Dispersed camping opportunities near Gilbert, Arizona range from BLM-managed sites to state trust lands, with most sites located between 15-30 miles from the city. Winter temperatures average 45-70°F, making November through April the prime season for rustic camping in this region. Road conditions to these primitive sites vary dramatically, with some routes requiring specialized vehicles while others remain accessible to standard passenger cars.
What to do
OHV trail exploration: 1-2 miles from many sites. At Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed, campers have "Great trails! Big rig friendly boondocking. Busy dirt road, as there is an active mine off the road. Loud dump trucks and dusty, but a beautiful desert oasis, nonetheless." The area provides extensive networks for off-highway vehicles of all types.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk optimal. Many desert species are active in early morning and evening hours. As one camper at Cottonwood Canyon noted, "Camp was raided by quail early in the morning and we had some cows visit but they didn't come too close." Expect to see native birds, reptiles, and occasional mammals.
Photography: Multiple vantage points. The desert landscape offers stark contrasts with mountains in the background. A camper at Gold Canyon Dispersed Site reported, "Beautiful area, easy to get to, someone did come by to check permits (Arizona Land Trust permits, only $20 per family per year I think)." Several locations provide unobstructed views of the Superstition Mountains.
What campers like
Desert winter camping: November-March ideal. The mild winter temperatures make Gilbert-area sites popular during colder months. At Superstition Mountain AZ State Trust Dispersed, campers note, "We car camped for the weekend here. Liked how the spots are spaced out. Other than road traffic during the day it's nice and quiet." Winter brings comfortable daytime temperatures and cool nights.
Site spacing: Varied privacy options. Many primitive camping areas near Gilbert offer good separation between sites. One camper at Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance shared, "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."
Accessibility: Various vehicle requirements. Some sites require minimal effort to reach. A reviewer of Superstition Mountain noted, "Only a few site big enough for our Roadwarror Toyhauler." Most areas offer at least some spots suitable for different vehicle types, though clearance requirements vary significantly by location.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Annual or temporary passes. Several camping areas near Gilbert require state land permits. A camper at Horse Trails Boondock reported, "I stayed here for almost 3 weeks. Mostly RV's stay here and people bring their horses during the day from about 10AM to 5PM. Great view of the Superstitions and nice trails to walk to pass the time." State trust land permits cost approximately $20 per family annually.
Traffic patterns: Morning and evening peak times. Weekends bring significantly more visitors, especially off-road enthusiasts. One camper noted about Bulldog Canyon, "This place 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."
Closures and restrictions: Check before arrival. Some previously popular camping areas have been restricted. A reviewer of Saguaro Cove warned, "OHV trail to get to location was closed with a gate & sign confirming there is no longer any access. You can essentially hike 1 hr to the area but cannot overnight park in the recreational parking lot."
Tips for camping with families
Pack for temperature fluctuations: 30-40°F daily swings. Desert temperatures drop significantly after sunset. One camper at Cottonwood Canyon advised, "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."
Cactus safety: Bring proper removal tools. The desert landscape poses hazards for children and pets. A camper at Cottonwood Canyon recommended, "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."
Timing considerations: Weekdays for quieter experience. School-age children will benefit from less noise and activity. "Very quiet at night. Good trails for OHV/Atv riding," noted one reviewer about primitive camping areas. Most sites experience significantly reduced traffic Monday through Thursday.
Tips from RVers
High clearance essential: Scout ahead when possible. Many access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. At Bulldog Canyon, a camper observed, "It was a fun dirt road. You might be able to get back there without 4x4 but certainly it is strongly recommended. Very rough road and about a 2 mile drive."
Level site selection: Plan for stabilization. The desert terrain often features uneven ground. One RVer mentioned, "Sites are spacious and well dispersed, but the free-roaming cattle make this less than ideal for tent/car campers. It's a little unnerving to step out in the dark!"
Access road assessment: Time arrivals for daylight. Navigating unfamiliar rough roads is significantly easier during daylight hours. A camper who visited multiple rustic camping areas near Gilbert noted, "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. Maybe tie down any loose items as well."
