The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Fountain Hills, AZ

250 Reviews

Multiple dispersed camping sites around Fountain Hills, Arizona allow free camping on National Forest and BLM lands. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, accessible through several entrances including North and West gates, requires a permit from Tonto National Forest. Hackamore Road Dispersed on BLM land provides free camping without permits. Additional options include Box Bar Road Dispersed, Sycamore Creek Recreation Area, Verde River Dispersed Camping, and Stewart's Camp, all within 30-45 minutes of Fountain Hills.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed camping areas. Bulldog Canyon requires high clearance and possibly 4WD, with one camper noting it's "a fun dirt road...very rough and about a 2 mile drive." Hackamore Road similarly demands high clearance vehicles, as reviews warn the "roads are horrid for RVs" with "horrid uneven land." Most sites lack amenities—no water, toilets, or trash facilities—though Box Bar Road and Verde River dispersed areas do provide basic toilet facilities. Standard 14-day camping limits apply to most locations, and campers must practice Leave No Trace principles.

The primitive nature of these sites offers genuine desert camping experiences among saguaro cacti and desert terrain. Wildlife sightings add to the appeal, with one camper at Bulldog Canyon mentioning, "I've seen coyotes and wild horses in there. The horses actually came up to my window, it was awesome." Many areas provide cell service, though strength varies by exact location. Weekend noise levels can increase with ATV and dirt bike activity in several areas. The closest services to most sites are in Fountain Hills or along nearby highways, requiring campers to arrive fully prepared with water and supplies.

Map showing campgrounds near Fountain Hills, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fountain Hills, Arizona (65)

    1. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    10 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 👌🏼."

    2. Box Bar Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    11 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."

    3. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "It's on BLM land, so you are out of the reach of the Arizona Land Permits.

    The road is a bit tricky."

    "It’s got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby."

    4. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance

    5 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    "Thanks to the efforts of the environaz- mentality of the last 40 years there are horribly few true sanctioned OHV areas for folks to legally use and enjoy offroad Motorsports, neither FREE or PAID.   "

    5. Verde River Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 595-3300

    6. Bartlett Reservoir

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    18 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 ."

    7. Mesquite Wash Dispersed

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

    "The sites itself are right off the highway. Plenty of spots and flat ground to camp on. However, the road to get down to the sites is pretty rough. Would recommend 4x4 capabilities."

    8. Saguaro Cove

    2 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    "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. "

    9. Sycamore Creek Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Tonto Basin, AZ
    20 miles

    "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."

    10. Stewart's Camp

    1 Review
    Tonto National Forest, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    $8 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 65 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Fountain Hills Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fountain Hills, AZ

139 Photos of 65 Fountain Hills Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fountain Hills, AZ

250 Reviews of 65 Fountain Hills Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Nolan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2019

    Mesquite Wash Dispersed

    Mesquite Wash/Sycamore Creek

    Mesquite Wash is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Fountain Hills, Arizona. Follow the Bee Line Highway, SR 87, a few miles past the Four Peaks turn off. Watch for the Mesquite Wash sign. The main area is on the west side of the highway and is used primarily by off road vehicles. The east side of the highway is quieter and has several pull offs available for dispersed camping.

    There are no facilities; no restrooms, hookups, or trash. Pack it in, pack it out. The best time to go is in the winter months but with the weather being pretty fair it’s not too bad. You can have a fire but it depends on fire danger for the day. Pretty much if it’s hot and or dry, you won’t be able to have a fire.

    It is free and first come first serve, although there are plenty of spots to go around!

    All that being said, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the Sonoran desert! There are so many amazing views! Great for hiking or off roading.

    Side note: Please clean up after yourself! Forest Service has put so many restrictions on this area because people leave their trash out there.

  • Harriet D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 16, 2023

    Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88

    Not great for tent campers!

    Beautiful area, but I would only recommend it for high clearance vehicles and people who are NOT tent camping. The ground is very rocky and we couldn't find a great place to get a tent staked down in the windy conditions, so we left. Minimal coverage from wind and sun or for bathroom use. 

    Keep in mind that AZ-88 is CLOSED to motor vehicles slightly after Tortilla Trailhead, so you cannot get to Roosevelt Lake easily from here. There are pit toilets at the road closure area and you can turn around easily there.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, Gorgeous, Tons of Hiking!

    Drive through the town of Gold Canyon AZ, and you quickly leave behind the sprawl of suburban Phoenix, but embrace the sprawling landscape of the Sonoran Desert which is brimming with life in the spring. The unpaved road leads to multiple pull-offs and side roads where you can find the perfect spot to tuck away and camp for as long as you like.  Embrace the sun and bring your solar panels and plenty of cold drinks -- you'll be rewarded with amazing sunrises and sunsets and all the peace and quiet you can stand.  You may get lucky and find some partial shade under a Palo Verde, too.

    Though adjacent to Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Mountains Wilderness Area, the camping along Peralta Rd. is on Arizona State Lands. Use of this land, for any reason or purpose, requires a special individual permit. These annual permits are available online, https://asld.secure.force.com/recreationalpermit/ and cost $20 (plus $1 online processing fee). The permit is good for 1 year (deal of the century!) and allows access to any other Arizona State Lands where a permit is required. 

    While there are no services available at any of the camping spots, water, gas, or groceries are a short drive back into town. The hiking, and biking opportunities are amazing right around camp via the numerous and unlabeled OHV trails, or a short drive to the Peralta Canyon trailhead. This Forest Service parking area requires either a Tonto Pass, or Interagency Pass, or$10 day pass (available through a self-pay kiosk) serves as the start of many trails that will lead you into the gorgeous Superstition Mountains. Both the road, parking areas and trails are super busy on the weekends, so plan accordingly. During the popular hiking months, Forest Service Volunteers will regulate the parking area, so don't think that you'll get away without buying a pass. The ticket is more expensive.

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt

    Great boondocking on Roosevelt Lake

    One of our all-time favorite boondocking spots. There are many forests roads off 188 on the southern shore of Lake Roosevelt where dispersed camping is allowed. Some have spectacular views of the lake but are high up and difficult to get to. We found the most easily accesible dispersed camping off Forest Rd 83 between the national monument and little town of Roosevelt. There are large level sites here right off the forest road. As you go further up the forest road, sites get smaller but more private.

    This is all working open range with lots of stock. We woke up many mornings to cattle rooting through our stuff and one morning to a real roundup with cowboys on horses. Amazing. There are lots if Saguaro and jumping Cholla cactus around as well as rattlers and scorpions so be alert.

    We stayed nearly three weeks here and will go back. Lots to do around and across the lake.

    No amenities but there is a dumpster at the head of FS83. Otherwise nearest towns are Punkin Center to the west and Roosevelt to the east, Globe being the nearest large town about 40 min away.

    Note there is also dispersed camping off 88 along the Salt River, also worth taking s look. No cell service along 88, no amenities and roads get much more steep and difficult.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great spot to pull in

    Drove a mini van on the road, wasn’t too washed out or anything. A sedan could definitely drive to many of the spots. Many campsites available, beautiful scenery! Please help keep this place clean by leaving no trace!

  • Leanne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2019

    Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    Great place, close to civilization yet remote

    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. Ive had wild horses walk by. Love it there.

  • The Wanderer
    Dec. 31, 2023

    Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    72 thousand FREE acres

    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. I've parked here in my converted Skoolie of 36 feet for two years. I DO purchase the $ 15-a-year permit and I DO display it. But in 2 years, I've not seen even one "official" vehicle and have never been asked to see my permit or how long I have parked. It is messy, I like to clean it up at times, please help and please remember, this is your land so do not trash it to the point that we will be kicked off. I've watched this happen all over northern AZ and it does not need to happen here. Pack it in and pack it out. Leave no trace. There are garbage cans 1 mile from this land. A new gas station/convenience store has been erected a mile from Maddock Road. Although Maddock Road is no longer an access point to the lands, there are plenty of other access points. The new gas station has diesel, water dispensing, propane dispensing, and all the conveniences anyone would need. It is a paradise in Winter, believe that. In summer, it is hotter than the dickens. I bounce from Flag to this location yearly, it works well for us nomads.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2021

    Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Free but permit required

    This is in Arizona State Trust Land area so a permit is required. This can be purchased online for $15/individual or $20/family of 4. 

    Lots of areas to pull off and camp here. The main dirt road in is fairly smooth with some areas of washboard. There are some nice flat areas further up the side roads away from the main road but a lot had washouts and were rocky so high clearance a must. 

    If you’re looking for quiet this may not be for you. There were Friday night partiers so it was noisy late into the night and started up again at 6am. This was a beautiful area and we really liked it here but it is heavily used by ATVs and 4x4s blaring loud music and flying down the road kicking up lots of dust. The hiking is worth the stay as there are many trails for biking and hiking some single tracks that these ATVs cannot access so that made it worth it to stay a few days. Beware of walking on the main road as vehicles do not slow down for pedestrians and you’ll be eating dust. It may be better during weekdays but I don’t know for sure.  Were it not for the noisy ATVs we would have given this 5 stars.

    This area is also used by horses and there is a nearby business that does horse tours. Chollas are everywhere so watch yourself and your pets. 

    Good Verizon and AT&T reception.

    No amenities.

Guide to Fountain Hills

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fountain Hills, Arizona, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping

  • Access to Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance requires a permit for the gate code, making it a more exclusive experience for campers willing to put in the effort.
  • The area is known for its stunning views and clean spots, though a 4x4 vehicle is necessary to navigate the rugged terrain beyond the first two miles.
  • Be prepared for some dust kicked up by off-highway vehicles (OHVs), as this area is popular among OHV enthusiasts.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Fountain Hills, Arizona

  • Hackamore Road Dispersed offers a big rig-friendly environment, making it accessible for larger vehicles while still providing a rustic camping experience.
  • This location features numerous trails for hiking and biking, allowing campers to explore the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the scenic mountain views.
  • While the road can be rough, many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and the chance to connect with nature away from the hustle and bustle.

Scenic spots for dispersed camping near Tonto National Forest

  • Bartlett Reservoir is a fantastic option for those who enjoy water activities, with easy access to the shoreline for fishing and swimming.
  • This area is well-equipped with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for families looking to enjoy a day by the water.
  • Campers can expect a peaceful environment, especially during weekdays, as the weekends can attract more visitors to the reservoir.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping areas in Fountain Hills?

Several dispersed camping areas are available near Fountain Hills. Mesquite Wash Dispersed is located about 20 miles northeast of Fountain Hills along the Bee Line Highway (SR 87), a few miles past the Four Peaks turn off. Look for the Mesquite Wash sign. Another option is Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance off Bush Highway, which requires a permit and gate code for access. The surrounding Tonto National Forest also offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities within driving distance of Fountain Hills.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Fountain Hills?

Dispersed camping sites near Fountain Hills are primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Schoolhouse Point Dispersed and Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping, you'll find no water, toilets, or trash services. Most sites offer natural features like scenic views and privacy, but you must be fully self-sufficient. Pack in all water and supplies and pack out all waste. Some areas have reasonably flat parking spots for various vehicle sizes, and many provide scenic views. Cell service varies by location. Remember that these areas are truly off-grid, so prepare accordingly with all necessary camping supplies.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Fountain Hills?

Dispersed camping near Fountain Hills follows specific regulations. At Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land, you need to purchase a $15/year individual permit or $20/year family permit and display it. For areas in Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt, camping is allowed only in designated areas. Most dispersed sites require adherence to Leave No Trace principles, have stay limits (typically 14 days), and prohibit damaging vegetation or creating new roads. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Always check with the land management agency before camping as regulations can change.

Keep Exploring