Free Camping at Las Cienegas NCA | Sonoita, AZ

Camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area is an incredibly relaxing and serene experience. The setting feels a million miles from anywhere with sprawling golden grasslands dotted with mesquite trees and mountainous terrain in the surrounding area. Las Cienegas National Conservation Area encompasses over 45,000 acres of beautiful rolling grasslands and woodlands. And thanks to the year-round flow of Cienega Creek, this protected area supports a great diversity of thriving plant and animal life.

beautiful landscape while camping at las cienegas nca

Options for Camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

There are a couple different options for camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. First off, dispersed camping which is allowed on existing sites only. There is a map near the entrance that shows which roads allow dispersed camping. Note that there is a 14 day limit and visitors must camp at least 0.25 mile from cattle and wildlife water holes.

Secondly, there are several designated camp areas within Las Cienegas. These include Cieneguita Camp Area, Oak Tree Camp Area, and Road Canyon Camp Area. When we went camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, we stayed at a camp spot in Cieneguita Camp Area. This particular camp area consists of a dirt road with seven branching turn offs that have good sized camp spots that are well spaced out.

dispersed camping at las cienegas national conservation area

And if you’re hoping to camp with a group, there are a few designated group camp areas here as well. The large group sites for camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area include Airstrip Group Site, Maternity Well Group Site and Old Ag Fields Group Site.

Quick Info: Cieneguita Camp Area

Cost: Free

Ownership: BLM; 14 day limit

Directions: From Tucson, follow I-10 E to exit 281 towards AZ-83 S. Turn right onto AZ-83 S and follow it for 18.6 miles before turning left onto E Empire Ranch Road. After 3 miles, turn right at the intersection onto Rt. 900. And after another 0.5 mile turn right into Cieneguita Primitive Camp Area. Or click here to get directions.

Road Conditions: Empire Ranch Road is nice and paved. Route 900 is a dirt road in good condition and the dirt road to the camp spots in Cieneguita Camp Area is also in good condition.

Miles From Town: About 11 miles from Sonoita

Cell Service: No

Solar: Excellent

Where to Get Water: There is potable water at the Empire Ranch Headquarters near the intersection of Rt. 900 and Empire Ranch Road.

Good to Know: There are also very clean vault toilets at Empire Ranch Headquarters as well.

Camping Las Cienegas National Conservation Area video

Our Experience Camping at Las Cienegas NCA

The drive from Tucson to Las Cienegas National Conservation Area was surprisingly mountainous and beautiful! It mellowed out a bit as we neared our destination. When we turned in we stopped and checked out the information signs. These indicated where dispersed camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area was permitted and located. As we continued towards Cieneguita Camp Area we noticed the turn towards Empire Ranch but saved that for later.

After the turn for Empire Ranch we reached our right turn and the road turned to dirt. But it was in great condition. And before we knew it, we had reached Cieneguita Camp Area. We drove the length of the main road in the designated camp area to get an idea of our options. Some of the camp spots were smaller than others and some sat further back off of the main camp area road. But all of the spots were really nice and shared a beautiful setting and view.

large open spots while camping at las cienegas national conservation area

We arrived at Cieneguita Camp Area on a weekday and three of the designated camp spots were occupied. But we didn’t stay here long enough to see how busy it gets on weekends. Once past all of the designated spots, the road is gated. And there is a turn around at the end of this main road that is not to be used as a camp spot because it’s necessary for others to be able to turn around.

Liking this Article? Pin it!

save this camping at las cienegas article to pinterest

After checking out our options, we opted for the first designated camp spot. Each spot had a vast and beautiful view of the rolling grasslands. And there were mesquite, oak and ash trees scattered around that help with privacy and they compliment the golden grassland really well too. 🙂

While we were camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area we went for a run and saw more of the landscape. This area is really wild and pretty. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to stay here long but if we’re ever in the area again we will definitely be back!

sunset over the mountains while camping near tucson

Another awesome perk of camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area is that at Empire Ranch Headquarters there is potable water. That was unexpected and extremely convenient! There are also vault toilets that are kept extremely clean.

Empire Ranch is more than just a place to get water while camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area though. In cooperation with BLM, Empire Ranch sets out to protect, restore and sustain the historical buildings and landscape as a western heritage and education center. It is also an active working ranch. There is a lot of history to learn about here so check out the walking and self guided tour on Heritage Discover Trail. Empire Ranch also hosts events regularly and offers tours. For more information, check out Empire Ranch Foundation website.

This large conservation area has a lot of opportunities for recreation. Some of these opportunities include wildlife viewing, birdwatching, primitive camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, historic site, hunting, photography and scenic drives. OHVs are allowed on designated routes. If you plan on exploring the area be sure to pick up a map at the BLM’s Tucson Field Office or the Visitor Contact Station at the Empire Ranch.

Thanks for Reading!

All in all, camping at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area was a great experience! It’s a very beautiful area in southern Arizona that had scenery and habitats that we did not expect to find. To see some other great boondocking spots, check out the links below:

While we’re out boondocking we’re also working hard on our hand painted longboards. Check out our Lost Coast Longboarding Shop to see our latest lineup. Thanks for your support!