Best Dispersed Camping near Carefree, AZ

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Carefree. Carefree is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Carefree. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Carefree, Arizona (59)

    1. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    18 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."

    2. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    18 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."

    3. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    24 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!"

    4. Box Bar Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    "Lots of shaded areas. You can camp next to your car , wich there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that."

    "We don’t have an offroad car, so it is always nice when the gravel road is well managed. No heart aches getting in and finding an open area to camp."

    5. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $10 - $80 / night

    "I use the north entrance off Bush highway. I've camped here 5 or 6 times. No water or bathrooms. Leave no trace. You need a permit and gate code. Most ATVers but not loud during the week."

    "Pretty passable dirt road (our G20 camper van had no problems). Sunsets were so so pretty and for us Washingtonians, camping in the desert amongst the saguaros was 👌🏼."

    6. Bronco Trailhead

    1 Review
    Carefree, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    7. Bartlett Reservoir

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    "Such a big lake, every time I go it's a whole different experience . Best thing about this lake is back up to water & pitch ur tent.. no set camp area, just make yourselves comfy where u choose ."

    9. Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona

    6 Reviews
    Carefree, AZ
    22 miles
    Website

    "As I usually do in places like this I will advise you should have an suv or truck and 4wd before even bothering with this area."

    "The hot springs are a little hidden behind some bushes north of the bridge. I would recommend staying multiple nights here."

    10. Catfish Point Picnic and Dispersed Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Carefree, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    "There are many developed campsites and pit toilets that aren’t bad for pit toilets. Some sites are on the river."

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Showing results 1-10 of 59 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Carefree, AZ

243 Reviews of 59 Carefree Campgrounds



Guide to Carefree

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Carefree, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Carefree

  • Explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife at Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, where you might encounter wild burros and coyotes during your stay.
  • Enjoy hiking to hidden gems like Mudd Springs, a small natural spring accessible from Dispersed Camping off Hwy 74, perfect for a refreshing break after a day of exploring.
  • Experience the tranquility of the Verde River while camping at Verde River Dispersed Camping, where you can also enjoy fishing and hiking along scenic trails.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Carefree, Arizona

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land, where space can fill up quickly with fellow campers.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; some areas, such as Mesquite Wash Dispersed, may require a vehicle with higher clearance due to washouts and uneven terrain.
  • Always pack out what you pack in to keep these beautiful areas pristine, as seen in reviews for Cow Creek Road Dispersed, where visitors emphasize the importance of leaving no trace.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Take in breathtaking views and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona, where you can camp right by the river and enjoy the natural beauty.
  • Visit the picturesque Bartlett Reservoir, where you can set up camp at Bartlett Reservoir and enjoy activities like fishing and boating.
  • Experience the unique desert landscape at Box Bar Road Dispersed, which offers shaded areas and proximity to the river for a refreshing dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Carefree, AZ is Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 59 dispersed camping locations near Carefree, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.