Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping, near Phoenix, Arizona, is a rugged location that invites adventurers looking for a true escape into nature. With its stunning rock formations and expansive views, it’s a fantastic place to set up camp and soak in the beauty of the Arizona landscape.

This area is known for its spacious sites, allowing campers to find their own slice of tranquility. Many visitors have noted that the road leading in is manageable, even for smaller vehicles, making it accessible for a variety of campers. As one reviewer mentioned, “The road was in great shape and easily traveled by most any car.” 

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water, toilets, or trash services—this spot is perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience. Campers have enjoyed the freedom to have fires and bring their pets along, adding to the laid-back vibe. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as some have pointed out the need for cleanliness in this beautiful area.

For those who love to explore, the surrounding wilderness offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching. The night sky here is also a highlight, with many campers raving about the stargazing. Whether you’re stopping for a night or planning a longer stay, Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping is a great choice for those seeking adventure and solitude.

Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Cordes Junction, AZ has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Cordes Junction, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Cordes Junction and user-submitted reviews.

Cordes Junction

The Best Camping Near Cordes Junction, Arizona

  

There are multiple spots to choose from along this dirt road (Bloody Basin Rd) to pull off and camp. The road is nicely graded and fairly smooth with a few sections of washboard and rocky spots. We did fine in our 26 ft class C but drive with caution as some of the pull outs do not have turn around areas and there are deep ruts and washouts to navigate around.

  

There is no water, garbage or any other amenities so pack in and out whatever you bring, and pack out some more if you’re so inclined. Lots of debris left behind by shooters. 

  

Nice area with trails to hike or bike around. There are quite a lot of ATVs but they were not as bothersome as some of the areas we’ve camped in. You can hear the highway noise and see light pollution from Phoenix but it was not horrible. We did see some shooting garbage, targets and shells laying around but did not hear any shooting when we were there. My dog did get sprayed by a skunk during the daylight about 10 yards from our spot so be aware of wildlife! 

  

We did see a park ranger while we are there which is always nice. 

  

Weak but usable Verizon and AT&amp;T coverage but not enough to stream anything.

Free BLM land

Beautiful and dark and quiet. No one out here. Close enough to explore Sedona during the day. 

Open spaces

Good place to set up while hitting some trails here in AZ!

Good place to set up

Where I camped wasn’t necessarily within this same campground but I drove on Tonelea trail that you will see split off to the left from the main road. On this trail we’re few spots which were all taken. It was a really nice environment with hills, grass and all. Where I setup was about 50 feet outside of Agua fria, so not sure if I was supposed to or not but did. There was cell service throughout. No Amenities of course, all primitive. Sites were big enough for campers. Overall good

Good sites

The road was tricky to navigate with a van, but we ended up at a spot overlooking the plains - beautiful sunset, lots of wildlife (and insects) and great starting point to explore the area.

Stunning views

Great place for secluded,sites and cool fresh air.

Bloody Basin West Dispersed Campsites 

This camp site has lots of open areas to camp. Nearly anything will be able to get them. One sign says “No Passenger Cars”, but you should not have a problem. The sites provide amazing views of the rolling hills. The stars are also good at night. 

Hidden gem off the interstate

We love it here. Bloody Basin is gorgeous, right off 17 and an easy stop for the night or several nights. Road was in great shape and easily traveled by most any car - prob even for big rigs! Site are large and spacious and well spaced out. You can drive as far in/off the main road as you want. Pretty clean and safe feeling. 

Fabulous spot!! 

It's quiet most of the time. You do have your occasional OHV. Had to clean up our campsite. But due be careful of the broken glass.

Quiet 

Road coming in was not bad at all. We found a spot about a mile in that was large enough for us to turn around without unhooking. We have a 24 footer towing a 3 dirt Jeep. Low noise. Looking forward to sunset 😀 to bad people leave a bunch of garbage 😢

Dispersed camping

Drove a mini van on the road, wasn’t too washed out or anything. A sedan could definitely drive to many of the spots. Many campsites available, beautiful scenery! Please help keep this place clean by leaving no trace! 

Great spot to pull in

Lots of lit up trucks and dirt bikes coming through the night I stayed but the views and rock formations were cool to check out with my dog. 

Noisy

Approachable, very good spot near the highway, also with a camper van. 

Perfect spot

Dirt road in but very drivable. Lots of available places to pull off and camp. Beautiful scenery. In sight of I17 but no sound from it at all. No available shade but my solar set up needs full sun, so it's perfect for me. Will definitely come back

Nice spot

Dirt road is a bit washboard but very manageable by any vehicle. 

Spots line the road to the left &amp; right as you travel down the road. cell Service can be excellent or poor depending on site you choose (avoid the ones in the dips/valleys if its a concern for you)

No facilities, just good ol’ convenient Arizona boondocking.

I came in mid December and there were only a handful of others.

Very convenient stop between phoenix metro area & Sedona

This spot is the nice one on the road. The drive is easy but becomes unmaintained a couple if miles down the road. The pics you see in this listing are not the spot. There are couple of nice rock formations at the site. Although close to the road the natural direction of the breeze blows it away from you. For example, over 20 dune buggy/razor type ORV drove by and kicked up a lot of dust just 30 feet from where I was standing and it all blew south away from me. 

The stars are bright and this is worth the drive. Other sites can be seen, however, the distance apart is great enough that you cannot hear them so no concerns about generators, music, or loud parties keeping you awake.

Details:
No water, trash, or toilets
Sites spread out by hundreds of yards
Town is 20-40 minutes away (depending on your site location) but it has everything
Free stay. Like most of the federal land there is a 14 day limit, however, there are people living out here soooo. 

The night skies

Road is in pretty decent shape for my camper van. The area was fairly busy when I was there so had to drive in a couple miles more than I wanted. Sites are nicely spaced though so it's not like some areas where everyone is in a big lot. Also since further in, didn't notice the highway noise like some mentioned.

Nice spot between Pheonix and Sedona

The Bloody Bath access road was an easy drive (F250 SD with a truck camper). Washboards were easy to navigate but watch your speed on the down hill turns. We initially selected the site closest to Bloody Bath Road but decided to move further back to a site about a 1/4 mile in. The road (trail) back to the final site was a bit washed out (dry) with some deep ruts but again easily navigated in our truck. A 2WD Van or a SUV could easily access the site. The site was quiet. The biggest bummer was the amount of trash and empty beer cans strewn around the site. Real bummer. 

Great Rest Overnight

So many sites and gorgeous sunsets. Near enough to Phoenix without the intense heat

Did the job

Easy on and off. Road is well packed and in good condition with a few smaller ruts, but not bad. Nice views. There is some road noise from the interstate on the closer areas. Nice night sky.

Easy off/on I-17 dispersed camping

Such a beautiful and scenic campground, the roads were extremely well maintained and my old mini van could navigate them without issue. So beautiful I’m tempted not to leave a review so nobody steals my spot lol. This was my first camping experience and it exceeded any and all expectations I had. Wow wow wow

Photos of Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers