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Dispersed Camping

Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon

Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon, near Patagonia, Arizona, offers a rugged and natural camping experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This area is perfect for campers who appreciate the freedom of dispersed camping, where you can set up your site in a more secluded spot without the constraints of designated sites.

Visitors have noted that the area is spacious, with plenty of room for tents and RVs. Many campers enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings, with some sites tucked back enough from the road to minimize noise. As one camper mentioned, “We found a site tucked back enough from the road so road noise wasn’t an issue.” Just keep in mind that there are no amenities like water or toilets, so come prepared.

For those who like to explore, the nearby town of Patagonia is just a short drive away, offering charming shops and restaurants. The area is also great for hiking and mountain biking, with trails that cater to various skill levels. Plus, you might catch a glimpse of local wildlife, including cows wandering through the campsites, so keep an eye on your pets.

While some campers have mentioned the occasional traffic noise and the presence of Border Patrol in the area, many feel safe and enjoy the unique experience this location provides. If you're looking for a laid-back camping trip with stunning views and a chance to connect with nature, this spot is worth checking out.

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Location

Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

31.50173574 N
110.70161982 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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 Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon needs a permit.

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Reviews

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6 Reviews

Reviewed Feb. 28, 2024

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.

SiteSan Rafael area
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2022

San Rafael Valley Rd

I was looking for camping on Harshaw Rd and mistakenly took the primitive rd San Rafael Valley Rd and found some great large campsites and group sites along this road. We were able to tow our 36’ fifth wheel up here with no problem as this road seems to be regularly maintained. A couple times while here in January we had hunters or trail riders with their horses park in our group site for a few hours, but they were always polite and we are in a group site so it’s fair game to others. Otherwise, we were alone here in a large site. We are near a ranch so sometimes we hear dogs barking there and truck noise, but not bad. There’s a wash behind our site that I walk the dogs in. The road does have traffic but it rarely bothered us. You also see a lot of mountain bikers up and down the road. We are 8 miles or about 20 minutes from downtown Patagonia which has a few little shops and restaurants as well as gas and propane though things seem to be a bit more expensive here. If you drive to the top of the hill you will be rewarded with great 360 views and if you hang a right at the top there are more campsites up there. I had one bar with Verizon and AT&T coverage is also decent. Not the fastest for internet, but it works. A very small amount of trash around and we felt safe. You will see cows and a bull wandering through your campsite so watch your pets.

Sitesites not numbered
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by jennifer M., January 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by jennifer M., January 15, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2021

Nice and convenient to town

First time taking our 30’ travel trailer out. Selected Patagonia because it’s close to home base and there was dispersed camping available. Traveled on a weekday and arrived early. Found a site tucked back enough from the road so road noise wasn’t a issue. After we unhooked we explored further down the road. Hook a right and drive all the way to the mine entrance. You’ll pass numerous campsites along both sides of the road to pick from. Total dry camping but wooded and peaceful. We enjoyed hiking and exploring the charming town of Patagonia. Returning on Saturday we noticed lots of traffic headed to Patagonia (boats, off road vehicles, rvs, etc). Patagonia is popular with Tucson residents for recreation.

We visited again in April and stayed in a larger site on the road closer to the mine entrance. Liked our larger site an had it to ourselves for a night. During a hike went up a well worn path to discover an area campers had been using as their bathroom. Lots of wipes with rocks placed on top. Yuck! Later a big group of campers arrived pulling a pop up. The next morning we saw some of them trooping up the hill to the “bathroom” spot. Not much to say except pack it out people or dig a hole and bury.

Sitedisbursed
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Char P., June 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Char P., June 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Char P., June 3, 2021
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2021

Camping alternate to Hershaw

After seeing the dispersed camping, my partner and I knew there must be something better and more secluded. About a 1/4 mile before the dispersed camping there is a national forest access road on the right. You’ll see a forest fire prevention sign at the entrance. 4x4 only no trailers. 3 or 4 dispersed sites. Beautiful hike up 4x4 road. Border patrol active. Close to Arizona’s trail trailhead. Great place to stay and see Patagonia.

  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Lindsay S., February 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Lindsay S., February 16, 2021
Reviewed Jan. 17, 2021

Patagonia

Stayed one night in a group site on the left large enough for six campers. There were three others when I stayed and one had a generator running non stop all day and night. This site,and the few other sites I saw, are right next to Harshaw Rd. which is pretty busy with fast moving traffic all day. Fire rings. No water. No hiking trails.

Patagonia has Old West character and Red Mountain Food is a good place to buy groceries. There’s a nice hiking trail out of Patagonia off Blue Haven Rd.

  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Lisa S., January 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Lisa S., January 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Lisa S., January 17, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2019

Easy Access to Patagonia

Just a few miles up Harshaw Rd. (just outside of the adorable village of Patagonia), you will find a variety of free camping options with no services, just National Forest land available to both RVers and tent campers.  There are streams running throughout the area, but the water simply isn’t drinkable even with filtering and leaves a sticky white mineral residue on everything it touches; thank goodness there is a reverse osmosis filling machine in the village of Patagonia, right in front of the bakery.  The backroads in this area are great for hiking or mountain biking, you can choose from relatively flat to crazy steep with amazing views.

The village of Patagonia is colorful and fun, and has a nice market with a great produce selection for its size, a small bakery, a launderette, a gas station, and a few cleverly named restaurants. Also, be sure to check out the Paton Center for Hummingbirds (a birdwatcher’s paradise) -- it’s free! The locals are super friendly.

Note: You will see Border Patrol both hanging out in hidden spots and zooming down the roads through this area, appearing to be in hot pursuit.  But we never saw a single “situation” that warranted their presence.

SiteDispersed camping only
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Shari  G., April 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Shari  G., April 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon by Shari  G., April 23, 2019
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon?

    Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon is located at 4458 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Harshaw Road Dispersed Camping - San Rafael Canyon?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.