Dispersed camping opportunities near Willow Canyon, Arizona extend beyond the BLM areas into the forested heights of Mount Lemmon and surrounding mountains. Elevations range from 2,500 feet in desert locations to over 9,000 feet in mountain areas, creating significant temperature variations between sites. Winter temperatures at higher elevations often drop below freezing, while desert locations maintain mild conditions year-round with occasional frost.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Several dispersed camping areas provide direct trail access. At Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping, one camper noted, "Mountain biking just up the road," making it convenient for early morning rides without driving to trailheads.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse habitats support remarkable wildlife observation potential. Campers at Cactus Forest Dispersed report, "We enjoyed waking up to the literal forest of cactus" while others mentioned seeing "a herd of bulls / cows that graze in the area" at lower elevations.
Photography at transition zones: Camp where desert meets mountains for unique photography conditions. One camper at Redington Pass described "Directly across the road (Redington Rd), were a bunch of cacti. We hung out over there for a bit during sunset and got some really cool pictures."
What campers like
Temperature escape: Mountain sites provide relief from summer heat. At Mount Bigelow Dispersed, visitors appreciate that it's "perfect temperatures in the summer heat" with one noting "Bring your hats and gloves!" for cooler nights even in summer.
Diverse camping terrain: The region offers dramatically different environments within short distances. A camper at Reddington Pass Dispersed explained, "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."
Sky watching: Both day and night skies offer exceptional viewing. One visitor mentioned, "Stunning area and views" while another observed "The views of the sun going down over Tucson were available on both sides of the road."
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Higher elevation sites require more capable vehicles. At Mount Bigelow, campers warn "My Subaru Outback handled the roads without issue" while Redington Pass visitors noted "The road is very bumpy, with lots of potholes and washouts."
Site availability patterns: Weekends fill quickly at most locations. A camper at Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area observed "We tried to camp here on a Tuesday evening and all of the spots were full, to our surprise."
Noise considerations: Some areas experience significant recreational traffic. One camper reported "During our one-night stay, there were tons of 4x4s and dirt bikes passing quite often," while another noted "ATVs, noise, and trash, but the view is pretty fantastic."
Weather planning essentials: Desert and mountain weather patterns differ significantly. A Mount Bigelow camper described "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."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Bring field guides for desert ecology lessons. A camper mentioned "Wildlife sightings" including "deer tracks in the snow" at higher elevations.
Footwear requirements: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory in desert sites. As one camper at Cactus Forest warned, "It's incredibly prickly everywhere... You'll want to avoid wearing sandals too."
Space selection strategy: Choose sites away from main routes for safety. A visitor at BLM off of W Valencia Rd advised, "Great spot, level ground, lots of room" but noted "Therefore, a little noisy with people coming in/out all day."
Temperature preparation: Pack for significant day-night temperature swings. One Mount Bigelow camper recommended, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Many sites accommodate smaller RVs better than large rigs. A camper noted, "Good for small RV or camper van. Didn't look like it'd be very comfortable to pitch a tent on the ground, probably best for small RVs and camper vans."
Arrival timing: Scout locations during daylight hours. One RVer advised, "Best to arrive before it gets dark!" while another mentioned, "We ended up driving a fair distance up the road before camping d/t the amount of people around."
Surface considerations: Rain transforms dirt roads quickly. A visitor observed, "Watch for rain in the forecast...the desert floor turns to mush and you might find yourself stuck until it dries out."
Leveling needs: Bring substantial leveling equipment. One RVer noted, "These spots, although they are more like small side-of-the-road pulloffs than campsites, are definitely better suited for conversion vans or truckbed campers, as every space we saw was very uneven and sandy."
