State Trust Land manages this dispersed camping area in the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, where campers access sites via a gravel road with some rough sections. The area sits under power lines that produce a constant crackling and rattling noise, as several reviewers note. Sites spread out across the desert landscape, allowing campers to find spots away from neighbors if they drive beyond the initial camping areas near the main access point.
The gravel road handles most vehicles when driven slowly, though washouts can pose challenges for larger rigs. Alura E. found "tons of campsites with firepits" by continuing past the initial sites, noting her two-wheel-drive truck pulling a 24-foot trailer "did great." Highway noise from nearby roads carries to most sites, though reviewers describe it as noticeable rather than disruptive.
ATV activity generates dust and noise during peak seasons. The desert terrain features scattered saguaros and typical Sonoran vegetation, with packed but rocky ground at established sites. Cell service reaches most areas, and campfires are permitted in existing fire rings. Campers seeking more developed facilities can find places to camp around Gila Bend about 11 miles southwest.
Most visitors use this area for overnight stops rather than extended stays. BLM 8001 Dispersed off AZ 85 provides another dispersed option just northeast for those wanting different terrain.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBLM is located in Arizona near Gila Bend
Coordinates
33.13195018493885 N
112.64315468412205 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/10/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 6/10/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/10/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark 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.
Drive Time
- 52 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 47 min from Yuma, AZ
- 1 hr 51 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 55 min from Tucson, AZ
