Best Dispersed Camping near Buckeye, AZ

The desert landscape surrounding Buckeye, Arizona features predominantly dispersed camping on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Arizona State Trust. Popular areas include Saddle Mountain BLM near Tonopah, approximately 30 miles west of Buckeye, and the Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area to the north. Most sites are primitive with no developed facilities, requiring self-sufficiency for water, waste disposal, and other essentials. These areas accommodate both tent camping and various RV sizes, though road conditions often determine accessibility for larger vehicles.

Access to many camping areas requires navigating rough dirt roads with washboard sections and occasional deep washes. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most sites, with 4WD necessary for more remote locations. Arizona State Trust lands require a $15 annual recreation permit, while BLM areas typically enforce a 14-day stay limit. As one camper noted at Saddle Mountain, "The dirt roads can be very rocky, so be careful of tire damage. Sites here can accommodate big rigs, but the smaller you are, the more options you have." Cell service varies significantly between locations, with some areas offering reliable coverage while others have minimal connectivity despite showing strong signal bars.

Wildlife encounters add character to the camping experience, with many visitors reporting sightings of wild burros, coyotes, and desert birds. According to a camper at the Old Airstrip area, "Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well. Fantastic views and quiet atmosphere." Winter months (November through March) provide the most comfortable camping conditions, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making hot-weather camping challenging. Many areas double as OHV recreation zones, creating potential for dust and noise, particularly on weekends. The desert environment features abundant cacti and requires careful site selection, especially for those camping with pets or children.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Buckeye, Arizona (26)

    1. Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    22 Reviews
    Tonopah, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 665-2100

    "Turned left on the dirt road around mile marker 13--as other reviewers stated, the dirt roads closer to you when coming from the east are very rocky--I had to take it VERY slow just driving my high-clearance"

    "This is one of my favorite areas to boondock in the southwest winter season. The views are phenomenal ! To my surprise I thought it would be crowded here this year, but no."

    2. State land trust/Inspiration Point

    6 Reviews
    Surprise, AZ
    15 miles
    Website

    "Gunshots in the distance, but no incidents/casualties lol. Pulled my 31ft TT back into a spot for a week. Close 10 min drive to stores like WinCo and Safeway and gas stations."

    3. BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    4 Reviews
    Gila Bend, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "Not sure if I put these coordinates in right, this is only my second time contributing but if you head north on 85 going towards buckeye you will turn right on South Woods Road."

    "Lots of room to spread out and be away from neighbors if that’s your thing"

    4. Boulders OHV Area

    7 Reviews
    Wittmann, AZ
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space

    The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable.

    Service: 1 bar Verizon"

    "Huge area to disperse camp with an actual bathroom. If you dont mind occasional off road vehicles driving through during the day, its a good spot with plenty of room."

    5. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    39 miles

    "Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties. There's no facilities so be prepared. Good level land and plenty of room."

    "Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"

    6. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "That's right, this is AZ, State Trust land, AKA: FREE camping and parking land—72,000 acres of open dispersed, rough, rugged, off-the-grid life."

    "Numerous campsites available in an area along State Road 74 and New River/Lake Pleasant Roads, at least 2 or 3000 acres with hundreds of establish campsites."

    7. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    34 miles

    "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 campsite is good, quiet, easily accessible and I met some friendly neighbors. I love all the cacti as well. There is quite a bit of trash and glass around."

    10. North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp

    2 Reviews
    Morristown, AZ
    29 miles

    "Lots of room, flat, and just off a paved road. This is better than the wild camping we found up in Wickenburg."

    "Great camping with tons of off-roading nearby."

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Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Buckeye, AZ

113 Reviews of 26 Buckeye Campgrounds



Guide to Buckeye

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Buckeye, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from RVs to tents.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Buckeye, Arizona

Scenic hiking opportunities for dispersed campers

Activities to enjoy while free camping near Buckeye

  • The Boulders OHV Area is perfect for off-road enthusiasts, offering miles of trails for dirt biking and ATV riding, making it a lively spot during weekends.
  • If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting Agua Caliente Trail Camp for a serene environment where you can enjoy nature and stargazing without the noise of other campers.
  • For those interested in exploring historical sites, the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area provides access to abandoned mines and unique desert landscapes, perfect for a day of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Buckeye, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Buckeye, AZ is Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ) with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Buckeye, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Buckeye, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.