Best Dispersed Camping near Globe, AZ
The Tonto National Forest surrounding Globe, Arizona features extensive dispersed camping opportunities, particularly along the shores of Roosevelt Lake. Areas like EADS Wash, Eucalyptus, and HZ Wash provide free primitive sites with minimal amenities, while Schoolhouse Point Dispersed offers lakeside camping with established fire rings and shade. Most locations maintain the standard 14-day stay limit common to national forest lands. The region's camping landscape ranges from accessible shoreline pull-offs to remote forest roads requiring high-clearance vehicles, with many sites offering scenic desert views dominated by saguaro cacti and the dramatic Superstition Mountains.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many requiring four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "Cherry Creek Road quickly leaves pavement behind and simply becomes more potholed and steep the further you get in." Winter and spring months provide the most comfortable camping weather, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Many dispersed sites lack potable water, with the nearest reliable sources often at Tonto National Monument or marina facilities. Cell service is spotty in canyon areas but generally reliable at higher elevations. Permits are required for camping on Arizona State Trust Lands ($20 annual family permit), while most Tonto National Forest dispersed sites are free but may have seasonal fire restrictions.
Wildlife encounters add to the camping experience, with campers reporting sightings of wild horses, cattle, and desert wildlife. "We woke up many mornings to cattle rooting through our stuff and one morning to a real roundup with cowboys on horses," shared one Roosevelt Lake visitor. Weekend noise from off-road vehicles affects many sites, particularly those near popular trails. Quieter experiences can be found by traveling further down forest roads or camping midweek. The proximity to water activities at Roosevelt Lake provides additional recreation, with boat ramps and swimming areas accessible from many camping areas. Hikers appreciate the network of trails throughout the region, particularly in the Superstition Wilderness, where dramatic desert landscapes and spring wildflowers create memorable backdrops for outdoor adventures.