Best Dispersed Camping near Phoenix, AZ

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Phoenix, AZ has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Phoenix, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Phoenix camping trip.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Phoenix, Arizona (52)

    1. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    16 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. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    16 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."

    "This was a major travel destination for RV’rs and campers passing through, or staying for a while in close proximity to Phoenix. Major disappointment."

    3. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    26 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!"

    4. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    $10 - $80 / night

    "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."

    "I have camped at every dispersed camping place within 150 miles of Phoenix. 99 percent are over run by noisy, disrespectful ATV AND DIRT BIKE riders."

    6. Anthem Dispersed Campsite

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

    7. State land trust/Inspiration Point

    6 Reviews
    Surprise, AZ
    22 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."

    8. Boulders OHV Area

    6 Reviews
    Wittmann, AZ
    25 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."

    9. Box Bar Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    "Lots of shaded areas. You can camp next to your car , wich there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that."

    "We don’t have an offroad car, so it is always nice when the gravel road is well managed. No heart aches getting in and finding an open area to camp."

    10. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "It's on BLM land, so you are out of the reach of the Arizona Land Permits.

    The road is a bit tricky."

    "It’s got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby."

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Showing results 1-10 of 52 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Phoenix, AZ

223 Reviews of 52 Phoenix Campgrounds



Guide to Phoenix

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Phoenix, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you're sure to find the perfect spot to unwind.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Phoenix, Arizona

  • Always check for permit requirements before heading out, as some areas like Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land require a $15 annual permit for camping.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many spots, such as Lake Pleasant Dispersed Camp, do not offer drinking water, toilets, or trash disposal, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye on the weather and pack accordingly, especially in areas like Box Bar Road Dispersed, where temperatures can drop significantly at night.

Dispersed campers should check out Boulders OHV Area

  • This location is perfect for those who enjoy off-road adventures, with miles of trails and plenty of space for dispersed camping, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts at Boulders OHV Area.
  • Families will appreciate the spaciousness and the availability of picnic tables, which can enhance your camping experience at this well-reviewed site.
  • Be mindful of busy weekends, as events can draw larger crowds, but visiting during the off-peak season can provide a more tranquil experience.

Enjoy hiking and exploring while free camping near Phoenix

  • The Verde River Dispersed Camping area offers beautiful hiking trails and scenic views, making it an ideal spot for those who love to explore nature on foot.
  • For a unique experience, consider visiting Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife, including wild burros and coyotes.
  • If you're looking for a quieter spot, Cow Creek Road Dispersed provides ample space and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for stargazing and enjoying the serenity of the desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 52 dispersed camping locations near Phoenix, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.