Best Dispersed Camping near Queen Valley, AZ

The desert landscape surrounding Queen Valley, Arizona features predominantly dispersed camping options on a mix of public lands. Cottonwood Canyon Road Dispersed and White Canyon Wilderness Dispersed sites lie within 10 miles of town, while the Superstition Mountain region offers additional primitive camping opportunities. Most sites in this area require no reservations but follow standard 14-day stay limits common on Bureau of Land Management and Arizona State Trust lands. The Sonoran Desert setting provides distinctive camping experiences among saguaro cacti, with minimal shade and facilities, making this region popular with self-sufficient campers seeking solitude and scenic desert vistas.

Road conditions and permit requirements vary significantly throughout the Queen Valley region. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, with campers reporting challenging access beyond the first pull-offs. According to one visitor at Peralta Road: "The main dirt road is fairly smooth with some areas of washboard. There are nice flat areas further up the side roads, but many had washouts and were rocky, so high clearance is a must." Arizona State Trust Land camping requires annual recreation permits ($15-20), while some BLM areas remain free. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. Cell service is generally available but spotty in more remote locations.

Nighttime experiences receive consistent praise from campers visiting the Queen Valley area. "The views of the stars out here were probably the best I've ever seen," noted one visitor to a nearby dispersed site. Wildlife sightings include wild horses, coyotes, and occasionally cattle on open range lands. Weekend noise from OHV users represents a common concern, with several reviewers mentioning dust and engine noise disrupting otherwise peaceful settings. Weekday visits typically offer quieter conditions. The area's proximity to hiking trails, particularly in the Superstition Mountains, provides daytime recreation opportunities. Most sites feature established fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and all areas require pack-in, pack-out practices for waste management.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Queen Valley, Arizona (49)

    1. Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Queen Valley, AZ
    7 miles

    "Can get dusty from riders if you stay near the front. If you take some time to come scout it out you can find some great spots."

    "Great trails! Big rig friendly boondocking. Busy dirt road, as there is an active mine off the road. Loud dump trucks and dusty, but a beautiful desert oasis, nonetheless."

    2. Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Queen Valley, AZ
    3 miles
    Website

    "Several miles of dispersed campsites along a gas line road south of the Superstition Mountains. Lots of folks out there on a weekend after a few good rain storms."

    "We car camped for the weekend here. Liked how the spots are spaced out. Other than road traffic during the day it’s nice and quiet"

    3. Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Gold Canyon, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "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"

    "But around 9pm it quiets down. Sites are close to the road for the most part unless you have a high clearance vehicle. Lots of hiking in the area. Trail head at end of road gets very busy."

    4. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    24 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."

    "Pretty passable dirt road (our G20 camper van had no problems). Sunsets were so so pretty and for us Washingtonians, camping in the desert amongst the saguaros was 👌🏼."

    5. Gold Canyon Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Queen Valley, AZ
    4 miles

    "Beautiful area, easy to get to, someone did come by to check permits (Arizona Land Trust permits, only $20 per family per year I think)."

    7. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    17 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."

    8. Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88

    3 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    17 miles

    "Just 2 miles before the Fish Creek Overlook, lie several dispersed areas off the dirt road to camp for up to 14 days."

    "Great to go on hike or to lake after.

    Went a second time and took a 4x4 trail to get a more isolated spot"

    9. Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "Site is close to road but also amenities like Cafe and restaurants. Has 5bar Tmobile service. 5 miles Walmart and just down road from Tonto national park."

    10. Apache Trail North Camp

    2 Reviews
    Tortilla Flat, AZ
    18 miles

    "No complaints, we needed to stay near Phoenix, and this did the trick."

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Showing results 1-10 of 49 campgrounds

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Queen Valley, AZ

203 Reviews of 49 Queen Valley Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2024

    Schoolhouse Point Dispersed

    Free Lakeside camping

    Pretty, dispersed camping near schoolhouse Point in Roosevelt lake. On the road down to the state campground there are two dispersed camping areas on the left easily visible on the left side, (the gps point may not be accurate, I made it after I left) if you pass both there's an easy turn around at the boat ramp even for big rigs. Some dips coming off the paved road but very easy access overall, might be tight for really big rigs. Probably 20+ sites at each of the two pull offs, most have fire rings and decent shade. Couple minutes drive to the boat ramp at schoolhouse Point which has bathrooms, dumpsters, and both drive in and walk-in lake access. Currently (as of 3/24) no potable water even at the paid campground at the end of the road, you can either pump from the lake if you have a filter or Tonto national monument about 10min up the road has a water spigot before the pay gate. 14 day limit per usual for national forests but a really lovely spot to call home for a while! Lots of great hiking nearby as well as swimming and boating on the lake

  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2020

    Cactus Forest Dispersed

    Feels secluded, but close to I-10 and Tucson

    We were surprised on the number of people who ventured out to this BLM spot off Park Link Road in the Cactus Forest over a rainy weekend in Tucson.

    The first dozen dispersed spots were full with camper vans, small trailers and trucks. We continued to drive down the gravel dirt road to a more secluded spot. We didn’t see anyone in our one-night stay beside a mountain biker in the morning.

    Even though It was raining in the area for about 24 hours before we travelled to the campsite, we didn’t have any issues navigating the 1.5 miles down to the site we chose. The truck has some mud in it and the 4x4 wasn’t needed (but made it easier). I would recommend a high clearance vehicle to reach the further back spots. Also, the road was narrow, our F250 brushed a few bushes on the way.

    Most dispersed sites had a fire ring (check locally fire conditions first). I’d suggest bringing in fire wood unless you just want to burn the few fallen twig and limbs. It’s a cactus forest- so the terrain is mostly saguaros, chollas, Palo verde trees and shrubs.

    Our site had a beautiful view of the sunset and a view of Picacho Peak in the distance. We visited in February and the weather was nice (on the chilly side) for our roof top tent. I wouldn’t come here in the summer unless we had a rig with air conditioning. Impressive view of the stars at night. Some traffic noise from I-10.

    No water, toilets, or trash. So be prepared to take out what you bring in. We had 2 bars of LTE slcell service with T-Mobile.

    It’s BLM land close to Tucson, so locals use the area for gun target practice. We heard gun shots until the sunset and starting again the morning. It was basically non-stop. If you want a place to shoot, this would be a good spot to camp.

    🌵 Saguaro Facts: Saguaros can live to be 150-200 years old and grow as tall at 40 feet. A 10 year old saguaro Is about 1.5 inches tall (please watch where you drive, park and step). At 80 years old, it’s around 6 feet tall and starts to bloom. The best time to see saguaro blooms is mid-May through mid-June. At age 95-100, it’s around 15 feet tall and starts to grow it’s first arm. 🌵

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt

    Great boondocking on Roosevelt Lake

    One of our all-time favorite boondocking spots. There are many forests roads off 188 on the southern shore of Lake Roosevelt where dispersed camping is allowed. Some have spectacular views of the lake but are high up and difficult to get to. We found the most easily accesible dispersed camping off Forest Rd 83 between the national monument and little town of Roosevelt. There are large level sites here right off the forest road. As you go further up the forest road, sites get smaller but more private.

    This is all working open range with lots of stock. We woke up many mornings to cattle rooting through our stuff and one morning to a real roundup with cowboys on horses. Amazing. There are lots if Saguaro and jumping Cholla cactus around as well as rattlers and scorpions so be alert.

    We stayed nearly three weeks here and will go back. Lots to do around and across the lake.

    No amenities but there is a dumpster at the head of FS83. Otherwise nearest towns are Punkin Center to the west and Roosevelt to the east, Globe being the nearest large town about 40 min away.

    Note there is also dispersed camping off 88 along the Salt River, also worth taking s look. No cell service along 88, no amenities and roads get much more steep and difficult.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

    Cherry Creek Rd (NF203) Dispersed Camping Near Roosevelt Lake - Tonto National Forest

    Great for Equestrian Campers, Hikers, and OHVers

    This area is out there, man, way out there -- but if you want to get further out there, you can. The National Forest to the northeast of Roosevelt Lake is vast and sparsely populated. It is a perfect area to get away, well away, from others. 

    Cherry Creek Rd. quickly leaves pavement behind and simply becomes more potholed and steep the further you get in.  With 4WD, and a high clearance vehicle, this shouldn't be too much of a problem. With lots of parking areas and zero services, campsite selection it's dealer's choice. 

    We got as far as we wanted, about 5 miles in from the paved road and made camp at a wide area right across from a small horse corral. This area is perfect for exploring by horse. Hiking, biking, and OHV is also are popular. 

    The closest water is Cherry Creek, another 3-5 miles further in, so come prepared. A small camping area sits right on the creek which can rise quickly and the ford can become impassible. When we were there, the campground was full, so our dispersed area was just fine with us. 

    The closest services are on the southwest bank of Roosevelt Lake, one gas station and marina store. Within 4o minutes to the north and south lie the towns of Payson and Globe respectively which have all the services you could need.


Guide to Queen Valley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Queen Valley, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Queen Valley, Arizona

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Queen Valley

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The breathtaking vistas at Saguaro Cove provide a perfect backdrop for photography and relaxation, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Explore the unique geological formations and rich history of the Superstition Mountains, accessible from various dispersed camping sites like Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88.
  • Experience the tranquility of remote camping at White Canyon Wilderness Dispersed, where you can enjoy solitude and the sounds of nature away from the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Queen Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Queen Valley, AZ is Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 49 dispersed camping locations near Queen Valley, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.