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Dispersed Camping

BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area

BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area, near Gila Bend, Arizona, offers a unique outdoor experience in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. This location is perfect for those who appreciate wide-open spaces and stunning desert landscapes, with plenty of room to set up camp and explore.

Visitors often rave about the gorgeous views and the peaceful atmosphere. One camper mentioned, “Gorgeous views. Nice land to hike around,” highlighting the area's natural beauty and opportunities for hiking. While there are no designated sites or amenities like water or toilets, the freedom to choose your spot adds to the charm of this location. Just remember to bring your own supplies, as there are no services nearby.

The area is also known for its accessibility, making it easy for larger RVs to navigate. Campers have noted that it’s “super easy access with lots of pull-offs,” which is great for those traveling with big rigs. The surrounding mountains provide a picturesque backdrop, and the sunsets here are nothing short of breathtaking.

For those looking to venture out, the nearby desert offers a variety of hiking trails and opportunities to explore the unique flora and fauna of the region. Just be mindful of the occasional noise from military jets overhead, as there’s a base nearby. Overall, this spot is a solid choice for anyone seeking a quiet, scenic escape in the Arizona desert.

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Location

BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

The Sonoran Desert National Monument is in south central Arizona, 60 miles from Phoenix. Interstate 8 provides some access at the Vekol interchange (Exit 144) and the Freeman Interchange (Exit 140). Arizona Route 238 and the Maricopa Road afford access to the North Maricopa Mountains and the Butterfield Overland Stage Route.

Coordinates

32.81190014 N
112.253461 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
    Poor
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 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 Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area needs a permit.

Drive Time


Reviews

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8 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 28, 2024

Peaceful Sonoran Hideaway

We stayed just one night in our 17 foot R-Pod hauled by our Ford Tundra. Our site wasn't 3 black water tanks roughly 3 miles out.

Gorgeous views. Nice land to hike around. We bushwhacked 2 mile loop Southeast to a big wash.

Definitely will come here again when we have more time.

SiteEast side of Verkol Road about 3 miles in
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Kaye S., January 28, 2024
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Kaye S., January 28, 2024
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Kaye S., January 28, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2024

Nice spot. Few issues

January visit Rv 23ft Easy to find.
Good cell service Overall it’s a decent spot with a few issues. Several of the spots were trash dumps. We were able to find other spots that were clean though. Spots are just off the road so you’re not real far away from the other campers but we really didn’t hear a thing from anyone. That said , there is a military base close by and jets fly over a few times a day and are real loud. We didn’t mind this but some people may. We also had a couple of helicopters dj a low pass one evening.
The mountains around the area are very pretty.

This spot is not real remote so you are close to the freeway and will hear some trucks occasionally.
There are signs warning of illegal immigrants and that but we didn’t see or hear of any issues.

Update to this review. We didn’t go as far down the road due to some standing water etc. however , go further down the road to find the better spots that are more remote. Most rvs and big rigs can make it really far down this road There is a few private property signs. Go past those TK the next set of camp sites.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Danny T., January 24, 2024
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Danny T., January 24, 2024
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Danny T., January 24, 2024
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2023

Easy to find / good for big rigs

We stayed the full 14 days! Pros - very easy to locate, seemingly plenty of space (while some spots have neighbors and some do not), tons of geodes and other cool rocks, tons of space to walk and explore, and it is fairly quiet. Cons - border patrol everywhere, some days there were literally 10+ patrol cars riding around, close to the main road so you do hear trucks, Military planes fly through a few times a day - just little things to note in terms of noise level and activity. We felt very safe here, and would absolutely stay again!

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Toree M., February 24, 2023
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Toree M., February 24, 2023
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2023

Beautiful, Open and Peaceful

Make sure you have your own water and self-contained rig but this space is beautiful. Tons of room. Beautiful scenery and sunsets. Just make sure you stay off the private property on the east side of road!

Month of VisitFebruary
  • @the.Guss.bus
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Reviewed Jan. 1, 2023

Great

Had a great time here. Quiet and peaceful.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Wayne H., January 1, 2023
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Wayne H., January 1, 2023
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Wayne H., January 1, 2023
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2022

Easy access

Super easy access with lots of pull offs. Quiet and beautiful!

Siteabout 1.5 miles off the interstate
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Jan. 18, 2022

Vekol Exit 144 free BLM dispersed

This is free dispersed camping on the BLM Sonoran National Monument. At Interstate 8, Exit 144 go south. BLM starts in about .6 mile. Note that the gravel road then will pass thru some pvt land that the Dyrt does not show, before the BLM again at the road fork to the Vekol Ranch (2.1 miles in from hwy). See attached screenshot from the BLM monument map. Lots of sites scattered along the main graded gravel road. There is an info kiosk at junction of road going to the Vekol Ranch. Most of the campers seem to be in this area to avoid interstate truck noise. Excellent cell signal on all carriers. No water, marked sites, tables, fire rings or trash dumpsters. Nearest services are in Sanfield (poor), Maricopa (best) or Gila Bend (fuel, RV stuff) so come prepared. Maricopa has a Fry's Market and gas. Sanfield has a Family Dollar and Circle K gas. Gila Bend has most services but not a major food market. Not much Sonoran cactus vegetation by the kiosk sign in in this area, no cholla and very few Saguaros, area is just a wide flat creosote palo verde sandy plain.

Update: if you go another mile or two south (uphill) on the main road you can camp at the #8007b and #8007c road spurs and #8045 spur. More Sonoran vegetation there and very scenic...lots of Saguaro cactus to camp with on flat open desert pavement. Farther away from the hwy noise is a plus!

If you are concerned about potential safety issues from illegal smuggling warnings, then staying down close to BLMat the .6 mile mark is likely best.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Greg L., January 18, 2022
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Greg L., January 18, 2022
  • Review photo of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area by Greg L., January 18, 2022
  • (17) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area?

    BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area is located at 1802 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.