Looking for dispersed camping near Tumacacori? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Camping 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.
Primitive camping
Primitive 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.
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.
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.
Ranger
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.
Traveler
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.
Guide
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!
Ranger
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.
TravelerThere 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.
Guide
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.
GuideI 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.
Guide
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.
Scout
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.
Scout
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.
Traveler
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.
TravelerDon'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.
GuideWould 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.
GuideI 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.
RangerNice camp sites right along on the side of the road. Loose cows. Site worked for a night.
RangerLocked gate.
TravelerIf 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.
TravelerPrairie dogs and pronghorn antelope are daily visitors. Too many birds to count.
Legend
No camping as of Nov 2023. All frenched off
LegendEntire area is fenced off and appears to be closed to dispersed camping. The larger area to the west is still available.
ScoutWe were there 10/27/23 and the area is closed.
TravelerEasy 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.
ScoutLots 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.
Traveler
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.
GuideStunning 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.
GuideBig sites spread out. There are not many places and that's ok. Looks like local weekenders come with ATV"s. We found a nice spot at the junction of a couple roads. Past the ranch, not in the group site. Noisy ATVs and the threat of snow made us move away however we would come back and spend several days. Beautiful views, we pent the evening observing the hawks hunting.
GuideIt's an easy place to find, close to the highway. Take a hike to the top of the hill for a great view of the valley. Crowded when we were here. Go around the hill there are more spots and less people..
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tumacacori, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tumacacori, 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 Tumacacori, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Tumacacori, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
