Top Free Dispersed Camping near Show Low, AZ

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Show Low? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Show Low, including photos, reviews, and tips. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Show Low, AZ (21)

Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Show Low

33 Reviews of 21 Show Low Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Mesa Trailhead
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Timber Mesa Trailhead

    Haunted with a kill site

    Great fire pit and some flat spots for a tent. The highway got quieter in the middle of the night for a little while. We stayed right next to some ruins and all three of us had wild dreams about ghosts, ghost horses, and animals. The next morning we found we were only a few steps away from a mountain lion kill site! WOW! So many kinds of animals. Elk. Coyote. Cow. Sheep. You name it! It was an exciting way to spend the evening. Enjoy!

  • p
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Concho lake

    Ehh

    Got here at night and found it quite easily. Not the most scenic as the lake is dried up and the highway is visible (and audible). Trash cans were overflowing with trash, and a few of the sites were trashed as well. I also think I saw human poop by the bushes. At around midnight some guy came by our tent asking if we knew where the portopotties went, and said the site we were at is where he usually stays…

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim Road
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Rim Road

    Great time here

    We showed late on Friday eve and were still able to get a great spot for tent camping. Pretty quiet and close to town.

  • Patrick C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from forest road 181
    Jul. 22, 2024

    forest road 181

    Forest road 181

    Nice place to cool of and set up camp. The only reason it's not getting 5 stars is there isn't great views in this area.

  • Patrick C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road/ Forest Road 171 Dispersed
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Old Rim Road/ Forest Road 171 Dispersed

    Best views and weather

    It rained every afternoon we were there for 3 days, but loved every bit of it. There is a camp host here even though it's free. His name is Steve and is super nice and helpful . He told us some spots in the are alto check out. Will stay here again

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Old Rim Road Dispersed Site

    Beat the Heat

    I wanted to get out of the southern Arizona heat. This place did just that. Only the opposite side of the highway of Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake. Both are just a 15min drive. Plenty of room for big rigs (40’+). I brought my 37’ Motorhome and had no problem finding a big enough site. Sites are marked and plenty spread out from other campers. Great views and perfect summer weather.

  • Caitlin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR738 Dispersed Camping
    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

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Old Rim Road Dispersed Site

    Spread out sites

    Just under 50 sites off the dirt road. All sites have fire rings and are numbered. There were fire restrictions during my stay so definitely look into that beforehand, as with any other place. The sites were nicely spread out. The first few sites were along the rim. The others were within forested areas, well off the dirt road.

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Mar. 30, 2024

    Concho lake

    Concho Pronto

    Great, great free camping. ~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings. Great Verizon Service. WINDY. Pretty, too.

  • Beth G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fr 237 Camping Area
    Sep. 19, 2023

    Fr 237 Camping Area

    Wild flowers and lots of open space

    The Larson Ridge Dispersed camping areas off FR237 don’t have a lot to offer, but it does have space. Plenty of room here to spread out. The further up the road you go, the less rocky the sites become. You are also further away from the vault toilet, if you camp up this far, I wouldn’t expect to use that toilet at all.

    This spots are on the ridge, so be prepared for wind. Our last day we had a pop up awning get lifted up into tree branches and aluminum poles snap on an REI tent.

    This area is also really dusty which can make you feel like your in a sand blaster when the wind kicks up.

    Lots of FR to ride around on ATVs/ mini bikes. We had fun looking at wild flowers and playing bocci ball.

    There were lots of pine but it was warm in the sun in the heat of the day. We were there in June though.

    Triple check your fire pit before you leave. Make sure it is out

  • Rose C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Larson Ridge Camping Area
    May. 30, 2023

    Larson Ridge Camping Area

    Overall Good

    PROS: Spacious campsites; some have phenomenal views overlooking a canyon. Free entry and a toilet near the entrance. Saw some deer while on a hike and seems like a great area for off-roading in an ATV or dirt bike. CONS: some of the campsites are close to the road and passing trucks can be loud. It was kind of crowded and noisy until late this Memorial Day weekend.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    May. 28, 2023

    Concho lake

    Peaceful and quiet

    Stayed here for a couple nights towards the end of May. There were a few other people camping while I was here but it was very quiet. I would estimate there are about 10 sites. Most appeared to have garbage cans. There were two port o potty’s that were not too bad. There were lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake. I was able to find fire wood around for a fire but it was a little challenging finding larger pieces of wood, I would probably bring some wood of my own if I ever returned. Overall it was a great place to stay for free especially since there aren’t lots of campsites in this area. Directions were accurate.

  • Nacole H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim Road
    Apr. 10, 2023

    Rim Road

    Favorite place to camp

    Forest Road 300, or Rim Road, has beautiful views and so many places to camp! We go several times a year and never camp in the same place twice! You can camp in groups or in smaller clusters. There are places to get away from the main roads and places near the roads for those with toys.

    The further from the toys and noisy people, the better for us. We go to connect nature and recharge from the bustle of the city.

  • Ray L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Mar. 9, 2023

    Concho lake

    Mixed emotions.

    Reviews say this place is clean but it is Disgusting. The porta potties aren’t even worth trying to use and there was garbage EVERYWHERE. I would still almost give it 4 stars because when I was there it was nearly empty, but the one other person who was there blasted loud music all day and night and was clearly on drugs. Not great, not bad. Would I stay here again? Yeah I guess so. Definitely a mixed bag.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping Area
    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

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from FR738 Dispersed Camping
    May. 14, 2022

    FR738 Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful campground

    I tried camping nearby and everywhere was full. This site had at least 5 or 6 spots open and most sites have an overlook. The road to the sites was not bad at all. Can come from north or south on FR738, there were a few bumpy sections but no clearance needed. No official hiking trails nearby.

  • Jeff B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim Road
    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.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Rim Road Dispersed Site
    Apr. 20, 2022

    Old Rim Road Dispersed Site

    The Rim

    Unbelievable views! I was extremely lucky that nobody had taken it. There was a ton of trash, some for a long time and perhaps nobody else would stay here because of it. In maybe a half hour I picked up two bags and now can enjoy everything around me.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR 170 mile marker 1
    Apr. 20, 2022

    FR 170 mile marker 1

    I’m Spoiled

    Roads are very good but they have done lots of work all over. It looks like a work in progress. Very clean and safe. No fantastic views but next time there might be. As I said, I have been spoiled. Plenty of room for a couple of “As” here and I saw several other places. Fire ring.

  • Heather E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Jan. 4, 2022

    Concho lake

    Beautiful clean spot

    Stopped here prior to visiting the petrified forest. What a clean, quiet, gem. The lake was frozen over which made for tons of fun for us throwing rocks and listening to the ripple. I’d say there is at least 10 spots. Port-o-potty there and trash so please continue to keep this clean free site just that way!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Concho lake

    Pretty but closed due to fires

    Close to high way pass mile marker 369 - Due to fire danger in the area currently it’s closed.

  • Angie
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim Road
    Mar. 23, 2021

    Rim Road

    Rim Road

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

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Concho lake

    Good one night stay

    Stayed one day on my way to Reno. Nice spot along the highway. You can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it. There’s prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus. Clean porti potties and decent AT&T signal. I only checked out one loop but place has as least 10 spots. Some have cement pads and fire rings. No picnic tables that I saw.



Guide to Show Low

Camping near Show Low, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Clean site overlooking body of water. Gentle breeze. No bugs." This spot is perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Aspen Campground. A reviewer said, "You are a short walk from the lake and a few other trails," making it a great base for hiking adventures.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Carr Lake Campground have spotted deer and other wildlife. One camper shared, "If you hike deep into the woods, you will see deer."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Lyman Lake State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Bathrooms and showers are super clean and well maintained."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA. One reviewer mentioned, "Campsites were wide and level," which is great for families and larger groups.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff at OK RV Park. A guest said, "The staff were very friendly and making a reservation was easy."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area, lack amenities. A camper warned, "No amenities, located near the Rim. Peaceful and quiet."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at McHood Park Campground noted, "By Saturday there wasn't a free open spot anywhere."
  • Road Conditions: Accessing some campgrounds may require navigating rough roads. A camper shared about Carr Lake Campground, "The main road is a good well-maintained dirt/gravel road."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground. A family shared, "We had the most beautiful view of the lake and plenty of wide open space for my kids to explore!"
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One reviewer at Aspen Campground mentioned, "Great place for families, good restrooms and plenty of water spickets."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA enjoyed the "delicious breakfast with a good variety."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at OK RV Park said, "They took us to our site and it was huge."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check campgrounds like Lyman Lake State Park Campground, which offers "FHU available."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area noted, "Nights were rowdy. This place feels like the Wild West."

Camping near Show Low, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Show Low, AZ is Concho lake with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Show Low, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.