Dispersed camping near Buckeye, Arizona provides access to thousands of acres of undeveloped Sonoran Desert terrain with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 feet. The area receives approximately 8 inches of annual rainfall, creating a desert ecosystem dominated by saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and creosote bush. Night temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs even during warm months, requiring campers to pack accordingly for temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Rock hunting at Saddle Mountain BLM: Search the desert floor for agates and other interesting stones throughout the dispersed camping area. One camper reported "We road our E bikes all over and did some agate hunting with wonderful success!" at Saddle Mountain BLM.
Mountain hiking options: Tackle the challenging trail up Saddle Mountain for panoramic desert views. According to a visitor, "Saddle Mountain is fun to hike but strenuous. The area is quiet and easy to get to. RV and pet friendly."
Stargazing after sunset: Enjoy exceptional night sky viewing away from city lights at Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area. One camper noted, "Stars were insane. I bet during the week it's very calm and even better."
Wildlife observation: Watch for desert wildlife throughout the camping areas near Buckeye. A visitor stated, "The burros are no joke! You can hear and see them all around you. We also heard a few coyotes right after dusk which was cool."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Find plenty of room to spread out at Maddock Road Dispersed areas. One regular camper explained, "This is AZ, State Trust land, AKA: FREE camping and parking land—72,000 acres of open dispersed, rough, rugged, off-the-grid life."
Scenic desert sunrises and sunsets: Experience colorful skies above the desert landscape. A camper at Saddle Mountain shared, "Beautiful Sunsets & Sunrises. Stargazing is spectacular. You won't regret it!"
Cell service for remote work: Many sites offer surprisingly strong connectivity. A visitor to Dispersed Camping off Hwy 74 reported, "Full Verizon cell service and nice warm weather in December." Another camper mentioned, "Great AT&T service, was able to work off hotspot from Tues-Friday with no incidence."
Proximity to amenities: Despite feeling remote, many rustic camping areas near Buckeye provide relatively quick access to services. One camper noted, "You're only minutes to Peoria from here for supplies and North Phoenix and Anthem are very close too."
What you should know
Permit requirements vary by land type: Arizona State Trust lands require an annual recreation permit. A camper at Boulders OHV Area explained, "Yes, there are signs here that you need to have an Arizona Trust Land Permit, but you get it online for $16."
Insect considerations: Be prepared for flying insects at certain times. At Saddle Mountain, one camper warned, "Flies are horrendous out here, no matter what you try to do to keep them away or out it's almost impossible to do!"
Road conditions require planning: Many access roads present challenges for certain vehicles. A camper at Old Airstrip noted, "Nice enough place for dispersed camping, but requires a very bumpy drive to get there."
Weekend crowds and noise: Weekends bring more recreational users to some areas. A visitor to Dispersed Camping off Hwy 74 shared, "There are a lot of side by sides that run very late into the night in the weekends, usually."
Tips for camping with families
Cactus safety precautions: Take extra care with children and pets in areas with abundant cacti. At North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, a visitor emphasized the importance of site selection, noting "Spacious and wild this is true nature" but requiring vigilance around desert vegetation.
Seasonal timing considerations: Plan family camping trips during milder months. A long-term camper at Maddock Road explained, "It is a paradise in Winter, believe that. In summer, it is hotter than the dickens."
Entertainment opportunities: Look for areas with natural features that interest children. At Old Airstrip, families can watch for "Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well."
Site selection for comfort: Choose camping spots based on family needs and vehicle capabilities. At Saddle Mountain, visitors advised, "Pros: The views are absolutely beautiful, sites are spaced out, quiet and clean, most roads almost any car can make it there are a few that requires a truck."
Tips from RVers
Location scouting recommended: Walk or bike potential sites before committing your RV to rough terrain at North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp. A visitor noted, "Excellent... Lots of room, flat, and just off a paved road. This is better than the wild camping we found up in Wickenburg."
Dump station availability: Plan for waste management needs in nearby towns. The same camper shared, "If you need to dump and/or get fresh water Wickenburg is just miles up the road and the Fast Mart Chevron station has two stations for this, plus propane."
RV size considerations: Match your vehicle size to appropriate areas. A camper at Old Airstrip advised, "I don't have 4x4 so I didn't go too far into the staging area. Since it was a nice weekend there were a gazillion trucks with their OHVs."
Site access assessment: Evaluate road conditions before proceeding with larger rigs. At Saddle Mountain, a visitor recommended, "Sites here can accommodate the big rigs, but the smaller you are the more options you have."
