Looking for dispersed camping near Thatcher? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
You may camp outside of developed areas across most of the Coronado National Forest at no charge. We recommend that you stop in to one of our five ranger stations to pick up a free travel management map so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted.
Potable water, restrooms, and other amenities are not available at dispersed sites. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas.
The Coronado National Forest has a 14-day stay limit on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.
Please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping
This rockhound area makes a great day adventure for rock collectors. The principal attraction for rock collectors here is fire agate. Fire agate is a relatively new gemstone, only identified and formally recognized in the 1930s. It has the color play of precious opal with gem quality reds, greens, and blues. The desert regions of Arizona, southern California, and central Mexico are the only areas of the world where fire agate is known to occur. Although its origin is unknown, it is always associated with volcanic deposits. The site is open for digging by the public without fees or permits. Camping throughout the area is allowed for up to two weeks.
Ranger
Not much for camping area, but it’s right on the creek and secluded and quiet. No toilets. No trash. Verizon in and out. 4x4 needed to exit. Road is a couple miles, rough, and one shallow water crossing.
Ranger
This is an overlook of the Gila Valley with a wall to keep people from driving off. Verizon works. It dead ends just past the wall. You could camp here in an RTT. There is a place further down that has a couple dispersed areas by the creek. Marijilda Ranch Road. It’s rough but worth the run. Pictures in this review are of that area.
Traveler
Was a little busy and the bulls can get aggressive in your campsite.
GuideA beautiful, serene location not too far from I-10 and Fort Bowie. We arrived at around 10pm in our Sprinter van and found a quiet location. The campsites are far apart and you travel on compacted dirt road to get there. The father you go, the more space you have. It will be quite bumpy if you do not have an AWD or 4x4.
LegendThis is a wonderful place to boondock if you are driving the I-10 or visiting Fort Bowie Nation Historic Park. The dirt road is easily passable for most vehicles. Ver quiet. Decent cell signal with T-Mobile.
Traveler
Happy Camp Canyon is in fairly good condition. There is a trailhead parking area that is posted as no camping but about 50 yards further down there is a clearing with fire rings. We ended up sharing the spot with some cattle for a while.
TravelerOverall the stay was great. My only complaint would be the bugs that were swarming in the morning. They only swarm certain plants and we happened to be by one so we had bugs EVERYWHERE. But it wasn’t a big deal. We just quickly packed up and went and ate breakfast at the picnic area right down the road and explored the granite rocks for a while.
Ranger
Came in early on a Friday afternoon to find the parking area vacant. Signage is clear: camping is only allowed in the designated area. No amenities, not even a dumpster or a pit toilet. Towards dusk a van pulled in. They were very quiet. But the parking lot is right on a paved 55 Mph Highway with quite a bit of traffic into the night, no trains or planes. Big rigs could easily get in and out of here but after three or four RVs it would be too crowded. No migrating waterfall here at the end of March, just a lot of mourning doves, ravens, and a couple of cows. Not bad for free. This is a state wildlife viewing area but no mention of any required permits
Guide
Second time camping here. Great area to relax and enjoy the sunset. Far from other campers/camping sites. Loop is close to the main road. 4x4 is required to make the loop.
GuideWe got there far later than we should have (10:30pm) but were able to find a little space. It was, of course, difficult to navigate in the dark. The entrance was sooner than GPS showed but not too difficult to find. Sadly, we only saw hoof prints. No cows.
RangerThis is just a gravel and dirt parking lot at the trailhead for the bird sanctuary. It has several large water holes when it rains. BUT as long as you know what to expect then it does a great job as an overnight.
LegendWe really enjoyed our time here! The cows were great to watch and we got some great video of them! The road in was dirt and washboard here and there but overall could be easily passed by most any car. GPS coords were pretty accurate as well. Once you are off the main road the sand can be pretty deep and some of the turns pretty tight so scope it out if your in a bigger rig, before heading in. Lots of spots on the left in the first loops and on a spur to the right near some cool rocks. Not many people around when we were here and was nice and quiet.
GuideThis has been our favorite campsite of our road trip so far. Noteworthy mentions: It is off the beaten path. It’s free. There are free roaming cattle There are endless rocks to explore and climb. It will keep your attention for days. Not many people here. Campfires allowed. Would recommend a 4x4 to get to further sites. Awesome remnants of Native American activity. You’re right next to where you wanna be. Thumbs up.
GuideDirections from Dyrt were spot on. As others have said If you have a Big rig park by the day use area and SCOUT it out! After the first few sites the road becomes real sandy in places and not anywhere to turn big rigs around without it being sketchy. We stayed about a mile in on the left next to some huge rocks, nice firepit, no trash, no shade. Will be here two weeks. Met some ranchers moving some of their cattle other than them saw nobody. My dogs loved it. I was just concerned about keeping them safe from rattlesnakes. Have seen at least one every day. One was HUGE @ 5' western diamondback but very beautiful red brick color. Just be very aware as this is their home we're just visiting.
TravelerThis site was pretty easy to get to and at the foothills were beautiful and well-maintained. Didn’t use the restroom because there was a giant spider and there wasn’t TP, but it was there. People left rock fire pits, which we also didn’t use, but it’s nice they were there. Woke up to see cows hanging around and got to see a baby cow and mom, which was so sweet.
GuideStayed here on our way to New Mexico. It was a beautiful spot, very scenic. The dirt was soft as sand, and the area was cleaner than most. The only negative was their was tons of wasps at our site, not sure about the others. They didn’t mess with us but they were annoying like flies.
GuideThis area is beautiful and dispersed. A lot of campers so scout out your site before you pull in, we pulled in with our 24 ft TT and it was a little tight to turn around.
-Youtube: Likely Lost
Traveler
Agree with all previous reviews. Good spot for a one night as my wife and I do a cross country ramble from California to Florida in a teardrop. Blessed with no wind and mild temps. Nice sunset behind Mount G. Plenty of spots even with a dozen or more RVs and vans.
GuideNice Spot. Easy to find, and easy to find a spot. Big Rig friendly in the 1st area. Gets a little tighter the further down you go like most places. We stayed in the 1st area for stronger internet & less fuel consumption when we go to town. Diesel prices are stupid right now. We found a nice level unobstructed spot looking out at the snow capped peaks of Mt. Graham. Verizon via Visible 2-3 bars. ATT via Straight Talk 3-4. Haven't tried OTA channels. 4 Rigs in the 1st area, about a football field apart. Some overnighters, but most we talked to here 7-14 days. Minimal trash, but some. Pretty quiet and only about 8m to town, but it feels more remote. Free dump station at the Water Reclamation Plant in Safford, just sign in, dump, sign out. They also have water to rinse, not potable. Cute diner in town called Jerry's. Good burgers at JD's sports bar (loud though). Great RV repair shop (Trek RV) squeezed us in for a Furnace motor issue. This one gets added to the Will RETURN list.
RangerBeautiful mountainous rocks are your backdrop intermingled with cows and a nice view of the valley. Easy to find and pretty smooth road in, some wash boarding, and near the top it levels out. Probably about 10 other units in the area when I pulled in with my truck and teardrop trailer. Several cows in very close proximity out grazing in the area added a nice ambiance.
GuidePopular boondocking site 8 miles south of I-10 ar Bowie. Easy to find, level dirt road with only a bit of washboard in places. Pit toiletat the day use area. Beautiful views of the giant bolders that are prevalent in this area. There were 12-15 RVs of all types spread out widely along a single dirt road. I had 3 solid bars of AT&T. Very quiet at night. There is no light pollution so stargazing would have been awesome if not for the waxing moon. Enjoyed hiking around the area. Be careful as some of the cactus will scratch you badly if you're not careful. Only con was there was no toilet paper in the pit toilet. Recommend!
GuideVery nice dispersed camping. Only three other RVs here. Great views of wide open spaces
Guide
So if you are into rocks this really is a great place to check out. Be prepared as the drive in is difficult and long. Larger RVs are not recommended as the road has many steep washouts and ruts. The main dirt road leading into the area has bad washboard bumps. There is also an active cattle ranch in the area so be careful with any pets. You’ll find a logbook on the way in. Once there you’ll find plenty of places to park but don’t count on it being level. There are also lots of sharp rocks so watch your tires. There are no facilities here. The views are amazing especially at night. The wind never did stop. You got to really like rocks!
RangerGreat spot to split up our drive. Super easy access and road in, the coordinates take you to one spot, but there is multiple here. It’s not far off the road but far enough to be peaceful and quiet! Amazing view of Mt. Graham!
Guide
Beautiful & a must if you like isolation. Near Hot Wells with a tub.
Guide
Very little traffic. Decent Verizon & AT&T cell service. Cleaned up some trash to leave it better than I found it.
GuideGreat experience here. This place is clean, other than all the cow 💩. Lol. Beautiful rock structures and great hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Thatcher, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Thatcher, AZ is Haekel Rd Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Thatcher, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Thatcher, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
