Dispersed tent campsites near Florence, Arizona range from desert to mountain environments with temperatures varying between 60°F and 115°F depending on season. Most camping areas require self-sufficiency with no facilities available. Pipeline Road BLM camping offers the closest access from Florence with relatively level terrain for tent setup, though many areas require high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Desert hiking access: Peralta Regional Park Primitive Remote Campsites connects to popular Superstition Mountains trails. "Very close to popular hiking trails. We enjoyed the rustic campsite. The camp host was very friendly and helpful (Darell)," notes Julie F.
River activities: Shores Recreation Area provides direct access to the Gila River. "We came in and stayed at a spot towards the south/downstream where a high clearance would be wise," writes one camper, adding, "Great spots on the river. We spent the night there and had the place to ourselves."
Stargazing: Tent sites away from urban areas offer exceptional night sky views. Sulphide Del Rey Campground becomes "perfectly dark except for stars between the trees and your fire," according to Rachel W., who camped there during Memorial Day weekend.
What campers like
Solitude options: Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp provides a quick escape that doesn't require long-distance travel. One camper notes: "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."
Riverside camping: Tent sites at Shores Recreation Area provide a unique water experience in the desert. Mark F. found it "quiet, very few campers. Prob fewer as it gets warmer. This will be a scorcher in the middle of summer but the sites do have tree cover for shade."
Wildlife viewing: Desert camping around Florence puts you in contact with diverse desert wildlife. At The Point Campground, one camper advises to "keep on the lookout for lots of birds and Big Horned Sheep as you paddle/boat up river to the Horse Mesa Dam area."
What you should know
Road conditions critical: Hackamore Road Dispersed and many tent areas require careful vehicle selection. "Roads are a little rough, just take it slow. There are a lot of sites, lots of utvs and folks riding horses out here," explains Dexter V.
Seasonal temperature extremes: Summer camping requires significant preparation. Shores Recreation Area camper Mark F. warns the sites "will be a scorcher in the middle of summer" despite having "tree cover for shade."
Pack in all supplies: No reliable water sources exist at most tent sites. Pipeline Road BLM Camping lacks amenities but offers "good cell service," according to a reviewer, though "adjacent target shooting on State Land is a constant issue."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: Sulphide Del Rey Campground offers more facilities than dispersed areas. "Beautiful campground on a hill surrounded by pines. Gets completely silent at night assuming other campers behave," reports Rachel W.
Bring entertainment: Limited natural shade means creating activities that work in high temperatures. At Devil's Canyon Campground, visitors found "dirt sites at the bottom littered with recliners," suggesting comfort items help with harsh conditions.
Wildlife precautions: Snake encounters are common around Florence tent sites. Noah J. at Hackamore Road notes, "The coyotes started howling around 4am, but they started dying down after they had migrated," demonstrating wildlife is active near campsites.
Tips from RVers
High clearance requirement: Pipeline Road BLM Camping presents challenges for larger vehicles. "Entrance to pipeline road is not marked and difficult to enter and exit safely, about .6 tens mile in from cattleguard on Avra Valley road. Sites are about 1/2 mile in till a big dip wash that restricts most TTs and RVs," reports Greg L.
Limited level ground: Finding flat areas for RVs proves challenging. Sulphide Del Ray Campground is "not very much room for a trailer, mostly tent camping," according to Michael L., though he notes you can "get cell phone service there."
Noise considerations: Some areas near Florence experience traffic noise or recreational vehicles. At Hackamore Road, Noah J. reports, "There were some dudes shredding it pretty late last night," and suggests "bringing a camping trailer + earmuff combo" if you're particular about sleep.
