Dispersed camping sites around Carefree, Arizona offer varied desert terrain at elevations ranging from 1,500-3,000 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F, while summer can exceed 105°F. The Sonoran Desert landscape features saguaro cacti, mesquite trees, and wildlife including coyotes, wild burros, and roadrunners.
What to do
Riverside recreation: At Box Bar Road Dispersed, you can enjoy water activities with "gorgeous" camping spots "right by the river" where "my dog loves the water." The Verde River access provides swimming and fishing opportunities year-round.
Wildlife watching: The Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area offers encounters with desert wildlife. According to campers, "Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well." Morning and evening are prime times for spotting wildlife.
Stargazing: Desert skies deliver exceptional star viewing due to minimal light pollution. A visitor at Sheeps Bridge noted, "The stars were beautiful at night," while another camper mentioned the stars were "insane" with clear visibility of the Milky Way on moonless nights.
What campers like
Desert solitude: Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land provides ample space for privacy. One camper noted, "The further off carefree you get, the more solitude you'll find," while another mentioned, "If you drive to the back, off new river road, you can find less people and traffic."
Convenient location: Many appreciate the proximity to urban amenities while enjoying free camping near Carefree. A reviewer commented that the area is "close to shopping and anything we needed it was great" and another mentioned, "you're only minutes to Peoria from here for supplies and North Phoenix and Anthem are very close too."
Hot air balloon views: Morning campers are often treated to colorful hot air balloons floating across the desert landscape. One camper "Awoke to hot air balloons on the horizon!" while another mentioned "Awoke to WONDERFUL hot air balloons, cactus and mountains… after sunrise! What a sight!"
What you should know
Permit requirements: Several areas require permits with varying costs. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping recently changed from "$6 for 6 monthes to $80 for the year" according to a 2025 review. Some areas have new restrictions, with one camper noting they "have to camp 2 miles from the road."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies by location. At Box Bar Road, a camper reported "little to no service for AT&T," while at Old Airstrip camping, a visitor found "Really good cell phone service (Verizon - I got 3-4 bars of 4G, which got me 75+ mb/s download speed)."
Closure risks: Some previously available areas are being closed to camping. A recent review of Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 stated "Unfortunately, the state has closed this area down. Brand new 'No Motor Vehicle' signs installed," with another camper confirming "Brand new 'No Motor vehicle' signs have been erected this week."
Weather preparation: Desert temperature swings are extreme. One winter visitor noted, "it's gorgeous and warm during the day, even in January," while another cautioned "it has been a little cold this time of year so remember to bundle up at night!"
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: The desert environment requires extra vigilance with children. A visitor to Bulldog Canyon warns the area is "in the middle of cactus, dirt, and things that stab you" and "full of things that will sting/bite you. Personally, I wouldn't bring my toddler out here for the plant life."
Access evaluation: Not all sites are equally accessible for family vehicles. For Sheeps Bridge BLM Area, a reviewer advises you should "have an suv or truck and 4wd before even bothering with this area" as it's "remote as can be and there isn't a single thing out here including cell service."
Activity planning: While some areas offer limited activities, others provide various options. At Bartlett Reservoir, families can enjoy "easy access to the shoreline for fishing" with "Great fishing lake!" noted by visitors. Some areas offer hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities suitable for children.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed sites vary significantly. At Dispersed Camping off hwy 74, RVers report "Lower clearance rigs and vehicles need to stay closer to the main road" while those with "a 4x4 class C towing a Jeep" can navigate "through some steep banked washes."
Leveling considerations: Sites often require preparation for comfortable RV parking. At Old Airstrip camping, a visitor with a "21' pull-behind" noted "Gravel road leading to the area is well kept and our truck had no issues getting to the area" with "plenty of space" and level terrain.
Generator usage: Not all areas allow generators or have quiet hours. One camper mentioned, "multiple rvs had generators running so the night was loud," suggesting those seeking quiet should position themselves away from RV clusters or choose times when fewer campers are present.
