Best Dispersed Camping near Kohls Ranch, AZ
Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Kohls Ranch? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Kohls Ranch, Arizona (99)
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. Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed
7 Reviews•16 Photos•230 SavesSun Valley, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed
7 Reviews•19 Photos•293 SavesPine, ArizonaWhile much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information.
Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District.
Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. Where can I have a campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions?
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- WiFi
4. Blue Ridge Reservoir
7 Reviews•23 Photos•514 SavesHappy Jack, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5. FS 609 - Dispersed Camping
10 Reviews•13 Photos•300 SavesStrawberry, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- WiFi
6. Rim Road
5 Reviews•7 Photos•104 SavesForest Lakes, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
7. 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
8. Flowing Spring Campground
6 Reviews•3 Photos•94 SavesPayson, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Toilets
9. FR414 Dispersed Camp Site
5 Reviews•9 Photos•147 SavesPayson, Arizona- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Forest Road 195 Campground
2 Reviews•21 SavesForest Lakes, Arizona- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Kohls Ranch, Arizona
237 Reviews of 99 Kohls Ranch Campgrounds
- Brittany J.
Scout
Bermuda Flat Recreation Site
Shoreline camping great but..
The directions will bring you right to the recreation area parking lot, where there are a few marked camping spots on the shore and some portable toilets. You must have a Tonto pass to camp at these spots. Free, dispersed camping is located across the highway down the dirt road Bar 3.
- C
Cypress
TravelerSchoolhouse 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
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.
Ariel & John W.
Ranger
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.
Molly S.Guide
Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping
Great spot near Sedona
Great dispersed camping spot close to Sedona!
Heads up we camped a little further down on Beaverhead Rd where there were more open spots and an easier dirt road to drive onto. Plenty of spots to choose from which was surprising on a holiday week (Christmas to New Years). The camping was a lot quieter than I expected even though there were a bunch of other campers. Everyone seemed to be able to find a spot far enough from another to have a secluded space.
The location is super convenient from Oak Village and downtown Sedona. There is even a back way on highway 89 if you find yourself in West Sedona and don't want to drive through traffic to get to highway 179.
- mmark F.Ranger
Forest Rd 91 Dispersed
Free and surprisingly busy
Nice national forest dispersed sites with many level camping areas most with firepits. Very busy In early Aug. Quiet In The pines. A fair amount of trash at several sites: folks enjoy the free sites but pick up your trash!(and other peoples if you see it)
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.
- Madison M.Scout
FR618 Dispersed Camping
Easy Access to Fossil and Wet Beaver Creek
Dispersed camping along this road with a convenient location to Fossil Creek and Wet Beaver Creek trails. The campsite was clean and had a fire ring, no facilities so pack out what you pack in! The one we picked had a great view and the STARS WERE INSANE
- AAmanda J.Scout
Rimrock Dispersed Site
Tough roads, but doable
Rough paved roads, but our Recvan did fine. We saw an Elk, it saw us, we walked back quickly. The surroundings are mainly bushes and rocks. Free camping with total solitude. AT&T and Tmobile both show good service. Verizon is unknown.
Aliza N.
Legend
FR689 Dispersed Camping
Awesome busy little spot
Easy access to great dispersed camping. Although this is a big area, it’s busy and good spots fill up fast! We were here just after a rainstorm and the road was slippery and muddy. We didn’t have too much trouble in our FWD van but be aware that the road changes drastically in the rain! Stayed for a few days, hiked around and had a lovely stay. Was clean and trash free and everyone was pretty quiet and respectful.
- AngieScout
Rim Road
Rim Road
Tons of dispersed camping sites. Most of the road is in fairly good shape. Lots of shade.
- sscooterScout
A-Cross Road Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping spots
Large flat spot for dispersed camping. Several other spots close by. Not much traffic on the road.
Peggy G.Traveler
Stoneman Lake Dispersed Area
Our favorite area
We love this area for dispersed camping. Easy access from I-17, beautiful views, wildlife, nice weather!
Kelly S.Scout
Buck Mountain Dispersed Camping
Great spot!
Great spot to park for dispersed camping, quiet and easy to get in/out and turn around. Nice hiking, great wildlife, minimal noise.
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.
- Michael R.Scout
Sycamore Creek Recreation Area
Interesting place
Nice location with dispersed camping options. When we were setting up a man came up & warned us that it was a popular spot for Nudists. He was not wrong. Be prepared to run into some interesting people.
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.
- kkim T.Guide
Montezuma Well USFS Dispersed
Great location
Good boondocking. Great location.
- 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!
Bob L.Ranger
Dispersed Camping FS 124
Coconino National Forrest FS 124
If you like dispersed camping, this is a great area. Loads of hiking, tons of animals (elk, deer, coyotes, foxes and more). Roads in are pretty well maintained, this spot can accommodate large trailers/RVs but as it is first come/first serve, they fill up fast. More spots further down FS124 if these are taken.
Guide to Kohls Ranch
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kohls Ranch, Arizona, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of options, campers can enjoy the serenity of the outdoors while engaging in activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring 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 a picturesque lake, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure in their drive.
- Campers can expect a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends, with plenty of opportunities for fishing and hiking around the steep trails leading down to the water.
- While the site is popular among ATV users, it also provides a chance to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife, including elk sightings during the night.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Kohls Ranch, Arizona
- Always be prepared for a rugged drive; for instance, reaching FS 609 - Dispersed Camping requires navigating rough roads that are best tackled in daylight.
- Bring your own firewood and be ready to pack out what you pack in, as many areas like Blue Ridge Reservoir lack amenities and trash services.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife; areas such as Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed are known for their scenic views and the chance to spot deer and other animals.
Top activities while free camping near Kohls Ranch
- Fishing enthusiasts will find great spots at Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping, where the clean water and beautiful surroundings create an ideal setting for a relaxing day by the lake.
- Hiking trails abound in the region, with options like those found near FR414 Dispersed Camp Site offering stunning views of the Mazatzal Mountains.
- For those looking for a peaceful retreat, Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed provides breathtaking views and a tranquil environment, perfect for stargazing and enjoying the quiet of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kohls Ranch, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kohls Ranch, 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 Kohls Ranch, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 99 dispersed camping locations near Kohls Ranch, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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