Dispersed camping near Scottsdale, Arizona includes numerous sites across public lands managed by Tonto National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Arizona State Trust Land. Elevation ranges from 1,200 to 3,000 feet across these camping areas, creating temperature variations between sites. Most dispersed sites require campers to bring their own water supplies and adhere to varying permit requirements depending on land jurisdiction.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several camping areas near Scottsdale offer chances to observe desert wildlife. At Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, visitors regularly encounter wild burros and coyotes. "Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well," reports William M. from his recent December 2024 stay.
Water recreation access: During spring months, camping near Box Bar Road Dispersed provides access to the Verde River. "This is a great spot and easy to get to. Lots of shaded areas. You can camp next to your car, which there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that," notes Patrick C.
Desert hiking: The Sonoran Desert surrounding the camping areas offers numerous hiking trails accessible from camps. At Verde River Dispersed Camping, "A little busy, but nice little area with hiking trails near by. Easy spot to get to that is right outside of the Scottsdale area," according to camper Heather E.
What campers like
Desert sunsets and sunrises: The open desert landscape provides excellent viewing opportunities for celestial events. At Dispersed Camping off Hwy 74, visitors experience colorful skies. "We drove in late at night and could not see too well, but parked and slept soundly. Awoke to WONDERFUL hot air balloons, cactus and mountains… after sunrise! What a sight!" writes Tamra J.
Cell service for remote work: Many dispersed camping areas near Scottsdale maintain good connectivity. At Hackamore Road Dispersed, "This is a nice quiet spot with excellent cell service. It's on BLM land, so you are out of the reach of the Arizona Land Permits," reports Francis D.
Quick access from Phoenix metro: Campers appreciate the proximity to urban amenities while still feeling remote. At Sycamore Creek Recreation Area, a camper noted, "Was looking for a spot to get out of Phoenix for the evening and this was a good pull off. Plenty of spots with fire rings. No off-road capabilities needed. There are a few spots by the creek."
What you should know
Permit requirements vary significantly: Different land jurisdictions have different requirements. For Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance, "Easy to get a permit from the ranger station. Just email your name, address, phone number and driver's license number to sm.fs.mesa_ohs@usda.gov and you'll get your permit within 2 days for free," advises Whitney W.
Off-road vehicle traffic: Many dispersed camping areas near Scottsdale double as OHV recreation areas. At Old Airstrip Camping, one reviewer cautions: "We arrived late at night to a site full of off roading vehicles and other ATVs. Obviously a meet. The ground is very compact and straight dirt, multiple RVs had generators running so the night was loud."
Weather considerations: Winter and early spring provide the most comfortable camping conditions. A camper at Maddock Road Dispersed noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beware of hazardous desert plants: The Sonoran Desert contains numerous cacti and thorny plants that can cause problems for children and pets. A reviewer at Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land warns: "All the cacti so close is a bit hazardous for pets and small children, my dog already got spines in her paws."
Site selection for privacy and comfort: When camping with families, selecting the right spot is crucial. At Box Bar Road Dispersed, "I was pleasently surprised at the many little nooks of privacy that you could set up camp. Outhouses are well maintained. Bring your own water though and you do need to pay ahead of time, there are no pay boxes on site," reports Jacquelyn I.
Educational opportunities: Desert camping provides learning opportunities for children. Near Dispersed Camping off Hwy 74, families can observe wildlife and natural phenomena: "We drove in late at night and could not see too well, but parked and slept soundly. Awoke to WONDERFUL hot air balloons, cactus and mountains… after sunrise!"
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Many dispersed camping roads require careful navigation. At Hackamore Road Dispersed, "The road is a bit tricky. I got here pretty smooth on my RWD Xterra, so while 4WD isn't necessary, I wouldn't come out here without high clearance and decent suspension. Maybe tie down any loose items as well," advises Francis D.
Setup location considerations: RVers need to plan their specific parking spot carefully. At Sycamore Creek Recreation Area, "Great campsites. Plenty of sites and well spaced. There 2 or 3 sites right off the highway, but if you continue down the road there is a larger area with plenty of other sites. I would hesitate bringing an RV past the first few sites, but could be attempted."
Generator etiquette: In areas where generators are permitted, be considerate of other campers. At Box Bar Road Dispersed, one camper notes: "You can camp next to your car, which there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that."
