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Best Dispersed Camping near Maricopa, AZ

145 Reviews

Multiple BLM-managed dispersed camping areas exist near Maricopa, Arizona, primarily within the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The largest concentration of free camping sites is located along Vekol Road (Exit 144 off Interstate 8), with additional options at Road #8042, Freeman Road (Exit 140), and scattered locations throughout the monument boundaries. These areas feature no designated campsites but instead provide open desert terrain where visitors can select their own camping spots following leave-no-trace principles.

Many access roads require cautious navigation, especially for larger vehicles. Vekol Road is generally considered accessible for most vehicles with a graded gravel surface for the first several miles, while other monument roads may require high-clearance vehicles. No drinking water, toilets, trash service, or other amenities are available at any of these locations. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days. Visitors report strong cell phone coverage throughout most areas. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient and pack out all waste. Fires are permitted in most areas, but visitors should check current fire restrictions before traveling.

The landscape consists primarily of flat, sandy desert terrain with sparse Sonoran vegetation that becomes more abundant farther from the highway. "Beautiful views of mountains with lots of birds," noted one camper at Vekol Road. Visitors commonly mention the peaceful desert setting while acknowledging some drawbacks. "Border patrol everywhere, some days there were literally 10+ patrol cars riding around, close to the main road so you do hear trucks, Military planes fly through a few times a day," explained one review. For reduced highway noise, campers recommend traveling farther down access roads: "If you go another mile or two south (uphill) on the main road you can camp at the #8007b and #8007c road spurs and #8045 spur. More Sonoran vegetation there and very scenic...lots of Saguaro cactus to camp with on flat open desert pavement."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Maricopa, Arizona (27)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Maricopa, AZ

82 Photos of 27 Maricopa Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Maricopa, AZ

145 Reviews of 27 Maricopa Campgrounds

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 19, 2022

    Sonoran Desert National Monument Camp

    Free dispersed BLM exit #140

    This is a free dispersed camping area in the BLM Sonoran National Monument. Take Interstate 8, Exit #140 and take gravel road to south. The gravel road is rough washboard first section, then gets narrower and just rough. Camping areas seem to be just within less than a mile of the Interstate so truck noise will be an issue. No services for 30 mi back to Gila Bend or 20 mi back to Stanfield. No water, trash, tables. Cell signal is excellent on all carriers. This area is more difficult to access with a TT or RV due to the rougher narrow roads, compared to the Vekol Rd camping area at exit #144.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2022

    BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area

    Vekol Exit 144 free BLM dispersed

    This is free dispersed camping on the BLM Sonoran National Monument. At Interstate 8, Exit 144 go south. BLM starts in about .6 mile. Note that the gravel road then will pass thru some pvt land that the Dyrt does not show, before the BLM again at the road fork to the Vekol Ranch (2.1 miles in from hwy). See attached screenshot from the BLM monument map. Lots of sites scattered along the main graded gravel road. There is an info kiosk at junction of road going to the Vekol Ranch. Most of the campers seem to be in this area to avoid interstate truck noise. Excellent cell signal on all carriers. No water, marked sites, tables, fire rings or trash dumpsters. Nearest services are in Sanfield (poor), Maricopa (best) or Gila Bend (fuel, RV stuff) so come prepared. Maricopa has a Fry's Market and gas. Sanfield has a Family Dollar and Circle K gas. Gila Bend has most services but not a major food market. Not much Sonoran cactus vegetation by the kiosk sign in in this area, no cholla and very few Saguaros, area is just a wide flat creosote palo verde sandy plain.

    Update: if you go another mile or two south (uphill) on the main road you can camp at the #8007b and #8007c road spurs and #8045 spur. More Sonoran vegetation there and very scenic...lots of Saguaro cactus to camp with on flat open desert pavement. Farther away from the hwy noise is a plus!

    If you are concerned about potential safety issues from illegal smuggling warnings, then staying down close to BLMat the .6 mile mark is likely best.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2022

    BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Road #8042 Dispersed Camping Area

    Overlander High Clearance only

    This BLM dispersed camping area access is about MP 147.5 in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8. This is a two track road that leaves the highway and goes thru a gate, and EXTREME CAUTION is advised slowing down and leaving the freeway due to no off ramp or signs here to alert traffic behind you. Not recommended for RVs or TTs due to the risky access off the interstate. Best suited for Overlander types and high clearance trucks/vans. This area was a pleasant surprise and the access road #8042a is best due to good gravel surface and interesting camping areas. Suggest going on #8042a for 1.2 miles to the abandoned windmill/tank area. There is a large rock borrow pit midway if you are a shooter. This windmill area is behind a ridge from I 8 and reduces the highway truck noise.

    Free dispersed camping, no water. Info kiosk at pin location. Note that this area is isolated with little traffic and other campers and would not advise solo camping due to warnings about illegal smuggling. Go with buddies and go heavy.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2022

    BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - BLM road #8032 access

    Overlander types recommended

    This two- track BLM road leaves from the westbound lanes of Interstate 8. EXTREME CAUTION is advised and TTs and RVs are not recommended for these unmarked two tracks along the Interstate.

    You go thru a gate and this area is to west of the wilderness area and is not restricted by the wilderness buffer road issues. The road splits in a couple tens and there are several camp spots along the way, but best to get farther away from the freeway truck noise. On the map this #8032 roads goes all the way to hwy 238 between Gila Bend and Maricopa. No facilities, no water. Cell signal was couple weak bars but ok for txt email.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, Gorgeous, Tons of Hiking!

    Drive through the town of Gold Canyon AZ, and you quickly leave behind the sprawl of suburban Phoenix, but embrace the sprawling landscape of the Sonoran Desert which is brimming with life in the spring. The unpaved road leads to multiple pull-offs and side roads where you can find the perfect spot to tuck away and camp for as long as you like.  Embrace the sun and bring your solar panels and plenty of cold drinks -- you'll be rewarded with amazing sunrises and sunsets and all the peace and quiet you can stand.  You may get lucky and find some partial shade under a Palo Verde, too.

    Though adjacent to Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Mountains Wilderness Area, the camping along Peralta Rd. is on Arizona State Lands. Use of this land, for any reason or purpose, requires a special individual permit. These annual permits are available online, https://asld.secure.force.com/recreationalpermit/ and cost $20 (plus $1 online processing fee). The permit is good for 1 year (deal of the century!) and allows access to any other Arizona State Lands where a permit is required. 

    While there are no services available at any of the camping spots, water, gas, or groceries are a short drive back into town. The hiking, and biking opportunities are amazing right around camp via the numerous and unlabeled OHV trails, or a short drive to the Peralta Canyon trailhead. This Forest Service parking area requires either a Tonto Pass, or Interagency Pass, or$10 day pass (available through a self-pay kiosk) serves as the start of many trails that will lead you into the gorgeous Superstition Mountains. Both the road, parking areas and trails are super busy on the weekends, so plan accordingly. During the popular hiking months, Forest Service Volunteers will regulate the parking area, so don't think that you'll get away without buying a pass. The ticket is more expensive.

  • Leanne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2019

    Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    Great place, close to civilization yet remote

    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. Ive had wild horses walk by. Love it there.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2021

    Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Free but permit required

    This is in Arizona State Trust Land area so a permit is required. This can be purchased online for $15/individual or $20/family of 4. 

    Lots of areas to pull off and camp here. The main dirt road in is fairly smooth with some areas of washboard. There are some nice flat areas further up the side roads away from the main road but a lot had washouts and were rocky so high clearance a must. 

    If you’re looking for quiet this may not be for you. There were Friday night partiers so it was noisy late into the night and started up again at 6am. This was a beautiful area and we really liked it here but it is heavily used by ATVs and 4x4s blaring loud music and flying down the road kicking up lots of dust. The hiking is worth the stay as there are many trails for biking and hiking some single tracks that these ATVs cannot access so that made it worth it to stay a few days. Beware of walking on the main road as vehicles do not slow down for pedestrians and you’ll be eating dust. It may be better during weekdays but I don’t know for sure.  Were it not for the noisy ATVs we would have given this 5 stars.

    This area is also used by horses and there is a nearby business that does horse tours. Chollas are everywhere so watch yourself and your pets. 

    Good Verizon and AT&T reception.

    No amenities.

  • P
    Feb. 6, 2022

    Hackamore Road Dispersed

    Roads are horrid for RVs

    So unless you have high clearance. Stay away. We have a 40ft school bus and we’ll if not for the potholes Everywhere it’s the horrid uneven land. Mind you if you are not RV camping then you’ll be 100% okay and good to go.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 26, 2021

    Buckeye Hills BLM - CLOSED

    FREE but Dirty and Loud

    Managed by Lower Sonoran BLM Field Office. Free camping, but you have to love the sound of gunshots and love the view of trash everywhere. 

    There are multiple dirt roads you can take to find spots in Buckeye Hills that run adjacent to Powers Butte Wildlife Area where there is no camping allowed. We stayed here in different spots for 3 days while waiting for mail in Buckeye. The place is filthy! Shooting garbage and illegal dumping is common, in fact one night we woke up and just down the road was a new pile of some illegal dumping. 

    If you can get used to the constant gun fire, you’ll still have to put up with ATVs racing up and down the various roads. The dirt here is a fine deep powder in a lot of areas so there is lots of dust that gets kicked up when they race by, sometimes just back in forth right in front of where you are parked. 

    There is not really hiking or biking unless you want to dodge bullets or ATVs. There also appears to be a lot of long time“residents” in the area as well. There are no amenities here so pack in and pack out though it is obvious not many do. We picked up trash and about 7 lbs of casings around our spots we stayed in. Besides the noise and physical pollution there is also light pollution from Palo Verde and Buckeye. 

    1-2 bars Verizon& ATT, streaming with pauses for buffering

Guide to Maricopa

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Maricopa, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking a more rugged experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Maricopa, Arizona

Enjoy hiking and exploring while free camping near Maricopa

Dispersed campers should check out Vekol Valley Road

  • Vekol Valley Road is known for its spacious areas, making it easy to find a spot that suits your needs, as highlighted by visitors to Vekol Valley Road.
  • This location is also pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure, which is a plus for many campers.
  • With its proximity to the highway, you can enjoy the convenience of easy access while still being able to retreat into nature, as noted by those who have camped at BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Maricopa, Arizona?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Maricopa in the Sonoran Desert. Sonoran Desert National Monument Camp offers free camping accessible from Interstate 8, Exit #140 via a rough gravel road south. The camping areas are typically within a mile of the Interstate. Another option is BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area, accessible from Interstate 8, Exit 144 by heading south about 0.6 miles to reach BLM land. Both locations offer genuine desert dispersed camping experiences with no facilities.

Are there any time limits for free overnight camping near Maricopa?

Most dispersed camping areas near Maricopa follow the standard BLM 14-day stay limit within a 28-day period. After reaching this limit at locations like BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Road #8042 Dispersed Camping Area, you must move at least 25 miles away. Some areas may have stricter limitations during peak seasons. For camping at BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Road #8030 Access and similar sites, it's advisable to check with the Lower Sonoran Field Office for any temporary restrictions before setting up camp.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Maricopa?

Dispersed camping in Maricopa County follows standard BLM regulations. At locations like Peralta Road Dispersed Camping, you must practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out all trash and waste. Some areas like Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance require permits and gate access codes. Most BLM areas prohibit camping within 200 feet of water sources and 300 feet of developed recreation sites. Fires may be restricted seasonally, and where allowed, should be kept small with existing fire rings used when available. Vehicle use is typically limited to established roads and trails.

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