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Dispersed Camping

BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, near Buckeye, Arizona, is a straightforward spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without too much fuss. It’s a no-frills area where you can pitch your tent or park your rig, with the freedom to enjoy the great outdoors.

This location is perfect for a quick overnight stop, as many visitors have pointed out. You’ll find plenty of space to spread out, and while the hum of traffic is in the background, it’s generally quiet enough to catch some Zs. Just remember, there are no amenities here—no drinking water, no toilets, and no trash service, so come prepared.

The surrounding desert landscape is dotted with saguaros and offers stunning sunset views, making it a decent backdrop for your camping experience. Some campers have mentioned the nearby power lines and the occasional noise from ATVs, but if you’re looking for a simple place to rest your head, this area fits the bill.

If you’re up for a little adventure, the nearby Skyline Regional Park has some beautiful hiking trails waiting for you. Plus, you’re just a short drive from Buckeye, where you can stock up on supplies or grab a bite to eat. Whether you’re passing through or just need a place to unwind for a night, this spot has what you need.

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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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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness needs a permit.


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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2025

Convenient for nigth crashing

1 star for super easy access, 1 star for flat easy to level and 1 star for beautiful stars sky. Other than that no more stars. You can hear the highway very loudly, it seems we could have drove a little further and probably better but we were tired, I can not see camping in there. It was super hot and no breeze at all. We arrived by 8pm and left 4:30am

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2025

Perfect stopover

Instead of staying under the power lines like many people mentioned (and indicated by the app), we drove a little bit further away from the main road and found a perfect spot for an overnight stay on our way to Phoenix. It was very hot though at day and night in September. Nothing extraordinary but free. Road is OK, gravel with some bumps, but driven slowly our Jeep Grand Cherokee towing an A-frame did fine even when arriving in the dark

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness by Hans V., September 21, 2025
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 VisitJune
  • 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
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 VisitNovember
  • 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
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 VisitMarch
Reviewed Mar. 30, 2022

A ton of sites not too far from town and hiking

We came out here to scout out Margie's cove but realized when you turn in you can keep going straight to tons of campsites with firepits. We probably passed about 6 or 7 before we parked and saw a truck even further out. Not sure why this whole area hasn't been listed, there's a ton of empty sites.

Not sure if I put these coordinates in right, this is only my second time contributing but if you head north on 85 going towards buckeye you will turn right on South Woods Road. It's a bit hilly in the beginning so we pulled over to the side and walked out there to find a ton of sites. We have 2 wheel drive truck pulling a 24 foot TT and it did great.

There are washes all around but the sites are good and packed albeit rocky. About 30 minutes North is the town of buckeye where there's a walmart, autozone, etc and some beautiful hikes out at the Skyline Regional Park. Some saguaros around the spots for some nice sunset shots and a ton of sonoran vegetation at that Skyline Park. Would come here again!

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness by Alura E., March 30, 2022
  • Review photo of BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness by Alura E., March 30, 2022
  • Review photo of BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness by Alura E., March 30, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the BLM regulations for camping in South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness?

This is an undeveloped BLM dispersed camping area with standard regulations. There are no formal facilities or services provided. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and use existing fire rings when having campfires. The standard BLM stay limit is typically 14 days within a 28-day period. For the most current and complete regulations, contact the local BLM office before your trip.

Where can I find designated camping areas in the South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness?

In the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness area, you'll find multiple designated camping areas with established fire pits. When you turn into the area, continue straight to discover numerous campsites spread throughout the area. There are approximately 6-7 established sites with fire rings near the entrance, with more camping opportunities further in. The sites are typically dispersed, allowing campers to spread out and maintain privacy from neighbors.

What hiking trails are near camping in the South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness?

While specific named trails aren't prominent features of the area, the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness offers open desert terrain for exploration. Margie's Cove is one area worth investigating for hiking opportunities. The wilderness character of the land allows for self-guided exploration rather than established trail systems. Hikers should be prepared for desert conditions with adequate water, sun protection, and navigation tools when venturing beyond the camping areas.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to access South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness camping?

4WD is not required to access the main camping areas in the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness. The access road is easily navigable with standard vehicles, making it convenient for quick overnight stops. The area features flat terrain that's easy to level for camping setups. If you plan to explore deeper into the wilderness beyond the established camping areas, a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle might be beneficial.