Best Dispersed Camping near Roosevelt, AZ

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Roosevelt, Arizona

224 Reviews of 72 Roosevelt Campgrounds

• 

  Brittany J.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 24, 2020

  Bermuda Flat Recreation Site

  Shoreline camping great but..

  The directions will bring you right to the recreation area parking lot, where there are a few marked camping spots on the shore and some portable toilets. You must have a Tonto pass to camp at these spots. Free, dispersed camping is located across the highway down the dirt road Bar 3.

• 

  Ariel & John W.

  Ranger

  

  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.

• C

  Cypress

  Traveler

  

  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

• 

  Francis D.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 31, 2023

  Hackamore Road Dispersed

  Great with a light off-roading

  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.

  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.

  For extra clarification DO NOT go into Bulldog Canyon OHV (You need a permit in this part)! There is a right turn onto this trail right before the gate. Keep going until you see fire pits made of stone.

• 

  Eric W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 11, 2020

  Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed

  Ridiculous

  The area itself is reasonably nice desert camping. Lots and lots of spots in both the AZ State Trust land (permit required) and the BLM land.

  Pros -Lots of fire rings made from rocks in almost every spot. -Room to spread out. -Free.

  Cons -The road coming in is the worst washboarding i have ever seen. Like the worst. Almost un-drivable...and I’ve been down a lot of rutted roads that require high clearance. I didn’t need clearance, i needs a road that isn’t ridiculous. -There is a quarry or something at the end of the road, which you wouldn’t think would matter, but starting at 4:00am...giant, and i mean GIANT rock hauler semi trucks started barreling down the washboarded road every 5-10 minutes until we packed up and left a day early at 10:00am because we couldn’t take the noise anymore. These trucks go down the road at 45mph and just absolutely SHAKE the ground and roar with noises. It was the most absurd thing that had ever happened to me while camping. Do not go here for peaceful camping.

• 

  csey R.

  Traveler

  

  May. 27, 2021

  Flowing Spring Campground

  Flowing Springs Campgrounds

  Free camping only next to the road with a quarter mile stretch to pick with 2 spots. Car traveling on bumpy dirt roads with dust on camp sites. I rather pay 27 dollars to save my vehicle from damage and dust.

• 

  Christina L.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 30, 2020

  Carr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350

  PERFECTION!!!!

  This is my favorite site! Free, beautiful dispersed camping! I have been up every other weekend and am obsessed!

• J

  Jim W.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 17, 2018

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

  Blue point access to bulldog canyon

  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. If they see people camping they like to rev their engines really loud and create big dust flumes to show how nasty they really are. Last year I never saw a dirt bike or ATV in blue point, but this year there's been a lot. Come on guys and gals you have control of every single other spot this was just one place the family could go and have some peace and quiet. NOT THIS YEAR!!! the ATV'S AND dirt bikes have been tearing down the roads making sure they really rev their engines and creat dust when they go by campers. Just be jerks. But besides that, compared to any other place, this is the quietest. Don't park near the gate, the sound from the road can get really loud. 6 am every morning a helicopter comes overhead it's extremely loud, just so you know. Make sure you go to the Tonto national Forest Mesa ranger station and get a permit for bulldog canyon on Ingram street in Mesa. You need the gate combination codes to open the gate and be in there. The rangers do come through and check your permit and ID's to make sure you are the one on the permit. Ive only seen coyotes and wild horses in there.the horses actually came up to my window, it was awesome.you can have fires, but there's no water or toilets. Try to stay away on Friday and Saturday nights. Allot of kids go there to drink and party. One more thing, if you open the gate, close and lock it! I have seen people call the rangers and tell and the rangers came down and took the person's permit away.enjoy!

• 

  Daniel R.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 15, 2024

  Mogollon Rimn Dispersed, AZ FR 9350

  Mogollon Rim Road, FR9350, Arizona

  34.335842 - 110.973221

  Numbered free camp sites. First come first served. Beautiful cool high country with many overlooks over the rim. There is a lake near by for fishing, has a small store and you can rent kyaks and small boats.

  Camp sites are not near each other, but within sight. Campfires allowed when conditions permit. We stayed 3 nights while on our way home with our new R-Pod 192 Hood River Edition. We will definately go back again. The guy who came buy later to check us in was super nice and very informative.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  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.

• j

  jerron

  Scout

  

  Dec. 18, 2022

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - South Entrance - CLOSED

  Dispersed camping close to town

  This is a dispersed camping are close to town.

• s

  scooter

  Scout

  

  Mar. 13, 2022

  A-Cross Road Dispersed Camping

  Dispersed camping spots

  Large flat spot for dispersed camping. Several other spots close by. Not much traffic on the road.

• 

  Angie

  Scout

  

  Mar. 23, 2021

  Rim Road

  Rim Road

  Tons of dispersed camping sites. Most of the road is in fairly good shape. Lots of shade.

• G

  George K.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 11, 2022

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

  Large area for dispersed camping

  Easy to moderate trails throughout the area. Lots of dispersed camping and miles of trails. Heavy UTV use has made some of the trails even more challenging. Lots of fun.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  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.

• e

  edwin H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 22, 2024

  Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

  Dispersed camping not allowed currently

  September 21, 2024: We’ve dispersed camped here many times in last three years, took a trip out there today and every dispersed access point is plowed up with very deep trenches not allowing vehicles or rigs to access. Sad affair with squatters taking advantage and leaving trash, there was not a soul in sight. Maybe they’ll reopen it later when it cools down.

• 

  Michael R.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 21, 2025

  Sycamore Creek Recreation Area

  Interesting place

  Nice location with dispersed camping options. When we were setting up a man came up & warned us that it was a popular spot for Nudists. He was not wrong. Be prepared to run into some interesting people.

• 

  Caitlin S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 27, 2024

  FR738 Dispersed Camping

  Gorgeous camping right on the rim

  Along with this site, there are many dispersed camping sites right on the side of the rim with great views that you can see miles out. Great for tent camping but also big enough for campers and RVs

• 

  Jim A.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 13, 2024

  Saguaro Cove

  Remote Camping

  Takes a little 4 wheeling to get there or you can access it from the water.  Basic dispersed camping but gets a little warm during the summer months.  Views are nice and its a nice pack it in, pack it out spot.

• P

  Parker M.

  Traveler

  

  May. 14, 2022

  Upper Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping Area

  Very crowded

  Visited in May on a Friday afternoon, there were no spots available. All of the sites are also close together, I wouldn't consider it dispersed camping. Drove down the dirt road 20min each way and had to find somewhere else

• 

  Robert G.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 28, 2020

  Carr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350

  Plenty of Dispersed Camping overlooking the Rim

  All along Rim Road there are tons of dispersed camping sites that offer sweeping views of the forest below. Knoll Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, and Willow Springs Lake are all right along that ridge and pretty easy to get to. Check the weather...closes in winter.

• G

  Glenn P.

  Traveler

  

  May. 17, 2020

  Carr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350

  Impossible to get spot on weekend

  These spots are not secret anymore. Tried to find a spot this weekend and it was completely full. Wasted day. Limit is 14 day stay. Some of the spots looked like the residents were there far longer. This is the danger with dispersed camping. Really is a shame. Views are amazing.

• 

  Jose G.

  Traveler

  

  May. 12, 2018

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

  Bulldog Canyon

  Probably one of the closest places to camp on the east valley of the Phoenix area. This place is most used by OHVs so it can get noisy on the weekends. I’ve also seen spots that people use for shooting. This area is just for dispersed camping, no services, cell phone coverage is good with Verizon.

• 

  Christine S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2020

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - South Entrance - CLOSED

  Limited number of dispersed sites

  We stayed here in the spring so the weather was great for no a.c. Boondock sites are on the small side and limited. Don't bring a big rig in here. There is a parking lot with a gate code that you need to get from the BLM but you can do that online. Park in the lot and walk in to scope out site availability. That way you aren't stuck trying to turn around. We have a 19' trailer so that wasn't a problem for us but could be for toy haulers, etc. A lot of ATV traffic here so be prepared to hear engine noise but the scenery is beautiful 😀

• 

  Jeff B.

  Scout

  

  May. 8, 2022

  Rim Road

  One of my go-to’s

  There are al lot of dispersed camping sites here. Most of them are very easy to get to even with big rv’s or trailers. Maintained roads all the way through. A lot of areas to explore. The lake just 6ish miles from the highway has always provided me with a super fun and productive fishing experience year after year. If your new to camping or even need a spot to sleep passing through I highly recommend this area.

• 

  Nolan S.

  Ranger

  

  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.

• N

  Noah E.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 16, 2022

  Trail 1371 Dispersed Camping

  Easy access campground, but limited big rig areas

  Campground is good for tent, campervan, RV, and trailers (limited parking for campers, RVs, and trailers). Typical dispersed campground. No services, pack in, pack out.

  Once off the highway you follow a paved road (with plenty of potholes) about .5 miles. Turn right onto a dirt road, and the first right is the campground. At the interection of the dirt road and paved road there is a pullout area that I saw a trailer and RV parked. You could get an RV into the dispersed area, but only the first few spaces would really be suitable and may be difficult to turn around. Plenty of spaces in the dispersed area. First area has about 4 spaces with fire rings and a few without. If you continue up the road there are a lot more areas to park, the road gets a bit rough and narrow after the first area. I wouldn't recommend bringing a campervan or anything large up that area. Trees will scratch the side of your vehicle or trailer, and if the road is wet, you probably won't make it up.

  Overall, great dispersed camping, quiet area. As you go further up the road you can hear noise from the highway, but very minimal.