Dispersed camping dominates the landscape near New River, Arizona, with most sites located on BLM and Arizona State Trust lands. The area sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, creating milder temperatures than Phoenix proper during winter months. Road conditions vary dramatically with recent rainfall, often requiring higher clearance vehicles to access the more remote campsites.
What to do
Hiking the Black Canyon Trail: Near Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping, visitors can access segments of this historic trail. As one camper noted, "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 site was quiet."
Hot air balloon watching: Early mornings offer opportunities to see colorful hot air balloons floating above the desert. A camper at Maddock Road Dispersed noted, "Awoke to hot air balloons on the horizon! Great walks! Lovely and remote!"
Off-highway vehicle trails: The Boulders OHV Area provides extensive trail systems for dirt bikes and ATVs. "Miles of desert and washes to explore with tons of dispersed camping sites. Can get busy on holiday or event weekends but worth it otherwise. Some weekends have horse or Dirtbike events."
Wildlife spotting: Watch for wild burros at Cow Creek Road Dispersed. "Burros are loud and wander around at night. Don't bother them, they can be lethal, otherwise, they are pretty peaceful."
What campers like
Desert solitude: Many visitors appreciate the spacious camping areas that allow for privacy. At Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land, one camper mentioned, "If you drive to the back, off new river road, you can find less people and traffic."
Free camping options: Several areas offer no-cost camping near New River. The Old Airstrip Camping area provides free sites with a 14-day limit. One visitor shared, "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."
Winter temperatures: The climate from October through April proves ideal for desert camping. A camper at Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 mentioned, "The temps are a little cooler because of the proximity to Lake Pleasant. But, you're only minutes to Peoria from here for supplies and North Phoenix and Anthem are very close too."
Night skies: The relatively remote locations offer excellent stargazing opportunities. One visitor to Bloody Basin noted, "The stars are bright and this is worth the drive. Other sites can be seen, however, the distance apart is great enough that you cannot hear them."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Arizona State Trust lands require a permit costing $15-16 annually. A camper at Anthem Dispersed Campsite confirmed these areas are "permit-required" while most BLM lands are free.
Summer heat concerns: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from May through September. A visitor to Lake Pleasant Dispersed Camp advised, "Stayed here for the past 2 years overwinter. 6 months, $15 pass, 36 foot skoolie with zero issues."
Cell service variations: Connectivity depends heavily on your specific location. At Bloody Basin, a camper reported, "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)."
Road conditions: Many access roads feature washboard surfaces or ruts. One camper described Bloody Basin Road: "Dirt road is a bit washboard but very manageable by any vehicle... The road (trail) back to the final site was a bit washed out (dry) with some deep ruts."
Tips for camping with families
Cactus hazards: The abundant desert vegetation requires caution with children and pets. At the Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, one visitor cautioned, "All the cacti so close is a bit hazardous for pets and small children, my dog already got spines in her paws."
Weekend noise levels: Weekends bring increased OHV activity at many sites. A camper observed, "It is popular for ATVs and such, so it can get a bit noisy, and it apparently gets pretty packed over the weekend. But empty during the week."
Security considerations: Some areas have reported theft issues. A visitor to Maddock Road advised, "No problems except for the people on drugs. Be careful and lock up before you leave to go anywhere."
Family-friendly spots: Some areas provide better experiences for children than others. One camper at Old Airstrip reported their experience: "Beautiful campsite, first camping trip with our new travel trailer and this was great first spot! Dirt road was a little bumpy but actual campsite was easy to get to."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Many areas can accommodate RVs but require careful navigation. At N Seven Springs Road - Dispersed Site, the terrain is described as "Nice quiet off the side of the road spot" but visitors should scout ahead for level parking.
Connectivity for remote work: Several areas provide sufficient cell signal for digital nomads. One visitor to Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 reported, "Great AT&T service, was able to work off hotspot from Tues-Friday with no incidence."
Access considerations: Road conditions determine which sites are suitable for different RV types. One camper at Old Airstrip advised, "We have a 4WD truck, so we were able to get past most of the RVs and toy haulers," suggesting that non-4WD vehicles should stay closer to main roads.
Campsite spacing: RVers appreciate the generous distance between sites at many locations. A visitor to Bloody Basin noted, "Sites are nicely spaced though so it's not like some areas where everyone is in a big lot."
