Cochise Visitor Center

Don’t follow your GPS to the Visitor Center, because it has moved into downtown. Apparently Apple Annie’s still allows parking, but I wouldn’t want to be in the way when business opened in the morning. There is parking behind, in what apparently was the old Visitor Center, but we opted for the big field next to the Holiday Inn. It was peaceful and private until the big rigs started pulling in around 8pm, and filling the place up. Fortunately, most were courteous, and as quiet as could be, so we had a good night’s sleep. The open field directly in front of the Inn gets fewer big rigs, and is also an option.

Right off freeway, secluded. It’s located between a Arizona state police sub station and Apple Annie’s. A T/A gas station is down the street. There is some freeway noise but for a quick and free stop over, not bad.
Apple Annie’s could easily be a Harvest Host spot but when I mentioned it, I felt I spoke amongst deaf ears, oh well their loss, they do have variety of items to buy and seemed very popular with the locals.
If you decide to get a bite to eat at the roadrunner cafe in the KOA, the food is ok but a little overrated

The visitor center is permanently closed but parking is still available in the lot the center shares with the pie shop. There is a new highway patrol station right across the parking lot from the visitors center. We saw several patrol cars pulling into the station at various times, so we felt very safe, and obviously overnight parking is ok or they would have come over and said something. The pie shop/ cafe is open with modified hours. They close at 5, so we got there right after so we wouldn’t take parking away from employees or patrons. We planned to get pie in the morning but didn’t realize the hours were modified, so the shop was closed. We would definitely stay again and would make sure they’re open so we can buy pie.

This is a small parking lot at the Wilcox Visiting Center and an adjacent restaurant. Easy on/off from I-10. There are three RV spots in the parking lot and an overflow gravel parking lot behind the restaurant. They have a picnic table and grass for your pets. Quiet night and the best thing is both the VC and restaurant close at 5pm so you are there by yourself all night.

So I guess after staying in Gillespie Rest Area in Texas, I have come to realize what a true 5 star is...Not to take away from others opinions, but if you look at it for what it is, this is an OK rest stop for free. As I write this review, the road noise is a 6 on a 1-10. I have stayed at louder rest areas but I wouldn't consider this quiet. For some reason gas prices are about .50 higher than Tuscom bout 60 miles further west. In the end I am going through my reviews to re-rate...Gillespie rest area made that much of an impression. The Verizon here was about 4 bars on my jetpack and was able to stream.