Dispersed camping opportunities near Mammoth, Arizona range from high-altitude pine forests to desert settings at lower elevations. The area sits between the Rincon and Santa Catalina mountains, with elevations varying from 2,000 to over 8,000 feet. Campsites often experience significant temperature differences based on elevation, with mountainous sites offering relief from summer heat and desert locations providing milder winter camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking from your campsite: At Happy Valley Saddle Campground, campers can access additional trails beyond the initial 4.6-mile hike required to reach the campground. One visitor noted, "Another 3.4 miles up the trail and you'll be at the summit of Rincon Peak (8,200'ish)."
Wildlife observation: The higher elevation camping areas provide opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. At night, the natural soundscape includes coyotes and other nocturnal animals. As one camper at Manning Camp shared, "My tent was surrounded by coyotes, which was wonderful."
Stargazing: The remoteness of many campsites creates excellent conditions for viewing the night sky. At Sulphide Del Rey Campground, a camper reported, "Perfectly dark except for stars between the trees and your fire."
What campers like
Temperature relief: Mount Lemmon camping areas provide significant temperature differences from nearby cities. A recent visitor to Sulphide Del Rey Campground noted, "Beautiful campground on a hill surrounded by pines. Gets completely silent at night assuming other campers behave."
Water access: Some campgrounds provide rare desert water access. The Shores Recreation Area offers river camping with "great river access" according to one reviewer, while another mentioned, "We came in and stayed at a spot towards the south/downstream where a high clearance would be wise... Great spots on the river."
Solitude: Many tent campers appreciate the remoteness of backcountry sites. At Clark Peak Dispersed Camping, a visitor found "a beautiful dispersed camping spot beneath the Aspens and Ponderosas on the north side of FR803 about a mile west of the Riggs Flat Lake Campground."
What you should know
Fire regulations: Fire restrictions vary by season and location. One camper at Sulphide Del Rey warned, "Please be careful with fires, keep them small, because there's already clear fire damage all around the area."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites require self-sufficiency. At Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp, a visitor observed, "Not all sites have fire circle and if you don't have a toilet there are only a few bushes tall enough."
Road conditions: Access to many campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. A Sulphide Del Rey camper advised, "Do pack everything you need, don't plan to drive back into town if you can help it... miles of washboard dirt road to get there."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings extreme heat at lower elevations, while winter sees snow at higher altitudes. At General Hitchcock Campground, winter camping requires preparation, with one visitor noting, "I went with a couple of friends if you go prepared with winter gear you won't be cold."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose established campgrounds for family camping trips. At Gordon Hirabayashi Campground, "several of the sites are double - great for sharing a camp space with friends."
Water safety: While river camping can appeal to families, water quality varies. At Shores Recreation Area, one camper warned, "murky water and not a pleasant smell in the air made the water not enticing at all."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about desert wildlife safety. Some areas have toads that may be harmful to pets, as noted at Shores Recreation Area: "Lots of toads at night, not for sure if they are the ones that are poisonous to dogs but good to keep in mind."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp, a visitor with a larger vehicle reported, "Several spots off a dirt road that parallels the main road here. Accessed relatively easily (slowly) in my 23 Ft Class C."
Limited trailer space: Some campgrounds accommodate small trailers better than larger RVs. At Sulphide Del Rey Campground, a visitor observed, "Not very much room for a trailer, mostly tent camping."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely by location. At Sulphide Del Rey, campers can expect some cell service, while other locations like General Hitchcock Campground have "no service on campground."
