Best Dispersed Camping near Peoria, AZ

Peoria, Arizona, offers a variety of dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a true backcountry experience. The Peoria City Park Campground and Peoria Area State Park are two popular locations for primitive sites, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the natural environment without the distractions of modern amenities. These undeveloped areas require self-sufficiency, as there are no facilities such as restrooms or potable water. Campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that all waste is packed out and the natural landscape remains undisturbed. Public land regulations mandate that campsites be set up at least 200 feet away from water sources and roads to protect the environment. Additionally, there is a maximum stay limit of 14 days to prevent overuse of these remote locations. Access to some sites may require high-clearance vehicles, especially during the rainy season when roads can become muddy and impassable. The Peoria Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity for wild camping, with its proximity to the Sonoran Desert and the Colorado River offering breathtaking views. Fire restrictions are often in place due to the dry climate, so it is crucial to check current conditions before planning a trip. The primitive nature of these sites means that campers must bring all necessary supplies, including water, food, and shelter. Seasonal considerations are important, as summer temperatures can soar above 100 degrees, making spring and fall the most comfortable times to visit. Wildlife such as coyotes and deer are common in the area, so proper food storage is essential to avoid attracting animals to your campsite. By respecting the natural environment and following regulations, campers can enjoy the solitude and beauty of Peoria's dispersed camping areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Peoria, Arizona (56)

    1. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    7 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."

    2. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    14 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. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    6 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."

    4. Boulders OHV Area

    7 Reviews
    Wittmann, AZ
    9 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."

    5. State land trust/Inspiration Point

    6 Reviews
    Surprise, AZ
    12 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. Anthem Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Anthem, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    8. North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp

    2 Reviews
    Morristown, AZ
    18 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."

    9. Cow Creek Road Dispersed

    1 Review
    Black Canyon City, AZ
    14 miles
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    10. Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Cordes Junction, AZ
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "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!"

    "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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Peoria, AZ

240 Reviews of 56 Peoria Campgrounds


  • Nolan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2019

    Mesquite Wash Dispersed

    Mesquite Wash/Sycamore Creek

    Mesquite Wash is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Fountain Hills, Arizona. Follow the Bee Line Highway, SR 87, a few miles past the Four Peaks turn off. Watch for the Mesquite Wash sign. The main area is on the west side of the highway and is used primarily by off road vehicles. The east side of the highway is quieter and has several pull offs available for dispersed camping.

    There are no facilities; no restrooms, hookups, or trash. Pack it in, pack it out. The best time to go is in the winter months but with the weather being pretty fair it’s not too bad. You can have a fire but it depends on fire danger for the day. Pretty much if it’s hot and or dry, you won’t be able to have a fire.

    It is free and first come first serve, although there are plenty of spots to go around!

    All that being said, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the Sonoran desert! There are so many amazing views! Great for hiking or off roading.

    Side note: Please clean up after yourself! Forest Service has put so many restrictions on this area because people leave their trash out there.

  • 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!

  • Leanne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2019

    Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    Great place, close to civilization yet remote

    I use the north entrance off Bush highway. I've camped here 5 or 6 times. No water or bathrooms. Leave no trace. You need a permit and gate code. Most ATVers but not loud during the week. Ive had wild horses walk by. Love it there.

  • 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


Guide to Peoria

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Peoria, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Dispersed campers should check out Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

  • This area allows for a unique camping experience with no permits required, making it accessible for spontaneous trips. Check it out at Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area.
  • Enjoy the freedom of having fires and bringing your pets along, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere of your stay.
  • The site is big rig friendly, so you can easily bring larger vehicles without worrying about tight spaces.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Peoria, Arizona

  • Be prepared for rough roads when heading to Dispersed Camping off hwy 74, as the journey can be bumpy but rewarding.
  • Remember that there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly and bring all necessary supplies.
  • This area is popular among ATV enthusiasts, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during weekdays.

Unique attractions for dispersed campers

  • Explore the vast landscapes at Boulders OHV Area, where you can find miles of trails and dispersed camping spots.
  • The site features picnic tables and restrooms, making it a convenient choice for families or groups looking for a more comfortable experience.
  • Be aware that it can get busy during holiday weekends, so arriving early is advisable to secure a good spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available near Peoria?

Yes, free camping is available near Peoria on public lands. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land offers free camping with a $15 annual permit that must be displayed. The area provides 72,000 acres of open dispersed camping with no facilities or services. Another option is Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, a BLM property with a two-week stay limit. This site has level ground and plenty of space, though no facilities are available. Remember that most free sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and require pack-in, pack-out practices.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Peoria?

The Peoria area offers several dispersed camping options on public lands. Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping provides numerous campsites with beautiful scenery and is accessible even to regular vehicles. Mesquite Wash Dispersed is another option, located about 20 miles northeast of Fountain Hills off SR 87. For a different experience, Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping requires a permit and gate code but offers more seclusion. Most dispersed sites lack facilities, so come prepared with sufficient water and waste disposal plans.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Peoria, AZ is Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 56 dispersed camping locations near Peoria, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.