Best Dispersed Camping near Salome, AZ

This is one five of 14 Day LVTA camping areas in the Quartzsite vicinity. 

It was a very large site that had entrances on both sides of the road that each had their own host. Lots of flat open spaces. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM). BLM lands have special rules, fees( sometimes none) and can be popular with boon-docking.. I have seen other reviews saying it was free to stay here, but there are signs that say LTVA permits are required for use between September 15th and April 15th. Seasonal fee is $180.00 and 14 day permits were $40.00

I only had a look around, and decide to move on looking for actual free locations.

This is my third night staying at this BLM camping area. First and foremost it offers 14 days of free camping, so any things that it lacks in convenience, should be somewhat expected. The camp host you sign in with was super friendly and told me of events going on in Quartzite. It's mostly flat and rocky with some taller trees for shade depending where you set up at. There's no water or black tank dump site in the camping area. It's only a couple miles from town which is pretty convenient. Town gets busy so plan ahead for food and water. Stores can run low on supplies for sure. If you Park close to entrance side, you will hear traffic noise ALL night. Very busy highway.

We attended a camper rally Feb 10-14, 2021 and this also happened to be the first time we took our new rig out on the road. The drive to the spot from the 10 was easy and the camping spots (pull out areas) are nice and flat. It was quiet and the stars were clear and beautiful. During the day, there were several off road vehicles the drove by as where we camped was just off the dirt road so you may want to pull off the road as far as possible since it's very dusty. We brought our son's bike and we were glad we did. Lots of places to ride and gave him something to do.

Great place to walk and explore but if you have a dog, please keep them close as there are a LOT of cactus and big thorns everywhere. Our dog got wrapped up in some and it was quite the moment but he's OK. It's also very rocky so watch those tender paws.

The site's close to the town of Quartzsite which is cute and quirky but has everything you need; water, dump station, food, etc. Noise was non-existent at Roadrunner and we had a great time.

No amenities so pack in and pack out and please, leave no trace. This area was very clean so let's leave it that way. Happy Camping!

***

March 12-14, 2021

Ended up back in Quartzsite for a family birthday and it was cool to know the area and where to park ours and a rental RV.  I truly dig this place. We parked further back from the dirt road this time so didn't have to worry about closing our camper door every time someone drove by in a off-road vehicle. Also had boots for our dog to keep the paws safe. He's still getting used to them.  =)

Crystal Hill-Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

Free remote dispersed camping. South of Quartzite along hwy 95.

NEVERMIND the BLM no camping sign at the hwy turnoff, go 3.1 mi to Kofa Refuge boundary and then to the 5.7 mi point and you reach Crystal Hill. There is a loop with about several back in remote style campsites. No signs, no toilets, no water, no trash, no tables, no fire rings. However cell seems good. 14d camping limit. The road in is washboard rocky gravel. Also more camping spots between the Kofa boundary and Crystal Hill.

Important note! The turnoff from hwy 95 is between mp 96 and mp 95. As of Nov 2024 there is a significant dip leaving the hwy that may be problematic for trailers or long RVs, causing you to drag the rear end or hitch... Recon first..

The views of the mountains are nice here! Right off the highway, there is lots of noise. This area is a bunch of level gravel lots. Accessible to any kind of big rig or camper. You can explore a bit to get a place that is more private, but you will want 4x4 and high clearance. Lots of fire rings scattered about, and some trash here and there.

If you want to get some exercise in, there is an abandoned mine 1.5 miles up the road. Seems like lots of people take off-road vehicles up that way.

No services, pack in, pack out. Verizon service was good.

This is a FREE BLM camping area. 

There are multiple places to pull off along Vulture Mine Rd that have dirt roads that you can take further back. We made a couple of attempts in our 26 ft Class C and almost got stuck and had to back out so be aware that some of the roads look good then suddenly become impassable with no turn around. We ended up near the Vulture Peak trailhead with an easy pull off and a view of the peak (33.880550,-112.820176).

There is no water or garbage so pack in and pack out and pack out more than you brought in if you feel inclined. There is a pit toilet bathroom at the trailhead entrance. This is also an ATV area so watch out while hiking because most thought they had the right of way. 

There is good hiking to the peak and across the street there is another access to hike in. There is some road noise but it is not too bad., overall a quiet place. This is a trailhead so there is a lot of day use traffic of vehicles, ATVs and hikers but the nights were quiet and pleasant. Chollas are everywhere and we constantly had to pick them out of our dogs so be aware. We did not see any wildlife except some birds but heard coyotes every night. 

Note: There is a nice spot about 3 spots in that has an old table and a couple of broken chairs sitting in it. No one came into that spot while we were there for 7 days so though it looks like someone is saving a spot, but I think unfortunately someone just left a bunch of junk there. 

Decent Verizon and AT&T coverage.