Top Free Dispersed Camping near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, AZ (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

33 Reviews of 5 Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Ajo BLM Dispersed
    March 13, 2024

    Ajo BLM Dispersed

    Beauty, ease, quiet

    Fairly easy approach with my overcab camper setup, and family of 4. beautiful saguaro and ocotillo country, yotes yipping at night, owls, wrens and a ton of wildlife. Maybe be careful of pckrats and leave your hood propped up with a light. Otherwise one of our favorite dispersed camp sites ever!! LOTS of space to explore. 

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ajo Regional Park - Roping Arena Camping Area
    March 27, 2023

    Ajo Regional Park - Roping Arena Camping Area

    Great place for visiting Ajo

    We stayed in a 40' motorhome for a couple of nights. Easy access even for bigger rigs. Huge spaces to find a spot. The area was pretty clean - only one trashy-looking camper. No amenities at all! Short drive into town for gas, food, and restaurant. Verizon & T-mobile worked great.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed
    February 23, 2023

    Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed

    Room between sites

    Nice area with room between campers yet still opportunity to say hi and wave as you walk by. Some noisy atvs but not overwhelming. Close proximity to Ajo with plenty to do there. We will come back. The further back you go, you will loose cell signal completely.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed
    February 18, 2023

    Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed

    Beautiful and quiet

    First time camping near Ajo. We turned onto the scenic loop drive off Darby Wells Road and quickly found a large flat spot down off the road. Very little traffic and no neighbors. A new favorite!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ajo BLM Dispersed
    July 10, 2022

    Ajo BLM Dispersed

    Sweet little place

    Stopped here for the night on the way back to Tucson and loved it. Hope to go back and explore the town a little more next time!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea
    April 16, 2022

    Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea

    Lots of space

    Stayed here for a night in mid April 2022. I arrived around 5:30 PM and was able to get set up and collect enough wood for a fire. I found a level spot with an existing fire ring. There were a few other campers around but this place has a lot of space so I didn’t notice the neighbors. It was cloudy and a full moon but I could imagine the skies get super dark here. I would stay here again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea
    March 9, 2022

    Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea

    This place is huge!!

    Big open area with some shrubs, cacti and washes. There is LOTS is space here so plenty of room to spread out but bc of the low nature of most of the plants there isn’t a ton of privacy. You prob won’t be alone but you won’t need to be right next to someone either.

    Mostly level area, great roads. Everyone around was quiet and respectful. Saw a few coyotes while we were here and heard them yipping throughout the night. Very peaceful and close to Organ Pipe National Monument.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ajo BLM Dispersed
    February 3, 2022

    Ajo BLM Dispersed

    Packed

    Packed in. Dozens or hundreds of trailers these first 2 weeks of February. Sunny, but not overly warm weather. Road noise that is not overwhelming, just a steady din in the background. Tent campers having some trouble this time of year as the wind increases sharply in the afternoon.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed
    January 2, 2022

    Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed

    Scenic area but poor cell

    This is a dispersed BLM area behind the old copper mine tailings and a wide washboard dusty road goes back into the area. Scenic Sonoran desert vegetation due to the cactus diversity but some areas have been trashed by past use during the mining days. Cell signal was mixed to poor, only TMobile worked barely for me. Close to Ajo but no water, trash, or tables. Access road can be dusty and washboard.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ajo Regional Park - Roping Arena Camping Area
    January 2, 2022

    Ajo Regional Park - Roping Arena Camping Area

    Rundown and neglected!

    This camping area is next to the County roping arena. There was some kind of grid RV area in distant past but now the entire area is neglected and rundown. There are a couple derelict RV trailer camps and some trashy campers that need to be booted out. This is a free 14d area and seems the County will come by and issue you a free permit. Cell signal is very good but no water, no trash, no tables and the old toilet by the arena is locked. Overall just a neglected Pima County park resource.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed
    December 30, 2021

    Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed

    Excellent boondocking

    We were on a transit from Phoenix to northern Nevada and decided a little detour through Ajo would be nice. In spite of the warnings about sketchy activity at Darby Well, we gave it a go. We had to go farther down the road than we planned to find a site that we felt we could navigate in our rig. The roadside berms closer in were bigger than we wanted to attempt. 

    We found a good, level spot with neighbors reasonably spread out and walking distance to the well so we decided to stay a couple of nights instead of our original plan of just one since we had enough cell signal to get some work done, the area was quiet, and the neighbors respectful. 

    The wind the first night was hefty and kept us huddled inside. Picture two adults, large dog, and a motorcycle in a tiny toy hauler! But by morning it easy to enjoy working and exploring outside. And, obviously, being a desert with no large trees around and lots of sun, we were able to keep our action up and running with solar power. 

    While there, we did see a huge caravan of border patrol vehicles come and go but we had no issues or negative encounters at all. We did, however, have a Colorado Cane Toad hop through our site. Imagine our surprise when my partner said“That rock just jumped!” I was able to break out my biggie zoom lens and get some shots without disturbing it.

    [Side note: On our way into town, we did the walking tour which is very engaging if you’re into history and understanding the places you travel through. There is RV parking in town behind the main square but you’ll have to watch your clearance if you want to pull out through the square. We were too tall so we had to maneuver around a bit to get back out.]

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ajo BLM Dispersed
    November 1, 2021

    Ajo BLM Dispersed

    The moon

    I've been here twice, the last a few days ago. I was the only person there and at night felt like i was the only person on earth or moon. Completely quiet. Many fire pits and as another review said, lots of glass everywhere. Lots of cans with holes in them.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea
    April 25, 2021

    Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea

    Great Campsite near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

    Within just 20 miles of the Organ Pipe National Monument, Gunsight Wash allows dispersed camping up to 14 days. There are enough flat parking areas scattered throughout the BLM area to accommodate hundreds of rigs. You should be able to find a quiet spot, though it's unlikely that you'll have the place all to yourself. 

    As with most dispersed camping areas managed by the BLM, there are no services for bathroom, water, or trash. There is a day-use rest area across the highway, but please do not dump your trash there (AZDOT will charge the BLM to dispose of this trash, and that will mean that the BLM will have to start charging us -- so be a good neighbor and dispose of your stuff in the nearby town of Why). 

    The main road between Why and Sonoyta (Mexico) is very busy during the days. 

    However, the border crossing is closed at night so being parked near the pavement isn't going to keep you awake all night. However, we found that getting further away made the hanging out around camp more pleasant.

    There are many hiking and biking opportunities available just a short drive away into the National Monument. The Visitor's Center is also worth a visit, and the NPS campground is super cute and offers all the usual amenities of developed campground in the NPS. The town of Why is within 2 miles of the Gunsight Wash turn off, which offers a gas station and convenience store. Further up the road lies Ajo, AZ, which has more in the way of restaurants and grocery stores.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed
    March 17, 2021

    Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed

    Good free dispersed boondocking

    Stayed here for three nights with the wife and kids in a tear drop type camper. It has a good amount of spots that are flat. We have never camped in the desert before, but it is still too cold for the woods. We enjoyed it and it really piqued our interest in desert camping. We did a short overland hike with no trail. We didn't see any hiking trails, so be careful you don't get lost. Ajo is real close and it has a couple little stores, gas stations, and like two restaurants. It does have a museum that was closed citing Covid. The mine museum was still open and very interesting. It even interested the three kids (6, 8, 11 years old). 

    On our last night I saw bombing practice at the Goldwater bombing range. Just aerial flares and flashes from FAR away. I was surprised by it. It was NOT detrimental to our stay. 

    May be our fall/spring camping spot.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea
    February 23, 2021

    Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea

    Back Again

    I have found that this is a nice location. If you want to visit in this area, it is very conveniently located about three miles from the Organ Pipe National Park. There is a campground in the park. It offers paved parking and barbecue grills, but it still dry camping. Since this is free I find it a lot better for dry camping. It is close to a town called Why, that has gas, and a restaurant called Grannies that has the best burritos this area has to offer. Can also get ice and propane at the gas station there. I chose to Camp close to the road, because I don't mind the noise from traffic, I feel it is a little soothing at times personally. The BLM area goes back several miles and if you don't mind driving in a little farther in, it is much quieter. I really like this area BLM land and I'm sure to come here again and again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea
    January 27, 2021

    Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea

    Desert camping

    Primitive and far from civilization. Right next to highway 85, so there is a lot of traffic noise. Since this is dispersed there are not any facilities, but surprisingly there is little privacy. Several RVs,but no hook ups. Very close to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ajo BLM Dispersed
    January 26, 2021

    Ajo BLM Dispersed

    Calm and isolated

    It is absolutely amazing here. Plenty of space for disperse, primitive camping. This seems like a popular place for primitive camping, but it is so easy to find a quiet private spot. The Ajo MTB trails are here and there is OHV.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed
    January 26, 2021

    Darby Wells Rd BLM Dispersed

    Good flat campsites.

    Darby wells Rd. Has some good dispersed campsites right off the road. With flat cleared out areas. There isn’t a lot of traffic along the road either. So I would recommend this for an overnight.



Guide to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Camping near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are several campgrounds to choose from, each with its own charm and quirks.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. At Twin Peaks Campground, you can hike the 1.3-mile Palo Verde Trail leading to the Visitor Center. One reviewer noted, "The campground is ringed by trailheads... It's a beautiful, beautiful spot."
  • Stargazing: The night sky is breathtaking in this area. Campers at Gunsight Wash have enjoyed the clear skies, with one saying, "Beautiful area, great spot to enjoy the desert."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Ajo BLM Dispersed mentioned, "Yotes yipping at night, owls, wrens and a ton of wildlife."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms at Twin Peaks Campground. One reviewer said, "The restrooms were basic but clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness at Gunsight Wash. A camper remarked, "Plenty of sites, spacious and large distance to neighbors."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers at Darby Wells Rd appreciate the peacefulness. One said, "Very little traffic and no neighbors. A new favorite!"

What you should know:

  • Pack Rats: Be aware of pack rats at Twin Peaks Campground. A visitor advised, "When we arrived, we were instructed to leave our hoods up to discourage the pack rats."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Alamo Canyon have minimal facilities. One camper noted, "No water and no cell signal."
  • Tight Spaces: Some sites can feel cramped. A reviewer at Twin Peaks Campground mentioned, "Many sites are just jammed together."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: For families, Twin Peaks Campground offers a variety of activities. One family shared, "The hour-long evening ranger talk was both interesting and well-attended."
  • Plan for Limited Privacy: Sites can be close together, so prepare for that. A camper at Ajo BLM Dispersed said, "It is so easy to find a quiet private spot."
  • Bring Supplies: Since some campgrounds are far from stores, stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Gunsight Wash advised, "Getting there is bumpy... but doable."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Size Restrictions: At Twin Peaks Campground, only certain sites accommodate larger RVs. One reviewer mentioned, "Only four sites can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet."
  • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Access roads can be rough. A visitor at Darby Wells Rd noted, "The access road can be dusty and washboard."
  • Solar Power Works Well: Many RVers find solar power effective in this sunny area. A camper at Darby Wells Rd shared, "We were able to keep our action up and running with solar power."

Camping near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for the unique experiences this area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is Gunsight Wash BLM Dispersed camping atea with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, with real photos and reviews from campers.