Dispersed camping opportunities near Peoria, Arizona extend beyond the Maddock Road area into several other accessible BLM and state trust lands. These locations sit within the Sonoran Desert ecosystem at elevations ranging from 1,200-2,000 feet, characterized by saguaro cacti, creosote bushes, and rocky terrain. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F, while summer can reach dangerous highs above 110°F, making seasonal timing critical for safety and comfort.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: The desert areas northwest of Peoria host wild burros that frequently visit campsites. At Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, campers regularly encounter these desert residents. As one visitor noted, "You can hear and see them all around you. We also heard a few coyotes right after dusk which was cool."
Stargazing sessions: Clear desert skies make for excellent night viewing at Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping. A camper confirmed, "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 so no concerns about generators, music, or loud parties keeping you awake."
Off-road exploration: Many areas provide direct access to trail systems. At North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp, visitors appreciate the "great camping with tons of off-roading nearby." The Boulders OHV Area offers "miles of desert and washes to explore with tons of dispersed camping sites" where "nearby washes lead to tons of trails near castle hot springs that can lead to various abounded mine sites."
What campers like
Cell service reliability: Many dispersed sites near Peoria offer surprising connectivity. At Dispersed Camping off hwy 74, campers report good service. One reviewer noted, "Full Verizon cell service and nice warm weather in December." Another area offers "excellent cell phone service (Verizon - I got 3-4 bars of 4G, which got me 75+ mb/s download speed)."
Winter weather conditions: The cooler months provide ideal camping weather in these desert areas. Visitors report "gorgeous and warm during the day, even in January" temperatures. A seasonal visitor at Lake Pleasant Dispersed Camp explained, "Stayed here for the past 2 years overwinter. 6 months, $15 pass, 36 foot skoolie with zero issues. Close to everything you need as a boon docker/nomad."
Spacious sites with privacy: The extensive acreage allows campers to find isolation. As one camper described it, "Quiet, spacious, close to water, stores, lake pleasant. If you drive to the back, off new river road, you can find less people and traffic." Another mentioned, "Sites are nicely spaced though so it's not like some areas where everyone is in a big lot."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Many areas require an Arizona State Trust Land permit. At State land trust/Inspiration Point, campers confirm seeing "signs here that you need to have an Arizona Trust Land Permit, but you get it online for $16." International visitors may face challenges as one noted: "As a foreigner I can't buy the permit online since only US address can be entered."
Road conditions vary: Access roads range from well-maintained to challenging. For Bloody Basin Road, "Dirt road is a bit washboard but very manageable by any vehicle." However, at other locations, visitors warn of "a very bumpy drive to get there" or roads that "become unmaintained a couple of miles down."
Area closures occur: Several previously accessible camping areas have been recently closed. At Dispersed Camping off hwy 74, a camper reported in April 2025: "Unfortunately, the state has closed this area down. Brand new 'No Motor Vehicle' signs installed. This was a major travel destination for RV'rs and campers passing through."
Seasonal limitations: Summer temperatures become dangerously hot. One long-term camper described the area as "a paradise in Winter, believe that. In summer, it is hotter than the dickens."
Tips for camping with families
Pet safety precautions: The desert environment presents hazards for animals. One camper at Old Airstrip notes, "We had our two dogs with us and just kept them on the leash so we had no negative cactus experiences." Others warn that "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: Off-road vehicle activity increases significantly on weekends. According to reviews, weekdays are "quiet weekdays, loud weekends due to motor vehicles breaking the rules." Another notes sites can "get busy on holiday or event weekends but worth it otherwise."
Security awareness: While most experiences are positive, some areas require caution. One camper advised: "No problems except for the people on drugs. Be careful and lock up before you leave to go anywhere."
Tips from RVers
Accessible big rig locations: Most areas accommodate larger vehicles, but positioning matters. For Boulders OHV Area, reviews note "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."
Distance from main roads: For quieter camping, positioning away from major routes helps. One RVer shared: "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."
Resource planning: Free camping near Peoria requires self-sufficiency planning. Campers note 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."
