Best Dispersed Camping near Vail, AZ
Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Vail? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Arizona excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Vail, AZ (46)
1. Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area
Cortaro, Arizona28 Reviews•78 Photos•220 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
2. Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area - Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
Sonoita, Arizona14 Reviews•35 Photos•168 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- WiFi
3. Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping
Saguaro National Park, Arizona15 Reviews•35 Photos•320 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping
Sonoita, Arizona4 Reviews•6 Photos•35 SavesPrimitive camping
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
5. Maternity Well Dispersed Campsite
Sonoita, Arizona3 Reviews•12 Photos•68 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. Reddington Pass Dispersed
Saguaro National Park, Arizona3 Reviews•12 Photos•47 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
7. Road Canyon Camping Area
Elgin, Arizona3 Reviews•13 Photos•23 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. The Lake - Dispersed Camping
Vail, Arizona1 Review•2 Photos•63 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Mount Bigelow Dispersed
Willow Canyon, Arizona4 Reviews•5 Photos•151 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
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Dragoon Mountains
Tombstone, Arizona10 Reviews•21 Photos•156 SavesPart of the Douglas Ranger District
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Vail
149 Reviews of 46 Vail 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.
- SSilas T.Guide
Pipeline Road BLM Camping
I like it!
Dispersed BLM camping folks the main road in has a pretty good little drop-down I wouldn't take a big rig past the first area on the right there's some pretty good dips in the main road going further back that big bridge are not going to like nor long trailers if you're at a vehicle you'll be all right. Not really a area you want to be in if there's going to be a lot of rain and there are cattle.
- DDaniel G.
Scout
Mount Bigelow Dispersed
Cold night, frozen road
We got to the parking area about 7:40 PM on November 10th. Started up the road to the campsite about 2 miles further up the mountain but at about 1/2 mile the road was so icy that we lost traction. Snow on the ground by the road, lots of deer tracks in the snow. Ended up backing down the road to spend the night in the parking lot, sleeping in the van.
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
Reddington Pass Dispersed
Rough Road, Off Grid
I’ve camped at Redington Pass a few times throughout the years. It’s a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn’t recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we’ve seen them get stuck trying to turn around. The road is rough but if you don’t mind driving slow over the holes and bumps then no big deal.
Easy to find, follow Tanque Verde Rd all the way East until it turns into Redington Road, this then leads to a dirt road with TONS of dispersed camping pull offs with established fire rings. The further east you travel on the pass the less people you have to camp next to. The camping sites closer to the entrance get packed on the weekends.
The further you go you’ll run out of service, no bathrooms, no water hook ups, nothing, just dispersed wild camping!
- 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!
- jjeffrey O.Scout
Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed
Animals in the forest
I want to know if there are any dangerous animals in such mountains and forests. My group of friends and I are planning to come here to explore among us.
- JJosh P.Scout
Mount Bigelow Dispersed
Well kept and secluded
Awesome views, secluded spots. Just make sure you have 4wd and go all the way to the back
- 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.
- DDynamical Thunder D.Scout
Mount Bigelow Dispersed
Beautiful and friendly
Very crowded on the weekend but the crowd is friendly and respectful. Great way to escape the summer heat of Tucson! Bring your hats and gloves!
Julie F.Guide
Dragoon Mountains
Lots of sites, beautiful and peaceful
Off of main road, it’s about 10 miles + of washboard. A bit rough but wide road and fine when going slow. Lots of sites available, also very popular. Beautiful dragoon mountains. Stayed about 1 miles after the Slavin Gulch hike (great hike). Was here thanksgiving weekend (Nov 2023)
- TTarryn T.Traveler
Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Felt like camping on desert safari
Moderately rough road out for non 4x4 vehicle road, but fine going slow. Good spots off the road, fairly private and not too many other campers nearby. Lots of animals nearby very loud waking up and ants on the ground, we were glad we were in a roof tent not on the ground.
- TTimberScout
Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed
Beautiful night
Easy to find- road isn’t too bad. Was quiet, breezy- and just what we were looking for.
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.
- CChasity M.Guide
Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687
Peaceful and Quiet
Take Middle March road on left off of highway 80. Campsite is 10 miles on the left. The first .5 miles is paved, the other 9.5 miles is primitive (embedded rock, loose gravel, and about 75%washboard). You’ll cross a few cattle guards and dry river beds. Plenty of camping spots with fire rings.
- Ericka C.Traveler
Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp
Small site not far from amenities
Great easy little spot that is highly used so make sure you plan ahead. Not all sites have fire circle and if you don’t have a toilet there are only a few bushes tall enough. Works for a quick one nighter.
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.
- Dean E.Scout
West Hunt Road
By Cochise Stronghold trailhead
Road in is bad but not horrible. Lots of sites and many open on Wednesday in late February. Great views and clean. 1.5 miles to campground and trailhead.
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.
- DDwight H.Scout
Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping
When I was 19, I spent two weeks camping and hiking through canyon on foot.
We parked car on dirt road above canyon. We were only ones for a week. Then other young group showed up.
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.
Guide to Vail
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Vail, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Vail
- Enjoy breathtaking views and hiking opportunities at Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping, where you can explore trails that lead to scenic overlooks.
- Experience wildlife watching at Cieneguita Dispersed Camping Area, where you might spot Coues deer and pronghorns roaming the area.
- Engage in off-roading adventures at Reddington Pass Dispersed, which features challenging trails perfect for 4x4 enthusiasts.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Vail, Arizona
- Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping, where sites can fill up quickly on weekends.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Maternity Well Dispersed Campsite has no drinking water or toilets, so bring all necessary supplies.
- Respect the environment by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact, particularly in areas like Gardner Canyon Rd Dispersed, which can be prone to litter.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out La Cienegas National Conservation Area
- Explore the vast open spaces of La Cienegas National Conservation Area Dispersed, where you can enjoy solitude and stunning landscapes.
- Take advantage of the historic Empire Ranch nearby, which offers a glimpse into the area's rich history and provides access to water and restrooms.
- Experience the vibrant wildlife, including numerous bird species and free-range cattle, making your stay at Road Canyon Camping Area a unique nature experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Vail, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Vail, AZ is Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area with a 3.3-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Vail, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 dispersed camping locations near Vail, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.