Cottonwood Canyon (FR 4012) in AZ -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Arizona

AnyRoost

Cottonwood Canyon (FR 4012) in AZ

Coronado NF, Sierra Vista Ranger District
4,875 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
VerizonWEAK
AT&TWEAK
T-MobileSTRONG
StarlinkEXCELLENT

A 10.3-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Cochise County, AZ. The road serves Castanera Spring.

Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 60 days. Camp at least 200 ft from water, 5,280 ft from a developed campground.

All 10.3 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (10.3 miles). Climbs 2,300 ft over 10.3 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 20%. Level ground alongside most of its length. Winds through 9 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Gates 9.3 and 9.8 miles in.

Secluded here -- the nearest through road is 2.5 miles off. North Tank lies 0.1 mi off. Cottonwood Peak stands 2,213 ft above the site, 2.7 miles south. The nearest town, Benson, is 4.2 mi off.

September normals 6086°F, 1.7″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Fire restrictions

Set by Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?