Best Dispersed Camping near Gold Canyon, AZ

Dispersed camping near Gold Canyon, Arizona centers primarily around the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest areas, with several free primitive sites available on Arizona State Trust Land and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property. Peralta Road Dispersed Camping, Bulldog Canyon, Hackamore Road, and sites along Highway 88 provide access to undeveloped camping areas. Most locations require permits, particularly on Arizona State Trust Land where an annual recreation permit costs $20 per family. BLM areas like Cottonwood Canyon Road and sites near Roosevelt Lake allow camping without developed facilities. The standard 14-day camping limit applies throughout most dispersed areas.

Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles, with several campers reporting significant washboarding and ruts, particularly after rain. Bulldog Canyon requires both a permit and gate access codes, while Peralta Road sites are accessible via dirt roads with varying conditions. No services or amenities exist at these locations—no water, toilets, or trash collection facilities are available. Fire restrictions are common, especially during dry seasons. According to one visitor, "Pretty much if it's hot and or dry, you won't be able to have a fire." Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas offering good connectivity while others have none.

The landscape features classic Sonoran Desert terrain with saguaro cacti, desert washes, and mountain views. Wildlife sightings include wild horses, cattle, and coyotes. One camper noted, "We woke up many mornings to cattle rooting through our stuff and one morning to a real roundup with cowboys on horses." Weekends tend to be busier with ATV and off-road activity, creating noise and dust issues at some sites. A reviewer mentioned that "There were Friday night partiers so it was noisy late into the night and started up again at 6am." Weekdays generally offer quieter conditions. The proximity to hiking trails, particularly in the Superstition Mountains, makes these areas popular despite their primitive nature and lack of facilities.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gold Canyon, Arizona (50)

    1. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    15 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. Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Gold Canyon, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "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"

    "But around 9pm it quiets down. Sites are close to the road for the most part unless you have a high clearance vehicle. Lots of hiking in the area. Trail head at end of road gets very busy."

    3. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    8 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. Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Queen Valley, AZ
    15 miles

    "Can get dusty from riders if you stay near the front. If you take some time to come scout it out you can find some great spots."

    "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."

    5. Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Queen Valley, AZ
    13 miles
    Website

    "Good location for camping not far from Gold Canyon AZ. Numerous different campsites of different sizes. A few large sites that can fit multiple RVs."

    "Several miles of dispersed campsites along a gas line road south of the Superstition Mountains. Lots of folks out there on a weekend after a few good rain storms."

    6. Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "Site is close to road but also amenities like Cafe and restaurants. Has 5bar Tmobile service. 5 miles Walmart and just down road from Tonto national park."

    7. Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88

    3 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    13 miles

    "Just 2 miles before the Fish Creek Overlook, lie several dispersed areas off the dirt road to camp for up to 14 days."

    "Great to go on hike or to lake after.

    Went a second time and took a 4x4 trail to get a more isolated spot"

    8. Gold Canyon Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Queen Valley, AZ
    11 miles

    "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)."

    9. Apache Trail North Camp

    2 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    12 miles

    "No complaints, we needed to stay near Phoenix, and this did the trick."

    10. Horse Trails Boondock

    2 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    12 miles

    "Great view of the Superstitions and nice trails to walk to pass the time. It was getting pretty rutted and can flood in some low spots .

    No one ever bothered me and didn't feel unsafe."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gold Canyon, AZ

160 Reviews of 50 Gold Canyon 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • R
    Apr. 13, 2020

    Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed

    Mineral Road Dispersed

    Good location for camping not far from Gold Canyon AZ. Numerous different campsites of different sizes. A few large sites that can fit multiple RVs. We parked a 36ft Toyhauler and a 39ft Toyhauler in the first campsite from the entrance. A lot of RV/off road vehilce traffic during the day but very quiet at night. Good trails for OHV/Atv riding. Will visit again!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

    Cherry Creek Rd (NF203) Dispersed Camping Near Roosevelt Lake - Tonto National Forest

    Great for Equestrian Campers, Hikers, and OHVers

    This area is out there, man, way out there -- but if you want to get further out there, you can. The National Forest to the northeast of Roosevelt Lake is vast and sparsely populated. It is a perfect area to get away, well away, from others. 

    Cherry Creek Rd. quickly leaves pavement behind and simply becomes more potholed and steep the further you get in.  With 4WD, and a high clearance vehicle, this shouldn't be too much of a problem. With lots of parking areas and zero services, campsite selection it's dealer's choice. 

    We got as far as we wanted, about 5 miles in from the paved road and made camp at a wide area right across from a small horse corral. This area is perfect for exploring by horse. Hiking, biking, and OHV is also are popular. 

    The closest water is Cherry Creek, another 3-5 miles further in, so come prepared. A small camping area sits right on the creek which can rise quickly and the ford can become impassible. When we were there, the campground was full, so our dispersed area was just fine with us. 

    The closest services are on the southwest bank of Roosevelt Lake, one gas station and marina store. Within 4o minutes to the north and south lie the towns of Payson and Globe respectively which have all the services you could need.


Guide to Gold Canyon

Dispersed camping areas near Gold Canyon, Arizona extend beyond the Superstition Mountains into surrounding desert terrain at elevations ranging from 1,500-2,500 feet. Most sites sit on flat desert washes with rocky soil requiring careful tent stake placement. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F, making November through March the most comfortable camping season.

What to do

**Off-road exploration: 4WD trails connect multiple camping zones, particularly in the Cottonwood Canyon area. "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," notes a visitor to Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed.

**Wildlife viewing: Dawn offers prime opportunities for desert wildlife observation. "Camp was raided by quail early in the morning and we had some cows visit but they didn't come too close," reports a camper at Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed, who enjoyed the variety of desert birds and grazing cattle.

**Astronomy: The lack of light pollution makes free camping near Gold Canyon ideal for stargazing. Many sites feature unobstructed horizons, particularly at higher-elevation spots along Apache Trail. "We woke up to incredible star views thanks to being away from city lights," mentions a visitor to Apache Trail North Camp.

What campers like

**Desert scenery: The landscape combines iconic saguaro cacti with mountain vistas. One camper at Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed states, "Sites are spacious and well dispersed," appreciating the openness of the terrain.

**Easy access to trails: Multiple hiking trailheads sit within short driving distance. "Beautiful area, easy to get to," notes a visitor to Gold Canyon Dispersed Site, highlighting the convenient location for outdoor activities.

**Budget-friendly options: Most dispersed areas require either no fee or just an annual permit. "Great site - a bit of a drive in," mentions a camper at Peralta Road Dispersed Camping, appreciating the value of free camping compared to developed campgrounds in the region.

What you should know

**Permit requirements: Arizona State Trust Land camping requires annual permits. "Someone did come by to check permits (Arizona Land Trust permits, only $20 per family per year I think). They also made us move our camper because we were within a quarter mile of the cows water source," reports a camper at Gold Canyon Dispersed Site.

**Road conditions: Many access roads feature significant washboarding and potholes. A visitor to Hackamore Road Dispersed states, "It's a good spot, but the road is atrocious. I nearly ripped off my equalizer system."

**Noise levels: Some areas experience significant weekend traffic. "There's a hill north of this spot that we camped on. Some power lines in the way, but generally a great view. Not intense off reading or anything, but not suitable for trailers. Very exposed area so be ready for wind," explains a camper at Apache Trail North Camp.

**Closures: Check current status before planning trips. "The county has closed camping on Peralta road, signs are up, and trenches have been dug so no access is available," warns a recent visitor to Peralta Road Dispersed Camping.

Tips for camping with families

**Site selection: Choose spots away from major OHV routes for quieter camping. "Little to close to town for what I was after but great spot for a few days getting supplies what not," advises a camper at Hackamore Road Dispersed who found a balance between accessibility and solitude.

**Safety precautions: Watch for desert hazards with children. "This 'campground' is in the middle of cactus, dirt, and things that stab you. The only real redeeming quality is the view," cautions a reviewer at Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance.

**Timing considerations: Weekdays offer significantly less traffic noise than weekends. "Quiet, great view!" notes a visitor to Hackamore Road Dispersed who found weekday camping more peaceful than busy weekend periods.

Tips from RVers

**Ground assessment: Scout potential sites before bringing in larger rigs. "We've never been out here. Got a state land trust family pass for the area just in case we needed it. The cottonwood canyon rd is dirt/gravel and it is very flat and not washboarded. Cars can drive in. Just be aware that many of the pull offs from the road have dips or hills but there are also plenty of flat pull offs that lower ground clearance vehicles can pass," shares a camper at Horse Trails Boondock.

**Water conservation: Plan for no water sources at any dispersed site. "No services, cell phone coverage is good with Verizon," notes a visitor to Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, emphasizing the importance of bringing all necessary water supplies.

**Leveling challenges: Many sites feature uneven terrain requiring blocks. "This site is a starting point for horse trails in the area, and fairly close to the road. There were many cars, large RVs, campers, and trailers, as well as some temporary horse corrals when we arrived, but we still found a place to car camp fairly easily on a rainy night," explains a camper at Horse Trails Boondock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gold Canyon, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gold Canyon, AZ is Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance with a 3.8-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Gold Canyon, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 50 dispersed camping locations near Gold Canyon, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.