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Camping

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

4 Reviews

About

Bureau of Land Management

This 63,200-acre wilderness lies in southwestern Maricopa County, 12 miles east of Gila Bend and 20 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. It contains a 10-mile section of the Maricopa Mountains, a low-elevation (1,000 to 2,813 feet) Sonoran Desert range, and extensive surrounding desert plains. The North Maricopa Mountains are a jumble of long ridges and isolated peaks, separated by bajadas and washes. Vegetation includes saguaro, cholla, ocotillo and other Sonoran Desert plant species. Desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, coyotes, bobcat, fox, deer, Gambel's quail and raptors inhabit the wilderness.

The wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation, including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife observation and photography. The Margie's Cove and Brittlebush Trails take you through the heart of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.

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Access

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

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  • WiFi
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Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Erika M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2023

Great spot for a overnight spot to stop

As many of the other reviewers noted, it’s great for an easy overnight stop. I don’t see it as a place you’d want to “camp” but easily accessible from the highway. Yes you can hear the traffic but it is quiet enough. There was no one else there when we camped.

Sitefirst spot right off the turn off
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness  by Erika M., June 23, 2023
  • Review photo of BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness  by Erika M., June 23, 2023
Aliza  N.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2022

Good spot for a quick overnight

Maybe not a spot we would hang out in for too long but perfect for a quick stop over on our way to Yuma. As others have said, it’s right under a power line. The road noise is also noticeable from where we camped but not bothersome. Lots of room to spread out and be away from neighbors if that’s your thing

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness  by Aliza  N., November 30, 2022
  • Review photo of BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness  by Aliza  N., November 30, 2022
BThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2022

lots of desert

This is pretty much like the reviews say, your basic BLM undeveloped dispersed camping area. One difference are the powerlines overhead that emit a cracking and rattling noise constantly. Not sure of the health implications of those powerlines. As one reviewer mentioned there are washers that could hang up many large and even midsize rigs. This is also a popular ATV area which comes with a lot of dust and noise and rude people. Beware of paths that seem fit for a two wheeled vehicle but were created by ATVs which can often climb into and out of these washes with no problem. I drove through one that almost ripped off the tail end of my 17 foot TT. Don't forget to GOAL, get out and look.

SiteOpen range, under the powerlines
Month of VisitApril

Location

BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

33.13195018493885 N
112.64315468412205 W

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