There is an established campground that cost $10 per night, but unknown to most visitors there are campsites all along the base of the Cochise Stronghold that are free and much more interesting. Cochise Stronghold is very deceiptive, looks like a simple rock but it is a complex maze. As you start to get up close and personal with these rocks, your imagination starts to run wild... Cochise Stronghold This rugged area served as a natural fortress and hideout for Apache Indians of the Chiricahua Clan led by Cochise. He was born in the Dragoon Mountains about 1815. From 1860 to 1872 the Cochise Band battled the U.S.Cavalry because of the handling of an incident at Apache Pass about 30 miles east of here. It is believed that Cochise was buried some- where in the Stronghold Cochise Stronghold is located in the Dragoon Mountains. The sun rises extra early on this side of the mountains. Best photos are in the morning.

Cochise Stronghold, Road 84A Deer and wildlife are common sights. Also be aware of rattle snakes, scorpions, killer bees and fire ants to name a few dangerous critters you might stumble upon. Boots are recommended. The first camp on Road 84A N 31°56.600 W 109°57.525 Road 84A The photos show trees and vegetation, but it is a desert enviornment. PHOTO HERE Campsite on Road 84A N 31°56.539 W 109°57.608 PHOTO HERE Campsite on Road 84B N 31°56.385 W 109°57.654 PHOTO HERE Campsite on Road 84C N 31°56177 W 109°57.646 Camp and Trailhead on the first road... N 31°56.745 W 109°57.554 After entering National Forest Lands, turn right on the first road (Near the sign and garbage cans). There is a camp and trailhead a short distance. If you continue towards the end of this road, it gets rougher, with more obstacles, but there is a great campsite... no photos at present time. Road towards the camp on the first road... Views from the camp on the first road... BEAR FACTS RATTLESNAKE FACTS DIRECTIONS: Hwy.191 at Sunsites At the north end of town near milepost#49 Turn west at Ironwood Road (at Hooligans Gas Station) There is a sign pointing to Cochise Stronghold and you can see the towering mountains of rock in the distance. From Ironwood Road it is 5 miles paved surface, then 2 miles of maintained dirt road. Entrance to Coronado National Forest NOTE: Difficult to find at night, even if you have been here before. MORE DIRECTIONS: • Ironwood Road is at the north side of Sunsites • 7 miles south of the Apache Power Plant. • 60 miles from Bisbee via Elfrida. The free camping areas are just after you enter Coronado National Forest. You will see a "No Hunting" sign and the sign in above photo. Turn right on Road 84A or 84B. The roads wind through the trees and along the mountain base. There are some great camping spots. Road 84C splits off from 84B, with more camping areas. Water at Cochise Campground (In the summer months) Filtered water at the carwash on Justin Road in Sunsites. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW WHAT FIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT 2006 is the first year we have seen any fire restrictions at Cochise Stronghold. Camped here 2004 Camped here 2005 Camped here 2006 Camped here 2007 Chiricahua National Monument Middle March Road towards West Cochise Stronghold Also see: COCHISE STRONGHOLD WEST Also see: CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL MONUMENT Also see: MESCAL Also see: TURKEY CREEK ROAD Also see: WHITEWATER DRAW Whitewater Draw on Central Highway Between Elfrida and Bisbee. Rattlesnake Ranch RATTLESNAKE RANCH More photos and information We expected a pit full of rattlesnakes and some crazy person... instead we found a museum in the middle of the desert.

LINKS: http://www.cochisestronghold.com http://www.indians.org/welker/cochise.htm http://www.wingsoverwillcox.com CAMPGROUND INDEX CAMPING RECIPES CAMPING CHECKLISTS TOURIST PHOTOS Tiny Flowers at Cochise Stronghold www.eugenecarsey.com Free campgrounds and camping ARIZONA CAMPGROUNDS CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST COCHISE STRONGHOLD NATIONAL MONUMENT