Best Dispersed Camping near Morristown, AZ

Dispersed camping opportunities near Morristown, Arizona include multiple BLM-managed locations and State Trust lands that accommodate primitive camping without hookups or facilities. Free sites can be found at locations like Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, Ghost Town Road BLM Camping, and several areas along Vulture Mine Road. Many sites offer adequate space for larger rigs, including RVs and trailers, though without the amenities of developed campgrounds. Areas such as North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp and Sophie's Flat Trailhead provide additional dispersed camping zones within driving distance of Morristown.

Most access roads to these primitive sites feature unpaved surfaces with varying conditions that may include washboard sections, deep ruts, and loose gravel. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many areas, particularly after rain when roads can deteriorate rapidly. Most dispersed sites adhere to the standard 14-day stay limit common on public lands. Visitors should note that while fires are generally permitted in established rings, seasonal fire restrictions may apply. These areas lack services such as drinking water, garbage collection, or toilets, though Sophie's Flat Trailhead does provide basic toilet facilities. Campers must arrive self-contained with all necessary supplies including water.

The terrain surrounding these primitive sites features typical Sonoran Desert landscapes with saguaro cacti, desert scrub, and distant mountain views. Wildlife sightings often include wild burros and coyotes, particularly at the Old Airstrip area. Cell service varies significantly by location, with better coverage typically available at higher elevations. Campers should be prepared for occasional off-road vehicle activity, as several areas double as staging points for ATVs. User experiences highlight both challenges and attractions: "Wide open space, an abandoned air strip. Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"

Best Dispersed Sites Near Morristown, Arizona (55)

    1. Boulders OHV Area

    7 Reviews
    Wittmann, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable.

    Service: 1 bar Verizon"

    "Huge area to disperse camp with an actual bathroom. If you dont mind occasional off road vehicles driving through during the day, its a good spot with plenty of room."

    2. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    19 miles

    "Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties. There's no facilities so be prepared. Good level land and plenty of room."

    "Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"

    3. North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp

    2 Reviews
    Morristown, AZ
    2 miles

    "Lots of room, flat, and just off a paved road. This is better than the wild camping we found up in Wickenburg."

    "Great camping with tons of off-roading nearby."

    4. Sophie's Flat Trailhead

    1 Review
    Wickenburg, AZ
    11 miles

    "There is a dirt road leading up to it. I think most size rigs could make it."

    5. State land trust/Inspiration Point

    6 Reviews
    Surprise, AZ
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "That's right, this is AZ, State Trust land, AKA: FREE camping and parking land—72,000 acres of open dispersed, rough, rugged, off-the-grid life."

    "Numerous campsites available in an area along State Road 74 and New River/Lake Pleasant Roads, at least 2 or 3000 acres with hundreds of establish campsites."

    7. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    22 miles

    "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 campsite is good, quiet, easily accessible and I met some friendly neighbors. I love all the cacti as well. There is quite a bit of trash and glass around."

    9. Vulture Mine Road South Dispersed

    1 Review
    Wickenburg, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 867-5400

    10. Ghost Town Road BLM Camping

    10 Reviews
    Congress, AZ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "This is a relatively small BLM dispersed camping area. There’s maybe 20 sites depending on the the type of vehicle you drive."

    "Off road trails that can also be used for running/hiking. Numerous sites the further back you go. Some need higher clearance to get to. Water for .25 a gallon at the Uhaul in town."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Morristown, AZ

210 Reviews of 55 Morristown Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great spot to pull in

    Drove a mini van on the road, wasn’t too washed out or anything. A sedan could definitely drive to many of the spots. Many campsites available, beautiful scenery! Please help keep this place clean by leaving no trace!

  • The Wanderer
    Dec. 31, 2023

    Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    72 thousand FREE acres

    That's right, this is AZ, State Trust land, AKA: FREE camping and parking land—72,000 acres of open dispersed, rough, rugged, off-the-grid life. I've parked here in my converted Skoolie of 36 feet for two years. I DO purchase the $ 15-a-year permit and I DO display it. But in 2 years, I've not seen even one "official" vehicle and have never been asked to see my permit or how long I have parked. It is messy, I like to clean it up at times, please help and please remember, this is your land so do not trash it to the point that we will be kicked off. I've watched this happen all over northern AZ and it does not need to happen here. Pack it in and pack it out. Leave no trace. There are garbage cans 1 mile from this land. A new gas station/convenience store has been erected a mile from Maddock Road. Although Maddock Road is no longer an access point to the lands, there are plenty of other access points. The new gas station has diesel, water dispensing, propane dispensing, and all the conveniences anyone would need. It is a paradise in Winter, believe that. In summer, it is hotter than the dickens. I bounce from Flag to this location yearly, it works well for us nomads.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 5, 2022

    Ghost Town Road BLM Camping

    Nice little area with great sunsets.

    This is a relatively small BLM dispersed camping area. There’s maybe 20 sites depending on the the type of vehicle you drive. There are definitely some high clearance vehicle only areas but we were able to find a nice spot in our Winnebago next to the base of the hills. There are no services here, it is strictly dry camping. There is s cemetery right next to the area, a little weird but they didn’t make much noise. There are plenty of hills to hike around on and there are some old mines in the area but be cautious, there are arsenic warning signs in some and it appears some mining is still going on. Great sunsets and star filled nights.

  • RGR D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great Rest Overnight

    The Bloody Bath access road was an easy drive (F250 SD with a truck camper). Washboards were easy to navigate but watch your speed on the down hill turns. We initially selected the site closest to Bloody Bath Road but decided to move further back to a site about a 1/4 mile in. The road (trail) back to the final site was a bit washed out (dry) with some deep ruts but again easily navigated in our truck. A 2WD Van or a SUV could easily access the site. The site was quiet. The biggest bummer was the amount of trash and empty beer cans strewn around the site. Real bummer.

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

    Box Wash Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Great hiking

    This is a FREE BLM camping area. 

    There are multiple places to pull off along Vulture Mine Rd that have dirt roads that you can take further back. We made a couple of attempts in our 26 ft Class C and almost got stuck and had to back out so be aware that some of the roads look good then suddenly become impassable with no turn around. We ended up near the Vulture Peak trailhead with an easy pull off and a view of the peak (33.880550,-112.820176).

    There is no water or garbage so pack in and pack out and pack out more than you brought in if you feel inclined. There is a pit toilet bathroom at the trailhead entrance. This is also an ATV area so watch out while hiking because most thought they had the right of way. 

    There is good hiking to the peak and across the street there is another access to hike in. There is some road noise but it is not too bad., overall a quiet place. This is a trailhead so there is a lot of day use traffic of vehicles, ATVs and hikers but the nights were quiet and pleasant. Chollas are everywhere and we constantly had to pick them out of our dogs so be aware. We did not see any wildlife except some birds but heard coyotes every night. 

    Note: There is a nice spot about 3 spots in that has an old table and a couple of broken chairs sitting in it. No one came into that spot while we were there for 7 days so though it looks like someone is saving a spot, but I think unfortunately someone just left a bunch of junk there. 

    Decent Verizon and AT&T coverage.

  • William M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 12, 2024

    Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    Worth the trip

    The road in is a little rough, but ok. Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties. There's no facilities so be prepared. Good level land and plenty of room. Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well. Fantastic views and quiet atmosphere, so far. Been here two nights and plan to stay for at least another week.

  • 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

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2024

    Vulture Mine Road South Dispersed

    Ok, but on AZ State Trust land

    Access road is fresh gravel so better than 2024. Large open flat area in middle close to a livestock water and corral, so cow noise and smell. Free dispersed but need the $15 AZ lands permit. Cell signal is very good. No toilets, no trash, no tables...just rock fire rings. Close to the hwy so some hwy noise. Some Campers look to be folks that work in town. The other dispersed camping area a bit to the north closer to town by the cell tower may be another good spot. Only 4.5 miles to the Safeway in town.

    Only 2 stars as the area is no scenic and had beat down vegetation, cow crap smell and general vibe is ick.

  • Jeremy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 10, 2024

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Very convenient stop between phoenix metro area & Sedona

    Dirt road is a bit washboard but very manageable by any vehicle.

    Spots line the road to the left & right as you travel down the road. cell Service can be excellent or poor depending on site you choose (avoid the ones in the dips/valleys if its a concern for you)

    No facilities, just good ol’ convenient Arizona boondocking.

    I came in mid December and there were only a handful of others.


Guide to Morristown

Dispersed camping near Morristown, Arizona concentrates around the Sonoran Desert lowlands, averaging 2,100 feet in elevation with winter daytime temperatures typically ranging from 65-75°F. The landscape features volcanic rock formations alongside desert vegetation dominated by creosote bush, palo verde, and saguaro cacti. Most primitive sites have hard-packed gravel or sandy soil bases suitable for camp setups.

What to do

Explore OHV trails: Several staging areas around Morristown serve as starting points for off-road adventures. At Boulders OHV Area, "There are several fenced in and cleared dirt areas to park and pull through trucks, a camper, tent and car, etc. any vehicle can make it to the staging area, road is easy to travel," notes Miriam D P. The network includes routes suitable for beginner to intermediate riders.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities to spot desert wildlife. "Fantastic views and quiet atmosphere, so far. Been here two nights and plan to stay for at least another week. Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well," reports William M. from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area.

Visit abandoned mines: The area contains numerous historic mining sites accessible via primitive roads. Near Sophie's Flat Trailhead, "Nice spot, pretty clean. Pretty easy to get to. There is a dirt road leading up to it. I think most size rigs could make it," according to Robert F. From this access point, hikers can reach several mining ruins within a few miles.

What campers like

Desert solitude: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness and quiet atmosphere. At Vulture Peak Road North State Trust Land, despite some drawbacks, campers find isolation. "Access road is fresh gravel so better than 2024. Large open flat area in middle close to a livestock water and corral," notes Greg L.

Stargazing opportunities: Clear desert skies create exceptional night viewing conditions. "Verizon had about 2 bars of service for texting and calling. Some internet browsing," reports Zack E. about Ghost Town Road BLM Camping, adding that the area is "Clean. Quiet. Easy roads."

Winter temperatures: Mild winter conditions make this region popular for seasonal camping. "So thankful for this desert and the solitude it brought. The further off carefree you get, the more solitude you'll find. It's been pretty windy (25-30mph gusts) which causes a lot of dust but it's gorgeous and warm during the day, even in January," writes Conner F.

What you should know

Permit requirements: Some sites require state land permits. "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," explains Brent T. from State Land Trust/Inspiration Point.

Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "Rough sloped area at crest by cell tower. There is another better quality road slightly south of this rough upper area that I include in this camping area," describes Greg L. Most sites require driving on at least some graded gravel roads.

Wind exposure: Many sites lack natural windbreaks. "It's not bad most days. The wind gets pretty strong out here and there are a lot of side by sides that run very late into the night in the weekends, usually. The temps are a little cooler because of the proximity to Lake Pleasant," notes Eric S.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites away from OHV staging areas: For quieter family camping, select locations removed from popular riding zones. "If you dont mind occasional off road vehicles driving through during the day, its a good spot with plenty of room," advises Daniel B. about Boulders OHV Area.

Bring plenty of water: No potable water exists at any primitive sites around Morristown. "This area has very good cell phone service. Really good cell phone service (Verizon - I got 3-4 bars of 4G, which got me 75+ mb/s download speed)," mentions Russell C., which helps with emergency communication despite the lack of facilities.

Watch for natural hazards: Desert camping requires awareness of cactus spines and wildlife. "We have a 4WD truck, so we were able to get past most of the RVs and toy haulers, but they all seemed like family friendly people! The burros are no joke! You can hear and see them all around you," cautions Elisabeth Q.

Tips from RVers

Water and dumping services: RVers need to plan for water access and waste disposal. "If you need to dump and/or get fresh water Wickenburg is just miles up the road and the Fast Mart Chevron station has two stations for this, plus propane. We paid $15 to dump and the potable water fill up was included," shares David M. from North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp.

Finding level sites: Some areas offer better natural leveling than others. "Nice and levelled. We liked it there. Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space. The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable," reports Ralph S.

Stay length considerations: While most sites maintain the standard 14-day limit, enforcement varies. "That's right, this is AZ, State Trust land, AKA: FREE camping and parking land—72,000 acres of open dispersed, rough, rugged, off-the-grid life. I've parked here in my converted Skoolie of 36 feet for two years," explains The Wanderer about Maddock Road Dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Morristown, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Morristown, AZ is Boulders OHV Area with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 55 dispersed camping locations near Morristown, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.