Cieneguita Camping Area

We stayed here for one night in late March, 2022. Loved the large site we had (see video: https://youtu.be/NthTnJ7ACSI
and the views we had. We were concerned about how dry it was and then saw a brush fire south of us - yikes! Luckily they got a grip on it quickly...
All dry camping, pack it out. Was perfect for us!
A bit of a drive off of the main highway - no problems on the road at all.

We found free camping at the Cieneguita Campground, Las Cienegas National Conservation Area in AZ. In this video, we take you to the Cieneguita Campground, a free camping area within the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, in Arizona. The campsites at this BLM free camping area are big rig friendly. Verizon cellular service clocked in at 102.0 Mbps download speed and 7.29 Mbps upload speed. AT&T cellular service clocked in at 20.2 Mbps download speed and 10.8 Mbps upload speed. T-Mobile cellular service clocked in at 0.12 Mbps download speed and 0.23 Mbps upload speed. Grid coordinates for this free camping location are as follows: 31.767429, -110.625648

Came out to Empire Ranch for the maiden voyage with my toyhauler and it didn’t disappoint. Most of the site are large and accommodate group camping, we had 2 toyhaulers. Road was in good condition. Cell service was good as well, I think 3-4 bars with Verizon. No noise at night, and a few OHV during the day (including mine). No water hookups or electric, but was there to boondock anyway.

Because it was FULL when we got here!!!!!
This area is gorgeous and I see why it gets 5 stars...
But never fear. We found a single secluded camp spot just 5 minutes down the road.
Go right out of the campground, then you'll see a dirt road on your left, turn left then drive about 1/8 of a mile, you'll see the spot with fire ring and a tree. If you drive all the way down to the gate there is a another small spot. Probably most suitable for tents. Also a decent place to turn around if you go to far.
You'll hear coyotes and see lots of cows.

Our stay here was all beautiful skies, friendly neighbors spaced far apart, and peaceful atmosphere. We didn't want to leave at the end and may come back next month. The campsites and road in are well maintained and the sites are large pull through so easy in and out. Not much traffic comes through here, but occasionally the cows at the ranch start making some noise (seemed to be around dinnertime). Up the road there's a prairie dog colony which is fun to watch. Thanks to another helpful reviewer we learned to fill our water tank at the Empire Ranch just 2.5 miles away and we passed it on our way in. If this spot is full, there are a few other sites in this area so lots of camping options around here. We had good service with Verizon and AT&T. Sonoita is about a 20 minute drive and has most amenities aside from groceries and laundry. We went to Sierra Vista for laundry and Vail or Nogales for groceries. I didn't see a single piece of trash in this lovely conservation area.

We loved it here! It is sooo quiet, barely even any bird noises. The camp spots are spaced out so much its almost like you have no neighbors, even though every spot is taken. The road in is great, there are signs in some spots warning of possible wash out area, but it was fine when we were here in early January. Our dog loved snooting & running through the tall grasses. We would totally camp here again!!

We stayed Easter weekend and most sites were full, but we were able to find one and it was lovely. Lots of space from your neighbors. We stayed here and spent some time swimming at Patagonia State Park (where the water is still icy cold, even if it’s in the high 90s now). Area is popular with ATVs but we were far enough away we barely heard them.