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Dispersed Camping

BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

4 Reviews

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.

Description

Arizona State Land Department

State Trust Land

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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Location

BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness is located in Arizona

Coordinates

33.13195018493885 N
112.64315468412205 W

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Access

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

Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

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

52 min from Phoenix
1 hr 47 min from Yuma
1 hr 51 min from Prescott Valley
1 hr 55 min from Tucson

Erika M.

Guide

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

Aliza N.

Legend

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

Butch K.

Ranger

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

Alura E.

Guide

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.

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