Best Dispersed Camping near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, AZ (13)

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Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

17 Reviews of 13 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Mesa Trailhead
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Timber Mesa Trailhead

    Haunted with a kill site

    Great fire pit and some flat spots for a tent. The highway got quieter in the middle of the night for a little while. We stayed right next to some ruins and all three of us had wild dreams about ghosts, ghost horses, and animals. The next morning we found we were only a few steps away from a mountain lion kill site! WOW! So many kinds of animals. Elk. Coyote. Cow. Sheep. You name it! It was an exciting way to spend the evening. Enjoy!

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Concho lake

    Ehh

    Got here at night and found it quite easily. Not the most scenic as the lake is dried up and the highway is visible (and audible). Trash cans were overflowing with trash, and a few of the sites were trashed as well. I also think I saw human poop by the bushes. At around midnight some guy came by our tent asking if we knew where the portopotties went, and said the site we were at is where he usually stays…

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pratt Lake Dispersed
    May. 24, 2024

    Pratt Lake Dispersed

    More of a pond than a lake

    Nice quiet area. Small lake. Didn’t fish, so unsure. No amenities at all, which is fine. Road is a little rough going in, in places.

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Mar. 30, 2024

    Concho lake

    Concho Pronto

    Great, great free camping. ~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings. Great Verizon Service. WINDY. Pretty, too.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    May. 28, 2023

    Concho lake

    Peaceful and quiet

    Stayed here for a couple nights towards the end of May. There were a few other people camping while I was here but it was very quiet. I would estimate there are about 10 sites. Most appeared to have garbage cans. There were two port o potty’s that were not too bad. There were lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake. I was able to find fire wood around for a fire but it was a little challenging finding larger pieces of wood, I would probably bring some wood of my own if I ever returned. Overall it was a great place to stay for free especially since there aren’t lots of campsites in this area. Directions were accurate.

  • Ray L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Mar. 9, 2023

    Concho lake

    Mixed emotions.

    Reviews say this place is clean but it is Disgusting. The porta potties aren’t even worth trying to use and there was garbage EVERYWHERE. I would still almost give it 4 stars because when I was there it was nearly empty, but the one other person who was there blasted loud music all day and night and was clearly on drugs. Not great, not bad. Would I stay here again? Yeah I guess so. Definitely a mixed bag.

  • Heather E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Jan. 4, 2022

    Concho lake

    Beautiful clean spot

    Stopped here prior to visiting the petrified forest. What a clean, quiet, gem. The lake was frozen over which made for tons of fun for us throwing rocks and listening to the ripple. I’d say there is at least 10 spots. Port-o-potty there and trash so please continue to keep this clean free site just that way!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Concho lake

    Pretty but closed due to fires

    Close to high way pass mile marker 369 - Due to fire danger in the area currently it’s closed.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Concho lake

    Good one night stay

    Stayed one day on my way to Reno. Nice spot along the highway. You can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it. There’s prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus. Clean porti potties and decent AT&T signal. I only checked out one loop but place has as least 10 spots. Some have cement pads and fire rings. No picnic tables that I saw.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Concho lake

    Decent, safe overnight

    Dirt lot with turnouts with shrubs and pines offering decent privacy and quiet. There are cement pads for vans or smaller RVs in some spots, and fire pits. The lake is now more marsh with abundant bird life. A gas station / convenience store is across the street. Good Verizon!

  • Michael R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Jun. 26, 2020

    Concho lake

    Right on the lake

    Nice spread out campsites right on concho lake. Trash, port-a-potties on site.

  • Adam R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 10, 2018

    Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping

    Luna New Mexico Rodeo Camping

    Every year my wife and I attend the Luna New Mexico Rodeo. This is one of our favorite places to visit, it always rains when we are there but this could not dampen our fun! the camping is dispersed and first come first serve. We suggest you pick a high spot! Although we camp during the rodeo weekend, there is no reason you cant camp other times of the year. Surrounded by towering pine and waking up to the fresh smell of wet camp fires mixed with the pine is an unforgettable memory.

    Trees are too far apart for Hammocks

    There are plenty of hiking and UTV trails nearby

    Facilities:

    No fire rings or BBQ pits.

    Restrooms are available and running water near the Rodeo arena.


Drive Time


Guide to Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in serene settings. This area offers a range of options for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The trails around Timber Mesa Trailhead provide stunning views and a chance to explore the local wildlife, making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
  • For those seeking a quieter experience, National Forest Road 117C offers well-maintained paths with minimal traffic, perfect for a peaceful hike with your dog.
  • The area near Beehive Spring Camp features clearly marked trails that lead to breathtaking vistas, ideal for both casual walkers and serious hikers.

Wildlife Encounters While Free Camping

  • Campers at Timber Mesa Trailhead have reported exciting wildlife sightings, including elk and coyotes, adding an adventurous element to their stay.
  • The remote setting of Black River Dispersed allows for close encounters with nature, including opportunities for fishing and exploring the riverbanks.
  • Visitors to Concho Lake can enjoy the sight of free-range cattle grazing nearby, enhancing the rustic camping experience.

Campfire Nights and Stargazing

  • Enjoy cozy evenings around the fire at Fish Creek Camp, where campfires are allowed, creating the perfect atmosphere for storytelling and relaxation.
  • The high elevation of Beehive Spring Camp offers clear skies ideal for stargazing, making it a fantastic spot for astronomy enthusiasts.
  • Campers at National Forest Road 117C can relish the solitude of the mountain top while enjoying the night sky, far from city lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is Concho lake with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.