Cattle roam freely through this dispersed camping area along Proctor Road, where campers set up among scattered sites with views toward Elephant Head rock formation. The US Forest Service manages this free camping zone within Coronado National Forest, allowing campfires, pets, and alcohol while providing cell service access. Sites fill quickly by Friday afternoon according to recent visitors.
Wildlife encounters are common here, with skunks moving through campsites during early morning hours. The open range setting means campers share the area with livestock throughout their stay. For those wanting established facilities, Santa Rita Lodge offers a different experience less than two miles southeast.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingProctor Rd. Dispersed by Madera Canyon is located in Arizona
Coordinates
31.743562320026317 N
110.90121595822042 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/20/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/26/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/20/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/26/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Proctor Rd. Dispersed by Madera Canyon needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 53 min from Tucson, AZ
- 1 hr 41 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 2 hrs 35 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 40 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
