Best Dispersed Camping near Aguila, AZ

This is a relatively small BLM dispersed camping area. There’s maybe 20 sites depending on the the type of vehicle you drive. There are definitely some high clearance vehicle only areas but we were able to find a nice spot in our Winnebago next to the base of the hills. There are no services here, it is strictly dry camping. There is s cemetery right next to the area, a little weird but they didn’t make much noise. There are plenty of hills to hike around on and there are some old mines in the area but be cautious, there are arsenic warning signs in some and it appears some mining is still going on. Great sunsets and star filled nights.

This is a FREE BLM camping area. 

There are multiple places to pull off along Vulture Mine Rd that have dirt roads that you can take further back. We made a couple of attempts in our 26 ft Class C and almost got stuck and had to back out so be aware that some of the roads look good then suddenly become impassable with no turn around. We ended up near the Vulture Peak trailhead with an easy pull off and a view of the peak (33.880550,-112.820176).

There is no water or garbage so pack in and pack out and pack out more than you brought in if you feel inclined. There is a pit toilet bathroom at the trailhead entrance. This is also an ATV area so watch out while hiking because most thought they had the right of way. 

There is good hiking to the peak and across the street there is another access to hike in. There is some road noise but it is not too bad., overall a quiet place. This is a trailhead so there is a lot of day use traffic of vehicles, ATVs and hikers but the nights were quiet and pleasant. Chollas are everywhere and we constantly had to pick them out of our dogs so be aware. We did not see any wildlife except some birds but heard coyotes every night. 

Note: There is a nice spot about 3 spots in that has an old table and a couple of broken chairs sitting in it. No one came into that spot while we were there for 7 days so though it looks like someone is saving a spot, but I think unfortunately someone just left a bunch of junk there. 

Decent Verizon and AT&T coverage.

This was a cool spot to camp!

It was like you were camping in a museum. Walking around at night exploring the abandoned structures was surreal. You could almost hear the voices of the past and imagine what life was like in this town at the turn of the century. 
We went in February so we got to experience some more mild weather, I couldn’t comprehend camping here in the summer as it was still mildly warm during the days in winter. Thankfully they have covered picnic areas with tables and benches, they’re about the only shade you are going to find.

Please don’t take and artifacts you may find, its so cool to see these rusted pieces of history scattering the ground. 

Highly recommend a 4 wheel vehicle. I only have front wheel drive and definitely had a couple of nerve wracking moments during the drive in. We went a few days after a rain storm and there are several washes crossing the dirt road to the site. If you are coming from the west coast be sure to stock up on supplies in the town of Parker. BRING PLENTY OF WATER AND MAKE SURE YOU DRIVE OUT WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS. Don’t risk it. 

Really cool place to check out. Lots of dune buggies during the day. 

  Decent spot worth checking out.

-Chuck 

P.S. Don’t forget, always leave the area better than you found it!
          LEAVE NO TRACE. 

Access road is fresh gravel so better than 2024. Large open flat area in middle close to a livestock water and corral, so cow noise and smell. Free dispersed but need the $15 AZ lands permit. Cell signal is very good. No toilets, no trash, no tables...just rock fire rings. Close to the hwy so some hwy noise. Some Campers look to be folks that work in town. The other dispersed camping area a bit to the north closer to town by the cell tower may be another good spot. Only 4.5 miles to the Safeway in town.

Only 2 stars as the area is no scenic and had beat down vegetation, cow crap smell and general vibe is ick.

From Hwy 93, there is a large pullout for Nothing, AZ. To the right of the pullout there is a cattle guard and a dirt road that forks. Don’t bother with the road to the right, it is a shooting garbage dump. Take the dirt road down to the left- just watch for the occasional dip which might be an issue for large rigs. The road was recently graded so it was nice. 

There are plenty of open flat spaces to park any size rig or even tent camp since the ground is sandy. This place is beautiful! The road further down gets quite sandy and may be difficult unless you have 4x4 but we made it a nice distance in with 26ft class C just fine and found a spot that could potentially fit at least 4 other rigs. 

Large bouldering rock groupings among large old junipers and other desert flora. It was quiet with minimal road noise from the highway. If you’re into rockhounding there is a lot to be found here. 

This area is mostly trash free down the dirt road but at the highway turnoff trash is everywhere. We picked up around out spot but there wasn’t a whole lot. No amenities, bring your own water and pack in and out and maybe pack a little extra out to help keep this place beautiful and open for camping. 

Mountain lions, coyotes, deer and free range cattle in the area. Only heard coyotes in very early morning, though there was a decaying animal carcass near our spot as well as deer legs. 

Poor, barely usable Verizon reception and AT&T was ok. 

There are 4 trash cans at the pullout at Nothing but all the trash has blown all over the lot and the surrounding grounds. Not sure if the trash is picked up or if this area is maintained at all.  Nothing is a tiny little ghost town with an interesting history.