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Dispersed Camping

Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

10 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Dispersed Camping off Hwy 74, near Phoenix, Arizona, is a laid-back spot for those who enjoy the freedom of camping in undeveloped areas. This location allows for a true escape into nature, where you can set up camp wherever you please along the road.

Visitors have shared that the area is peaceful, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the desert scenery. One camper mentioned, “The further you get away from the main road, the less people,” making it a great choice for those seeking solitude. While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to have fires and the ability to bring pets makes it a popular choice for many.

The stunning views of hot air balloons against the backdrop of cacti and mountains at sunrise are a highlight for many campers. One reviewer described waking up to “WONDERFUL hot air balloons” and noted how lovely and quiet the area is, especially when you venture further from the road.

If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, this location is a solid pick. Just remember to pack everything you need, as there are no facilities nearby, and be prepared for cooler nights. Whether you're stopping for a night or planning a longer stay, this area offers a unique desert camping experience.

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Location

Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

33.81165304690023 N
112.2385950946363 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
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Saguaro Skies - Luke AFB Famcamp

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Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

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

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • 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 Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 needs a permit.

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Reviews

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10 Reviews

CThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 6, 2025

**CLOSED as of April 24, 2025**

Unfortunately, the state has closed this area down. Brand new “No Motor Vehicle” signs installed. This was a major travel destination for RV’rs and campers passing through, or staying for a while in close proximity to Phoenix. Major disappointment. I gave it 5 stars because that’s what it was when open.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by Christopher H., May 6, 2025
Eric S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 4, 2025

Close to town

It’s not bad most days. The wind gets pretty strong out here and there are a lot of side by sides that run very late into the night in the weekends, usually. The temps are a little cooler because of the proximity to Lake Pleasant. But, you’re only minutes to Peoria from here for supplies and North Phoenix and Anthem are very close too.

Siteopen sites. FCFS
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by Eric S., April 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by Eric S., April 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by Eric S., April 4, 2025
  • (6) View All
GThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2024

Wide open state land

Yes, I paid the$15 fee and I've been here a couple weeks. People are pretty great. I had Christmas Eve dinner with a bunch of other campers. A lot of fun

Sitenear the road
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by Gregg T., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by Gregg T., December 27, 2024
  • (8) View All
R
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2024

Requires permit

Area is marked and needs permit as well. As a foreigner I can't buy the permit online since only US address can be entered and will be reverted for the credit card payment so no way to stay there legally.

Maybe going in person or call them can get me a permit but yeah not this way.

Anyway the spot is nice and levelled if it would be usable 🙂

Month of VisitAugust
James P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Feb. 29, 2024

Nice Desert Site

Only stayed for the night but could have stayed longer if we didn’t have someplace to be. Lower clearance rigs and vehicles need to stay closer to the main road. We have a 4x4 class C towing a Jeep so we went through some steep banked washes. The further you get away from the main road the less people. Will stay here again.

SiteDesert
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by James P., February 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by James P., February 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by James P., February 29, 2024
  • (12) View All
Gretta G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2024

Quiet and peaceful

My experience here was good meet a couple if nice people and mainly everyone keeps to themselves. Conviently close to the new gas station here so made it nice it has been a little cold this time of year so remember to bundle up at night!

SiteBehind the new shell on lake pleasant parkway and the 74
Month of VisitJanuary
TThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2023

Great stopover! And great week stay!

We drove in late at night and could not see too well, but parked and slept soundly. Awoke to WONDERFUL hot air balloons, cactus and mountains… after sunrise! What a sight!

We returned for a longer stay! Lovely and quiet! (We drove further from the road, and parked in daylight this time!)

Sitenot sure
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by Tamra J., March 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by Tamra J., March 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 by Tamra J., March 29, 2023
  • (4) View All
SThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2023

So many rvs and campers…

Pulled onto the road and for several miles you can pretty much pull off anywhere and camp where you please. Hundreds? Of other campers all along the several mile stretch

Month of VisitMarch
Showing results 1-10 of 10 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping available along Highway 74 near Phoenix?

Yes, dispersed camping is available along Highway 74 near Phoenix. This stretch offers miles of camping opportunities where you can pull off the road and set up camp. The area features desert landscapes with cacti and mountain views. Campsites vary in privacy, with those farther from the main road offering more seclusion. Note that some sections now require a $15 permit, and recent reports indicate some areas have new vehicle restrictions. Lower clearance vehicles should stay closer to the highway, while 4x4 vehicles can navigate the steeper washes to reach more remote spots.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Phoenix?

Dispersed camping off Highway 74 provides a popular free camping option near Phoenix. The area stretches for several miles where you can pull off and camp in numerous spots. While technically free, be aware that some portions now require a $15 permit fee. The location offers beautiful desert scenery with cacti and mountain views, and it's conveniently located close to Peoria for supplies. You'll find numerous spots with varying levels of privacy, though some areas have recently had vehicle restrictions implemented. Other free dispersed camping options near Phoenix include areas around Lake Pleasant and parts of Tonto National Forest.

What camping options are available at Redington Pass near Phoenix?

Redington Pass, located east of Tucson rather than near Phoenix, offers primitive dispersed camping opportunities in the Coronado National Forest. Unlike Highway 74, Redington Pass features higher elevation terrain with different vegetation. For camping options actually near Phoenix, Highway 74 dispersed camping provides desert landscapes with cacti and mountain views. The area attracts a variety of campers, from overnight stays to longer-term visitors. Cell service is generally good with full Verizon coverage reported. Consider checking permit requirements before visiting any dispersed camping area near Phoenix.

Where can I find tent camping sites along rivers near Phoenix?

For river camping near Phoenix, check out sites along the Verde River in Tonto National Forest or the Lower Salt River Recreation Area. While Highway 74 dispersed camping doesn't offer riverside sites (it's near Lake Pleasant), it provides desert camping with mountain views and cacti. For water-adjacent camping, consider developed campgrounds at Lake Pleasant Regional Park or Bartlett Lake, which offer tent sites near water. The Lower Salt River area provides opportunities for camping with river access, though most sites require permits through recreation.gov.

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