Best Dispersed Camping near Gold Canyon, AZ
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Gold Canyon? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Gold Canyon, AZ (48)
1. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
Fort Mcdowell, Arizona25 Reviews•63 Photos•486 SavesNO CAMPING First 2 miles and 300 feet on either side of the road/trail VEHICLES MUST STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS - but past those designated no camping zones, camping is allowed unless otherwise posted.
This space is very large so it may be best to divide it by the access points. The point I'll be using is Access #3- Forest Road (FR) 10, south entrance: This access point is reached from Apache Junction. From Mesa: Travel 15 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to the Idaho Street exit. Follow Idaho Street north 4½ miles to McKellips. Turn right on McKellips and travel ½ mile to the Wolverine Pass Road and turn left. Follow it for 7/8 mile and turn right on Tonto Road. Travel north on Tonto Road for ¼ mile to Cactus and turn left. Follow Cactus to McDowell Road and follow it to FR 10 gate.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Hackamore Road Dispersed
Apache Junction, Arizona10 Reviews•8 Photos•77 SavesCamping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed
Queen Valley, Arizona9 Reviews•27 Photos•105 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
Gold Canyon, Arizona6 Reviews•17 Photos•138 SavesPermits available online via the https://azland.my.salesforce-sites.com/recreationalpermit/
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
Queen Valley, Arizona5 Reviews•7 Photos•133 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
6. Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
Tortilla Flat, Arizona3 Reviews•9 Photos•167 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt
Roosevelt, Arizona6 Reviews•25 Photos•245 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
8. Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest
Apache Junction, Arizona4 Reviews•4 Photos•39 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Market
- Alcohol
9. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
Apache Junction, Arizona5 Reviews•5 Photos•39 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Horse Trails Boondock
Tortilla Flat, Arizona2 Reviews•5 Photos•119 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Gold Canyon
145 Reviews of 48 Gold Canyon Campgrounds
Enzo M.
Scout
Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
Bulldog Canyon (all entrances) is an OHV Sport area first, Camp spot second
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. So OHV owners have nearly zero options. Bulldog Canyon is one those tiny few chances for those OHVers. Campers need to be cognizant of this and respect the OHV'er, not demand OHV'ers respect THEM! If you are looking for a pure silent CAMPground, and are of the "get off my lawn" and or "man/woman shouts at clouds" type, look elsewhere. There are PLENTY of options for such inflexible campers to demand adherence to THEIR level of enjoyment. Bulldog isn't free, OHVers pay for the unlimited access - when allowed that access - to trails WITHOUT time/day/hour exceptions. So if you're a camper, bring some earplugs if the sounds of all-hours OHVers is disturbing to you. Bulldog Canyon is a fantastic area for those campers who enjoy the OHV. I no longer can use an OHV but I enjoy seeing these younger generations doing what mine and earlier gens once took for granted nearly everywhere unrestricted. Highly recommend Bdog Canyon for the fun-lovers and young-at-hearts. For the HOA-loving types, sincerely consider elsewhere for your benefit and those of others.
Mary Ann
Traveler
Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
My favorite area
Permit required for the gate code. Camping available 2 miles in. Need a 4x4. It's definitely worth the hastle as these spots are beautiful and clean. A lot of OHV so it kicks up dust.
Brian E.Scout
Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
No more camping
The county has closed camping on Peralta road, signs are up, and trenches have been dug so no access is available.
- eedwin H.Scout
Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Dispersed camping not allowed currently
September 21, 2024: We’ve dispersed camped here many times in last three years, took a trip out there today and every dispersed access point is plowed up with very deep trenches not allowing vehicles or rigs to access. Sad affair with squatters taking advantage and leaving trash, there was not a soul in sight. Maybe they’ll reopen it later when it cools down.
Cas M.Traveler
Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt
Coyotes!
Beautiful desert camping, lots of birds and wildlife. I heard coyotes in the middle of the night that woke me up, and was glad for a rooftop tent.
Jim A.Traveler
Saguaro Cove
Remote Camping
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.
- SShane W.
Ranger
Picket Post
Quick Night
Good place to pull off in a pinch for free. You do hear road noise. Close to Arizona Trail, where it crosses 60 so you can hike both directions if you decide to, or take the trail up to the top of the mountain. Very beautiful area
- Sarah E.Traveler
White Canyon Wilderness Dispersed
Shooting range
If you can get past the shooting range, it’s very beautiful
Patrick C.
GuideBox Bar Road Dispersed
Fun spot
This is a great spot and easy to get to. 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. Close to the river with several walk in spots to play in.
Jacquelyn I.ScoutBox Bar Road Dispersed
Easy Drive In
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. Outhouses are well maintained. Bring your own water though and you do need to pay ahead of time, there are no pay boxes on site.
- ccalScout
Box Bar Road Dispersed
Cat missing here
Beautiful campground up the road from box bar campground with Mountain View’s and cacti.
My blue eyed cat went missing here at 9pm on 4/7. Please email me if you see him.
- FFreddie F.Scout
Hackamore Road Dispersed
This area and the whole bulldog canyon are are closed for construction
The whole are is closed
- CCelia A.Scout
Catfish Point Picnic and Dispersed Camping Area
I love this place so much
The sign that says no camping is misleading. Someone removed tape. There are many developed campsites and pit toilets that aren’t bad for pit toilets. Some sites are on the river.
- SSammy S.Scout
Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed
Enjoyed tent camping
I’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. For tent camping finding a spot without a lot of sharp rocks and prickles from the various cacti can be a little challenging but it’s totally doable. 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. 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. Very easy to find spots away from other campers on the weekend. There’s lots of gunfire and explosions in the distance during the day and at night. Many ATVs/OHVs driving up and down the main road at night. It got pretty much silent at about 11pm. There are probably a lot of places a decent way from the main road that may be quieter but there are no signs anywhere so you just kind of have to pull off and drive around. Camp was raided by quail early in the morning and we had some cows visit but they didn’t come too close. All in all pretty cool area will definitely come back
- SSarah W.Scout
Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
Beautiful but a lil more crowded than expected
Busy during the weekend. Get there early to get a good spot.
Great to go on hike or to lake after.
Went a second time and took a 4x4 trail to get a more isolated spot
- CCypressTraveler
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
zHolySmokeScoutBulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
Beautiful area, 4X4 needed
OHV trails. Available with easy to purchase $6 permit that provides the lock code. Camping permitted only after the first Two miles. 4x4 required to get past the first 2 miles.
- LLeaScout
Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
Great dispersed
Great site - a bit of a drive in
- LLeaScout
Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest
Closed and Rough
Now closed and monitored
- SSteveScout
Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest
Area Closed now due to "homeless problems"
I live in the area and the BLM finally closed this area along with other areas nearby due to junk, abandoned vehicles, vicious dogs etc. It will become the Apache Junction and Goldfield Recreation area. Closed completely for 2 yr for vegetation restoration and when it reopens it will provide residents with OHV and Horse trails along with Staging areas.
Scott K.GuidePeralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Really nice sites
Really well maintained spots, great views, nice and quiet.
- JJarred T.Traveler
Apache Trail North Camp
Superstition Dispersed
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.
- Jordan S.Traveler
Hackamore Road Dispersed
Love / Hate
I have a love/hate relationship with this place. It’s got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby. The road in is just terrible & it’s very dirty (mostly on the main road) though, and people can be very noisy with their vehicles but that’s not too bad.
Overall I love camping here. We were here for a week last year, came back as our first spot on the trip this year and it was awesome again.
Harriet D.TravelerSuperstition 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.
- Harriet D.Traveler
Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Nice camping spot!
Had a nice time tent camping here for 2 days in November. Some notes:
- Would recommend a vehicle with decent clearance for bad road patches, but you might be able to find an area suitable for smaller cars.
- There were sometimes loud ATV/UTV riders along the road, especially on Friday night, but it wasn't horrible. Some trash around. Only critters we had trouble with were people's dogs, but we always put away our food/trash at night.
- Decent tree/shrub coverage for doing your business. Not a bad idea to bring tweezers since there's a lot of cacti.
- Nice views and close to Peralta Regional Park, which has hiking trails, bathrooms, and picnic areas (no water!) for a small day use fee.
- Somewhat windy, could get chilly. Low elevation so it's not bad. Not much shade.
- I got occasional T-Mobile service but mostly no cell service for anyone.
- There's a Water & Ice shop in Apache Junction that we found helpful to use. The Basha's in town is expensive, so I recommend stopping elsewhere for groceries/firewood.
Be considerate to campers and wildlife, please! Clean up after yourself and put out your fire completely. Have fun!
- AAustin B.Scout
Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed
Has its good, has its bad
Close-ish to get to, plenty of spots, plenty of fire pits, great place to get out to and sleep under the stars!
That said, there were tons of people near us, a ton of people driving razors and rangers, camps were playing loud music all night, and people were shooting pistols and rifles till 4am. Probably possibility any time you come on a weekend.
Definitely better place to go for RV/Trailer camping
Francis D.TravelerPeralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Great dispersed spot
It's an easy road getting out to plenty of spots that haven't filled up at all during weekdays or weekends. Could do with some cleaning up, but that's our job as dispersed campers
Guide to Gold Canyon
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gold Canyon, Arizona, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while exploring the stunning landscapes of the region.
Dispersed campers should check out Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping
- Access to Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance requires a permit for the gate code, ensuring a more exclusive experience for visitors.
- This area is known for its beautiful and clean spots, although a 4x4 vehicle is necessary to navigate the terrain effectively.
- 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 Gold Canyon, Arizona
- For those looking for a more accessible option, Hackamore Road Dispersed is big rig friendly and does not require a permit, making it a convenient choice for families and larger groups.
- While camping here, enjoy the scenic mountain views and numerous trails for hiking or biking, but be cautious of the rough road conditions that can be challenging for some vehicles.
- Expect some noise from nearby vehicles, especially on weekends, but the overall atmosphere remains enjoyable for those who appreciate a lively camping experience.
Superstition Mountains -- A top attraction for dispersed campers
- The Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed area offers spacious sites that are well-dispersed, perfect for those seeking solitude amidst nature.
- Campers can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and the unique experience of free-roaming cattle in the area, adding to the rustic charm of the location.
- Keep in mind that while the sites are spacious, the access roads can be uneven and washed out, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for a smooth arrival.
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 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Gold Canyon, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 dispersed camping locations near Gold Canyon, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.