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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Cactus Forest Dispersed Site

About

Bureau of Land Management

Welcome to the Cactus Forest Dispersed Site in Arizona! This spot is a gem for those who love the raw beauty of the desert. Nestled among towering saguaros and cholla cacti, this area offers a true desert camping experience.

One of the standout features here is the stunning night sky. With minimal light pollution, the stars are incredibly vivid. It's a perfect place for stargazing, so don't forget to look up after the sun sets.

The area is pretty easy to access, with dirt roads leading to various campsites. Just be cautious if you're driving a larger rig; some spots have soft sand that could be tricky. Most sites are well-spaced, giving you a sense of privacy and tranquility.

Fires are allowed, so bring some wood and enjoy a cozy campfire under the desert sky. Just remember to pack out everything you bring in, as there are no trash services.

Pets are welcome, but keep an eye on them due to the abundance of cacti. The cholla cactus, in particular, can be a nuisance for curious dogs.

While there's no running water or toilets, the natural beauty more than makes up for it. Plus, it's free to camp here, which is always a bonus.

Some visitors have mentioned hearing distant shooting from a nearby range, but it's generally not too disruptive.

Overall, if you're looking for a peaceful, scenic spot to camp in the desert, Cactus Forest Dispersed Site is a fantastic choice. Enjoy your stay and soak in the unique desert landscape!

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Location

Cactus Forest Dispersed Site is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.61307243121949 N
111.201845614824 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 26, 2024

Very pretty. Little noisy

January Rv 24 ft Cell service. Att 2 and o 3 bars. Able to stream

This is a beautiful spot. The spots are a little close together.

Not good for dogs really cus of cholla cactus everywhere. Watch where you walk and be sire to check shoes before entering your home for the night.

There is an outdoor shooting range close enough to Hear semi auto’s all day and as late as 10:45 pm. They were at it again at 8 am. Not sure if it is some military training area or what. That gets a bit old. It’s a good distance away so it’s not real loud, just present Road is good to drive big rv or 5th wheel no lroblem

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Danny T., January 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Danny T., January 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Danny T., January 26, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 8, 2023

Quiet and peaceful

Really nice dispersed camp sites along a dirt road. The directions are accurate and bring you to two dirt roads off of Cattle Tank Road. I went East and there were about a dozen sites, mostly sites for tents and small RV’s. After about a mile the road gets a little rougher and narrow. I didn’t notice any existing sites after a mile or so down the dirt road. The sites were well spread out and very clean. I brought wood for a fire and was able to find some wood around the area to burn as well. Very dark sky with lots of stars. I explored the other dirt road West from Cattle Tank Road and the sites were larger and more suitable for larger RV’s.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Monte W., April 8, 2023
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Monte W., April 8, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 5, 2023

True Cactus Living

Wonderful dispersed camping with beautiful desert cactus, including the Saguaros. Nice and peaceful with desert wildlife, birds and coyotes singing. If you want to be away from the crowds go further down the road. Watch out for jumping cholla cactus and you’ll be just fine. There is a shooting area down the road, a highway in the distance, and some helicopters/planes noise wise. Well worth the hour drive out of town.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Sierra N., April 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Sierra N., April 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Sierra N., April 5, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Mar. 7, 2023

Such an amazing area

Easy access, beautiful scenery among the saguaros, and very quiet at the time I was there. Will 100% be back. Perfect.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Ray L., March 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Ray L., March 7, 2023
Reviewed Mar. 2, 2023

Beautiful saguaro forest!

Easy to find, 2 miles of sandy road with pull offs - warning about the terrain - the sand is soft in some spots and larger rigs could get stuck. We lucked out and found a space to back our 42’ camper into with no problem. Be aware, you are surrounded by a beautiful cactus forest and dogs could have some trouble. Other magic includes cows walking by your site and we got 4” of snow overnight (it was 62 degrees when we parked!) - great place to rest your head for the night.

Sitefirst one on the left across from the pen
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Austin , March 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Austin , March 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Austin , March 2, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 1, 2023

Free but I didn’t stay long

For solo travel I didn’t quite feel comfortable here and didn’t stay the night- just a vibe. It was absolutely gorgeous though and I’m glad I stopped. Could hear shooting in the distance. Some vacant rvs and longer term stay RVs perhaps. One car came speeding through really fast.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitFebruary
  • driving thru
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  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by cal K., March 1, 2023
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  • (6) View All
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2023

Awesome spot under the Saguaros

This area is directly across from Cattle Tanks Rd dispersed. I camped at Cattle Tanks the night before and came over here to see if there was any difference. There are a lot fewer campers on this side, and it doesn't seem as popular. It is almost exactly the same, quiet area with beautiful views. The road does, however, have a few more ruts in it, but you could still get through with low clearance.

Seems like the area is a OHV area, but I didn't see or hear any vehicles the whole time I was here. There are plenty of large sites as well as just areas to pull a vehicle through.

There are no services. Pack in, Pack out. Verizon service was good.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2022

Great Dispersed Site

We camped here near “desert hill”, and there was quite a bit of shooting going on. We didn’t mind it and we’re a little bummed we had no idea we could do it there.

The site was a little littered with some trash and shell cases, but we didn’t mind.

Traffic was “medium” we didn’t have any wild experiences with other campers.

The views of the stars out here were probably the best I’ve ever seen! No major facilities, no water, so it’s pack in and pack out. Cell service with Verizon was spotty. I’d recommend a high clearance vehicle, we did it with a 4x2 just fine.

SiteCactus Forest Dispersed Site
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Anthony S., October 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Anthony S., October 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Anthony S., October 26, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2022

private and easy access

Stayed here in March and liked it so much I came back the next month, while I live 1,900 miles away. The cacti lining the entrance drive is super cool. Sites are spread out enough that it has a very private feel. Wasn’t hard to find an open spot both times, and I arrived late at night once. 10/10

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Rachel B., October 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Rachel B., October 11, 2022
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2022

Access directly across from the “main entrance “

This is a great option if the weapons bother you. Slow and gentle as always and you will have no problem. The site I chose didn’t have a fire ring but will be one when I leave. As I was scrounging around for rocks I stumbled on a really neat area where someone built a “fenced in area”, under a tree. See the video. Please realize I am technically challenged and elocution is not a strong suit either.

SiteThere is a split on the road, I went right. I’m not sure that is the right way to go it ended up a dead end with a rather difficult turnaround for a 21 foot van. I strongly suggest anyone pulling a trailer or a larger rig scout before driving.
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Vinny D., March 22, 2022
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  • Review photo of Cactus Forest Dispersed Site by Vinny D., March 22, 2022
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Cactus Forest Dispersed Site?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cactus Forest Dispersed Site, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Cactus Forest Dispersed Site have wifi?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Cactus Forest Dispersed Site does have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Cactus Forest Dispersed Site?

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