Coronado National Forest Camping Articles

Coronado National Forest Guide: Camping

Coronado National Forest Highlights

The Coronado National Forest is sectioned into five Ranger Districts: Douglas, Nogales, Sierra Vista, Stafford, and Santa Catalina. Each district has camping available. Mountain lions and black bears may be in the area, so be aware of your surroundings and watch pets and children. Campfires may be restricted particularly in the summer so check the rules and regulations in advance.
Cochise Stronghold Campground is located in the canyon that Apache leader Cochise used as a refuge against his enemies. The Cochise Trail retraces the escape route of the Apaches and will take you past rock formations into the West Stronghold Canyon (west side of the Dragoons). Located at 5,000 feet, the campground has ten individual sites and two group sites. There is no water available so come prepared.
Rustler Park Campground is a perfect place to stay and enjoy the area’s birding activities. The Hairy Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Mexican Chickadees, and other high-altitude bird species can be found here. This campground, 18 miles west of Portal in the Douglas Ranger District, is located at 8,500 feet and has 25 sites available.
The Pinaleño Mountains have campgrounds located at 9,000 feet or above, the highest elevations in the area. Shannon, Soldier Creek, Hospital Flat and Cunningham campsites are seasonal and are open from mid-April or mid-May through November, depending on weather conditions.
Located in the Sierra Vista Ranger District, Lakeview Campground is located adjacent to Parker Canyon Lake and just a short walk or drive to the boat launch ramp and fishing pier. There are 65 single-unit sites open year-round and drinking water is available. Lakeview Campground is an excellent base for doing some area birding. Bald Eagles, Osprey and migrating waterfowl can be seen on the five-mile trail around the lake.

By Travel Expert: Kim Lipker