Best Dispersed Camping near Heber-Overgaard, AZ
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Heber-Overgaard? 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 Heber-Overgaard, Arizona (50)
1. Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
18 Reviews•74 Photos•581 SavesForest Lakes, ArizonaA beautiful, narrow, canyon-bound lake, accessible by foot trail only, Bear Canyon Lake is one of several in a series of fishing lakes built by Arizona Game and Fish Department. Despite being several miles down a dirt road and having few amenities, it draws many visitors. The partially developed campground which is set among the mixed conifer, oak and aspen, has only limited amenities. Bear Canyon Lake is a "Pack it in - Pack it out" area. There is NO GARBAGE SERVICE. Please be good stewards of the land and leave the area better than how you found it.
For purposes of fire restrictions, this campground is considered to be an 'undeveloped' campground. No fires will be permitted when fire restrictions are in effect for the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest.
At an elevation of 7,560, Bear Canyon Lake consists of 60 surface acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet. Because of its depth, this lake has no water quality problems. The Arizona Department of Game and Fish stocks it with catchable-sized rainbow trout about six times each year.
Arizona fishing regulations apply. Please refer to the current year fishing regulations brochure produced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for further details on licensing requirements, daily bag limits, and other restrictions. Boat motors are restricted to electric motors only.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
2. Rim Road
5 Reviews•7 Photos•104 SavesForest Lakes, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
3. Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
3 Reviews•24 Photos•127 SavesForest Lakes, ArizonaThe majority of campgrounds on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of recreational areas anywhere on the Forest at no charge. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside recreational areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. Also, remember if you pack it in, then pack it out, don't leave your trash for others to clean up. No permits are required to camp in Wilderness areas.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. Larson Ridge Camping Area
2 Reviews•13 Photos•27 SavesForest Lakes, ArizonaDispersed Camping Area.
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. FR738 Dispersed Camping
2 Reviews•19 Photos•53 SavesForest Lakes, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts
25 Reviews•70 Photos•239 SavesWoodruff, Arizona- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
7. Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed
7 Reviews•16 Photos•230 SavesSun Valley, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
8. Valentine Ridge Campground
2 Reviews•11 Photos•85 SavesForest Lakes, ArizonaValentine Ridge Situated near Canyon Creek, known for its rainbow trout fishing. A 9-mile all-terrain bicycle loop trail starts at the campground. Wildlife includes: Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey and deer. Arizona Game & Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is nearby. Public is welcome.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
9. FR100 Dispersed Wilderness Camping
2 Reviews•6 Photos•71 SavesForest Lakes, ArizonaThe majority of campgrounds on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds anywhere on the Forest at no charge. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in Wilderness areas.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Forest Road 195 Campground
2 Reviews•21 SavesForest Lakes, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Heber-Overgaard, Arizona
153 Reviews of 50 Heber-Overgaard Campgrounds
- CCourt M.
Guide
Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts
Free, kitschy and convenient to Petrified Forest.
This is BLM land, so it is free to camp here. There are picnic tables with covers, and cement pads at some sites. If you camp close to the permanent resident on the other side of the fence she will grouch and swear at you so there is that. The smell of cow poo is strong at times. But if you're going to the Petrified Forest this is THE place to stay, as it is close and conveniently located. Can't beat free either. I've stated here twice now and my kids love it. Big pieces of petrified wood on site you can touch and sit on even.
Michael B.Guide
Blue Ridge Reservoir
Beautiful Backcountry Wilderness
What an awesome area with an endless amount of spots to set up camp at. Like others my wife and I drove way past the turn to the dispersed camping area and made our way down to the water. But like Boss Ross always said, that turned out to be a happy mistake because it was so beautiful down there. We felt like we were in Colorado. We went to the end and turned around and ended up finding a camping spot in a very secluded area that over looked the cliff. Also, I did not know the Arizona Trail goes right through this area. RAD!! Over all, an epic spot and we will be back. Next time we will try and find that overlook spot of the view of the reservoir.
csey R.
Traveler
Flowing Spring Campground
Flowing Springs Campgrounds
Free camping only next to the road with a quarter mile stretch to pick with 2 spots. Car traveling on bumpy dirt roads with dust on camp sites. I rather pay 27 dollars to save my vehicle from damage and dust.
Christina L.GuideCarr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350
PERFECTION!!!!
This is my favorite site! Free, beautiful dispersed camping! I have been up every other weekend and am obsessed!
Daniel R.
Scout
Mogollon Rimn Dispersed, AZ FR 9350
Mogollon Rim Road, FR9350, Arizona
34.335842 - 110.973221
Numbered free camp sites. First come first served. Beautiful cool high country with many overlooks over the rim. There is a lake near by for fishing, has a small store and you can rent kyaks and small boats.
Camp sites are not near each other, but within sight. Campfires allowed when conditions permit. We stayed 3 nights while on our way home with our new R-Pod 192 Hood River Edition. We will definately go back again. The guy who came buy later to check us in was super nice and very informative.
- jjennifer M.Guide
Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts
Can’t beat the price!
Right outside the South Gate of the Petrified Forest National Park. They offer free camping with no hookups for self contained rigs. Water is available at city hall if needed. They even have a dumpster so getting rid of trash is easy.
- AngieScout
Rim Road
Rim Road
Tons of dispersed camping sites. Most of the road is in fairly good shape. Lots of shade.
Edward K.TravelerCrystal Forest Museum and Gifts
Two gift shops, two campgrounds
There are two gift shops with camping areas here. The Petrified Forest Gift Shop on the left heading into the park, has 10 sites with 30amp electricity and a picnic table. $15.98/night. The Crystal Forest Museum on the right has free RV camping. Each site has a picnic table. The owner of the Petrified Forest Gift Shop just purchased the Crystal Forest Museum (which is still closed) and is still allowing free camping on that property. Fires are not allowed in either campground.
Caitlin S.Guide
FR738 Dispersed Camping
Gorgeous camping right on the rim
Along with this site, there are many dispersed camping sites right on the side of the rim with great views that you can see miles out. Great for tent camping but also big enough for campers and RVs
- PParker M.Traveler
Upper Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping Area
Very crowded
Visited in May on a Friday afternoon, there were no spots available. All of the sites are also close together, I wouldn't consider it dispersed camping. Drove down the dirt road 20min each way and had to find somewhere else
- Albert Z.Scout
Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
Best beginner camp
I’ve camped here twice and not only it’s great spot for the kids to roam around, it’s also nice having the lake close by. I don’t recommend staying too close to the restrooms because you’ll get a lot of cars pass by and it can get a bit noisy when people are walking to the restroom at night. Since this is a free camping area, people can be a bit noisy but that’s the reason you go camping.
Gillian C.Guide
West Clear Creek Dispersed Camping
Pretty Dispersed Camping
Standard dispersed camping along many off-road trails. Quiet and clean with no amenities. Fire restrictions in the summer. The West Clear Creek trailhead is nearby, so light vehicle trafiic for the trail. Tons of available spaces with privacy. No cell service.
Robert G.
RangerCarr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350
Plenty of Dispersed Camping overlooking the Rim
All along Rim Road there are tons of dispersed camping sites that offer sweeping views of the forest below. Knoll Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, and Willow Springs Lake are all right along that ridge and pretty easy to get to. Check the weather...closes in winter.
- Gillian C.Guide
Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping
Highly Used Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping off dirt roads. Highly Used but still space for privacy. Fire restrictions in the summer. No cell service. Some groups were loud and some vehicle traffic throughout the night. Sites are not numbered, just camp near the road. Check out Woods Canyon Lake on the way in!
- GGlenn P.Traveler
Carr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350
Impossible to get spot on weekend
These spots are not secret anymore. Tried to find a spot this weekend and it was completely full. Wasted day. Limit is 14 day stay. Some of the spots looked like the residents were there far longer. This is the danger with dispersed camping. Really is a shame. Views are amazing.
- MMatt H.Traveler
Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
Lots of room
There is a lot of room up there for dispersed camping. Was a nice area and it filled up quick! By Friday night, you couldn't find much open. Got there around lunch and we still had plenty of room. The lake was relaxing. Saturday saw many more people enjoying the water. Would go again!
Alex S.RangerBlue Ridge Reservoir
Incredible camping with some work
One of the best sites in all of Az. This is specific to dispersed camping around the lake as that is what we took part in. Lots of available areas where you can find seclusion and quiet surrounded by a beautiful area. We spent two nights off the lake that took some hunting to find but well worth it.
No facilities so please pack out everything you bring in and keep it better than how you found it. There are facilities around but if you’re dispersed they won’t necessarily be there for you.
Fishing was great and the lake was beautiful. Primo spot and area.
- Jeff B.Scout
Rim Road
One of my go-to’s
There are al lot of dispersed camping sites here. Most of them are very easy to get to even with big rv’s or trailers. Maintained roads all the way through. A lot of areas to explore. The lake just 6ish miles from the highway has always provided me with a super fun and productive fishing experience year after year. If your new to camping or even need a spot to sleep passing through I highly recommend this area.
Crystal C.
LegendCrystal Forest Museum and Gifts
FREE Camping Right Outside Petrified Forest
I am just like everyone else, I LOVE a good FREE campsite and along the way I have learned about so many of them, but in two trips by this one I didn't know it existed then BOOM there it was and I suddenly questioned how I had passed by it and never known!
Sure like all good campsites which are free there are a few negatives, this one being that there are ZERO amenities. NONE!!! But when I had attempted to camp in the petrified forest there weren't any there either so no big deal.
So how did I miss it?? Well upon first glance it just looks like a picnic area with some covered tables next to a gift shop and there isn't a welcome wagon just rolling out to say "hey come stay here". it is one of those places you have to know is there to know it is there if that makes any sense.
A fellow traveler told me about it and when I glanced I noticed some boondockers there but then upon a more careful evaluation there were tent campers in the distance. SCORE!!
If you aren't able to camp without then this won't work or you at all, but if you are ready for an adventure then here you go, close to the park and perfect for getting in those early morning sunrise photos. We always wonder how they do it… well this campsite is a BIG reason some of the photographers are there for those amazing money shots.
TIPS:
- Come prepared, you won't have a store with all your extras until you get into Holbrook so be ready for anything.
- Don't get to close to the residents, they give you the stink face but you have every right to the land, if you don't believe me, do your research on the BLM website!
- Take your camera, you will want to make sure you get your late evening and early morning shots that are once in a lifetime.
Bob & Ramona F.GuideCrystal Forest Museum and Gifts
What do you want for FREE?
Located just before south entrance. FREE ("Boondock") camping on East side. Electric (no water) for $15 on West side. We picked East as Solar gives us all the A/C we need! Gift shops to explore on both sides. SEVERAL abandoned cars in front of shops to "chum for patrons".... Great place to stage before a day of exploring. Not sure I'd stay more than 2 nites but a night before and nite after visiting the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert is perfect! Just make sure to spend some $ at the gift shop if you stay for free.
- NNoah E.Legend
Trail 1371 Dispersed Camping
Easy access campground, but limited big rig areas
Campground is good for tent, campervan, RV, and trailers (limited parking for campers, RVs, and trailers). Typical dispersed campground. No services, pack in, pack out.
Once off the highway you follow a paved road (with plenty of potholes) about .5 miles. Turn right onto a dirt road, and the first right is the campground. At the interection of the dirt road and paved road there is a pullout area that I saw a trailer and RV parked. You could get an RV into the dispersed area, but only the first few spaces would really be suitable and may be difficult to turn around. Plenty of spaces in the dispersed area. First area has about 4 spaces with fire rings and a few without. If you continue up the road there are a lot more areas to park, the road gets a bit rough and narrow after the first area. I wouldn't recommend bringing a campervan or anything large up that area. Trees will scratch the side of your vehicle or trailer, and if the road is wet, you probably won't make it up.
Overall, great dispersed camping, quiet area. As you go further up the road you can hear noise from the highway, but very minimal.
Alex H.GuideBlue Ridge Reservoir
Cozy spot in the woods
Heavily wooded area with tons of space for dispersed sites. Road is in great shape and easy for our travel trailer to make it in. Camping spots are towards the beginning of the road you turn off of, so don’t drive all the way down to the water like we did lol
Lawrence P.LegendCrystal Forest Museum and Gifts
Great place to Boondock and close to the entrance!
What a wonderful place to stay for a few days and close to the Petrified Forest! Plus it is FREE!
It's not much but if you are Boondocking for a few days or just wanna stay overnight, this is a great place to stay! I'd say get there before 5pm-ish as it starts to fill up due to people leaving the park. There a few spots that have covered picnic tables and the rest are out in the open. It's a gravel/dirt base for the most part and leveling is pretty easy!
FYI, there are NO hookups of any kind here. So be prepared ahead of time. The associated campground across the street has "electric only" for$15, if you need it.
Matthew H.TravelerFlowing Spring Campground
Basic Tent Camping 101
If your looking to throw up and tent and relax this is the place for you. There is enough space to boondock a small RV, Tent Trailer, or Travel Trailer. The main campsites sits on the creek, which always has fresh clean water running. There are several other tent camping sites further back, however they are closed till 2022 for regrowth. You will hear cars/truck from time to time as this is the same road the Ranchers use to get back and forth to Payson. There is one vaulted bathroom. You are in nature so you will see clear skies, animals, and be able to cook over and open camp fire. In all in all I love this place and always look forward to our weekend trips up there twice a year.
Beth G.Legend
Fr 237 Camping Area
Wild flowers and lots of open space
The Larson Ridge Dispersed camping areas off FR237 don’t have a lot to offer, but it does have space. Plenty of room here to spread out. The further up the road you go, the less rocky the sites become. You are also further away from the vault toilet, if you camp up this far, I wouldn’t expect to use that toilet at all.
This spots are on the ridge, so be prepared for wind. Our last day we had a pop up awning get lifted up into tree branches and aluminum poles snap on an REI tent.
This area is also really dusty which can make you feel like your in a sand blaster when the wind kicks up.
Lots of FR to ride around on ATVs/ mini bikes. We had fun looking at wild flowers and playing bocci ball.
There were lots of pine but it was warm in the sun in the heat of the day. We were there in June though.
Triple check your fire pit before you leave. Make sure it is out
Julie S.GuideBlue Ridge Reservoir
Good dispersed camping on FR 751B
About a few miles above the reservoir boat launch area. FR 751B has tons of dispersed areas with fire rings and good privacy. Good location for an overnight camp spot.
- Alexander H.Scout
Flowing Spring Campground
Good for what it is
Just camped here over the weekend, and I left satisfied. There is nothing super special here; you’re still near the highway and there is no workers cleaning up after other campers. There is a ton of trash littered around, so bring a plastic bag so you’ll be able to clean up your area before you settle in. There are more secluded areas and also very open and communal areas, it all depends on which one you grab and when you get there. There are no rules, so I was near some guys playing their boom box all night until 10, but I didn’t mind the music, so it wasn’t horrible. Overall, it was nice since you can pitch a tent wherever an there is no fee compared to other pricey nearby camping spots. If you’re lucky to get a good area, then you’re all set. But there are some pretty bad spots here as well. Take your chances! The stream right behind the campsites is really nice and is a good little area for some wandering around.
Guide to Heber-Overgaard
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Heber-Overgaard, Arizona, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the stunning landscapes.
Dispersed campers should check out Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
- Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area offers a long dirt road leading to the camping spots, making it accessible for most vehicles, though it can get crowded during peak times.
- While fishing is a popular activity, be prepared for a steep hike down to the lake, which can be challenging after a long day outdoors.
- The atmosphere can be lively, especially on weekends, with ATV users and music, so if you're looking for a quieter experience, plan your visit accordingly.
Top activities while free camping near Heber-Overgaard
- Hiking trails abound in the Rim Road area, providing opportunities to explore the beautiful forest and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby lakes, which are known for their productive fishing experiences, making it a great spot for a family outing.
- The area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure, ensuring everyone can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Scenic views for dispersed campers at Old Rim Road
- The Old Rim Road offers stunning overlooks and a chance to experience the beauty of the high country, perfect for photography and relaxation.
- With numerous dispersed sites available, you can find a spot that suits your needs, whether you're in a tent or an RV.
- The presence of a camp host ensures that you have assistance and information about the area, enhancing your camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Heber-Overgaard, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Heber-Overgaard, AZ is Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area with a 3.8-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Heber-Overgaard, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 dispersed camping locations near Heber-Overgaard, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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