U.S. Forest Service · Coronado National Forest · AZ

Cochise Stronghold Campground

20250402 DRD Cochise Stronghold East Enterance Sign (4)Photo · U.S. Forest Service
Seasonal closeSeason 09-01 – 05-31
First-comeAccess

The place

This campground is in a magnificent, rugged canyon that served the famous Chiricahua Apache leader, Cochise, as a refuge against his enemies. As you enter the East Stronghold Canyon, you pass in the shadow of rocks that quite likely served the Apache warrior as perches for his lookouts. The haunting shapes into which the forces of nature have carved those rocks helps make a visit to this charismatic place an unforgettable experience. Keep reading

Eleven individual and two group campsites at Cochise Stronghold are shaded by oaks and surrounded by a diverse community of vegetation that includes plants of both the Upper Sonoran and Chihuahuan Desert. To help you become better acquainted with this unusual environment, the Stronghold Nature Trail follows a 0.4-mile barrier-free loop that wanders among the yucca, cactus, and rocks. This short, easy stroll provides a self-guided introduction to several desert plants, as well as some of the principles of desert ecology. It also provides good views of the rocks that form the ramparts of the Stronghold. A wheelchair-accessible, 400-foot history trail in the campground tells of the area's colorful past. The Cochise Trail #279 , which also starts in the campground, climbs past dozens of fantastic rock formations to Stronghold Divide at 5,900 feet and continues on to West Stronghold Canyon and the Council Rocks historic area. Note: No potable water is available in the campground. Bring plenty with you. Black bears in area. Store and dispose of all food in bear-safe containers and trash bins or keep it locked in your vehicle. Download the Cochise Stronghold Recreation Guide in English. Solo en inglés ahora. La traducción estará disponible aquí pronto.

SRC · USFS Enterprise Data Warehouse · 2026-08-24

No reservation needed

First come,
first servedArrive early — popular areas fill by afternoon

Fees

Campsites: Single site$20. With Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access pass $10. Group site: $50 plus $10 per vehicle. Payable with cash or check. Day Use: Day use: $8 per vehicle Weekly: $10 per vehicle Buy a pass online , or purchase a pass on-site with cash or check. Proof of payment, or a valid Coronado National Forest Annual Pass or Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, including the Annual, Senior, Access, or Military Pass, must be displayed on the driver's side of the vehicle dashboard. Learn more about accepted passes.
SRC · USFS Enterprise Data Warehouse · 2026-08-24

Your representative

This campground sits in AZ-06. This member’s public-lands record →

SRC · U.S. Census TIGER · MTJP Scorecard