Top Free Dispersed Camping near Eloy, AZ

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Eloy? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Arizona camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Eloy, AZ (24)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest Dispersed Site
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from AZ State Land North Pump Station Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from AZ State Land North Pump Station Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from AZ State Land North Pump Station Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from AZ State Land North Pump Station Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from AZ State Land North Pump Station Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from AZ State Land North Pump Station Road Dispersed

      4. AZ State Land North Pump Station Road Dispersed

      3 Reviews
      10 Photos
      11 Saves

      A Recreational Permit allows the authorized permittee limited privileges to use State Trust land for some recreation. Recreation under this permit is limited to: geocaching, hiking, horseback riding, picnics, bicycling, photography, sightseeing and bird watching. Overnight camping is restricted to no more than 14 cumulative days per year. Remote-controlled aircraft (drones) may be operated on State Trust land with a Recreational Permit and in conjunction with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)

      $20 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Ragged Top Rd Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Ragged Top Rd Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping

      6. BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping

      7 Reviews
      29 Photos
      61 Saves

      This Ironwood Forest National Monument (map: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2020-12/AZ_IronwoodForestNM-508.pdf) is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 4,261 feet. Three areas within the monument, the Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archeological District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The monument is a travel corridor for illegal immigrants traveling from Mexico. All suspected illegal activities should be reported to BLM or local law enforcement authorities. Stay safe by avoiding contact with persons exhibiting suspicious behavior or engaged in dangerous activities. Drive with caution and look for fast-moving vehicles and pedestrians on back roads. Some roads are rugged: high clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in those areas.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Pipeline Road BLM Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Pipeline Road BLM Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Pipeline Road BLM Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Pipeline Road BLM Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Pipeline Road BLM Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Pipeline Road BLM Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed

      10. Hackamore Road Dispersed

      10 Reviews
      8 Photos
      77 Saves

      Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
    Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Eloy

    141 Reviews of 24 Eloy Campgrounds


    • e
      Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

      Dispersed camping not allowed currently

      September 21, 2024: We’ve dispersed camped here many times in last three years, took a trip out there today and every dispersed access point is plowed up with very deep trenches not allowing vehicles or rigs to access. Sad affair with squatters taking advantage and leaving trash, there was not a soul in sight. Maybe they’ll reopen it later when it cools down.

    • j
      Camper-submitted photo from Ironwood Dispersed
      Jul. 12, 2024

      Ironwood Dispersed

      Animals in the forest

      I want to know if there are any dangerous animals in such mountains and forests. My group of friends and I are planning to come here to explore among us.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Picket Post
      May. 22, 2024

      Picket Post

      Quick Night

      Good place to pull off in a pinch for free. You do hear road noise. Close to Arizona Trail, where it crosses 60 so you can hike both directions if you decide to, or take the trail up to the top of the mountain. Very beautiful area

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest - Park Link Road - S. Cattle Tanks Road BLM dispersed
      May. 3, 2024

      Cactus Forest - Park Link Road - S. Cattle Tanks Road BLM dispersed

      Remote, Private, and free but accessible.

      Remote, private, and free but accessible. Not a standard RV parking lot campground but rather several campsites with ample space between them for privacy, along an unpaved sandy road, just off a quiet paved back road. About 20-30min from gas stations, water, food, etc. It has no facilities or even pit toilets. Exactly what I wanted. This campground is aptly named as it is quite literally in the middle of a Saguaro cactus forest 🌵 along with many other different cactus species and wildlife. This location is tranquil and wild. I couldn't think of a better way to immerse yourself in the middle of this national park than this campground. It's a tight drive in if you go past the 2-3 RV sites at the beginning of the east side. I have a 2015 Toyota Tacoma with a roof top tent pulling a 12x6 enclosed trailer with standard wheels. My trailer made it through without scratches and at no point did I even think about four-wheel drive. A larger camper I couldn't speak for. It is quite sandy and has some mogul sections where the water flows have washed some of the trail away but overall an easy drive.

      Disclosures and warnings:

      There are three sides to this campground. The east side, west side, and North end. The West side is the most trailer friendly and most visited as it is where the GPS leads you. However, it gets worse the deeper you go in after roughly 10-15 sites. The east side you could probably manage a trailer for the first 2-3 sites. After that there would be no where to turn around and it gets rough off-road quick, like deep dried up sandy river bed crossings (month of May) and is more exposed to the sun with slightly less cacti than the west side. The North end is the most private and remote of the other two and the quietest. However, it is nothing short of a four-wheel drive off-road trail. I would not recommend anything other than off road vehicles in the north end and the sites are small, just for tents or 1 vehicle.

      There are almost no rocks to worry about on the way in but the cacti here are more than capable of creating flat tires so take care to avoid pieces that have fallen onto the road. Especially the Jumping Cholla cacti! They are the worst things you will come across in this campground and are everywhere, easily the most dominant species of cactus in this area. They have evolved to break apart into spiny segments when they make contact with someone or something to propagate. Sometimes if the wind blows strong enough they cover the ground around their base with a mound of their spined segments. These segments often roll or blow into the roadways. The spines are hard as stone and sometimes over 2 in long. They have evolved special reversed barbs that you can't see with your eyes on every main spine. They go into anything except metal, including Kevlar reinforced tire sidewalls like a knife through hot butter and then hook in and don't come out unless you rip them out. I rode my adventure bike through the campground to explore, lost my footing in the sand and fell against one of these. I had 3-4 segments stuck to my arm. I spent 10 to 15 minutes ripping these segments out of my arm, pulling my skin away from my body about an inch before they will rip out. Don't make the same mistake as me.

      GUNS! In my opinion the biggest downside to this campground is the almost constant gunfire all day long as there is a public shooting area on the south west side of the campground. If you are in the west side and you are looking southwest, there is a tiny little mountain ridgeline about a half mile away. All around the base of that ridgeline people are allowed to pull up and shoot at targets on the hill side. The locals show up as the sun just comes over the trees around 5:00 a.m. and they don't stop until the sun sets almost everyday of the week. They do however, quit at night so you can sleep.

      If you camp here you are IN THE desert. During the day is fine. You will likely only run into swarms of flies. At night however, is a different story. ESPECIALLY If you decide to have a fire on a cold night or set up a lantern near the ground while making dinner. I stayed here for 9 days straight and I came across 6 rattlesnakes (mostly sidewinders), more camel spiders than I can count (at least 5+ per night), 3 brown recluse spiders, packs of coyotes rolling through at night and early morning (watch your pets), and 2 killer bee swarms in the trees. All within the campground boundaries, so just be ready for rugged camping.

    • Ericka C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp
      Apr. 2, 2024

      Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp

      Small site not far from amenities

      Great easy little spot that is highly used so make sure you plan ahead. Not all sites have fire circle and if you don’t have a toilet there are only a few bushes tall enough. Works for a quick one nighter.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed
      Mar. 10, 2024

      Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed

      Enjoyed tent camping

      I’ve never been out here. Got a state land trust family pass for the area just in case we needed it. The cottonwood canyon rd is dirt/gravel and it is very flat and not washboarded. Cars can drive in. Just be aware that many of the pull offs from the road have dips or hills but there are also plenty of flat pull offs that lower ground clearance vehicles can pass. For tent camping finding a spot without a lot of sharp rocks and prickles from the various cacti can be a little challenging but it’s totally doable. Use caution when walking about between the cacti. Lots of prickles you can’t see well on the ground. Be extra careful if you have dogs. Probably want to have tweezers or pliers with you to remove the spines. We came out when it was covered in grass but I can imagine it might get pretty dusty if there isn’t any grass. There’s basically no shade to speak of but plenty of bushes/cacti etc for privacy. Very easy to find spots away from other campers on the weekend. There’s lots of gunfire and explosions in the distance during the day and at night. Many ATVs/OHVs driving up and down the main road at night. It got pretty much silent at about 11pm. There are probably a lot of places a decent way from the main road that may be quieter but there are no signs anywhere so you just kind of have to pull off and drive around. Camp was raided by quail early in the morning and we had some cows visit but they didn’t come too close. All in all pretty cool area will definitely come back

    • Henry E.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ragged Top Rd Dispersed
      Feb. 11, 2024

      Ragged Top Rd Dispersed

      Peacefully Quiet, Awesome Views

      Great raised up spot that allows for a full vista of the surrounding mountains and thousands of saguaros. Not a single person drove past the site during the weekend. Overlooks the Pinal County Airport and plane graveyard (this can be seen on the drive in, or with binoculars directly from the site). Adequately lifted 4x4 needed to reach.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest
      Feb. 6, 2024

      Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest

      Area Closed now due to "homeless problems"

      I live in the area and the BLM finally closed this area along with other areas nearby due to junk, abandoned vehicles, vicious dogs etc. It will become the Apache Junction and Goldfield Recreation area. Closed completely for 2 yr for vegetation restoration and when it reopens it will provide residents with OHV and Horse trails along with Staging areas.

    • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest Dispersed Site
      Jan. 26, 2024

      Cactus Forest Dispersed Site

      Very pretty. Little noisy

      January Rv 24 ft Cell service. Att 2 and o 3 bars. Able to stream

      This is a beautiful spot. The spots are a little close together.

      Not good for dogs really cus of cholla cactus everywhere. Watch where you walk and be sire to check shoes before entering your home for the night.

      There is an outdoor shooting range close enough to Hear semi auto’s all day and as late as 10:45 pm. They were at it again at 8 am. Not sure if it is some military training area or what. That gets a bit old. It’s a good distance away so it’s not real loud, just present Road is good to drive big rv or 5th wheel no lroblem

    • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area
      Jan. 24, 2024

      BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area

      Nice spot. Few issues

      January visit Rv 23ft Easy to find.
      Good cell service Overall it’s a decent spot with a few issues. Several of the spots were trash dumps. We were able to find other spots that were clean though. Spots are just off the road so you’re not real far away from the other campers but we really didn’t hear a thing from anyone. That said , there is a military base close by and jets fly over a few times a day and are real loud. We didn’t mind this but some people may. We also had a couple of helicopters dj a low pass one evening.
      The mountains around the area are very pretty.

      This spot is not real remote so you are close to the freeway and will hear some trucks occasionally.
      There are signs warning of illegal immigrants and that but we didn’t see or hear of any issues.

      Update to this review. We didn’t go as far down the road due to some standing water etc. however , go further down the road to find the better spots that are more remote. Most rvs and big rigs can make it really far down this road There is a few private property signs. Go past those TK the next set of camp sites.

    • Jordan S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Jan. 6, 2024

      Hackamore Road Dispersed

      Love / Hate

      I have a love/hate relationship with this place. It’s got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby. The road in is just terrible & it’s very dirty (mostly on the main road) though, and people can be very noisy with their vehicles but that’s not too bad.

      Overall I love camping here. We were here for a week last year, came back as our first spot on the trip this year and it was awesome again.

    • Harriet D.
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping
      Dec. 29, 2023

      BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping

      Muddy!

      If you don't have a 4WD vehicle, you may want to look elsewhere. As of writing this, the road is extremely muddy and worn down, so you won't be able to get far in a low-clearance vehicle. I was still able to stop and set up my tent for the night, but it was not a nice spot. 

      As other people have said, it's behind a closed gate but you're fine to go through. Road condition aside, it is flat and pretty easy to find a level spot for your tent or trailer.

    • Harriet D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
      Dec. 16, 2023

      Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

      Nice camping spot!

      Had a nice time tent camping here for 2 days in November. Some notes:

      • Would recommend a vehicle with decent clearance for bad road patches, but you might be able to find an area suitable for smaller cars. 
      • There were sometimes loud ATV/UTV riders along the road, especially on Friday night, but it wasn't horrible. Some trash around. Only critters we had trouble with were people's dogs, but we always put away our food/trash at night. 
      • Decent tree/shrub coverage for doing your business. Not a bad idea to bring tweezers since there's a lot of cacti.
      • Nice views and close to Peralta Regional Park, which has hiking trails, bathrooms, and picnic areas (no water!) for a small day use fee.
      • Somewhat windy, could get chilly. Low elevation so it's not bad. Not much shade.
      • I got occasional T-Mobile service but mostly no cell service for anyone.
      • There's a Water & Ice shop in Apache Junction that we found helpful to use. The Basha's in town is expensive, so I recommend stopping elsewhere for groceries/firewood.

      Be considerate to campers and wildlife, please! Clean up after yourself and put out your fire completely. Have fun!



    Guide to Eloy

    Camping near Eloy, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

    What to do:

    • Hiking and Exploring: Many campers enjoy the diverse hiking trails available. One visitor at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground mentioned, "Lace up your boots and conquer one of the park's diverse hiking trails. From challenging climbs to scenic strolls, there's a path for every level."
    • Off-Roading: If you have a UTV or enjoy off-roading, Gilbert Ray Campground is a great choice. A reviewer said, "Dust off your UTVs and get ready for a blast! The washboard washes offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts."
    • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Usery Mountain Regional Park appreciate the chance to see local wildlife. One camper noted, "The views are awesome, and there are tons of trails."

    What campers like:

    • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A visitor at Catalina State Park Campground said, "The campsite is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, with majestic saguaro cacti and rugged mountains providing a picturesque backdrop."
    • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained amenities. A reviewer at Picacho Peak State Park Campground mentioned, "Great hot showers. Clean facilities."
    • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One camper at Gilbert Ray Campground said, "Sites provide some privacy and aren’t right up on each other."

    What you should know:

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cactus Forest Dispersed, have no facilities. A camper noted, "It has no facilities or even pit toilets."
    • Weather Considerations: The heat can be intense in summer. A visitor at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground warned, "Gets a little warm during the summer - after all, it is AZ."
    • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Picacho Peak State Park Campground mentioned, "You can see and hear the traffic on I-10 about a half mile to the east."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Tucson - Lazydays KOA said, "There are so many offerings including two pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, and playground."
    • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Catalina State Park Campground mentioned, "There is some hiking including guided Ranger-led tours."
    • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Usery Mountain Regional Park suggested, "The hosts are incredible, and the facilities are clean."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Gilbert Ray Campground noted, "Our rig is about 38 feet total. So close to the national park & easy to ride in for hikes."
    • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups. A visitor at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground mentioned, "The park offers spacious campsites with convenient power and water hookups."
    • Be Mindful of Noise: Some RV parks can be noisy. A reviewer at Tucson - Lazydays KOA said, "There is nothing scenic about the area and the campground is located on a busy street."

    Camping around Eloy, Arizona, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Eloy, AZ?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Eloy, AZ is Cactus Forest Dispersed Site with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Eloy, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.