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Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Lemmon, AZ

215 Reviews

Mount Bigelow Dispersed provides free camping in the forests near Mount Lemmon with numerous secluded sites accessible via forest service roads. Visitors need 4WD vehicles to reach the more remote spots, especially during winter when roads become icy and snow-covered. A recent visitor noted, "We got to the parking area about 7:40 PM on November 10th. Started up the road to the campsite about 2 miles further up the mountain but at about 1/2 mile the road was so icy that we lost traction." Summer campers can escape Tucson's heat with cooler mountain temperatures.

Redington Pass offers another popular dispersed camping area with sites scattered along a rough dirt road. This area features beautiful views of Tucson and Saguaro National Park but requires careful navigation. One camper explained, "The road is rough but if you don't mind driving slow over the holes and bumps then no big deal." Expect crowds on weekends and significant traffic from 4x4s and dirt bikes during the day. All sites are primitive with no facilities, water, or trash service. Fire restrictions commonly apply during dry periods, and campers should verify current regulations before visiting.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mount Lemmon, Arizona (38)

    1. Mount Bigelow Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Willow Canyon, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 388-8300

    "Just make sure you have 4wd and go all the way to the back"

    "Great spots along this road for dispersed camping. Saw some wild life like deer and turkey. Only downside is that the road is narrow so if your pulling anything wide just be cautious."

    2. Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    15 miles
    Website

    "It’s just past the Tanque Verde Falls trailhead parking lot. Beautiful views and lots of RVs around. Off-road route can be bumpy but worth it. Car camping OK."

    "We parked car on dirt road above canyon. We were only ones for a week. Then other young group showed up."

    3. Charouleau Gap Trailhead Camp

    3 Reviews
    Catalina, AZ
    9 miles

    "Several spots off a dirt road that parallels the main road here. Accessed relatively easily (slowly) in my 23 Ft Class C. Some road noise."

    4. Reddington Pass Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    "It’s a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn’t recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we’ve seen them get stuck trying to turn around."

    "40 mile scenic drive on a 4x4 road, dispersed camping along the way. Extremely popular view to park off the road in the saguaros."

    5. Cactus Forest Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    29 miles
    Website

    "This area is about 30 minutes away from Rilloto for supplies. Picacho Peak State park is 20 minutes away for hiking. Overall, it is a quiet area with beautiful views."

    "Classic BLM-style camping, meaning no amenities, dispersed, and pack out all waste. This campground’s name is quite apt; it is indeed a cactus forest, and a beautiful one at that."

    6. Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    34 Reviews
    Cortaro, AZ
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "Bureau of Land Management site. 14 day limit. Easy access and we were able to park our 42 ft motor home easily. The area is quiet with trails and lots of area to walk your four legged camper!"

    "This BLM property, right off the Ajo highway near Tucson, is extremely convenient for a short or extended stay. Anyone can stay up to 14 nights, free of charge. "

    7. Mt Lemmon Summit

    Be the first to review!
    Summerhaven, AZ
    2 miles

    8. Cactus Forest Dispersed Site

    10 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "We camped here near “desert hill”, and there was quite a bit of shooting going on. We didn’t mind it and we’re a little bummed we had no idea we could do it there."

    "Really nice dispersed camp sites along a dirt road. The directions are accurate and bring you to two dirt roads off of Cattle Tank Road."

    9. BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "Plenty of easy dirt roads that we were able to take our ebikes on. Good sites…but watch for rain in the forecast…the desert floor turns to mush and you might find yourself stuck until it dries out."

    "Spent a night here, the site was great if you’re looking for a mostly flat area to camp. There’s a herd of bulls / cows that graze in the area."

    10. Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 258-7200

    "The road from the highway is paved for most of the way. It is about 7 miles from I-10 north of Tucson. You can see the small airport, but it's not busy."

    "About 40 minutes away from Saguaro NP. Absolutely beautiful. Arrived late in the afternoon on a Saturday night. Only a couple of other campers, plenty of sites available."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mount Lemmon, AZ

182 Photos of 38 Mount Lemmon Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mount Lemmon, AZ

215 Reviews of 38 Mount Lemmon Campgrounds

  • L
    Apr. 11, 2022

    The Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Bliss

    This was the perfect place to have my first dispersed camping experience. I tried following Google Maps to the gate however the dirt road it had me try was no longer accessible by car as it was very overgrown. I returned back on the road and continued for about 1/4 mile and found the accessible main dirt road. The gate was closed, please close it once you get your car inside. You must have a Public Lands Trust permit which I did not realize until I got to the gate. Getting one was super easy. $20 for a full year permit and $1 online convenience fee. Once I secured the permit, it was time to explore and find my home for the evening. The road is easy to navigate (yellow ribbons on the bushes just in case) and not maintained. Texture is mostly washed rocks with nothing too technical. High clearance vehicle is required and 4x4 suggested. I saw Pond 2 (0.5 miles from the gate) off to my right and decided to take a look instead of going to Pond 1 (1.5 miles from the gate) immediately. I found a spot that would work for me. Fires are allowed (always check BLM for up to date fire restrictions!!) I still cleared a 10 foot radius around my hand built fire ring as there was dried grasses around. No trash service, no water. Surprised to see 2 porta-potties at the gate but I can't say what state they were in as I did not use them. Come and enjoy the solitude and epic sunsets

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    Boondocking Area

    Bureau of Land Management site. 14 day limit. Easy access and we were able to park our 42 ft motor home easily. The area is quiet with trails and lots of area to walk your four legged camper! We saw horseback riders and ATVs enjoying the area. We were able to stay in contact (ATT ) and the city is within an easy drive for supplies. This is a boondock area. Be aware that while camping here you are sharing the area with wildlife (including rattlers). Boondocking etiquette applies (pick up trash and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived). We have camped here several times and will certainly return!

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2021

    Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument Pump Station Dispersed

    Good access and popular

    This seems to be the popular dispersed camping area along North Pump Station Road within the BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument. Numerous dispersed sites along a two track dirt road on both sides of the main gravel road. Free dispersed, 14D limit. No water, trash, toilets or designated spots. Cell signal is very good and OTA tv is also very good. Last mile or so from end of pavement is a wide graded dirt road accessing the dispersed sites from either direction, however the Silverbell road access seems to have a narrow bridge with a 6k weight limit?, So access to this site is from the south on gravel west El Tiro Rd for larger rigs?

    (Note that State land is adjacent and also offers dispersed camping sites but an AZ state lands permit would be required on State lands.)

    One negative issue is the constant target shooting from adjacent State lands.

  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2020

    Cactus Forest Dispersed

    Feels secluded, but close to I-10 and Tucson

    We were surprised on the number of people who ventured out to this BLM spot off Park Link Road in the Cactus Forest over a rainy weekend in Tucson.

    The first dozen dispersed spots were full with camper vans, small trailers and trucks. We continued to drive down the gravel dirt road to a more secluded spot. We didn’t see anyone in our one-night stay beside a mountain biker in the morning.

    Even though It was raining in the area for about 24 hours before we travelled to the campsite, we didn’t have any issues navigating the 1.5 miles down to the site we chose. The truck has some mud in it and the 4x4 wasn’t needed (but made it easier). I would recommend a high clearance vehicle to reach the further back spots. Also, the road was narrow, our F250 brushed a few bushes on the way.

    Most dispersed sites had a fire ring (check locally fire conditions first). I’d suggest bringing in fire wood unless you just want to burn the few fallen twig and limbs. It’s a cactus forest- so the terrain is mostly saguaros, chollas, Palo verde trees and shrubs.

    Our site had a beautiful view of the sunset and a view of Picacho Peak in the distance. We visited in February and the weather was nice (on the chilly side) for our roof top tent. I wouldn’t come here in the summer unless we had a rig with air conditioning. Impressive view of the stars at night. Some traffic noise from I-10.

    No water, toilets, or trash. So be prepared to take out what you bring in. We had 2 bars of LTE slcell service with T-Mobile.

    It’s BLM land close to Tucson, so locals use the area for gun target practice. We heard gun shots until the sunset and starting again the morning. It was basically non-stop. If you want a place to shoot, this would be a good spot to camp.

    🌵 Saguaro Facts: Saguaros can live to be 150-200 years old and grow as tall at 40 feet. A 10 year old saguaro Is about 1.5 inches tall (please watch where you drive, park and step). At 80 years old, it’s around 6 feet tall and starts to bloom. The best time to see saguaro blooms is mid-May through mid-June. At age 95-100, it’s around 15 feet tall and starts to grow it’s first arm. 🌵

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 3, 2022

    BLM Ironwood Monument - 2555 ft Knob Overlander 4x4 Dispersed Camping area

    Overlander Truck camping only

    This free dispersed BLM camping area is along an unmarked two- track road that heads toward a topographic feature knob (2555 ft elevation). No water, toilets or trash. Cell service is ok unless you get close to back side of knob. The access road is not doable for RVs or TTs IMO, so this area is more suited to high clearance overlander and truck campers. Road has large water potholes after rains also. Road ends at a large opening that was likely a shooting area in past. Only thing there now is a lazyboy recliner for your camping needs, however my pup peeded on it!

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2019

    Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    Quiet & Very Close to Saguaro NP (west)

    This BLM property, right off the Ajo highway near Tucson, is extremely convenient for a short or extended stay. Anyone can stay up to 14 nights, free of charge.  Greeted people here from all walks of life -- from those living out of the back of truck to brand new 45 foot motorhomes.

    Like many high-impact BLM areas, the entrance roads are not well-maintained so some are quite rough. We arrived in the dark, which we do not recommend as it was difficult to see where the entrances were and how rough the roads were ahead of us. The parking/camping spaces are not designated, but heavy use has carved out lots of opportunities. 

    There are a few places to walk or ride throughout the property, which is actually quite small based on typical BLM property.  However, the nearby areas of Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park, offer plenty of opportunities for both. 

    No facilities, no water or even a stream…so plan ahead!

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 5, 2021

    BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument - Reservation Road Dispersed Camping

    Flat and Sandy but close in

    This free BLM dispersed area is at the southeast corner of the National Monument at jct of Mile Wide road and Reservation road. Access on either road is on a wide gravel road for about a mile Note that Mile Wide road has two narrow bridges with a 10k weight limit. Free dispersed, no water, toilets, fire rings, tables or trash containers. However cell signal is very good. This site is only a few miles from both Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mt Park. Entrance has an unlocked gate (close gate behind you) and a new fancy BLM sign. There was a sign in past visits noting no target shooting in the Ironwood monument but someone ripped it down. State trust lands are adjacent and intermixed in this area also. (Camping is allowed on State trust lands but you have to get an online permits for $20). Only 2 stars due to lack of saguaros or ironwood trees and other interesting vegetation, just a sandy flat plain with creosote bushes, but safe for dogs though! ATV use may be an issue on weekends. Seems target shooters are close by with no County Sheriff intervention and the dense dried grass makes campfires a risk. Also there is a high pitch machine noise from the water pump stations nearby that can be irritating. Two stars, maybe one star...

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2021

    AZ State Land North Pump Station Road Dispersed

    AZ State land dispersed

    AZ State trust lands adjacent to BLM Ironwood Forest National Monument. I noticed the state lands seem to have more trash than the adjacent BLM, hence the two stars. Note that AZ State Trust Lands require a permit to camp on, this permit is online and costs around $20 good for a year. Dispersed camping. No water, toilets or trash dumpsters. Cell signal is very good however.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2021

    Ironwood Forest BLM Aqua Blanca dispersed camp

    Big parking area, no privacy

    This access point to Ironwood Forest BLM National Monument is at the west end of Manville road, the last 1/2 mile is graded dirt. The camping area is just a large parking area with some BLM info signs, the area is bordered by barrier rocks. Vegetation is ugly beat down desert by livestock grazing. Not much privacy here if more than 2 camps. Cell signal is good. The old two track road west is likely only a 4x4 Jeep type road. Free dispersed. 14d limit, no water, trash or toilets.

Guide to Mount Lemmon

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mount Lemmon, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of stunning landscapes and unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

Scenic Views and Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking vistas at Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes while exploring nearby hiking trails.
  • The Reddington Pass Dispersed area is known for its off-roading opportunities, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers looking to explore rugged terrain.
  • For those seeking solitude, Mount Bigelow Dispersed offers well-kept, secluded spots with stunning views, ideal for a peaceful retreat.

Wildlife Encounters While Free Camping Near Mount Lemmon

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Mount Lemmon, Arizona

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping on Mount Lemmon?

Mount Lemmon offers several dispersed camping opportunities along the Catalina Highway. The Lake - Dispersed Camping is a popular spot for first-time dispersed campers, though some access roads may be overgrown, so watch for the main entrance. Another option is Redington Pass - Dispersed Camping, located near the eastern base of Mount Lemmon. When dispersed camping on Mount Lemmon, look for established pullouts with fire rings. Most dispersed sites are found at lower to mid-elevations on the mountain. Always check current forest regulations before your trip, as seasonal fire restrictions may apply and some areas may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions or forest management.

What is the difference between Mount Lemmon and Mount Bigelow for camping?

Mount Lemmon and Mount Bigelow offer distinct dispersed camping experiences despite their proximity. Mount Bigelow Dispersed typically has fewer visitors than Mount Lemmon, providing more solitude and less competition for sites. Mount Bigelow, at around 8,500 feet elevation, is slightly lower than Mount Lemmon's 9,159 feet summit. While Mount Lemmon has a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed areas, Mount Bigelow is primarily known for its dispersed camping options. The road to Mount Bigelow branches off the Catalina Highway and is less traveled, often resulting in more primitive conditions. Cell service is generally better on Mount Lemmon, particularly near the summit areas, whereas coverage on Mount Bigelow can be spotty.

Is free camping allowed on Mount Lemmon?

Yes, free camping is allowed in designated dispersed areas on Mount Lemmon, though specific regulations apply. Most dispersed camping on Mount Lemmon follows the standard 14-day stay limit common to public lands. For comparison, nearby Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area also offers free dispersed camping with a 14-day limit. When camping for free on Mount Lemmon, you must practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and follow any seasonal fire restrictions. Remember that you'll need to be self-sufficient as there are no services like water, toilets, or trash collection at dispersed sites. Always check with the Coronado National Forest for current regulations before your trip.

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