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 (54)

    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

    6 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

    18 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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Showing results 1-10 of 54 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Peoria, AZ

237 Reviews of 54 Peoria Campgrounds



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

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 54 dispersed camping locations near Peoria, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.