Best Dispersed Camping near Scottsdale, AZ

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Scottsdale, AZ (58)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    1. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    25 Reviews
    63 Photos
    484 Saves
    Fort Mcdowell, Arizona

    NO CAMPING First 2 miles and 300 feet on either side of the road/trail VEHICLES MUST STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS - but past those designated no camping zones, camping is allowed unless otherwise posted.

    This space is very large so it may be best to divide it by the access points. The point I'll be using is Access #3- Forest Road (FR) 10, south entrance: This access point is reached from Apache Junction. From Mesa: Travel 15 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to the Idaho Street exit. Follow Idaho Street north 4½ miles to McKellips. Turn right on McKellips and travel ½ mile to the Wolverine Pass Road and turn left. Follow it for 7/8 mile and turn right on Tonto Road. Travel north on Tonto Road for ¼ mile to Cactus and turn left. Follow Cactus to McDowell Road and follow it to FR 10 gate.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
    • No image available

      3. Box Bar Road Dispersed

      3 Reviews
      31 Saves
      Rio Verde, Arizona

      Box Bar is a River Access Point to the Verde River, close to Bartlett Lake in the Cave Creek Ranger District. This small site offers beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains along with a fast moving river – making it a fun spot for kids of all ages. The shore line is a rocky/pebble beach with several shady trees. Wildlife can be seen during the early summer months, and late winter. The road access in to the site is compacted dirt.

      There are no designated campsites however the shaded areas along the west side of the parking area are popular spots to set up camp trailers and tents.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Dispersed
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed

      4. Hackamore Road Dispersed

      10 Reviews
      8 Photos
      78 Saves
      Apache Junction, Arizona

      Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Bartlett Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Bartlett Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Bartlett Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Bartlett Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Bartlett Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Bartlett Reservoir

      5. Bartlett Reservoir

      4 Reviews
      23 Photos
      179 Saves
      Rio Verde, Arizona

      The Bartlett Reservoir area is noted for the spectacular vistas of the Desert Mountains and the Sonoran plant life. A fair portion of the west side of the reservoir is devoted to camping and picnicking. Bartlett has been a favorite with anglers since Bartlett Dam was constructed in 1939. Several state-record fish have been caught there. The 1977 Small-mouth Bass state record tipped the scales at seven pounds. The carp state record still stands at 37 lbs. 5 oz. Flathead Catfish lurk in the depths. “Fish City” near Bartlett Flat is a fish-habitat improvement project.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Dispersed
      • Market
      Camper-submitted photo from Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land
      Camper-submitted photo from Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land
      Camper-submitted photo from Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land
      Camper-submitted photo from Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land
      Camper-submitted photo from Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land
      Camper-submitted photo from Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

      6. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

      5 Reviews
      17 Photos
      62 Saves
      Peoria, Arizona

      Annual permit needed to recreate an AZ State Trust Lands.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona
      Camper-submitted photo from Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona
      Camper-submitted photo from Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona
      Camper-submitted photo from Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona
      Camper-submitted photo from Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona
      Camper-submitted photo from Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona

      10. Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona

      5 Reviews
      19 Photos
      160 Saves
      Carefree, Arizona

      This is for SHEEPS Bridge BLM in Arizona There is a different listing on The Dyrt for SHEEP Bridge BLM in Utah

      VERY rugged road to get to this campground. Please be advised if you have an RV or a low clearance vehicle.

      • Pets
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
    Showing results 1-10 of 58 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Scottsdale

    199 Reviews of 58 Scottsdale Campgrounds


    • William M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
      Nov. 19, 2024

      Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

      Nice spot

      Dirt road in but very drivable. Lots of available places to pull off and camp. Beautiful scenery. In sight of I17 but no sound from it at all. No available shade but my solar set up needs full sun, so it's perfect for me. Will definitely come back

    • William M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Badger Springs
      Nov. 19, 2024

      Badger Springs

      Wouldn't suggest

      As soon as I got there, I got the dog out and what do we immediately find? Used drug needles littering the ground around a fire ring. Definitely not somewhere I'd feel comfortable staying the night.

    • Enzo M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance
      Nov. 4, 2024

      Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance

      Bulldog Canyon (all entrances) is an OHV Sport area first, Camp spot second

      Thanks to the efforts of the environaz- mentality of the last 40 years there are horribly few true sanctioned OHV areas for folks to legally use and enjoy offroad Motorsports, neither FREE or PAID.   So OHV owners have nearly zero options.   Bulldog Canyon is one those tiny few chances for those OHVers.    Campers need to be cognizant of this and respect the OHV'er, not demand OHV'ers respect THEM!    If you are looking for a pure silent CAMPground, and are of the "get off my lawn" and or "man/woman shouts at clouds" type, look elsewhere.  There are PLENTY of options for such inflexible campers to demand adherence to THEIR level of enjoyment.    Bulldog isn't free, OHVers pay for the unlimited access - when allowed that access - to trails WITHOUT time/day/hour exceptions.   So if you're a camper, bring some earplugs if the sounds of all-hours OHVers is disturbing to you.   Bulldog Canyon is a fantastic area for those campers who enjoy the OHV.   I no longer can use an OHV but I enjoy seeing these younger generations doing what mine and earlier gens once took for granted nearly everywhere unrestricted.     Highly recommend Bdog Canyon for the fun-lovers and young-at-hearts.   For the HOA-loving types, sincerely consider elsewhere for your benefit and those of others.

    • eThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
      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.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
      Aug. 24, 2024

      Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

      Requires permit

      Area is marked and needs permit as well. As a foreigner I can't buy the permit online since only US address can be entered and will be reverted for the credit card payment so no way to stay there legally.

      Maybe going in person or call them can get me a permit but yeah not this way.

      Anyway the spot is nice and levelled if it would be usable 🙂

    • Caitlin S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping near Crown King
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Dispersed camping near Crown King

      Gorgeous secluded camping

      Secluded dispersed camping in the woods just outside of the town Crown King. 4x4 is recommended, campsites are not accessible when snowfall has occurred. Beautiful wildlife including deer always nearby.

    • Jim A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Saguaro Cove
      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.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Picket Post
      May. 22, 2024

      Picket Post

      Quick Night

      Good place to pull off in a pinch for free. You do hear road noise. Close to Arizona Trail, where it crosses 60 so you can hike both directions if you decide to, or take the trail up to the top of the mountain. Very beautiful area

    • Patrick C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar Road Dispersed
      May. 1, 2024

      Box Bar Road Dispersed

      Fun spot

      This is a great spot and easy to get to. Lots of shaded areas. You can camp next to your car , wich there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that. Close to the river with several walk in spots to play in.

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from State land trust/Inspiration Point
      Apr. 29, 2024

      State land trust/Inspiration Point

      Weekdays are best

      State land trust, good spot for a few nights. Gunshots in the distance, but no incidents/casualties lol. Pulled my 31ft TT back into a spot for a week. Close 10 min drive to stores like WinCo and Safeway and gas stations. Quite weekdays, loud weekends due to motor vehicles breaking the rules. (Not a ohv area but treated as such)

    • Jacquelyn I.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar Road Dispersed
      Apr. 27, 2024

      Box Bar Road Dispersed

      Easy Drive In

      We don’t have an offroad car, so it is always nice when the gravel road is well managed. No heart aches getting in and finding an open area to camp. I was pleasently surprised at the many little nooks of privacy that you could set up camp. Outhouses are well maintained. Bring your own water though and you do need to pay ahead of time, there are no pay boxes on site.

    • Makayla Z.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
      Mar. 17, 2024

      Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

      Like something out of a Western film

      We pulled in late at about 10pm. Wild burros and coyotes set the soundtrack and the cactus shadows looked against the bright night clouds. Absolutely worth the drive! We car camped and the weather was perfect and we slept great. We will definitely be back soon so we can actually pick a site and enjoy it!



    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Scottsdale, AZ is Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance with a 3.8-star rating from 25 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 58 dispersed camping locations near Scottsdale, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.