The Sonoran Desert region surrounding Fort McDowell sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, receiving just 7-10 inches of annual rainfall. Primitive camping near Fort McDowell, Arizona offers access to over 15 dispersed sites with varying levels of privacy. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-75°F while summer months regularly exceed 100°F, making seasonal planning critical for backcountry camping in this area.
What to do
Explore creek access: Box Bar Road Dispersed camping provides multiple water-based activities. "This is a great spot and easy to get to. Lots of shaded areas. You can camp next to your car, which there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that. Close to the river with several walk in spots to play in," notes Patrick C.
Trail hiking: Stewart's Camp offers multiple hiking trails with complete disconnection from technology. "There's no cell service which makes this place a perfect place to just get away without having to go forever away from the valley. Hunting and off roading available. Expect a rough road in but worth it," according to Gateway T.
Photography opportunities: Saguaro Cove provides exceptional desert vistas for photographers. "Takes a little 4 wheeling to get there or you can access it from the water. Basic dispersed camping but gets a little warm during the summer months. Views are nice and its a nice pack it in, pack it out spot," reports Jim A.
What campers like
Desert solitude: Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance offers isolation despite its proximity to urban areas. "Easy to get a permit from the ranger station. Just email your name, address, phone number and driver's license number to sm.fs.mesa_ohs@usda.gov and you'll get your permit within 2 days for free. I love that it's not far out of town but an easy place to forget you live in town," shares Whitney W.
Accessibility for non-4WD vehicles: Some areas at Box Bar Road Dispersed accommodate standard vehicles. "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. I was pleasently surprised at the many little nooks of privacy that you could set up camp," explains Jacquelyn I.
Winter camping conditions: Free primitive camping around Fort McDowell provides ideal winter temperatures. "This area is most used by OHVs so it can get noisy on the weekends. I've also seen spots that people use for shooting. This area is just for dispersed camping, no services, cell phone coverage is good with Verizon," states Jose G. from Bulldog Canyon.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Several camping areas require advance permits. "You need a permit to visit which can be purchased at the Marina. If you're not sure where to start, I recommend the flats or the yellow cliffs (you'll see the signs)," advises Audrey R. about Bartlett Reservoir.
Road conditions: Many access roads require high clearance vehicles. "The road leading to the camping area is full of pot holes and almost impassable," warns James B. about Hackamore Road Dispersed. Similarly, another camper notes, "The road is a bit tricky. I got here pretty smooth on my RWD Xterra, so while 4WD isn't necessary, I wouldn't come out here without high clearance and decent suspension."
Weekend noise levels: OHV activity peaks during weekends. "It's a good spot, but the road is atrocious. I nearly ripped off my equalizer system," reports Jeff D. about Hackamore Road Dispersed, while another camper mentions, "We were here for a week last year, came back as our first spot on the trip this year and it was awesome again."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: When camping near water sources, establish clear boundaries. "The drive is beautiful and towns of Carefree and Cave Creek are pleasant and unique. If you go in monsoon season, you're sure to see some amazing skies! Cell service is intermittent," says Audrey R. about Bartlett Reservoir.
Privacy considerations: Sycamore Creek Recreation Area has specific site characteristics families should know about. "Nice location with dispersed camping options. When we were setting up a man came up & warned us that it was a popular spot for Nudists. He was not wrong. Be prepared to run into some interesting people," cautions Michael R.
Campsite spacing: Find sites with adequate space between neighbors. "Great campsites. Plenty of sites and well spaced. There 2 or 3 sites right off the highway, but if you continue down the road there is a larger area with plenty of other sites. Small shrubs and tree around that give privacy from other campers," notes Noah E. about Sycamore Creek.
Tips from RVers
Road assessment: Hackamore Road Dispersed presents specific challenges for RVs. "Roads are horrid for RVs. So unless you have high clearance. Stay away. We have a 40ft school bus and we'll if not for the potholes Everywhere it's the horrid uneven land. Mind you if you are not RV camping then you'll be 100% okay and good to go," explains Paranormal N.
Dispersed RV access points: Some areas have better entry points than others. "Not a fan. Won't be back with my trailer," notes Steven H. about Sycamore Creek, while another camper advises, "I would hesitate bringing an RV past the first few sites, but could be attempted."
Shore camping options: Bartlett Reservoir offers shoreline camping suitable for some RVs. "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," describes Liza C.
