Dispersed camping sites surrounding the Salt River in Arizona provide primitive camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 feet. Situated within the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, these sites experience temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night during winter months. Most locations remain accessible year-round except during monsoon season when flash flooding can close access roads.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Box Bar Road Dispersed, campers can access river recreation spots within walking distance. "We don't have an offroad car, so it is always nice when the gravel road is well managed. I was pleasantly surprised at the many little nooks of privacy that you could set up camp," notes Jacquelyn I.
Wildlife viewing: Wild horses frequently visit campsites near the Salt River, particularly at dawn and dusk. "It's gorgeous. Not very many spots but love being right by the river. With this being said it's tucked in there by the mountains so it gets colder than desert overnight and has wildlife around," reports Conner F.
Desert photography: The Superstition Mountains provide dramatic backdrops for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. "Saguaro cacti everywhere" and "awoke to hot air balloons on the horizon" are common experiences reported by campers at Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land.
What campers like
Desert solitude: Campers appreciate the remote feeling despite proximity to urban areas. "So thankful for this desert and the solitude it brought. The further off carefree you get, the more solitude you'll find," writes Conner F. at Maddock Road.
Accessibility: Many campers value the convenient location. At Dispersed Camping off hwy 74, one reviewer notes, "You're only minutes to Peoria from here for supplies and North Phoenix and Anthem are very close too."
Mountain views: The Superstition Mountains and surrounding peaks create memorable landscapes. "Awoke to WONDERFUL hot air balloons, cactus and mountains… after sunrise! What a sight!" shares Tamra J. about camping near Highway 74.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most sites require permits with different costs and durations. At Peralta Road Dispersed Camping, "Use of this land, for any reason or purpose, requires a special individual permit. These annual permits are available online... and cost $20 (plus $1 online processing fee). The permit is good for 1 year."
Vehicle requirements: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "Lower clearance rigs and vehicles need to stay closer to the main road. We have a 4x4 class C towing a Jeep so we went through some steep banked washes. The further you get away from the main road the less people," advises James P.
Traffic patterns: Some areas experience heavy recreational traffic. "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," notes a camper about Bulldog Canyon.
Tips for camping with families
Campsite selection: Choose sites away from high-traffic areas for safety. "The more accessible camping spots tend to fill quickly, especially on weekends. More remote sites beyond the first mile of entry roads typically offer greater privacy but require appropriate vehicles to access," notes Shari G.
Temperature preparation: Desert nights can be significantly colder than days. "It's been pretty windy (25-30mph gusts) which causes a lot of dust but it's gorgeous and warm during the day, even in January," explains a camper at Hackamore Road Dispersed.
Safety concerns: Watch for natural hazards typical of desert environments. "This campground is in the middle of cactus, dirt, and things that stab you. It's worth throwing out that this is the desert and that it's hot during the day, cool at night, and full of things that will sting/bite you," warns one visitor about primitive camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Road navigation: RVers should scout roads before bringing in large rigs. "Roads are a little rough, just take it slow. There are a lot of sites, lots of utvs and folks riding horses out here," shares Dexter V. about Hackamore Road.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling work. "There are ruts in the pull-offs. We were lucky that the spot we got into had minimal ruts, but towards both the end and front of our rig, they're pretty deep in some spots. After we got the rig into position, I had to level out some spots with a shovel."
Connectivity options: Cell service varies by location and carrier. At Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest, "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."
