Best Dispersed Camping near Buckeye, AZ

Dispersed camping options near Buckeye, Arizona include several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas and Arizona State Trust lands. Saddle Mountain BLM near Tonopah offers free camping with a 14-day stay limit and accommodates various vehicle sizes. The Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area features level terrain amid desert vegetation with wildlife viewing opportunities. Several campers report seeing wild burros and hearing coyotes at night. State Trust lands require a $15 annual permit and also maintain a 14-day stay limit.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Many access roads consist of rough washboard gravel that becomes increasingly difficult farther from highways. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most areas, with 4WD necessary for sites with sandy washes or steep terrain. According to reviews, "Some roads look good then suddenly become impassable with no turn around." Visitors should scout routes before committing to them with larger rigs. Cell service ranges from excellent to spotty depending on location.

These primitive sites provide no amenities. Campers must bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal containers. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply throughout the region. Fire regulations vary seasonally; always check current restrictions before planning to have a campfire. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter the preferred camping season. The desert environment contains numerous cacti species and potential wildlife hazards. Maintain appropriate distance from wild burros, which can be dangerous if disturbed. Visitors should prepare for significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.

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.