Chiricahua National Monument preserves towering rhyolite pinnacles, balanced
rocks, and mountain landscapes shaped by volcanic forces in southeastern
Arizona. Visitors explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and campgrounds
beneath dark night skies. Rising between the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts,
the monument supports diverse wildlife and protects a rich cultural history
tied to Indigenous peoples, Apaches, Buffalo Soldiers, ranchers, and the
Civilian Conservation Corps.

Chiricahua National Monument preserves towering rhyolite pinnacles, balanced rocks, and mountain landscapes shaped by volcanic forces in southeastern Arizona. Visitors explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and campgrounds beneath dark night skies. Rising between the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, the monument supports diverse wildlife and protects a rich cultural history tied to Indigenous peoples, Apaches, Buffalo Soldiers, ranchers, and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

## Overview

Bonita Canyon Campground is located in Chiricahua National Monument, Willcox,
AZ. Visitors love the historic, treed campsites, hiking the "Wonderland of
Rocks" and bird watching opportunities.

**NOTE:** While some vehicles up to 29 feet **may** fit in the campground,
**the scenic drive is restricted to 24 feet.** Scenic drive may be hazardous
to tall or wide vehicles**.**

See campground details.

Outside the park, Coronado National Forest provides additional camping and
recreation opportunities.

## Recreation

Chiricahua National Monument  offers beautiful views, wildlife watching, and
miles of hiking trails.

## Facilities

**IMPORTANT:** Maximum vehicle length is **29 ft** (9 m) per piece including
racks. Any trailer or vehicle over 29 feet **OR** with an overhang of more
than 9 feet may "bottom out" on the road crossing the creek into the
campground. Check the driveway length and notes to determine if a site is
large enough for your tow vehicle and trailer. Be prepared to remove bike
racks and hitches. Only a few sites will accommodate Trailers or RVs. Sites
may be difficult to back into and may not be level.

  * **No Hook Ups.** (No electric, sewer, or dump station). Full-service campgrounds are available in Willcox or Sunizona, AZ.

  * An individual campsite will accommodate a **maximum of 8 people, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents.** A trailer counts as a vehicle.

  * **No parking** outside of reserved campsites. Vehicles unable to fit inside the campsite must park outside the park.

  * View the **driveway length, notes, and allowable equipment** to confirm whether the campsite is level and long enough for both your trailer and vehicle before booking.

  * Reservations not claimed within **24 hours of check‑in (by noon the following day) will be cancelled**.

  * Site #8 is special needs **accessible**. Electric use is permitted for medical equipment only. 

  * **No Showers.** The restroom has **flush toilets** and sinks. 

  * **Drinking water faucets** are located throughout the campground. Hose connections/tank filling prohibited. 

  * All sites have a **picnic table, raised grill, food storage box, and tent pad.** No ground fires and no wood collection.

  * **Hanging** of hammocks or any items from trees or other vegetation is prohibited.

  * **Quiet hours** are from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am. **Generators** allowed: 8-10 am & 4-6 pm.

  * **No horse camping** or horse trailers in the monument. Please check Coronado National Forest for options.

## Natural Features

Set in a pine and oak forest, Bonita Canyon Campground provides an atmosphere
of relaxation. Most campsites have shade. The Bonita Creek is dry most of the
year but may run during summer monsoon or winter snows.

## Nearby Attractions

Visit the Chiricahua National Monument website to learn about the Visitor
Center Museum & Store, scenic drive, hiking and more.

Nearby federal lands include: Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Coronado
National Memorial, the Coronado National Forest (including Portal/Cave Creek
).

Explore Cochise County provides information on nearby communities and
activities.

## Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (520) 824-3560 for general
information.

## Charges & Cancellations

**_Reservations not occupied within 24 hours of check‑in (by noon the
following day) may be cancelled._**

Please **modify your reservation on the app or website** if you will not be
using a reserved night. Updating your reservation:

  * Ensures the rest of your stay is protected

  * Opens the site for others

  * May result in a refund

The visitor center **cannot hold reservations an extra day** for late
arrivals. If you arrive after the reservation has been cancelled, you will
need to make a new reservation.

If you experience technical issues, call the service center at
**877‑444‑6777** to request a reservation modification.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Bonita Canyon Campground is located in Chiricahua National Monument, Willcox, AZ. Visitors love the historic, treed campsites, hiking the "Wonderland of Rocks" and bird watching opportunities.NOTE: While some vehicles up to 29 feet may fit in the campground, the scenic drive is restricted to 24 feet. Scenic drive may be hazardous to tall or wide vehicles.<a href="https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/bonita-canyon-campground.htm" rel="nofollow">See campground details.</a> Outside the park, <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=82478&actid=50" rel="nofollow">Coronado National Forest </a>provides additional camping and recreation opportunities.<h2>Recreation</h2>
<a href="http://nps.gov/chir" rel="nofollow">Chiricahua National Monument </a> offers beautiful views, wildlife watching, and miles of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/hiking.htm" rel="nofollow">hiking trails.</a> 
<h2>Facilities</h2>
IMPORTANT: Maximum vehicle length is 29 ft (9 m) per piece including racks. Any trailer or vehicle over 29 feet OR with an overhang of more than 9 feet may "bottom out" on the road crossing the creek into the campground. Check the driveway length and notes to determine if a site is large enough for your tow vehicle and trailer. Be prepared to remove bike racks and hitches. <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/upload/Campground_Info_2025_Remediated.pdf" rel="nofollow">Only a few sites will accommodate Trailers or RVs. Sites may be difficult to back into and may not be level.</a> <ul><li>No Hook Ups. (No electric, sewer, or dump station). Full-service campgrounds are available in Willcox or Sunizona, AZ.</li><li>An individual campsite will accommodate a maximum of 8 people, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents. A trailer counts as a vehicle.</li><li>No parking outside of reserved campsites. Vehicles unable to fit inside the campsite must park outside the park.</li><li>View the driveway length, notes, and allowable equipment to confirm whether the campsite is level and long enough for both your trailer and vehicle before booking.</li><li>Reservations not claimed within 24 hours of check‑in (by noon the following day) will be cancelled.</li><li>Site #8 is special needs accessible. Electric use is permitted for medical equipment only. </li><li>No Showers. The restroom has flush toilets and sinks. </li><li>Drinking water faucets are located throughout the campground. Hose connections/tank filling prohibited. </li><li>All sites have a picnic table, raised grill, food storage box, and tent pad. No ground fires and no wood collection.</li><li>Hanging of hammocks or any items from trees or other vegetation is prohibited.</li><li>Quiet hours are from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am. Generators allowed: 8-10 am & 4-6 pm.</li><li>No horse camping or horse trailers in the monument. Please check Coronado National Forest for options.</li></ul><h2>Natural Features</h2>
Set in a pine and oak forest, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/bonita-canyon-campground.htm" rel="nofollow">Bonita Canyon Campground</a> provides an atmosphere of relaxation. Most campsites have shade. The Bonita Creek is dry most of the year but may run during summer monsoon or winter snows.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Chiricahua National Monument website</a> to learn about the Visitor Center Museum & Store, scenic drive, hiking and more.
Nearby federal lands include: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/fobo/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Fort Bowie National Historic Site</a>, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/coro/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Coronado National Memorial</a>, the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/coronado" rel="nofollow">Coronado National Forest</a> (including <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coronado/?cid=FSEPRD1083433" rel="nofollow">Portal/Cave Creek</a> ).
<a href="https://www.explorecochise.com/" rel="nofollow">Explore Cochise County</a> provides information on nearby communities and activities.  

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location has limited staffing. Please call (520) 824-3560 for general information.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
Reservations not occupied within 24 hours of check‑in (by noon the following day) may be cancelled.Please modify your reservation on the app or website if you will not be using a reserved night. Updating your reservation:<ul><li>Ensures the rest of your stay is protected</li><li>Opens the site for others</li><li>May result in a refund</li></ul>The visitor center cannot hold reservations an extra day for late arrivals. If you arrive after the reservation has been cancelled, you will need to make a new reservation.If you experience technical issues, call the service center at 877‑444‑6777 to request a reservation modification.

Chiricahua

Just One of The Stunning Features of Chiricahua National Monument

Huge Variety of Wildlife

Watch for the white-nosed coati during your visit.

The white-nosed coati, a member of the raccoon family, may visit your campsite. Bonita Canyon Campground

Birding is a Popular Activity at Chiricahua

Humbling Vistas

Dramatic Skies and Views Within a Short Hike From Bonita Canyon

Amazing Dark Skies

The Views Will Leave You Speachless

Entrance to Bonita Canyon and Chiricahua National Monument.

Entrance sign at the mouth of Bonita Canyon for Chiricahua National Monument.

Bonita Creek Crossing within Bonita Canyon Campground.

The campground road crosses Bonita Creek.

Stunning Vistas

Gorgeous Sunsets From Chiricahua

A forest of balance rocks and pinnacles as seen from Massai Point, the end of the scenic drive.

Bonita Canyon Campground

Beautiful After Dark

View of pinnacles along Echo Canyon Trail.

Hooded Oriole

Remember, each camper is responsible for checking the site details to make sure their site can accommodate their vehicle. Many sites cannot fit trailers or campers.  The 29 foot limit is dictated by the dip in the roadway.

diagram show max vehicle of 29 ft with max overhang of 9 feet and says to check driveway length to fit both tow vehicle and trailer

Trailers should try to book sites in green. Most RVs and vans will find yellow sites appropriate. Orange sites are best for tents and may have unlevel parking.

campground map shows sites color-coded by size

Massai Point offers excellent views of the standing rocks at Chiricahua

View from Massai Point

A half mile hike brings you to this giant marvel.

Big Balanced Rock

The Grotto offers unique exploration from the Echo Canyon Trail.

Echo Canyon Grotto

A network of easily navigable trails lead hikers into the heart of Chiricahua's standing rocks

Hiking through Echo Canyon

Chiricahua National Monument

Faraway Ranch and its settlers helped visitors discover the Wonderland of Rocks.

Faraway Ranch Historic Area

Rock formations tower above the 8-mile scenic drive.

Bonita Canyon

For nearly 25 years, Fort Bowie stood at the crossroads of the Chiricahua
Apache's fight to defend their ancestral homeland and the U.S. Army's westward
expansion. Today, visitors embark on a 3-mile scenic loop trail traversing the
ground where this profound cultural collision forever altered the course of
both American and Indigenous history.

For nearly 25 years, Fort Bowie stood at the crossroads of the Chiricahua Apache's fight to defend their ancestral homeland and the U.S. Army's westward expansion. Today, visitors embark on a 3-mile scenic loop trail traversing the ground where this profound cultural collision forever altered the course of both American and Indigenous history.

Like so many forts and settlements in the West, little remains of the outpost that once housed hundreds of soldiers.

Fort Bowie Ruins

The Post Trader's store on a spring day.

Post Trader's Store

The mountain howitzer is a symbolic relic from the active days of Fort Bowie

Mountain howitzer

The heliograph was an important communications tool in the late 1880s. Stationed on top of high desert peaks, sunlight was reflected off mirrors in coded patterns to send a message miles away.

Heliograph demonstration

Hike the trail to see the cemetery where multiple eras of history and peoples converge.

Fort Bowie Cemetery

Fort Bowie was once a bustling frontier military fort. Today, the ruins offer a place of reflection.

Fort Bowie landscape and ruins

After the fort's abandonment in the late 1800s the unmaintained buildings slowly weathered until the 1950s when the park service acquired the site.

Fort Bowie National Historic Site

Approximately 500,000 acres of public land in the San Simon Valley provide a
variety of recreational opportunities.

The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area is located in the heart of the San Simon
Valley. This Special Recreation Management Area provides unique opportunities
for off-highway vehicle riding and hot-water soaking.

Wildlife species in the area include quail, dove, deer, and javelina.

Approximately 500,000 acres of public land in the San Simon Valley provide a variety of recreational opportunities. The <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/hot-well-dunes" rel="nofollow">Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area</a> is located in the heart of the San Simon Valley. This Special Recreation Management Area provides unique opportunities for off-highway vehicle riding and hot-water soaking. Wildlife species in the area include quail, dove, deer, and javelina.

Bird's eye view of the park

San Simon Valley

The 11,700-acre Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness in Arizona is managed by the
Bureau of Land Management. The wilderness area provides outstanding
opportunities for hiking, backpacking, camping, rock scrambling and
sightseeing. Sightseeing from the higher mountains and ridges offer
outstanding long-distance views of Sulphur Springs, San Simon Valley and
numerous other mountain ranges.

The scenic Indian Bread Rocks, a formation of granite domes and interestingly
shaped boulders, is located in the northeastern part of the wilderness. Indian
Bread Rocks Picnic Area is the access point to the Dos Cabezas Mountains
Wilderness.

In 1990, the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness became part of the National
Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In
wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude.

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders,
wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including
helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Some lands adjacent to the wilderness are not federally administered. Please
respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands
without their permission.

When exploring this unique area, please follow all posted regulations and
embrace the seven Leave No Trace principles to help preserve its natural
beauty and the exceptional recreation experiences it offers. Keep in mind that
applying the seven Leave No Trace principles may vary — what works in a desert
may differ from what's best in mountainous terrain.

The 11,700-acre Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The wilderness area provides outstanding opportunities for hiking, backpacking, camping, rock scrambling and sightseeing. Sightseeing from the higher mountains and ridges offer outstanding long-distance views of Sulphur Springs, <a href="/node/100440" rel="nofollow">San Simon Valley</a> and numerous other mountain ranges.The scenic Indian Bread Rocks, a formation of granite domes and interestingly shaped boulders, is located in the northeastern part of the wilderness. <a href="/node/100832" rel="nofollow">Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area</a> is the access point to the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness.In 1990, the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.Some lands adjacent to the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.When exploring this unique area, please follow all posted regulations and embrace the seven <a href="/node/16816" title="Outdoor Ethics" rel="nofollow">Leave No Trace</a> principles to help preserve its natural beauty and the exceptional recreation experiences it offers. Keep in mind that applying the seven Leave No Trace principles may vary — what works in a desert may differ from what's best in mountainous terrain.

There are no permits, passes, or fees required to visit this wilderness area.
It is free.

However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a
special recreation permit. Contact the local managing field office for more
information about special recreation permits.

Recreational activities on any nearby state trust land require a permit from
the State of Arizona.

Snow in the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness Area.

Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness Area

Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness

Consisting of the rugged slopes of the Dos Cabezas Mountains, elevations range
from 4,080 feet to 7,500 feet, allowing for a variety of plant and animal
life, as well as excellent recreational opportunities. Visitors will find a
diverse terrain consisting of steep mountain slopes, granite outcroppings and
vegetated canyon floors. This rugged and remote environment provides a rich
wilderness experience.

The Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for
hiking, backpacking, camping, rock scrambling and sightseeing. Sightseeing
from the higher mountains and ridges offer outstanding long-distance views of
Sulphur Springs, San Simon Valley and numerous other mountain ranges.

Consisting of the rugged slopes of the Dos Cabezas Mountains, elevations range from 4,080 feet to 7,500 feet, allowing for a variety of plant and animal life, as well as excellent recreational opportunities. Visitors will find a diverse terrain consisting of steep mountain slopes, granite outcroppings and vegetated canyon floors. This rugged and remote environment provides a rich wilderness experience.The <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/dos-cabezas-mountains-wilderness" title="Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness" rel="nofollow">Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness</a> provides outstanding opportunities for hiking, backpacking, camping, rock scrambling and sightseeing. Sightseeing from the higher mountains and ridges offer outstanding long-distance views of Sulphur Springs, San Simon Valley and numerous other mountain ranges.

There are no permits, passes, or fees required to visit Indian Bread Rocks
Picnic Area. It is free.

However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a
special recreation permit. Contact the local managing field office for more
information about special recreation permits.

Recreational activities on any nearby state trust land require a permit from
the State of Arizona.

Chiricahua National Monument

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Bonita Canyon Campground

Nearby Parks

Fort Bowie National Historic Site

San Simon Valley

Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness

Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area