Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping
About
Fish and Wildlife Service
Willcox Playa is best known for its wintering population of sandhill cranes that migrate to the playa in large numbers, particularly in wet winters. It is not unusual to see several thousand cranes in winter at the power plant ponds viewing area on the southwest side of the playa, or at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 600-acre Wildlife Area on the southeast side. The cranes feed and court, but after February migrate to their summer breeding grounds in the northern Great Plains.
Birding is best from mid-October through March, when more than 15 species of birds of prey may also be found here. The annual Wings over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival takes place in nearby Willcox each January and features guided tours.
Camping: Overnight public camping is allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 45-day period. There are no facilities at the Wildlife Area.
Restrictions: Open fires are allowed in designated areas only, Parking area only. No firewood cutting or gathering.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
RangerNice little place to stop overnight
Came in early on a Friday afternoon to find the parking area vacant. Signage is clear: camping is only allowed in the designated area. No amenities, not even a dumpster or a pit toilet. Towards dusk a van pulled in. They were very quiet. But the parking lot is right on a paved 55 Mph Highway with quite a bit of traffic into the night, no trains or planes. Big rigs could easily get in and out of here but after three or four RVs it would be too crowded. No migrating waterfall here at the end of March, just a lot of mourning doves, ravens, and a couple of cows. Not bad for free. This is a state wildlife viewing area but no mention of any required permits
RangerWilcox Playa
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. BUT as long as you know what to expect then it does a great job as an overnight.
GuidePrimitive Camp in a Parking Lot
The campsite is a single fire ring in an unpaved parking lot about 100’ from the road which has moderate traffic. It’s free, and if you’re needing a spot to camp for the night, this might be for you. I visited in August so decided to opt for a motel room instead since the heat was well over 100. The “playa” itself featured a trail, it’s about 2.6 miles to the trail’s end and back
Location
Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping is located in Arizona
Directions
From Willcox, go east on AZ 186 for 6 miles; turn south on Kansas Settlement Road for 4 miles to the wildlife area. Apache Station Wildlife Area – Take the I-10 exit 331 south for 8.5 miles. Lake Cochise – just south of Willcox on Hwy. 186, turn into Twin Lakes Golf Course and follow signs to birding area.
Coordinates
32.14191076033145 N
109.75678608825872 W