Hikers and OHV riders drawn to the Superstition Mountains have used this BLM dispersed site near Apache Junction as a low-cost base, with Lost Dutchman State Park Campground less than half a mile to the southeast and Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping a short distance to the southwest. The site is free, drive-in accessible, and falls within the Lower Sonoran Field Office jurisdiction. No hookups or facilities are on-site.
Road conditions are a consistent concern here. Reviewers have described the access road as rough with large holes, making it a difficult approach for low-clearance vehicles, particularly at night. One reviewer noted the area had "garbage dumped everywhere," and cleanliness has been flagged as a significant issue. Cell coverage is a practical upside: at least one camper reported five-bar T-Mobile service, and proximity to restaurants and a Walmart adds convenience for resupply.
Campers should be aware that as of early 2024, a local resident reported that BLM had closed this area and nearby sites due to accumulated junk, abandoned vehicles, and other safety concerns. The land is slated to reopen as the Apache Junction and Goldfield Recreation Area after a two-year vegetation restoration period, with planned OHV and horse trails. Those looking for camping areas near Lower Sonoran Field Office may want to confirm current access status before making the drive. This site, in its current state, makes most sense for self-sufficient campers who verify conditions in advance.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest is located in Arizona near Apache Junction
Coordinates
33.4590398 N
111.4863382 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 7/24/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 109 usersLast on 7/24/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 32 usersLast on 7/24/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 7/24/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 109 usersLast on 7/24/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 32 usersLast on 7/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
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 Site Near Tonto National Forest needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 50 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 54 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 56 min from Tucson, AZ
- 2 hrs 37 min from Flagstaff, AZ
