Top Free Dispersed Camping near Mesa, AZ

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Mesa? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Mesa's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mesa, AZ (50)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    1. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    26 Reviews
    64 Photos
    482 Saves

    FREE permit required from the Mesa Ranger District office at 5140 E. Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205; 480-610-3300. Permits can be requested online or by email. The permit will be emailed to you within 48 hours (except weekends and holidays). This space is very large so it may be best to divide it by the access points. The point I'll be using is Access #3- Forest Road (FR) 10, south entrance: This access point is reached from Apache Junction. From Mesa: Travel 15 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to the Idaho Street exit. Follow Idaho Street north 4½ miles to McKellips. Turn right on McKellips and travel ½ mile to the Wolverine Pass Road and turn left. Follow it for 7/8 mile and turn right on Tonto Road. Travel north on Tonto Road for ¼ mile to Cactus and turn left. Follow Cactus to McDowell Road and follow it to FR 10 gate.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed

    2. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    8 Photos
    77 Saves

    Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest
    • No image available

      5. Box Bar Road Dispersed

      3 Reviews
      31 Saves

      Box Bar is a River Access Point to the Verde River, close to Bartlett Lake in the Cave Creek Ranger District. This small site offers beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains along with a fast moving river – making it a fun spot for kids of all ages. The shore line is a rocky/pebble beach with several shady trees. Wildlife can be seen during the early summer months, and late winter. The road access in to the site is compacted dirt.

      There are no designated campsites however the shaded areas along the west side of the parking area are popular spots to set up camp trailers and tents.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Dispersed
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
      Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
      Camper-submitted photo from Horse Trails Boondock
      Camper-submitted photo from Horse Trails Boondock
      Camper-submitted photo from Horse Trails Boondock
      Camper-submitted photo from Horse Trails Boondock
      Camper-submitted photo from Horse Trails Boondock

      9. Horse Trails Boondock

      2 Reviews
      5 Photos
      114 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Dispersed
      • No image available

        10. Saguaro Cove

        2 Reviews
        11 Saves
        • Pets
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Dispersed
        • Alcohol
      Showing results 1-10 of 50 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Mesa

      159 Reviews of 50 Mesa Campgrounds


      • e
        Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
        Sep. 22, 2024

        Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

        Dispersed camping not allowed currently

        September 21, 2024: We’ve dispersed camped here many times in last three years, took a trip out there today and every dispersed access point is plowed up with very deep trenches not allowing vehicles or rigs to access. Sad affair with squatters taking advantage and leaving trash, there was not a soul in sight. Maybe they’ll reopen it later when it cools down.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
        Aug. 24, 2024

        Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

        Requires permit

        Area is marked and needs permit as well. As a foreigner I can't buy the permit online since only US address can be entered and will be reverted for the credit card payment so no way to stay there legally.

        Maybe going in person or call them can get me a permit but yeah not this way.

        Anyway the spot is nice and levelled if it would be usable 🙂

      • Jim A.
        Camper-submitted photo from Saguaro Cove
        Jun. 13, 2024

        Saguaro Cove

        Remote Camping

        Takes a little 4 wheeling to get there or you can access it from the water.  Basic dispersed camping but gets a little warm during the summer months.  Views are nice and its a nice pack it in, pack it out spot.

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Picket Post
        May. 22, 2024

        Picket Post

        Quick Night

        Good place to pull off in a pinch for free. You do hear road noise. Close to Arizona Trail, where it crosses 60 so you can hike both directions if you decide to, or take the trail up to the top of the mountain. Very beautiful area

      • Patrick C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar Road Dispersed
        May. 1, 2024

        Box Bar Road Dispersed

        Fun spot

        This is a great spot and easy to get to. Lots of shaded areas. You can camp next to your car , wich there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that. Close to the river with several walk in spots to play in.

      • B
        Camper-submitted photo from State land trust/Inspiration Point
        Apr. 29, 2024

        State land trust/Inspiration Point

        Weekdays are best

        State land trust, good spot for a few nights. Gunshots in the distance, but no incidents/casualties lol. Pulled my 31ft TT back into a spot for a week. Close 10 min drive to stores like WinCo and Safeway and gas stations. Quite weekdays, loud weekends due to motor vehicles breaking the rules. (Not a ohv area but treated as such)

      • Jacquelyn I.
        Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar Road Dispersed
        Apr. 27, 2024

        Box Bar Road Dispersed

        Easy Drive In

        We don’t have an offroad car, so it is always nice when the gravel road is well managed. No heart aches getting in and finding an open area to camp. I was pleasently surprised at the many little nooks of privacy that you could set up camp. Outhouses are well maintained. Bring your own water though and you do need to pay ahead of time, there are no pay boxes on site.

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed
        Mar. 10, 2024

        Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed

        Enjoyed tent camping

        I’ve never been out here. Got a state land trust family pass for the area just in case we needed it. The cottonwood canyon rd is dirt/gravel and it is very flat and not washboarded. Cars can drive in. Just be aware that many of the pull offs from the road have dips or hills but there are also plenty of flat pull offs that lower ground clearance vehicles can pass. For tent camping finding a spot without a lot of sharp rocks and prickles from the various cacti can be a little challenging but it’s totally doable. Use caution when walking about between the cacti. Lots of prickles you can’t see well on the ground. Be extra careful if you have dogs. Probably want to have tweezers or pliers with you to remove the spines. We came out when it was covered in grass but I can imagine it might get pretty dusty if there isn’t any grass. There’s basically no shade to speak of but plenty of bushes/cacti etc for privacy. Very easy to find spots away from other campers on the weekend. There’s lots of gunfire and explosions in the distance during the day and at night. Many ATVs/OHVs driving up and down the main road at night. It got pretty much silent at about 11pm. There are probably a lot of places a decent way from the main road that may be quieter but there are no signs anywhere so you just kind of have to pull off and drive around. Camp was raided by quail early in the morning and we had some cows visit but they didn’t come too close. All in all pretty cool area will definitely come back

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Schoolhouse Point Dispersed
        Mar. 2, 2024

        Schoolhouse 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

      • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
        Feb. 29, 2024

        Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

        Nice Desert Site

        Only stayed for the night but could have stayed longer if we didn’t have someplace to be. Lower clearance rigs and vehicles need to stay closer to the main road. We have a 4x4 class C towing a Jeep so we went through some steep banked washes. The further you get away from the main road the less people. Will stay here again.



      Guide to Mesa

      Camping near Mesa, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

      What to do:

      • Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. One camper mentioned, “Lace up your boots and conquer one of the park's diverse hiking trails. From challenging climbs to scenic strolls, there's a path for every level and every desire” at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground.
      • Off-Roading: If you have a UTV or enjoy off-roading, you’re in luck! A visitor shared, “Dust off your UTVs and get ready for a blast! The washboard washes offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts” at the same campground.
      • Fishing and Water Sports: For those who love water activities, Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground is a great choice. One reviewer said, “The views from my spot were pretty epic. Relaxed and fished off the shoreline.”

      What campers like:

      • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A visitor at Picacho Peak State Park Campground noted, “Great views and epic sunsets. We stayed on the western edge... the sunsets were unobstructed and magnificent.”
      • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. A camper at Usery Mountain Regional Park mentioned, “The sites are very nicely kept/clean. The bathrooms are immaculate, and the staff is friendly and helpful.”
      • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like McDowell Mountain Regional Park are popular for families. One reviewer said, “Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails.”

      What you should know:

      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, have limited facilities. A camper pointed out, “No hot water in bathrooms. No showers... but there was only one functioning bathhouse.”
      • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife! A visitor at Cactus Forest Dispersed shared, “I came across 6 rattlesnakes... packs of coyotes rolling through at night.”
      • Road Conditions: If you're heading to places like Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, be aware of rough roads. One camper warned, “The road is in the worst condition... it was impossible to get through.”

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, which offers plenty of space and activities. A family shared, “There is plenty to see around the area. Park is well maintained.”
      • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for hiking and exploring. One camper noted, “Great hikes right from the campground” at Picacho Peak State Park Campground.
      • Pack Snacks and Drinks: It’s always good to have snacks on hand, especially when exploring. A visitor at Usery Mountain Regional Park mentioned, “The facilities were clean and well kept.”

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Hookup Availability: Some campgrounds, like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground, offer electric hookups, while others do not. A camper noted, “Water and electric... but no beach for swimming.”
      • Be Mindful of Space: RVers at McDowell Mountain Regional Park appreciated the spacious sites. One said, “Nice large private sites with a wonderful view of the mountains and desert.”
      • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where dump stations are located. A visitor at Burnt Corral Campground mentioned, “There is a boat launch adjacent to the campground so most campers also had boats.”

      Camping around Mesa, AZ, has something for everyone, from stunning views to exciting activities. Just be prepared for the desert environment and enjoy your adventure!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mesa, AZ?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mesa, AZ is Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance with a 3.7-star rating from 26 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mesa, AZ?

        TheDyrt.com has all 50 dispersed camping locations near Mesa, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.