Pinery Canyon Campground

For Arizonans seeking a true escape from the bustle of city life, thecall of the wild is often answered in the state's more remote andunspoiled regions. Pinery Canyon Campground, located in the CoronadoNational Forest near San Simon, offers just such an experience. This isnot your typical developed campground with manicured lawns and fullamenities. Instead, Pinery Canyon provides a rustic and sereneenvironment, appealing to those who prefer a more primitive andself-sufficient camping trip. Situated along Forest Road 42, it servesas a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of the Chiricahua Mountains,promising a quiet and immersive adventure for anyone willing to ventureoff the beaten path.

The nature of Pinery Canyon Campground is best understood as a mixbetween a basic, developed campground and dispersed camping. While itdoes have a designated name and is listed as a campground, the experienceis closer to a dispersed site. This means it offers a limited number ofsmall, rustic campsites, often with a fire ring and a picnic table, butwithout the modern conveniences like running water, paved roads, orrestrooms. This makes it a perfect destination for campers who areprepared to handle the challenges of a true wilderness experience whilestill enjoying a sense of a designated spot. For many, this is the idealcamping style—the chance to find solitude and quiet, away from the crowdsof more popular national park campgrounds. It is a place to be prepared,to respect the environment, and to truly be one with nature.

Pinery Canyon Campground is located along Forest Road 42 in San Simon,AZ 85632, USA. This places it in the southeastern corner of Arizona,near the magnificent Chiricahua National Monument and the town of Portal.The drive to the campground is a crucial part of the journey. As one userreview noted, "The road is no joke." Forest Road 42 is a dirt road that,while doable, can be rough and dusty, with some washboard sections. Ahigh-clearance vehicle is highly recommended, and a 4x4 may be necessarydepending on weather conditions. This challenging access is part of whatkeeps the area so quiet and secluded, as it deters larger RVs and casualday-trippers.

Accessibility is not about convenience here but about a willingness toengage with the wilderness on its own terms. The isolation is a keyfeature of this location, as there is zero cell service in the area. Thislack of connectivity means campers must be self-reliant and prepared forany unforeseen events, such as a flat tire. The distance to the nearesttown for services, such as a tire repair shop, highlights the importanceof being well-prepared. This remote location, however, is a major sellingpoint for those who want to truly unplug and disconnect from their digitallives. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, winding throughstunning landscapes and offering a gradual transition from civilizationto true wilderness. Its proximity to the Chiricahua National Monument isa great benefit, as campers can use Pinery Canyon as a base for exploringthe famous "Wonderland of Rocks" and its many hiking trails.

Services Offered

• The location is a "Campground," offering basic, designated sites.
• A camping fee is required, which helps with the upkeep of the area.
• It is noted as "Good for kids," suggesting the environment is suitable forfamilies who are comfortable with a rustic camping style.
• Some reviews mention running water and restrooms, but this informationis contradictory with others, so it is best to assume there are noamenities and come prepared. Public data shows that the campground hastoilets and tables but no running water.
• The site is often considered a dispersed camping area, meaning campersshould be fully self-sufficient with all their needs.

Features / Highlights

• The primary highlight is the profound peace and quiet, providing a trulyserene and secluded camping experience.
• The opportunity to be "immersed in nature" is a major draw for those whowant to avoid the crowds and large campers found at other sites.
• The area is known for abundant wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys,and even black bears, offering a chance to see animals in their naturalhabitat.
• The location provides a perfect base camp for exploring the nearbyChiricahua National Monument and its unique geological formations.
• A fire ring and grill grate are available, allowing for traditionalcamp cooking and fires (fire restrictions permitting).

Contact Information

Address: Forest Road 42, San Simon, AZ 85632, USA

Phone: (520) 558-2221

Mobile Phone: +1 520-558-2221

What is worth choosing

Choosing Pinery Canyon Campground is a decision for the adventurous andprepared camper. What makes this site truly worth choosing is itsunparalleled tranquility and a genuine sense of being in the wilderness.For Arizonans who want to escape the hustle and bustle and avoid thecrowded, noisy environments of more popular campgrounds, this is an idealsolution. The seclusion and quietness are its greatest assets. Thepresence of a camping fee, while requiring a payment, ensures that thearea is maintained to some degree, distinguishing it from random pull-offsthat might be littered with trash.

The chance to witness local wildlife, such as deer and wild turkeys,adds to the authentic wilderness feel. It is a place where you are a guestin the animals' home, and this experience is invaluable. The proximity tothe Chiricahua National Monument is another significant benefit, as itallows campers to explore one of Arizona's most spectacular andunderrated natural wonders. While the lack of amenities and cell service,along with the rough road, might be a deterrent for some, these areprecisely the reasons that Pinery Canyon remains a hidden gem. It is aplace for those who are self-reliant, who appreciate a scenic and ruggedjourney, and who prioritize a deep, peaceful connection with nature overconvenience. For the experienced camper who wants a truly immersive anduninterrupted outdoor experience, Pinery Canyon Campground is a topchoice.

Pinery Canyon Campground

Forest Road 42, San Simon, AZ 85632, USA