Best Dispersed Camping near Scottsdale, AZ

The Sonoran Desert surrounding Scottsdale, Arizona features numerous dispersed camping opportunities on public lands managed by multiple agencies. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, located northeast of the city, requires permits and gate codes for access while providing scenic desert camping among saguaro cacti. Bartlett Reservoir, approximately 30 miles northeast of Scottsdale, offers both developed and primitive camping with water access. Dispersed sites along Sycamore Creek and Verde River provide free camping options with varying levels of accessibility. Most locations feature primitive conditions with few or no facilities, though some areas like Bartlett Reservoir include basic amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, and trash collection.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "The road is a bit tricky. While 4WD isn't necessary, I wouldn't come out here without high clearance and decent suspension." Permit requirements differ by land management agency, with Arizona State Trust Land requiring annual recreation permits ($15-20) and Tonto National Forest areas like Bulldog Canyon needing specific permits. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to most public lands. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. Cell service is inconsistent but available at many sites, particularly those at higher elevations or closer to highways.

Wildlife encounters add to the camping experience, with several campers reporting sightings of wild horses, burros, and coyotes. "Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well," noted one visitor to the Old Airstrip Camping area. Weekends tend to bring increased traffic from off-road vehicles at many sites, particularly those with OHV trails. As one reviewer warned, "If you're looking for quiet this may not be for you... it is heavily used by ATVs and 4x4s blaring loud music." Campers consistently praise the desert sunsets, stargazing opportunities, and proximity to hiking trails. Most sites operate on Leave No Trace principles with no services, requiring visitors to pack out all waste and bring their own water supplies.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Scottsdale, Arizona (58)

    1. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    27 Reviews
    Fort Mcdowell, AZ
    18 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 👌🏼."

    2. Box Bar Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Bartlett Reservoir

    4 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5200

    "Such a big lake, every time I go it's a whole different experience . Best thing about this lake is back up to water & pitch ur tent.. no set camp area, just make yourselves comfy where u choose ."

    4. Verde River Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 595-3300

    5. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "That's right, this is AZ, State Trust land, AKA: FREE camping and parking land—72,000 acres of open dispersed, rough, rugged, off-the-grid life."

    "Numerous campsites available in an area along State Road 74 and New River/Lake Pleasant Roads, at least 2 or 3000 acres with hundreds of establish campsites."

    6. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    24 miles

    "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 campsite is good, quiet, easily accessible and I met some friendly neighbors. I love all the cacti as well. There is quite a bit of trash and glass around."

    7. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - West Entrance

    5 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 610-3300

    "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.   "

    8. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    25 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."

    9. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    32 miles

    "Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties. There's no facilities so be prepared. Good level land and plenty of room."

    "Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"

    10. Sycamore Creek Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Tonto Basin, AZ
    23 miles

    "There 2 or 3 sites right off the highway, but if you continue down the road there is a larger area with plenty of other sites. Small shrubs and tree around that give privacy from other campers."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Scottsdale, AZ

243 Reviews of 58 Scottsdale Campgrounds



Guide to Scottsdale

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Scottsdale, Arizona, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Dispersed campers should check out Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping

  • Access to Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance requires a permit for the gate code, making it a more exclusive experience for those willing to plan ahead.
  • This area is known for its stunning views and clean camping spots, but a 4x4 vehicle is essential to navigate the rugged terrain beyond the first two miles.
  • Be prepared for some dust kicked up by off-highway vehicles (OHVs), as this area is popular among OHV enthusiasts.

Top activities while free camping near Scottsdale

  • Enjoy hiking and off-roading at Hackamore Road Dispersed, where you can explore numerous trails and take in breathtaking mountain views.
  • This location is pet-friendly and allows campfires, making it a great spot for families and friends to gather around the fire after a day of adventure.
  • The road leading to Hackamore can be rough, so a vehicle with high clearance is recommended for a smooth arrival.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • Experience the serene environment at Bartlett Reservoir, where you can camp right by the water and enjoy fishing or simply relaxing by the shore.
  • This area features picnic tables and access to drinking water, making it a convenient choice for those looking to enjoy a more comfortable camping experience.
  • The drive to Bartlett Reservoir is picturesque, with opportunities to explore nearby towns like Carefree and Cave Creek, adding to the overall adventure.

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 27 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.