The Dragoon Mountains near Tombstone reach elevations around 7,500 feet with desert canyon terrain below. Winter temperatures in this part of southern Arizona can drop to freezing overnight, while summer days frequently exceed 100°F. Dispersed camping areas outside Tombstone require preparation for desert conditions including significant day-night temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Cochise Stronghold Campground provides a base for climbing enthusiasts with numerous routes throughout the Dragoon Mountains. "Endless trails, with amazing sights at every bend. Stumble upon rivers, vistas, sunning reptiles, and imagine what its like to be a native, shaking up settlers and hiding from Colonialists," notes a visitor to Cochise Stronghold Campground.
ATV riding on BLM land: Campers at RV Parking at Third & Survey can access nearby off-road trails. "Leanne come out to greet us after we arrived. She told us all about the ATV riding we could do and all the amazing site and food options in Tombstone. We did ride out to China Camp and having the ATV helped get around town as well," reports a camper at RV Parking at Third & Survey.
Astronomy and night sky viewing: The remote locations of dispersed camping spots provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. A camper at Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687 noted, "Views are spectacular same for the nighttime sky. So quiet you can hear the crows flying near the mountains. The darkness is incredible."
What campers like
Privacy in dispersed camping: Forest Road 687 offers secluded camping spots away from crowds. "Beautiful views and nice campsites. Boondockers paradise. Beautiful views and spacious campsites. USFS Coronado National Forest controlled... We found a nice spot on FR 687," describes one visitor to Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687.
Campground cleanliness: Many reviewers highlight the well-maintained facilities across multiple campgrounds. One visitor to Quail Ridge RV Resort stated, "Clean bathroom and nice space. I'd definitely return," while another mentioned it has a "nice bathhouse, very clean, laundry, dog park, etc."
Walking distance to attractions: RV parks in town offer convenient access to historic sites. "The Stampede is the perfect place to stay. It's right next the town so you can walk if you want. It's quiet and feels safe. The grounds are clean, gravel, and even," notes a camper about Stampede RV Park.
What you should know
Rough access roads: Many dispersed camping areas require driving on difficult roads. A camper at Dragoon Mountains reported, "Washboard road first 10 miles. Then rough sandy road 5 more miles to the area. Many secluded spots," while another noted it's "Worth the bumpy ride" despite "10 miles of dirt washboard and just plain bumpy."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas have no amenities. "This is all dispersed camping so come well equipped, because if you forget anything the closest town with supplies is Sierra Vista or Benson," warns a camper about the Dragoon Mountains area.
Weather preparedness: Seasonal temperature variations require appropriate gear. "You're roughly at 5000' so winter camping be prepared for snow on occasion. It also can be a little breezy. I'm up here at the end of December and they're calling for snow next week," notes a visitor to Forest Road 687.
Tips for camping with families
Unique accommodations: Some campgrounds offer specialty lodging options beyond standard sites. "They have some really cool covered wagons you can rent to stay in. I think if you had kids they would love that!!" mentions a visitor to Wells Fargo RV Park.
Recreation facilities: Several RV parks provide entertainment options for children. A visitor to Tombstone RV & Campground shared, "They do have a clubhouse with TV, shuffleboard, ping pong, etc. Very helpful staff."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe desert animals in their natural habitat. One camper at Forest Road 687 mentioned, "Had two Canyon Towhees come visit us every morning," while others frequently spot deer in the early evenings near campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Not all camping areas can accommodate larger rigs. "I would not suggest any large campers to go very far past the first few sites the road gets narrow and rough," warns a camper about Shootout Arena RV Park, while another notes, "My sprinter had no problem getting there without needing 4WD but I would not take a trailer or anything larger than 25 ft."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require equipment for leveling. "Be prepared to level rv as the spots are no where near level," notes a camper at Shootout Arena RV Park, which offers economical camping close to town attractions.
Water availability: RVers should plan for water access points. "We got water at the Stampede RV park in Tombstone. The other RV parks didn't allow us to fill," reports a camper staying in the dispersed area of the Dragoon Mountains, highlighting the importance of water planning for dry camping.
