Best Dispersed Camping near Forest Lakes, AZ

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Forest Lakes? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Forest Lakes, AZ (70)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    1. Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    18 Reviews
    74 Photos
    579 Saves
    Forest Lakes, Arizona

    A beautiful, narrow, canyon-bound lake, accessible by foot trail only, Bear Canyon Lake is one of several in a series of fishing lakes built by Arizona Game and Fish Department. Despite being several miles down a dirt road and having few amenities, it draws many visitors. The partially developed campground which is set among the mixed conifer, oak and aspen, has only limited amenities. Bear Canyon Lake is a "Pack it in - Pack it out" area. There is NO GARBAGE SERVICE. Please be good stewards of the land and leave the area better than how you found it.

    For purposes of fire restrictions, this campground is considered to be an 'undeveloped' campground. No fires will be permitted when fire restrictions are in effect for the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest.

    At an elevation of 7,560, Bear Canyon Lake consists of 60 surface acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet. Because of its depth, this lake has no water quality problems. The Arizona Department of Game and Fish stocks it with catchable-sized rainbow trout about six times each year.

    Arizona fishing regulations apply. Please refer to the current year fishing regulations brochure produced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for further details on licensing requirements, daily bag limits, and other restrictions. Boat motors are restricted to electric motors only.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim Road

    2. Rim Road

    4 Reviews
    4 Photos
    97 Saves
    Forest Lakes, Arizona
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site

    4. Old Rim Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    24 Photos
    122 Saves
    Forest Lakes, Arizona

    The majority of campgrounds on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of recreational areas anywhere on the Forest at no charge. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside recreational areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. Also, remember if you pack it in, then pack it out, don't leave your trash for others to clean up. No permits are required to camp in Wilderness areas.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from FR738 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FR738 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FR738 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FR738 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FR738 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FR738 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Larson Ridge Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Larson Ridge Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Larson Ridge Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Larson Ridge Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Larson Ridge Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Larson Ridge Camping Area

    6. Larson Ridge Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    13 Photos
    27 Saves
    Forest Lakes, Arizona

    Dispersed Camping Area.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Reservoir
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

      9. Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

      7 Reviews
      19 Photos
      290 Saves
      Pine, Arizona

      While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information.

      Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District.

      Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. Where can I have a campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions?

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • WiFi
      Camper-submitted photo from Valentine Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Valentine Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Valentine Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Valentine Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Valentine Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Valentine Ridge Campground

      10. Valentine Ridge Campground

      2 Reviews
      11 Photos
      85 Saves
      Forest Lakes, Arizona

      Valentine Ridge Situated near Canyon Creek, known for its rainbow trout fishing. A 9-mile all-terrain bicycle loop trail starts at the campground. Wildlife includes: Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey and deer. Arizona Game & Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is nearby. Public is welcome.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      • Alcohol
    Show More
    Showing results 1-10 of 70 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Forest Lakes

    161 Reviews of 70 Forest Lakes Campgrounds


    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Timber Mesa Trailhead
      Oct. 18, 2024

      Timber Mesa Trailhead

      Haunted with a kill site

      Great fire pit and some flat spots for a tent. The highway got quieter in the middle of the night for a little while. We stayed right next to some ruins and all three of us had wild dreams about ghosts, ghost horses, and animals. The next morning we found we were only a few steps away from a mountain lion kill site! WOW! So many kinds of animals. Elk. Coyote. Cow. Sheep. You name it! It was an exciting way to spend the evening. Enjoy!

    • Bradley K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed
      Oct. 5, 2024

      Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

      Views, solitude, and wind!

      We arrived around noon on Friday, and within an hour or two there were two others who arrived--but thankfully turned around to find another spot.  The views were extraordinary as we parked the Land Cruiser with the Roofnest in the ideal spot to not just soak up the afternoon and evening views, but to be blessed by a great sunrise from inside the tent.

      The stars... I mean, wow!  The starry sky at night was one of the best we've see anywhere, just stunning.

      Felt very safe in the area for our 3 year old boy to explore with us, so if you expect any sheer cliffs or dangerous drop-offs, they aren't really there.  There were gradual declines from the top, and they aren't immediately near where you'd park.

      We will be back--this was a real gem... but expect wind throughout the night being this exposed!

    • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 7, 2024

      Long Lake Dispersed Camping

      Worth the challenging drive If you have AWD or 4WD

      Pristine and usually unoccupied lake off the beaten path. 17 miles of dirt road from Highway to the lake and the last 7 are truly a challenge for anything other than a slightly lifted vehicle. Four camping areas near or with access to Lake with two of them having boat ramps. Skip the first turn off to the right as that is the very narrow part of the lake and rather ugly. The second turn off has two to four campsites with vault toilets and access to the lake through a boat ramp which allows camping and small trailer access lakeside. The churn out to the right is, Really rough and has very little camping or RV access. One of the pictures shows how rough the road is. I took the fourth turn off which is 747 and has one to two camping sites with a fire pit and good RV access along with a boat ramp. Note that fires are allowed in the fire pits because this is above 6, 000 feet but there is no water or trash. Pack it in, pack it out.

    • Nick V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Milk Ranch Point Road
      Aug. 23, 2024

      Milk Ranch Point Road

      Easy spot to access

      Went down here mid August and it was a beautiful view. Thick tree coverage which hid us from the winds that day / night and the rim was a 200 foot walk away. Able to get there in my Chevy Trax which is front wheel drive only, without any problems. There are there are plenty of spot to pull off into on that forest road. If you don’t get this exact spot just keep driving the road and you’ll find something in no time. A lot of dead trees laying around for firewood, but did need axe and hacksaw to cut size them down. Area had a lot of pine needles on the ground.

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Rim Road
      Aug. 19, 2024

      Rim Road

      Great time here

      We showed late on Friday eve and were still able to get a great spot for tent camping. Pretty quiet and close to town.

    • Daniel R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mogollon Rimn Dispersed, AZ FR 9350
      Aug. 15, 2024

      Mogollon Rimn Dispersed, AZ FR 9350

      Mogollon Rim Road, FR9350, Arizona

      34.335842 - 110.973221

      Numbered free camp sites. First come first served. Beautiful cool high country with many overlooks over the rim. There is a lake near by for fishing, has a small store and you can rent kyaks and small boats.

      Camp sites are not near each other, but within sight. Campfires allowed when conditions permit. We stayed 3 nights while on our way home with our new R-Pod 192 Hood River Edition. We will definately go back again. The guy who came buy later to check us in was super nice and very informative.

    • Patrick C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from forest road 181
      Jul. 22, 2024

      forest road 181

      Forest road 181

      Nice place to cool of and set up camp. The only reason it's not getting 5 stars is there isn't great views in this area.

    • Patrick C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road/ Forest Road 171 Dispersed
      Jul. 22, 2024

      Old Rim Road/ Forest Road 171 Dispersed

      Best views and weather

      It rained every afternoon we were there for 3 days, but loved every bit of it. There is a camp host here even though it's free. His name is Steve and is super nice and helpful . He told us some spots in the are alto check out. Will stay here again

    • David Y.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 195 Campground
      Jul. 17, 2024

      Forest Road 195 Campground

      Wilderness Camping

      pretty secluded and pretty remote. sites are of different sizes, anyone can camp, big trailers etc. very quiet except for nature and birds. no Verizon for the most part, nice place to explore.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
      Jul. 4, 2024

      Old Rim Road Dispersed Site

      Beat the Heat

      I wanted to get out of the southern Arizona heat. This place did just that. Only the opposite side of the highway of Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake. Both are just a 15min drive. Plenty of room for big rigs (40’+). I brought my 37’ Motorhome and had no problem finding a big enough site. Sites are marked and plenty spread out from other campers. Great views and perfect summer weather.

    • Robert H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR141 Dispersed Site
      Jul. 2, 2024

      FR141 Dispersed Site

      Weekend on the Rim

      A wonderful spot that is secluded and away from the busy FR300 traffic. 8 miles off of Hwy 87. There are no services but close to Kehl Springs Campground where there are restrooms.

      There is no cell service but close to the Rim where you have service.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FS 609 - Dispersed Camping
      Jun. 29, 2024

      FS 609 - Dispersed Camping

      Nice forest

      We pulled into our stop as the sun was setting. Drove back about a quarter mile ona 4wd road. Had a few gun shots and elks during the night.

    • Caitlin S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR738 Dispersed Camping
      Jun. 27, 2024

      FR738 Dispersed Camping

      Gorgeous camping right on the rim

      Along with this site, there are many dispersed camping sites right on the side of the rim with great views that you can see miles out. Great for tent camping but also big enough for campers and RVs

    • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Old Rim Road Dispersed Site

      Spread out sites

      Just under 50 sites off the dirt road. All sites have fire rings and are numbered. There were fire restrictions during my stay so definitely look into that beforehand, as with any other place. The sites were nicely spread out. The first few sites were along the rim. The others were within forested areas, well off the dirt road.

    • Black H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sawlog Tank South
      May. 21, 2024

      Sawlog Tank South

      Not much to see, empty place

      This place is really uneven, there’s literally nothing around. Do not recommend unless it’s an emergency stop and you need to spend the night there.

    • FearLes The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Winslow Visitor Center
      May. 7, 2024

      Winslow Visitor Center

      Trains

      If you love the sound of trains, this is the spot for you. There must have been a dozen trains that ran past my site (although I thought some may have been going through my tent). I didn’t sleep a wink. Then, the sprinklers started at 5:15 am. But at least it was free!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR414 Dispersed Camp Site
      Mar. 11, 2024

      FR414 Dispersed Camp Site

      Dispersed camping near Rye Arizona

      It was a nice place to pull out for one or two nights. Beautiful view of the Mazatzal Mountains ⛰️ and a few places to take the ORV. Don’t drive in if it’s raining! We pulled a 30 foot toy hauler in to our spot. The further you go the less you hear the traffic - not bad where we parked.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Schoolhouse Point Dispersed
      Mar. 2, 2024

      Schoolhouse Point Dispersed

      Free Lakeside camping

      Pretty, dispersed camping near schoolhouse Point in Roosevelt lake. On the road down to the state campground there are two dispersed camping areas on the left easily visible on the left side, (the gps point may not be accurate, I made it after I left) if you pass both there's an easy turn around at the boat ramp even for big rigs. Some dips coming off the paved road but very easy access overall, might be tight for really big rigs. Probably 20+ sites at each of the two pull offs, most have fire rings and decent shade. Couple minutes drive to the boat ramp at schoolhouse Point which has bathrooms, dumpsters, and both drive in and walk-in lake access. Currently (as of 3/24) no potable water even at the paid campground at the end of the road, you can either pump from the lake if you have a filter or Tonto national monument about 10min up the road has a water spigot before the pay gate. 14 day limit per usual for national forests but a really lovely spot to call home for a while! Lots of great hiking nearby as well as swimming and boating on the lake

    • QThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR414 Dispersed Camp Site
      Feb. 18, 2024

      FR414 Dispersed Camp Site

      Easy find

      Slept here last night, for a quick stay. Quiet. Roads are good. Easy to find and off of the highway. Verizon was good. Highway was quite ish.



    Guide to Forest Lakes

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Forest Lakes, Arizona, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in peace.

    Scenic Trails for Dispersed Campers

    • Explore the stunning trails around Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area, which offers a picturesque setting for hiking and fishing enthusiasts.
    • The area is known for its steep trails leading down to the lake, providing a rewarding challenge for those who enjoy a good hike.
    • Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends, as many visitors come to enjoy the ATV trails and vibrant outdoor activities.

    Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Forest Lakes, Arizona

    • If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed, where you'll find ample space and a sense of seclusion despite nearby campers.
    • This location is accessible for larger RVs and offers a beautiful stream running through the canyon, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.
    • Remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash services available in this dispersed area.

    Wildlife Encounters for Nature Lovers

    • For those interested in wildlife, Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping is a great spot where you might hear elk calls at night and see deer during the day.
    • The area is known for its clean water and beautiful trees, providing a perfect backdrop for wildlife watching and photography.
    • Keep in mind that while the sites offer privacy, some noise from nearby roads may be heard, especially during peak times.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Forest Lakes, AZ is Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area with a 3.8-star rating from 18 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 70 dispersed camping locations near Forest Lakes, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.