The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Willcox, AZ

123 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Willcox, Arizona centers around several free primitive sites on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The area includes notable locations such as Indian Bread Rocks, Happy Camp Trail, Playa Dispersed Campsite, Cochise Lake Wildlife Viewing Area, and Willcox Lagoon. These sites are positioned throughout the surrounding desert landscape, with many offering views of the Dragoon Mountains and Chiricahua Mountains. Most locations provide basic pull-off camping with no designated sites or reservations required.

Access roads to dispersed camping areas vary significantly in quality and difficulty. Many sites require travel on dirt or gravel roads with washboard sections and occasional washouts. Indian Bread Rocks and Happy Camp Trail are accessible via Apache Pass Road and Happy Camp Canyon Road, which features washboarded sections but remains passable for most vehicles. Higher clearance is recommended for accessing more remote sites, particularly during wet weather when washes may become impassable. Most areas have no amenities—no drinking water, no toilets, and no trash service. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with some sites prohibiting fires year-round. The standard 14-day camping limit is enforced on BLM lands.

The dispersed sites around Willcox provide excellent opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing. "The views are amazing especially at night. The wind never did stop. You got to really like rocks," noted one camper about the Round Mountain area. Visitors to Indian Bread Rocks report seeing diverse wildlife including canyon towhees and cattle, which roam freely throughout the region. Cell service is surprisingly good at many sites, with visitors reporting reliable Verizon and AT&T coverage at Indian Bread Rocks and Happy Camp Trail. Campers should be aware of the desert environment—temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night, and encounters with wildlife including rattlesnakes are common. The closest supplies are available in Willcox, approximately 30-45 minutes from most camping areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Willcox, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Willcox, Arizona (35)

    1. Playa Dispersed Campsite

    10 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    9 miles

    "Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada."

    "Playa Dispersed Campsite is a hidden gem located in the stunning landscapes of Arizona."

    2. Cochise Lake Wildlife Viewing Area Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    1 mile

    "Review of RV Boondocking at Cochise Lake Willcox, AZ

    Cochise Lake is a fantastic boondocking spot with plenty of space, making it perfect for big rigs."

    "The perfect place to boondock, we did just one night but you could easily do a few and have a nice chill quiet time w a great view"

    3. Willcox Lagoon Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    2 miles

    "This location is near the I-10 and great for an overnight while passing thru. No amenities, and I wouldn’t suggest building fires or setting up long term camp."

    "Changed my itinerary at the last minute and found this free camping, had I know Wilcox was so cool I would have stayed longer."

    4. Happy Camp Trail

    22 Reviews
    Bowie, AZ
    20 miles

    "BLM ranger and other law enforcement drove up the road about once per day, which was nice. "

    "Popular 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."

    5. Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    9 miles
    Website

    "This is just a gravel and dirt parking lot at the trailhead for the bird sanctuary. It has several large water holes when it rains."

    6. Indian Bread Rocks

    6 Reviews
    Bowie, AZ
    20 miles

    "Not to far from highway. Road is good for all vehicles except maybe the last few spots which need a 4x4 and high clearance. Only a few spots for bigger rigs though. Nice views of the mountains."

    "They haven’t bothered me but just want to make sure you’re aware they’re around and could be in the road. It’s gorgeous out here and plenty of space if you keep going in."

    7. Dragoon Mountains

    11 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    28 miles

    "Boondockers paradise. Beautiful views and spacious campsites. USFS Coronado National Forest controlled."

    "From the cattle guard you just went through I would say 2-3 miles of established sites even for the bigger rigs and if your smaller or tent camping, just past the next cattle guard and it goes on and on"

    8. West Hunt Road

    3 Reviews
    Dragoon, AZ
    23 miles

    "No facilities. Awesome rock views. 4 miles bumpy dirt road is worth. We did it with a 25 foot travel trailer"

    "Great views and clean. 1.5 miles to campground and trailhead."

    9. Tanque Road Dispersed Camping Near Safford

    5 Reviews
    Safford, AZ
    26 miles
    Website

    "Wildflowers at their peak. a full on superbloom of California poppies amidst cacti greeted us at this BLM spot just southeast of Mt. Graham. "

    "This is the first time I've ever stayed on BLM land. I parked at the 3rd spot in midday and stayed all night."

    10. Tombstone Camp on Forest Road 687

    7 Reviews
    Tombstone, AZ
    29 miles

    "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."

    "Forest Service Road is smoother but has some deep cuts. Made it fairly easily in small Class A. Nice sites with soft dirt and sand. Beautiful views of the Dragoons."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Willcox Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Willcox, AZ

84 Photos of 35 Willcox Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Willcox, AZ

123 Reviews of 35 Willcox Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Tanque Road Dispersed Camping Near Safford

    Superbloom in the BLM: Camping in a Natural Desert Garden

    Wildflowers at their peak. a full on superbloom of California poppies amidst cacti greeted us at this BLM spot just southeast of Mt. Graham. Lots of places to pull over for a night or for a week or two along Tanque Road, and almost no road noise since the highway is far enough away. Tanque Road is dirt but was doable for our vintage trailer for the first mile or so, but we've heard it gets sandy and harder to navigate the further in you get.

    Well-positioned in between the Coronado National Forest and the Hot Well Dunes area. No services, no water, no toilets, just beautiful open desert. Come prepared with drinking water and please Leave No Trace.

    Closest town is Safford, AZ about 30 minutes away, and has all that you need.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2019

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Private and close to the Chiricahuan Nat'l Monument

    If the campground at the national monument is full, head up Piney Canyon Rd. and you will find a number of free spots for both tent camping and RV’s just off the main road inside the boundary of the national forest.  Most sites are tree covered, but we found one with an open sunny space for our solar panel. Our site was right next to a very clean flowing stream, which provided not only a nice soundtrack but also a filterable water source.  Most of the sites seemed to have established fire pits, with ours being the monster of all fire pits we’ve ever seen. These are dispersed sites, so no potable water, picnic tables, or toilets are available, so come prepared with what you need to be comfortable.  Also note that the road into the forest is not maintained well and is full of washboards for about a mile or so, and many washes cross this road, so pay close attention to rain in the forecast as you could get stuck on the other side of one of these washes for an indefinite period of time.  

    The closest grocery store and gas station is in Willcox, which is about 40 minutes away.  There are also a number of wineries in the area, as this is 1 of the 3 Arizona wine regions.

    Note:  There is no cell service anywhere along this road, your best bet for an LTE connection is at the top of the monument’s road (Sugarloaf Mountain or Echo Canyon parking lots) or the guest wifi network at the visitor’s center.

  • Deborah C.
    Mar. 14, 2021

    Dragoon Mountains

    Beautiful Views and nice campsites

    Boondockers paradise. Beautiful views and spacious campsites. USFS Coronado National Forest controlled. Ranger came by a day after we arrived and checked in with us. 14 day limit on staying here and it seems like it is enforced.

    Had two Canyon Towhees come visit us every morning.

    Some traffic as it is a popular rock climbing area especially on Friday and Saturday. Middlemarch Road is wide but very washboard-y. Took us about 45 minutes to go 10 miles. We found a nice spot on FR 687. We got water at the Stampede RV park in Tombstone. The other RV parks didn't allow us to fill. About 45 minutes to Sierra Vista for supplies. Will definitely stay here again.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Happy Camp Trail

    Secluded and beautiful

    This site is relatively easy to get to, considering how remote and alone and quiet it feels once here. We found a nice spot at 32.2437301, -109.5120963 in our 26 ft class C.  Some sketchy parts of the road, rocky and narrow with some dips, but it can be done if you're careful.  

    BLM ranger and other law enforcement drove up the road about once per day, which was nice. 

    Drive through Bowie to get to Apache Pass Rd then a left on Happy Camp Canyon dirt road which is wide and flat but washboarded. Once you get to the recreation area, there is a picnic spot with tables and toilet but no camping is allowed in that area, you'll have to keep driving a bit further. There were a lot of campers when we stayed but we found a nice spot right off the dirt road with amazing views. Heard some gun shooting going on the first day but none following that. There are open range cattle roaming around so give them space and keep your animals leashed. On a hike one was walking right up to us so be aware.There were times on our hikes where you turn a corner and there are a few just standing there. The brush is high enough to hide some too so keep an eye out. This is BLM so the camping is FREE there is however a private property further up the dirt road (property is gated and fenced off). Spots are adequate for tents, smaller RVs or trailers. 

    Good place to hike, scramble up the rocks or mountain bike.  

    Good verizon and AT&T reception.

  • Rush C.
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    a profound sense of peace and connection with nature.

    Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada. Known for its otherworldly landscape, this remote site offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking solitude, vast horizons, and stunning sunsets. The flat, cracked playa surface stretches endlessly in all directions, creating a sense of open freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. Camping here is truly off-grid— there are no amenities, no marked spots, and no shade— just you, the wind, and the desert sky. color rush

  • Cass G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2024

    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!

  • Michael B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Pinery Campground Lower - Dispersed

    Tucked Away

    This dispersed campground is on the Pinery Scenic Route#42 on an all dirt road just before the incline up the mountain. It is a large campsite that can hold a group if necessary. There are no facilities or drinking water but there was a large fire ring available. You are tucked on the side of a hill and covered by trees for a nice shady spot to camp.

  • CJ T.
    May. 3, 2021

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Pretty good dispersed sites

    Your best bet if you are looking to visit Chiricahua National Monument and Bonita is full. This is the closest in proximity from what I could tell. Obviously no bathrooms, but Chiricahua visitor center does have a bathroom. It’s not practical for every bathroom use, but maybe worth it to poop 😅 otherwise, good dispersed sites. They don’t start for a mile or two after entering Coronado NF. Sites on the right side of the road tend to have more shade then on the left. Sites have rock fire pits and good shade. We heard turkeys, had a nightly skunk visitor who was pretty un-afraid of humans and definitely was looking for food. We locked food in covered truck bed to prevent too many visitors.

  • willem V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2025

    West Hunt Road

    Great national forest campsite

    Large level valley with approx 20 designated spots. No facilities. Awesome rock views. 4 miles bumpy dirt road is worth. We did it with a 25 foot travel trailer

Guide to Willcox

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Willcox, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene landscapes to rugged terrains.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Happy Camp Trail provides a peaceful setting with spacious campsites, allowing you to enjoy the stunning Arizona landscape while keeping a safe distance from other campers.
  • For those seeking a unique experience, the Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping offers a gravel and dirt parking lot that serves as a great overnight stop, complete with clear signage and a chance to observe local wildlife.
  • The Dragoon Mountains feature breathtaking views and numerous sites, making it a popular choice for campers looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Willcox

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Indian Bread Rocks

  • The Indian Bread Rocks area is known for its spacious sites and the opportunity to share the landscape with local wildlife, including cattle.
  • Campers at West Hunt Road can enjoy the rugged beauty of the region, with plenty of open sites and stunning mountain views, although the access road can be challenging.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider the Marijilda site, which is right by a creek and offers a quiet retreat, though it requires a rough road and a 4x4 vehicle to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up an RV at dispersed camping sites in Willcox?

Yes, RVs can access many dispersed camping sites around Willcox, but size and road conditions are important considerations. West Hunt Road offers approximately 20 designated spots in a large, level valley suitable for RVs - campers have successfully navigated the 4-mile bumpy dirt road with 25-foot travel trailers. For smaller RVs, Pinery Campground Lower - Dispersed provides space on a dirt road before the mountain incline. However, many access roads have washboard surfaces, ruts, or narrow passages that can be challenging for larger rigs. Class C motorhomes (26ft) have accessed some remote sites, but carefully scout routes first. No hookups or dumping facilities are available, so come prepared for self-contained camping.

Is there free BLM land for camping around Willcox, Arizona?

Yes, there is free BLM land for camping around Willcox. Happy Camp Trail is a popular BLM boondocking site located about 8 miles south of I-10 near Bowie, which is close to Willcox. This area offers beautiful scenery and spacious sites with no fees. Another option is Tanque Road Dispersed Camping Near Safford, which provides free camping on BLM land southeast of Mt. Graham. These sites typically have a 14-day stay limit that is enforced by BLM rangers who occasionally visit to check on campers. No facilities or hookups are available, so come prepared with everything you need for self-sufficient camping.

Where can I find dispersed camping sites near Willcox, AZ?

The Willcox area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest provides numerous free spots for camping just off the main road inside the national forest boundary. This is an excellent alternative if the campground at Chiricahua National Monument is full. The Dragoon Mountains area is another great option, offering beautiful views and spacious campsites on Coronado National Forest land. For those interested in unique geology, the Round Mountain Rockhound Area has dispersed sites, though the access road can be challenging. Most of these areas have a 14-day stay limit and no facilities, so plan accordingly.

Keep Exploring