Wilcox Playa Viewing Area offers dispersed camping near Willcox, AZ. The terrain is flat with open spaces and sparse vegetation. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 95°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Chiricahua National Monument and the Willcox Playa Wildlife Area.

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.

Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Willcox. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Willcox. Find the best campgrounds near Willcox, AZ. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Willcox

The Best Camping Near Willcox, Arizona

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 

Primitive Camp in a Parking Lot

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. 

Wilcox Playa

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

Nice little place to stop overnight

Not really much to see here just a horseshoe parking. Didn’t stay since the spot so small right off the road. We are in 40ft Rv it’s just a place to rest your head boondocking 

Pull over spot 

This is a fine place to overnight. It is extremely dusty. You are right on the road so there is some road noise. There’s a great walking path, but you can’t drive in very far. Deep ruts in the parking area so be careful not to fall in. Heard lots of coyotes. 5 mile walk to the pond to see some cranes.

Photos of Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers