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Dispersed Camping

Badger Springs

5 Reviews

Badger Springs, near Black Canyon City, Arizona, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy some dispersed camping. It’s a straightforward area with a big open parking space that serves as a base for your outdoor adventures, making it easy to set up camp and hit the trails.

This location is great for boondocking, especially if you're cruising along I-17. Visitors have mentioned that while the freeway is nearby, it’s not too intrusive, allowing for a peaceful night’s sleep under the stars. There are a couple of vault toilets available, which is a nice touch for those who prefer some basic facilities.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Agua Fria National Monument offers fantastic hiking and exploration opportunities. Reviewers have enjoyed the chance to stretch their legs on the Badger Springs trail, although the views can vary depending on the season. Some campers have noted that the area can get a bit crowded, so if you’re looking for solitude, you might want to plan your visit accordingly.

Pets are welcome here, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash services available. Whether you're stopping for a night or planning a longer stay, Badger Springs provides a laid-back atmosphere for your camping experience.

Fee Info

None

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Location

Badger Springs is located in Arizona

Directions

From Interstate 17, north of Phoenix, Arizona, take exit #256, the Badger Springs exit. Follow the rough, sometimes muddy gravel road for approximately one mile east to the trailhead parking area.

Coordinates

34.23189587 N
112.101992 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Available
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Available
T-Mobile
Available

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time

37 min from Phoenix
41 min from Prescott Valley
1 hr 24 min from Flagstaff
3 hrs 32 min from Lake Havasu City

William M.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2024

Wouldn't suggest

As soon as I got there, I got the dog out and what do we immediately find? Used drug needles littering the ground around a fire ring. Definitely not somewhere I'd feel comfortable staying the night.

Month of VisitNovember

Laura C.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 22, 2022

Badger Spring wind but fire free for now

Great little site for RV camping while waiting to find out if the forest service is going to get control of the fire up south prescott.

Sitetrailhead

Month of VisitApril

Aeddan D.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Good spot close to phoenix.

Great little spot for some dispersed camping. It is fun to hike and explore agua fria National Monument nearby.

Sitedispersed

Month of VisitMay

George K.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 16, 2021

Nothing special

Big open parking area before heading to trail head. A little tight getting to the trailhead with small sites off the road where I saw a few van dwellers and just before the trail head was a vaulted toilet, I never checked it out. Once you made it to the trailhead, there’s a parking area and if to continue on a small road from the parking area it will take you to where most of the sites are located. Not very many, only a few unless you don’t mind being on top of each other and only a couple are somewhat level. If you have 4 wheel drive and tent camping, then you can continue on, but it’s pretty steep and flat level ground is at a minimum. The view didn’t seem too special, probably wrong time of the year (March). You can hike down Badger Springs trail that leads you down to Badger Springs wash where theirs only puddles here and there and a couple areas that might be more than a couple feet deep. I wasn’t impressed, but I was able to stretch out the legs. If you need to shut down for the night and don’t mind traffic noise, the best bet would be the big open parking area before Badger Springs rd. Otherwise most rv’s could make it down to the trailhead and spend the day there, just be careful, it’s like a one lane road. I had 1-2 bars on T-Mobile and 2-3 on Verizon.

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Aaron

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 12, 2020

Free BLM dispersed camping

This is a good boondocking spot if you’re driving along the I-17. We spent one night here. The freeway is close enough to here in the background but far enough that you can easily fall asleep. There are a couple vault toilets when you pull off the pavement. A few other vehicles were camping in the area. We had good AT&T / Verizon service in the area.