By:
Submission
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.
Along the drive up to Summerhaven, above Tucson, Mt Bigelow provides a nice cool retreat from the heat in Tucson. Lots of shade and great hikes and some free boondocking available
Loved it. The road is a little rough, but worth the trip to cooler temperatures.
A place where you can camp off the grid and not be too far away from amenities if needed
Dispersed camping is the way to do it! You get to experience all the elements. No amenities and pack out what you brought in. Incredible views & even better s’mores 🏕️
We loved this hike even though you could still see many of the burnt trees from years ago. In a way, that added a spaciousness to the hike whereas normally trees are so thick that you can't see the forest for the trees. But here you could. If you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with beautiful Vistas of the north side of the Catalina mountains.
