diverse animal species visitors can spot from camp. "There is isolated, camp sites are well spaced and the scenery is great. There is no highway noise and the night time stars are brilliant. It is free range for cattle so 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," writes a camper at Cieneguita.
Mountain views: The surrounding mountains create stunning panoramas. "This area is also called Empire Ranch. The ranch is 44,000 acres boastes lots of wildlife elk, antelope, coyotes, kangaroo rats, and roadrunners. The ranch house can be toured along with several bunkhouse and barns. Several western movies have been shot on the ranch and lots of the scenery looks familiar from these said movies," shares a reviewer from Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping.
Peace and isolation: Campers consistently note the quiet setting. "This spot is unreal. It reminds me of African plains. 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. Cows roam, so be aware. So do antelope and deer," reports an Empire Ranch Area camper.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. "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," notes a visitor to Maternity Well Dispersed Campsite.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality and can become challenging. "The dirt road into Road Canyon is manageable, just drive with caution. Area is wide open and quiet with multiple spots," states a reviewer.
Water access: Potable water is limited to specific locations. "Stayed 5 nights, very peaceful, approx. 7 sites at Cieneguita CG, others at Oak Tree Canyon (not a real canyon) and the old Airstrip area. Clean vault toilets at the ranch house parking and potable water, approx. 2.3 miles from campsite," explains a Cieneguita camper.
Tips for camping with families
Choose camping areas with amenities: For families needing facilities, select locations with basic services. "The campground is small but the location is beautiful. It is very clean and quiet. I have Verizon but the service was poor," mentions a Bog Springs visitor.
Pack for temperature swings: The elevation causes significant day-to-night temperature variations year-round. "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. We couldn't hear them at all. Only sound was cattle and the wind through the tall grass," reports a Maternity Well camper.
Visit nearby towns: Sonoita offers supplies when needed. "Just south of this area is Sonoita, famous for its wineries. You can hit some of the wineries or breweries and do some tasting," suggests an Empire Ranch visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Several camping sites near Sonoita accommodate larger vehicles. "We stayed here for 5 nights at the end of March, 2023. The campground has paved roads, showers, dump station, water & electric hookups and the usual campsite set-up," notes a visitor to Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground.
Power considerations: Plan for power needs at dispersed sites. "It is peaceful. 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. I've stayed there many times in the past 4 years, they keep track," warns a Cieneguita camper.
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies by provider and location. "Really neat spot. Have been here two days so far and so far only two people on horseback on the road. Road should be ok, just take your time. Plenty of firewood and a nice 'fire ring'," shares an Empire Ranch visitor.
