Best Dispersed Camping near Tubac, AZ
Want to go dispersed camping near Tubac? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Arizona camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Tubac, AZ (29)
1. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
Sonoita, Arizona14 Reviews•35 Photos•168 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- WiFi
2. Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area
Cortaro, Arizona28 Reviews•78 Photos•221 SavesCamping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
3. Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon
Patagonia, Arizona8 Reviews•21 Photos•154 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping
Sonoita, Arizona4 Reviews•6 Photos•38 SavesPrimitive camping
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
5. Maternity Well Dispersed Campsite
Sonoita, Arizona3 Reviews•12 Photos•70 SavesPrimitive camping is allowed on existing sites only. Map: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2020-12/AZ_LasCienegas_NCA_map-508.pdf Camping may not exceed 14 consecutive days. You must camp at least 0.25 mile from cattle and wildlife water holes. You will need to bring your own water and firewood. The nearest lodging is available in Sonoita, 5 miles south on Highway 83, and in Patagonia. Campfires are allowed, except during periods of extreme fire danger. Food and Supplies A gas station and a variety of restaurants and services are located in the town of Sonoita, Arizona.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
Patagonia, Arizona2 Reviews•5 Photos•10 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Proctor Rd. Dispersed by Madera Canyon
Green Valley, Arizona1 Review•8 Photos•12 SavesYou 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Gardner Canyon Rd Dispersed
Sonoita, Arizona2 Reviews•7 Photos•16 SavesYou 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Road Canyon Camping Area
Elgin, Arizona3 Reviews•13 Photos•23 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Tubac
92 Reviews of 29 Tubac Campgrounds
Molly S.
Guide
Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon
Perfect spot near biking and town
This dispersed camping area was a lot more secluded and quieter than I expected. My friend and I were looking to camp overnight before going on a gravel bike ride in the area.
Harshaw Road was already along the bike route, so this was an ideal location. Bonus that this is pretty close to Patagonia which came in handy when we couldn't make coffee in the morning.
We drove a little further than the GPS marker to find a camping spot that was tucked in from the main road. There were plenty of spots for a large group with rock fire pits. As someone mentioned, there was an area further back that was clearly the bathroom spot.
Assume that this spot could get full in the shoulder seasons, but again was pleasantly surprised to be the only ones there.
Greg L.
Legend
Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area
Trash camping close to tucson
SNYDER HILL BLM DISPERSED.
Recently posted basic camping info about this place close to Tucson west side at Ajo Hwy 86. . Some commenters got upset that I had mentioned this spot on a FB dispersed camping page, as if it was a secret or a pristine location! Hah!
REALITY update: This place is a 100% CRAP HOLE and should be shutdown by the BLM. Full of marginal rundown vehicles and homeless tent campers. Trash and glass everywhere. Hwy 86 noise 24/7, recreational shooters constant adj somewhere.
Note that the State of AZ closed and fenced off their adj section two years ago, and another BLM parcel to east past the fire station was closed to camping last year. Time for this crap hole place to be shutdown, imo.
Some pics of the trash noticed.
ron R.
RangerSnyder Hill BLM Camping Area
Very easy access many spots to camp
Very easy access relatively close to shopping. Out of the way. However there is a light to moderate amount of garbage. It is near a highway and you do hear traffic. Extremely easy to access and there are many spots and the land is pretty full of campers some look like their full-timers or permanent the sign does say 14 day limit. I saw two tent campers as well. There are two or three entrances all on the same road and the camping area is cordoned off with a metal cable so the land cannot be used as a drive-thru or pass through area. The weather is moderate in the 70s during the day down to the lower 50s at night I got here the day before Halloween.
- Joan D.
Traveler
AZT/ Parker Trailhead Dispersed
Not really a Campsite
We stayed here in late August to hike the AZ Trail, but it isn't really a campsite. We set up a tiny tent in the tall grass, but there isn't a designated place to set-up camp, fire pit, etc. Also, it might get busy with cars during the more popular hiking seasons because it is a starting point for both passage 1 and 2 of the Arizona Trail. That being said, it worked for us for one night. It had a nice view of the lake.
Cass G.Guide
Scotia Canyon - Coronado National Forest
One on my favorites
This is site is always a fun time, i’ve been camping along this dirt road so many times and now make it a yearly visit. All of these photos are different years. For greener grass I recommend going any month before late August! All photos taken with dry grass is October various years. Tons of dispersed camping sites and pull offs along the dirt road once you pass Parker Canyon Lake area. Good hiking in the area, tons of wildlife. Watch out for rattlesnakes and javelina especially if you have dogs with you! Most of the sites have fire rings already established so you don’t have to do much work. I’d rate it 11/10!
- SShane W.Ranger
Gardner Canyon Rd Dispersed
Pretty Area, no amenities
Great area of you plan to have everything with you. There is a ranch up the road along the way to the end of the road towards the top. Great place to hang out and enjoy the quiet. Take a drive up the road. Onyx Cave isn’t far.
Jake G.TravelerGardner Canyon Rd Dispersed
Convenient and scenic
There are lots of sites along Gardner Canyon road, and it can get a little busy. We had a site by a large tree and a wash. The first time cows were our only visitors, but on another trip there was a camper 100 yards away or so. Some of the sites are quite large and are able to fit several large rigs. Depending on the time of year there are some small water crossings passed the ranch. Overall a great place to camp.
joel G.Guide
Proctor Rd. Dispersed by Madera Canyon
Elephant head trail head
We Camped here for two nights with a nice view of elephant head. It is an open range so there are cows walking around. There are quite a few camping spots but had all of them filled by the time we made camp on Friday afternoon. One of the really downsides was we had two skunks walk through our site early Saturday morning and one did spray our 10 months old puppy.
- JJennifer M.Guide
Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area
Very busy with what looked like full time residents
I can’t say for sure because there is a posted 14 day limit but it looked like many of the people where living there are a permanent basis. Site is small and there is no privacy.
As a solo female, I didn’t stay here. I drove over to Ironwood NM and camped there instead.
- JJennifer M.Guide
BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
Way better then Snyder Hill
It was well worth the short drive over here to compare it with Snyder Hill. Go through the gate and there are plenty of spaces without being on top other people.
Roads are a little sandy so I’d be careful on them when wet.
- MMichael R.
Scout
Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
La Cienaguita
I first came upon this area three years ago and have come back every year since. It 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.
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.
- ttracey M.Scout
Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon
Beautiful and don’t leave your stuff unattended.
Awesome spots along the roads in this area. We had to leave our very private site one day and left a few things behind — sadly it was all gone when we came back. Lesson learned, but a big bummer.
OllieTraveler
Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
Oliver’s Truck Camping Experience
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. I was there Friday night through Monday morning and heard road noice throughout the night except for Sunday night.
I would recommend exploring above where the pin is because there is more free dispersed camping that will be quieter and more remote.
Esther S.TravelerSnyder Hill BLM Camping Area
Ok
Don't go if it rained that day! Clay mud all over. We arrived late dusk and couldn't see well. We have 4 wheels truck and still got stuck in the mud. Next morning most of the water had seeped in the ground... 9am tried to move.... no luck. Another camper offered wood boards... we'll see. If it would have been dry, it would be a great easy spot to use.
Garrett L.GuideSnyder Hill BLM Camping Area
EASY EASY EASY. Just pack in and PACK OUT
Would recommend pulling in during the day when you have some sunlight. GREAT little hill to hike with a very defined rocky trail. Plenty of fire rings. Do your part and pick up some of the trash! It's such a well-trafficked area that the trash really piles up.
Great little gas station close with water and propane refill stations. Walmart not far either.
Pretty good access to Saguaro NP, less than a 30-minute drive to the visitor center and even closer to the Tuscon Mountain Range.
Sarah M.GuideBLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
Open space, close to Saguaro NP!
I would come back here again! There’s several spots and it’s literally next to Saguaro NP! It was a little muddy, but there were paths around the mud. Very private and nice.
- hholly C.Ranger
Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest
Nice camp sites right on the road
Nice camp sites right along on the side of the road. Loose cows. Site worked for a night.
- hholly C.Ranger
Patagonia Dispersed Campsite
Takes you to a locked private gate.
Locked gate.
Harriet D.TravelerBLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
Muddy!
If you don't have a 4WD vehicle, you may want to look elsewhere. As of writing this, the road is extremely muddy and worn down, so you won't be able to get far in a low-clearance vehicle. I was still able to stop and set up my tent for the night, but it was not a nice spot.
As other people have said, it's behind a closed gate but you're fine to go through. Road condition aside, it is flat and pretty easy to find a level spot for your tent or trailer.
Christopher F.TravelerCieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
Great dispersed camping with plenty of wildlife to see.
Prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors. Too many birds to count.
- Greg L.Legend
Snyder Hill BLM east - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Closed
No camping as of Nov 2023. All frenched off
- Greg L.Legend
Snyder Hill BLM east - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Area closed now 11-2023
Entire area is fenced off and appears to be closed to dispersed camping. The larger area to the west is still available.
- SScott L.Scout
Snyder Hill BLM east - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Closed
We were there 10/27/23 and the area is closed.
- SSamuel J.Traveler
BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
Nice.
Easy to find navigate to. There is a closed gate at the entrance, you’re allowed to open it, just close it behind you. Not a ton of spaces to set up camp but very peaceful and quiet. Mountain View’s in the distance and 15 minutes from Saguaro NP. Great cell service with ATT.
- Gary H.Scout
Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area
Great Dry Camp at BLM Camp
Lots of campers here, but everyone keeps to themselves out here, you can only stay 14 days straight. 2 gas stations near by less then a 1/2 a mile away. Camp fires allowed and all animals have to be leashed. Small cave on the mountain next to it and trails to go on, plus dirt riding also. Liked it a lot.
Kelly B.Traveler
Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping
Incredible views, peaceful and remote
This place 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.
There's no shade to speak of. You can visit the old ranch headquarters and somtimes there's a doula there to give you a tour. It's interesting for the history.
You can get water at the headquarters and they have bathrooms there, but you cannot stay there overnight.
Just south of this area is Sonoita, famous for its wineries. You can hit some of the wineries or breweries and do some tasting.
The area is just stunning, and the elevation is higher than Tucson so if you're looking for some cooler temps, you'll find them here.
Untrammelers B.GuideBLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
Great Area Except for the folks shooting in distance
Stunning area and views. Plenty of easy dirt roads that we were able to take our ebikes on. Good sites…but watch for rain in the forecast…the desert floor turns to mush and you might find yourself stuck until it dries out. Our 30ft RV had no issues maneuvering around. Plenty of other campers around too.
Guide to Tubac
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tubac, Arizona, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the stunning landscapes.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Tubac, Arizona
- Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in popular areas like Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon, where some campers have reported items going missing when left unattended.
- Be prepared for a rustic experience; many spots, such as Gardner Canyon Rd Dispersed, lack amenities like drinking water and toilets, so bring everything you need.
- Respect the wildlife and local ranchers by keeping your pets leashed and being cautious of roaming cattle, especially at sites like Proctor Rd. Dispersed by Madera Canyon.
Enjoy hiking and exploring while free camping near Tubac
- The area around Kentucky Camp offers access to the Arizona Trail, perfect for those looking to hike and immerse themselves in nature.
- For breathtaking views, consider driving up to the higher elevations near Harshaw Ave - Coronado National Forest, where you can enjoy panoramic scenery and discover more secluded camping spots.
- If you're interested in mountain biking, the roads near San Rafael Canyon are frequented by cyclists, providing a great opportunity to join in on the fun.
Dispersed campers should check out Gardner Canyon
- Gardner Canyon Rd Dispersed features numerous sites that can accommodate larger rigs, making it a convenient choice for those traveling with trailers.
- The area is known for its scenic beauty, with large trees and washes that create a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature.
- Be aware that the site can get busy, especially during weekends, so arriving early can help secure a prime spot for your camping adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tubac, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tubac, AZ is Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tubac, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Tubac, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.