Top Free Dispersed Camping near Portal, AZ

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Portal, AZ (12)

Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Portal

42 Reviews of 12 Portal Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Gap
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Granite Gap

    Extreme solitude

    First off do not use Google maps. It will not take you to the right place. Use the built-in location found in DYRT. After you turn off I 10 on the left to travel approximately 10 miles the site will be on your right hand side. Follow the road to the left as you go through the gate. The site is very well-maintained. There are only a handful of sites available, but when I was there, I was the only one.

  • Dean E.
    Camper-submitted photo from West Hunt Road
    Feb. 21, 2024

    West Hunt Road

    By Cochise Stronghold trailhead

    Road in is bad but not horrible. Lots of sites and many open on Wednesday in late February. Great views and clean. 1.5 miles to campground and trailhead.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Gap
    Jan. 28, 2024

    Granite Gap

    Classic New Mexi o

    Great spot. Rocks and cactus and sunrises. Narrow sandy road, but manageable for smaller RV.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Turkey Creek Dispersed
    Jan. 10, 2024

    West Turkey Creek Dispersed

    Gorgeous

    The drive up is beautiful, the road isn’t maintained, but in pretty good condition. I stopped right after the cattle guard. There is another site going up about .5 mile in the left. Couldn’t see good enough in the dark. The creek was flowing and quite a few animals at dawn and dusk. Not a lot of traffic, and a trail right up the road to hike or follow the creek. The last campers left it so nice I was able to add decorations.

  • Mary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Dec. 27, 2023

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Serene Dispersed Camping Location

    A beautiful, serene location not too far from I-10 and Fort Bowie. We arrived at around 10pm in our Sprinter van and found a quiet location. The campsites are far apart and you travel on compacted dirt road to get there. The father you go, the more space you have. It will be quite bumpy if you do not have an AWD or 4x4.

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Gap
    Dec. 25, 2023

    Granite Gap

    Beautiful! Quite! Amazing!

    Amazing views. A bit sandy of a drive. You have to open and close a gate but it is not locked. Quite, no lights nearby, dispersed camping at its best. Just a few cows. I would camp here again. We made it up in a long bed crew an Chevy 2500. Some camp sites at the bottom. But if you go up to the dead end keep to the left. Site is not to level but throw a couple of rocks under the tires and you can level out. Drive up is a little bit narrow with cactus close to the road. I would not think you need 4x4 but maybe something more then a car would be better. If wet I would think it may get a bit squishy, but with it dry a stock suv would make it just fine. Camped next to a rock face. Just beautiful!

  • Remington R.
    Camper-submitted photo from West Hunt Road
    Nov. 21, 2023

    West Hunt Road

    Nice...

    Road going in is horrible, washboard the whole way... it's a beautiful little camping area, no bathrooms and no water... I have T-mobile. I didn't get a signal at all, but I have a T-mobile internet modem, and it got a good signal... Beautiful views of the mountains whare I was parked I watched people free climb up than back down, I don't recommend that it was extremely steep...

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks
    Oct. 17, 2023

    Indian Bread Rocks

    Nice dispersed camping area

    Happy Camp Canyon is in fairly good condition. There is a trailhead parking area that is posted as no camping but about 50 yards further down there is a clearing with fire rings. We ended up sharing the spot with some cattle for a while.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Great spot for a quick camp spot

    Overall the stay was great. My only complaint would be the bugs that were swarming in the morning. They only swarm certain plants and we happened to be by one so we had bugs EVERYWHERE. But it wasn’t a big deal. We just quickly packed up and went and ate breakfast at the picnic area right down the road and explored the granite rocks for a while.

  • Haley L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Feb. 25, 2023

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Great Spot

    We got there far later than we should have (10:30pm) but were able to find a little space. It was, of course, difficult to navigate in the dark. The entrance was sooner than GPS showed but not too difficult to find. Sadly, we only saw hoof prints. No cows.

  • Aliza  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Dec. 17, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Top notch dispersed camping area

    We really enjoyed our time here! The cows were great to watch and we got some great video of them! The road in was dirt and washboard here and there but overall could be easily passed by most any car. GPS coords were pretty accurate as well. Once you are off the main road the sand can be pretty deep and some of the turns pretty tight so scope it out if your in a bigger rig, before heading in. Lots of spots on the left in the first loops and on a spur to the right near some cool rocks. Not many people around when we were here and was nice and quiet.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest
    Nov. 26, 2022

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Awesome dispersed sites

    Drove about 40 minutes down pinery canyon road. Roads weren’t terrible but had a few washboard spots. Several sites located off the main road. Plenty of wood to collect for the fire. It was pretty cold at night in late November but there was plenty of space between sites that my generator wasn’t offensive to others. Very clean site too.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Nov. 26, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Easy access exploring and beautiful spot

    This has been our favorite campsite of our road trip so far. Noteworthy mentions: It is off the beaten path. It’s free. There are free roaming cattle There are endless rocks to explore and climb. It will keep your attention for days. Not many people here. Campfires allowed. Would recommend a 4x4 to get to further sites. Awesome remnants of Native American activity. You’re right next to where you wanna be. Thumbs up.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Oct. 24, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Great time here

    Directions from Dyrt were spot on. As others have said If you have a Big rig park by the day use area and SCOUT it out! After the first few sites the road becomes real sandy in places and not anywhere to turn big rigs around without it being sketchy. We stayed about a mile in on the left next to some huge rocks, nice firepit, no trash, no shade. Will be here two weeks. Met some ranchers moving some of their cattle other than them saw nobody. My dogs loved it. I was just concerned about keeping them safe from rattlesnakes. Have seen at least one every day. One was HUGE @ 5' western diamondback but very beautiful red brick color. Just be very aware as this is their home we're just visiting.

  • Morgan T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Cows!

    This site was pretty easy to get to and at the foothills were beautiful and well-maintained. Didn’t use the restroom because there was a giant spider and there wasn’t TP, but it was there. People left rock fire pits, which we also didn’t use, but it’s nice they were there. Woke up to see cows hanging around and got to see a baby cow and mom, which was so sweet.

  • Cameron M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    May. 26, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Cool scenic spot, lots of critters

    Stayed here on our way to New Mexico. It was a beautiful spot, very scenic. The dirt was soft as sand, and the area was cleaner than most. The only negative was their was tons of wasps at our site, not sure about the others. They didn’t mess with us but they were annoying like flies.

  • Albert V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest
    Mar. 30, 2022

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Great spot to visit Chiricahua NM

    I spent one night here. It was very quiet and secluded, and the dirt road is in great condition. There's tons of spots and the trees give a little cover. I rained on and off at night, but I feel the tree foliage kept a lot of water from dripping down onto the tent.

  • Jeffrey F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Feb. 18, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Rock and Cows!!

    Beautiful mountainous rocks are your backdrop intermingled with cows and a nice view of the valley. Easy to find and pretty smooth road in, some wash boarding, and near the top it levels out. Probably about 10 other units in the area when I pulled in with my truck and teardrop trailer. Several cows in very close proximity out grazing in the area added a nice ambiance.

  • Scott B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Jan. 16, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Beautiful desert views!

    Popular boondocking site 8 miles south of I-10 ar Bowie. Easy to find, level dirt road with only a bit of washboard in places. Pit toiletat the day use area. Beautiful views of the giant bolders that are prevalent in this area. There were 12-15 RVs of all types spread out widely along a single dirt road. I had 3 solid bars of AT&T. Very quiet at night. There is no light pollution so stargazing would have been awesome if not for the waxing moon. Enjoyed hiking around the area. Be careful as some of the cactus will scratch you badly if you're not careful. Only con was there was no toilet paper in the pit toilet. Recommend!

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Mountain Rockhound Area - Dispersed
    Jan. 9, 2022

    Round Mountain Rockhound Area - Dispersed

    Difficult to access but great rocks!

    So if you are into rocks this really is a great place to check out. Be prepared as the drive in is difficult and long. Larger RVs are not recommended as the road has many steep washouts and ruts. The main dirt road leading into the area has bad washboard bumps. There is also an active cattle ranch in the area so be careful with any pets. You’ll find a logbook on the way in. Once there you’ll find plenty of places to park but don’t count on it being level. There are also lots of sharp rocks so watch your tires. There are no facilities here. The views are amazing especially at night. The wind never did stop. You got to really like rocks!

  • greg M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Dec. 20, 2021

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Huge camping area, all alone

    Thought I was going to see a crowd based on reviews. But nobody here but me. About 5 miles from I-10 to the South. Last 2 miles on dirt bit well maintained. Then you get to a bunch of connected dirt roads. At least 50 campsites off dirt roads. I met some cows on one dirt road and had a stare down. I lost and backed up. Expecting a super quiet night. Tucked into the boulders near the mountains. Very nice. Another clear moonlit night in southern AZ. I LOVE the desert. All sites are on loose dirt and there are many places for larger rigs. I tent camp so don’t need much room. I highly recommend this site. 3 hrs W of Las Cruces NM, 3 hrs from PHX.



Guide to Portal

Camping near Portal, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the Chiricahua Mountains. One camper mentioned, "There's hundreds of beautiful, well-maintained trails throughout the mountain range. Tons of wildlife and big trees."
  • Birdwatching: This area is a birdwatcher's paradise. A reviewer noted, "This is premier birdwatching country. If you can, I would highly recommend taking one of the guided walks provided by the rangers."
  • Stargazing: The dark skies around Bonita Canyon Campground make it perfect for stargazing. One visitor said, "The views of the night sky are unparalleled."

What campers like

  • Scenic Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A review for Sunny Flat Campground states, "There are some campgrounds that just stick out in your mind for their beauty, location, and proximity to other cool stuff."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Cochise Stronghold Campground mentioned, "It was very quiet and secluded."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often highlight the welcoming nature of campground staff. A review for Rusty's RV Ranch noted, "Rusty runs a tight ship, and the state of the campground reflects that."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Bonita Canyon Campground, have limited facilities. A visitor pointed out, "There are bathrooms with flush toilet, but no hookups or showers."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper advised, "Reservations are a must" for Bonita Canyon Campground.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see various wildlife. A reviewer at Happy Camp Trail mentioned, "Was a little busy and the bulls can get aggressive in your campsite."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Chiricahua Mountains, which offers a variety of activities. A camper said, "Great hiking in the area!"
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One family enjoyed the "large club house for weekly get-togethers with food" at Desert Oasis Campground.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially around wildlife. A camper at Cochise Stronghold Campground noted, "Bumpy road washed out farther up but the dispersed area was fine."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Size Restrictions: Some campgrounds, like Bonita Canyon Campground, have size limits for RVs. A reviewer mentioned, "Don't try to bring any big rigs as they simply won't fit."
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Many sites lack amenities. A camper at Rusty's RV Ranch advised, "You could tell that they have made a concerted effort to make the grounds nice."
  • Stay Connected: Cell service can be spotty. One RV traveler noted, "Very poor wifi internet connection" at Rusty's RV Ranch, so plan accordingly.

Camping near Portal, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Portal, AZ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Portal, AZ is Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Portal, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.