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Camper submitted image from FS Road 42 DispersedView 15 Photos
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FS Road 42 Dispersed

3 ReviewsAdd Review

This free dispersed camping area sits along Forest Service Road 42, accessed a mile or two from the Chiricahua National Monument entrance. Multiple sites spread along a dry creek bed among trees, accommodating RVs up to 25 feet. The area sees some OHV and motorcycle traffic during daylight hours.

Campers report zero cell service but successful Starlink setup at several spots. Wildlife activity includes frequent bird sightings and occasional bear sign. Sites are located past a research station, with options on both sides of a cattle guard. The location provides convenient access to John Hand Campground and serves as a base for exploring the nearby national monument.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

FS Road 42 Dispersed is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

31.88870582111703 N
109.20883583719362 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Drive Time

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Multiple guests praised the numerous dispersed sites along dry creek with excellent vehicle access. Visitors frequently mentioned the peaceful setting with abundant wildlife, though expect no cell service.

FThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2025

Gorgeous views

Great site! We hardly saw people. Lots of birds, a bear track was discovered on top of our tire track not too far from our tent. Lots of sites.

Sitenot marked
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of FS Road 42 Dispersed by Fraun P., November 20, 2025
  • Review photo of FS Road 42 Dispersed by Fraun P., November 20, 2025
  • Review photo of FS Road 42 Dispersed by Fraun P., November 20, 2025
  • (5) View All
Renee T.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2025

Many spots amongst trees

From chiricahua entrance head on FSR 42. A mile or two in many many sites along dry creek in the trees. Some Otv and motorcycle activity during day. We stayed only 15 minutes from monument.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of FS Road 42 Dispersed by Renee T., April 13, 2025
  • Review photo of FS Road 42 Dispersed by Renee T., April 13, 2025
  • Review photo of FS Road 42 Dispersed by Renee T., April 13, 2025
  • (4) View All
Heather K.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 1, 2025

Just past the research center and cattle guard on the right

There are a few dispersed spots along FS 42, just past the research station.  There are two on the left, before the cattle guard, and one on the right, just past the cattle guard. We had a Ford Transit and a Chevy Express in there, and were able to set up Starlink as well.  There is zero cell signal here.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of FS Road 42 Dispersed by Heather K., April 1, 2025
  • Review photo of FS Road 42 Dispersed by Heather K., April 1, 2025
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Unknown Campground from Forest Service Road 42?

FS Road 42 Dispersed camping is accessible from the Chiricahua National Monument entrance. Head onto Forest Service Road 42 and travel about one to two miles in. There are multiple dispersed camping spots located along the road. Some specific sites include two spots on the left before reaching a cattle guard, and another spot on the right just past the cattle guard. Additional sites can be found along a dry creek in the trees. The dispersed camping area is conveniently located only about 15 minutes from the monument.

What is the condition of Forest Service Road 42 leading to Unknown Campground?

Forest Service Road 42 is passable for various vehicles, including larger vans. The road conditions allow for successful navigation by vehicles like Ford Transit and Chevy Express vans. There is a cattle guard along the route which serves as a landmark for finding some of the dispersed sites. While specific road surface details aren't specified, the accessibility for standard vehicles suggests the road is maintained well enough for typical camping access.

What is the max vehicle length at FS Road 42 Dispersed?

FS Road 42 Dispersed allows vehicles up to 25 feet.

Are fires allowed at FS Road 42 Dispersed?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at FS Road 42 Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does FS Road 42 Dispersed have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, FS Road 42 Dispersed does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at FS Road 42 Dispersed?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.

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