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Best Dispersed Camping near Phoenix, AZ

264 Reviews

Dispersed camping options exist on several public lands surrounding Phoenix, Arizona, primarily through Arizona State Trust lands and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. Maddock Road Dispersed camping area and multiple sites along Highway 74 represent common options within 30-45 minutes of the city. Lake Pleasant Dispersed Camp, Anthem Dispersed Campsite, and the Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area provide alternatives for those seeking primitive camping experiences. Most locations require a State Trust Land permit ($15 annual fee) for legal camping, though some BLM sites remain free to access and use.

Access routes to these dispersed camping areas typically consist of dirt roads with varying conditions. Many sites accommodate RVs and tent camping, with high-clearance vehicles recommended for reaching more remote locations. The majority of these areas have no facilities whatsoever—no water, toilets, trash service, or hookups. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with fire bans common during dry periods. Time limits are generally enforced, with State Trust Land permitting a maximum stay of 14 days per year, though enforcement appears inconsistent according to visitor reports.

Camping experiences near Phoenix blend desert solitude with proximity to urban conveniences. Areas further from main roads offer greater privacy, though weekend traffic from ATVs and off-road vehicles can create noise in some locations. Winter months (October-April) provide comfortable temperatures, while summer brings extreme heat. Several visitors note cell service is generally good, enabling remote work possibilities. "The further off Carefree you get, the more solitude you'll find. It's been pretty windy which causes a lot of dust but it's gorgeous and warm during the day, even in January." Visitors frequently mention the convenience of nearby amenities: "Close to water, stores, Lake Pleasant. If you drive to the back, off New River Road, you can find less people and traffic."

Campground Showdown near Phoenix, AZ

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Round 1 of 5

Best Dispersed Sites Near Phoenix, Arizona (64)

    1. 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."

    2. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    9 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "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."

    "Great walks! Lovely and remote!"

    3. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $32 / night

    "The map shows McDowell twice but there is only one. It us about 23K acres of beautiful desert surrounded by the Superstition Mountains. Clean campground and pretty quiet."

    "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."

    4. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    22 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!"

    5. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    28 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. Boulders OHV Area

    9 Reviews
    Wittmann, AZ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "The sites are not marked but you can easily tell where you would have room off the main dirt road to park and unload."

    "Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable.

    Service: 1 bar Verizon"

    7. Anthem Dispersed Campsite

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

    8. Lake Pleasant Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    14 miles
    Website

    9. Phoenix reservoir

    1 Review
    Peoria, AZ
    17 miles

    "In spring of 2025 many of the Arizona State Trust Land campsites north of Phoenix were closed."

    10. State land trust/Inspiration Point

    3 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Phoenix, AZ

264 Reviews of 64 Phoenix Campgrounds

  • Harriet D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 16, 2023

    Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88

    Not great for tent campers!

    Beautiful area, but I would only recommend it for high clearance vehicles and people who are NOT tent camping. The ground is very rocky and we couldn't find a great place to get a tent staked down in the windy conditions, so we left. Minimal coverage from wind and sun or for bathroom use. 

    Keep in mind that AZ-88 is CLOSED to motor vehicles slightly after Tortilla Trailhead, so you cannot get to Roosevelt Lake easily from here. There are pit toilets at the road closure area and you can turn around easily there.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, Gorgeous, Tons of Hiking!

    Drive through the town of Gold Canyon AZ, and you quickly leave behind the sprawl of suburban Phoenix, but embrace the sprawling landscape of the Sonoran Desert which is brimming with life in the spring. The unpaved road leads to multiple pull-offs and side roads where you can find the perfect spot to tuck away and camp for as long as you like.  Embrace the sun and bring your solar panels and plenty of cold drinks -- you'll be rewarded with amazing sunrises and sunsets and all the peace and quiet you can stand.  You may get lucky and find some partial shade under a Palo Verde, too.

    Though adjacent to Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Mountains Wilderness Area, the camping along Peralta Rd. is on Arizona State Lands. Use of this land, for any reason or purpose, requires a special individual permit. These annual permits are available online, https://asld.secure.force.com/recreationalpermit/ and cost $20 (plus $1 online processing fee). The permit is good for 1 year (deal of the century!) and allows access to any other Arizona State Lands where a permit is required. 

    While there are no services available at any of the camping spots, water, gas, or groceries are a short drive back into town. The hiking, and biking opportunities are amazing right around camp via the numerous and unlabeled OHV trails, or a short drive to the Peralta Canyon trailhead. This Forest Service parking area requires either a Tonto Pass, or Interagency Pass, or$10 day pass (available through a self-pay kiosk) serves as the start of many trails that will lead you into the gorgeous Superstition Mountains. Both the road, parking areas and trails are super busy on the weekends, so plan accordingly. During the popular hiking months, Forest Service Volunteers will regulate the parking area, so don't think that you'll get away without buying a pass. The ticket is more expensive.

  • 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.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2025

    Aqua Fria National Monument

    Aqua Fria exit 259 dispersed

    Exit 259, Bloody Basin road. Aqua Fria national monument, free dispersed camping. Access Road is good graveled down to first left. some great spots only a short distance up that side road. hey noise is moderate.

    this exit is much better than exit 256 to badger springs Aqua Fria, less hey noise, more large camp sites and huge views

  • 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!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2021

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Free BLM land

    There are multiple spots to choose from along this dirt road (Bloody Basin Rd) to pull off and camp. The road is nicely graded and fairly smooth with a few sections of washboard and rocky spots. We did fine in our 26 ft class C but drive with caution as some of the pull outs do not have turn around areas and there are deep ruts and washouts to navigate around.

    There is no water, garbage or any other amenities so pack in and out whatever you bring, and pack out some more if you’re so inclined. Lots of debris left behind by shooters. 

    Nice area with trails to hike or bike around. There are quite a lot of ATVs but they were not as bothersome as some of the areas we’ve camped in. You can hear the highway noise and see light pollution from Phoenix but it was not horrible. We did see some shooting garbage, targets and shells laying around but did not hear any shooting when we were there. My dog did get sprayed by a skunk during the daylight about 10 yards from our spot so be aware of wildlife! 

    We did see a park ranger while we are there which is always nice. 

    Weak but usable Verizon and AT&T coverage but not enough to stream anything.

  • 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.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 3, 2026

    Sophie's Flat Trailhead

    big open blm parking lot

    large open gravel TH area and camping for about 4-5 camps. one vault toilet and group shade canopy. NO WATER, NO TRASH. free blm dispersed, 14d limit, first 1/2 mile road is State Trust land, the blm boundary is not marked. cell was not good.

    trails are a mix of nonmotorized hike and horse... and motorized on existing blm two track 4x4 roads

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2021

    Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Free but permit required

    This is in Arizona State Trust Land area so a permit is required. This can be purchased online for $15/individual or $20/family of 4. 

    Lots of areas to pull off and camp here. The main dirt road in is fairly smooth with some areas of washboard. There are some nice flat areas further up the side roads away from the main road but a lot had washouts and were rocky so high clearance a must. 

    If you’re looking for quiet this may not be for you. There were Friday night partiers so it was noisy late into the night and started up again at 6am. This was a beautiful area and we really liked it here but it is heavily used by ATVs and 4x4s blaring loud music and flying down the road kicking up lots of dust. The hiking is worth the stay as there are many trails for biking and hiking some single tracks that these ATVs cannot access so that made it worth it to stay a few days. Beware of walking on the main road as vehicles do not slow down for pedestrians and you’ll be eating dust. It may be better during weekdays but I don’t know for sure.  Were it not for the noisy ATVs we would have given this 5 stars.

    This area is also used by horses and there is a nearby business that does horse tours. Chollas are everywhere so watch yourself and your pets. 

    Good Verizon and AT&T reception.

    No amenities.

Guide to Phoenix

Dispersed camping areas near Phoenix, Arizona provide accessible primitive camping options within 30-60 minutes of the city. These sites sit at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet in Sonoran Desert terrain characterized by saguaro cacti, creosote bush, and rocky washes. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F while summer brings daytime highs regularly exceeding 105°F.

What to do

Explore desert washes: Bloody Basin Road offers multiple pull-offs along a relatively maintained dirt road. "Dirt road is a bit washboard but very manageable by any vehicle. Spots line the road to the left & right as you travel down the road," notes one visitor to Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The rustic camping areas around Phoenix provide chances to observe desert wildlife. At Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, campers report, "Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well. Fantastic views and quiet atmosphere." This area offers undeveloped camping with Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area serving as a primary staging point.

Photography at dawn/dusk: Box Bar Road Dispersed camping area offers riverside camping with mountain backdrops. "Beautiful campground up the road from box bar campground with Mountain View's and cacti," reports one camper at Box Bar Road Dispersed, making it ideal for photographers seeking desert landscapes with water elements.

What campers like

Cell service for remote work: Many sites offer surprisingly good connectivity. "Also, great AT&T service, was able to work off hotspot from Tues-Friday with no incidence," reports one camper about Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land. This makes extended stays feasible for digital nomads.

Privacy between sites: Unlike developed campgrounds, dispersed sites often provide substantial distance between campers. At Bloody Basin Road, visitors appreciate that "sites are nicely spaced though it's not like some areas where everyone is in a big lot." The natural terrain creates buffer zones between camping spots.

Winter comfort: The mild winter climate draws many campers. "Peaceful and quiet place to stay! We love it! Awoke to hot air balloons on the horizon! Great walks! Lovely and remote!" describes a winter visitor to the State Trust Land areas. Daytime temperatures from November through March typically range from 65-75°F.

What you should know

Permit requirements vary: State Trust Land requires annual permits while BLM land is generally free. "Area is marked and needs permit as well. As a foreigner I can't buy the permit online since only US address can be entered and will be reverted for the credit card payment so no way to stay there legally," warns a visitor to Dispersed Camping off hwy 74.

Road conditions fluctuate: Most access roads are unpaved with varying degrees of maintenance. "The road in is a little rough, but ok. Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties," notes one camper about Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area.

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 Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 with a 3.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 64 dispersed camping locations near Phoenix, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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