Several BLM-managed dispersed camping areas surround Goodyear, Arizona, with the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area and Sonoran Desert National Monument providing the primary free camping options. These public lands permit primitive camping without developed facilities, typically accessed via unpaved roads leading away from highways. Notable locations include Vekol Valley Road, the Sonoran Monument dispersed camping area, and various access points along BLM roads in the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Most sites require no reservations and remain open year-round, though summer temperatures can be extreme.
Access roads vary significantly in quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles and some demanding 4WD capability. Visitors consistently report rough, washboard roads and sandy washes that can challenge even experienced drivers. Several areas have gates that must be navigated, and many access points leave directly from Interstate 8 with no proper exit ramps, creating potentially hazardous entry and exit. According to reviews, "extreme caution is advised trying to access these unmarked two-track roads from the Interstate." Most areas have no facilities whatsoever—no water, toilets, trash collection, or established fire rings.
The desert camping experience offers solitude with expansive views of mountains and desert vegetation, though proximity to highways means traffic noise affects some sites. Weekdays typically provide quieter conditions than weekends, when recreational shooting and ATV activity increases in certain areas. Many campers appreciate the stargazing opportunities, though one visitor noted that some areas have "evidence of dumping" due to proximity to towns. Cell service varies by location—excellent in some areas near Freeman Road, spotty in others. A recent visitor to State Trust land commented, "Close 10-minute drive to stores like WinCo and Safeway and gas stations. Quiet weekdays, loud weekends due to motor vehicles breaking the rules."
"Not sure if I put these coordinates in right, this is only my second time contributing but if you head north on 85 going towards buckeye you will turn right on South Woods Road."
"Easy access with turn lanes from both directions to enter. Spots are spaced out nicely. Typical desert landscape with nice scenery."
"Stock F150 4wd. The roads are ruff and rocky."
"It’s mostly flat we tucked up behind a tree but it was closer to the road so we did hear the road often. There are also train tracks that pass through but the train rumble wasn’t too bad"
"Beautiful view, a little close to the interstate but quiet enough to sleep. I will stop here again"
"this area is part of the Sonoran Desert National Monument. good graded gravel road access from exit 144 in I8. 2.1 miles in to a road jct and a staging area for sxs users on weekends."
"This place is right off the highway. Plenty of level places to park. We drive a van but I think most sizes of RV would have no trouble here. Lots of room to turn around. Pretty view of the mountains."
"This is free dispersed camping on the BLM Sonoran National Monument. At Interstate 8, Exit 144 go south. BLM starts in about .6 mile."
"Basic boondocking in the desert. Lots of room and others campers keep their distance. Beautiful views of mountains with lots of birds.
The road in is about two miles of dirt road."
"Turned left on the dirt road around mile marker 13--as other reviewers stated, the dirt roads closer to you when coming from the east are very rocky--I had to take it VERY slow just driving my high-clearance"
"This is one of my favorite areas to boondock in the southwest winter season. The views are phenomenal ! To my surprise I thought it would be crowded here this year, but no."
"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 👌🏼."
from $10 - $80 / night
"The map shows McDowell twice but there is only one. It us about 23K acres of beautiful desert surrounded by the Superstition Mountains. Clean campground and pretty quiet."
"Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."
from $32 / night
"Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties. There's no facilities so be prepared. Good level land and plenty of room."
"Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"
GuideI just pulled in here and didn't go very far up the road, it's dark and I'm in my 25ft Class C Motorhome. Not gonna lie, it feels a little bit wrong to be sitting here and camping out 😂 I have never been in this area, and I am hoping it will work out ok. I couldn't see if there were established places to park, so I just found a level spot behind a bush.
TravelerAbsolute shithole! As soon as I pulled in my truck was swarmed with thousands of flies (no exaggeration!) if I hadn’t just traveled from Colorado and was exhausted I would have immediately left. My trailer was then infested with flies as well. It’s going to take days to get rid of the infestation. Despite that, I did give it a two-star rating for the views.
TravelerWhat good is it to have a pen to a location that is closed. I just signed up I feel like I'm getting ripped off Half the places I find are closed
GuideThe entrance is covered in small bushes/trees. Go down road to West to main Sonoran desert monument entrance. Wide open and can accommodate all rigs.
RangerKinda far from town, but quiet...except on weekends. Lots of side by sides. Looking at map it appears the road leads to lake pleasant.
GuideEasy access with turn lanes from both directions to enter. Spots are spaced out nicely. Typical desert landscape with nice scenery.
GuideWhile beautiful, the amount of donkey poop drawing flies and insects, the rough entrance, what appears to be full campers lowers the rating. Ok for 4 wheel drive.
GuideI've camped a couple of times at this location and have enjoyed the mountain scenery, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and the peaceful surroundings. Not too far from I-10, it's a great way to get off the busy road, but close enough to get into Phoenix.
RangerIt's March 2nd... No flies at this time. Stayed within 500 yards on turn-in. Found nice flat wide open clean spot. Other campers have driven further up toward the mountain... so can't comment on that area. A little road noise but not bad at all. Won't need ear plugs to sleep. Sunset was gorgeous. No noise from other campers. Coming from Joshua Tree headed into Phoenix. Glad I stopped here for the night No amenities but price (free) is nice Might stay again on return trip.
Several free dispersed camping areas surround Goodyear, Arizona on BLM land, primarily within the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness and Sonoran Desert National Monument. Most sites require drive-in access with varying road conditions. The BLM areas near Interstate 8, including Vekol Road at exit #144, offer numerous pull-off spots with no amenities. Roads are typically rough washboard gravel that deteriorate with distance from main highways, and many areas have sandy washes requiring high clearance vehicles.
Campsite conditions vary considerably across the region. Many primitive sites sit under power lines with highway noise, while others offer more solitude deeper in the desert. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, and permits are required for camping on Arizona State Trust lands. Most BLM areas allow pets and alcohol but provide no facilities whatsoever. According to one visitor, "If you follow the road in enough the train isn't bothersome. Fun rocks around, quiet and not many other campers." Another camper noted, "Road is OK, gravel with some bumps, but driven slowly our Jeep Grand Cherokee towing an A-frame did fine even when arriving in the dark."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Goodyear, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Goodyear, AZ is BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness with a 3.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Goodyear, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Goodyear, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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