Dispersed camping near Arlington, Arizona offers multiple options for overnight stays in the desert landscape. The region sits in the Sonoran Desert at elevations ranging from 1,000-4,000 feet, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F between June and September. Winter nights can drop below freezing, making October through April the most comfortable camping season.
What to do
Explore desert washes and trails: At Boulders OHV Area, visitors can access extensive off-road trails. "Nearby washes lead to tons of trails near castle hot springs that can lead to various abandoned mine sites (including Anderson Mill)," notes camper Caitlin S.
Rock scrambling and hiking: The moderate to difficult trails provide physical challenges for experienced hikers. "If you like rock scrambling there is plenty of that at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Staying here you will find that hiking is your major focus as typical desert style camping is made special by the excitement of the trails around you," explains Crystal C.
Stargazing: The desert skies offer excellent visibility on clear nights. "Fantastic park for seeing the stars and getting away from Phoenix city lights. Lots of well marked trails and access to water and facilities as well as access to a county library and education center at the entrance," reports Chenery K. about White Tank Mountain.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers despite the desert location. "The campground itself is very clean, including the restrooms and showers. It is quiet and the campsites all have electric and water hookups, picnic table and fire pit," reports Ellen W.
Space between sites: Campers appreciate the privacy at established campgrounds. "Sites are far enough from each other so it doesn't feel crowded. Not much vegetation on the campground itself, so sunshine in abundance," notes Ellen W.
Desert landscape: The natural setting attracts nature enthusiasts. "Super clean trails with amazing views and saguaro cacti for days," shares Michelle W. The terrain features typical Sonoran Desert plant communities including cholla, prickly pear, and saguaro cacti.
What you should know
Summer heat: The extreme temperatures limit comfortable camping to specific seasons. "Obviously not ideal camping in the summer but GREAT for the fall/winter/spring months," warns Caitlin S. about Boulders OHV Area.
Noise levels: Some camping areas experience vehicle traffic and associated sound. "Little dusty and noisy but plenty of room to camp and the trails are great!" notes Chris J. Similarly, at White Tank Mountain, "Note there is a nearby air force base and you will hear jets flying by, although this was during daylight hours," adds Lee D.
Cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. At Boulders OHV Area, Ralph S. reports, "Service: 1 bar Verizon." This limitation affects navigation and emergency communication capabilities.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: White Tank Mountain offers ranger-led activities. "I've also joined two ranger-led hikes here (Black Rock Loop for sunrise hikes) as well as a county-sponsored astronomy night with access to multiple large telescopes and an astronomy presentation," shares Chenery K.
Accessible trails: Several areas have beginner-friendly paths. "The most popular one is the waterfall trail, but you need to drive to the trailhead for this. It is paved for the first half mile (shortly after the petroglyphs) and then it is a rocky, gravel path," explains Lee D.
Playgrounds available: Some parks include facilities specifically for children. "The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities and the regional library. There are a couple of playgrounds in the park as well," notes Ellen W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For optimal glamping close to Arlington, Arizona, choose specific areas within campgrounds. "When I visited I stayed in campsite 29, on the top of the far side of the loop on the one way drive in. I was a few hundred yards from the restroom facility on a back in space which outlooked toward the desert entirely," advises Crystal C.
Road conditions: Access varies between locations. At Boulders OHV Staging Area, "The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable," notes Ralph S., while another visitor confirms "any vehicle can make it to the staging area, road is easy to travel."
Water quality concerns: Some campers recommend bringing your own drinking water. "Though there are fresh water stations around, the water seemed to have an odd taste to me, I would recommend bringing water especially if you are sensitive to tastes," advises Crystal C.
