Cochise Stronghold Campground

About this Location

This campground is located in a magnificent, rugged canyon that served the famous Apache Indian 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 help make a visit to this charismatic place an unforgettable experience. Campsites at Cochise Stronghold are shaded by oaks and surrounded by a diverse community of vegetation that includes plants from both the Upper Sonoran and the Chihuahuan Deserts. 

About Cochise Stronghold

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Cochise Stronghold is located to the west of Sunsites, Arizona in the Dragoon Mountains at an elevation of 5,000 ft. This beautiful woodland area lies in a protective rampart of granite domes and sheer cliffs which were once the refuge of the great Apache Chief, Cochise, and his people. Located within the Coronado National Forest it is managed by the Douglas Ranger District. In Sunsites, AZ, take Ironwood Road (off AZ-191) west 9.1 miles to the campground entrance. Once inside the Forest, Ironwood Road becomes FR-84. NOTE: After, 3.8 miles, Ironwood Road (and FR-84) becomes a rough, rocky dirt road. There are five stream crossings on FR-84 that can be forded if not wet weather.

Notable Trails

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 a number of 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 barrier-free history trail in the campground tells of the area’s colorful past. If you would like to retrace the steps of this area’s historic residents even deeper into their nearly impenetrable refuge, you may choose to follow the Cochise Trail past dozens of fantastic rock formations as it makes its way across the Dragoons to West Stronghold Canyon and the Council Rocks historic area. Note: No potable water is available in the campground. Black bears in the area. Accessible to persons with disabilities.

Content from Official Website and Cochise Stronghold website