Dispersed camping sites near Stanfield, Arizona dot the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding the area. Located in the Sonoran Desert at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the region experiences extreme summer heat often exceeding 110°F from June through August. Winter nights drop to the 40s while daytime temperatures remain mild, making October through April the primary camping season for most visitors.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: At Margies Cove West Campground, the surrounding mountains block city light pollution. A camper noted, "The mountains block out a lot of light pollution from the City so it gets very very dark." The site offers excellent night sky viewing conditions during winter months when skies are typically clearest.
Off-road adventures: Tent campers can access numerous trails around Hackamore Road Dispersed camping area. "There are a lot of sites, lots of utvs and folks riding horses out here," according to one visitor. The surrounding area features multiple skill levels of trails suitable for UTVs, ATVs and mountain bikes.
Historical exploration: Several primitive camping areas provide access to local historical sites. The region contains remnants of old mining operations and early settlement areas. Near Margies Cove, one camper discovered "a regiment of Mormon soldiers built a road some 2000 miles through the area in the 1840s when the US was stealing the land from Mexico and the indigenous peoples."
What campers like
Solitude and spacing: At Peralta Regional Park Primitive Remote Campsites, campers appreciate the site layout. As one visitor mentioned, "Each campsite has plenty of space in between. Literally no complaints at all." The designated sites provide privacy while maintaining access to basic facilities.
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, several tent campsites near Stanfield maintain usable cell connections. At Pipeline Road BLM Camping, one camper reported "Cell is good" despite the remote setting, making it suitable for those needing to stay connected.
Proximity to supplies: Many dispersed camping areas balance wilderness experience with convenience. A visitor to Hackamore Road noted, "Little to close to town for what I was after but great spot for a few days getting supplies what not." This accessibility makes longer stays more practical for tent campers without requiring complete self-sufficiency.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Most tent camping areas require appropriate vehicles. A Pipeline Road camper advised, "Entrance to pipeline road is not marked and difficult to enter and exit safely, about .6 tens mile in from cattleguard on Avra Valley road. Sites are about 1/2 mile in till a big dip wash that restricts most TTs and RVs."
Seasonal insect issues: Several campgrounds experience significant fly problems during warmer months. At Margies Cove West, campers consistently report this challenge: "A lot more flies than I remember ever having been here before. I think I've been here near the end of the year and I don't remember the flies being so plague."
Weather precautions: Flash flooding can impact low-lying camping areas during monsoon season (July-September). One camper at Pipeline Road cautioned, "Not really a area you want to be in if there's going to be a lot of rain and there are cattle."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about desert wildlife safety, especially regarding snakes. A Peralta camper warned, "Came across a rattle snake when hiking." Morning and evening hours when temperatures are cooler increase chances of wildlife encounters.
Noise considerations: Some camping areas experience significant recreational noise. At Hackamore Road, a camper mentioned, "Town is close, close enough you can hear it" and "people can be very noisy with their vehicles but that's not too bad."
Camp host assistance: When available, camp hosts provide valuable local information. A family camping at Peralta Regional Park reported, "The camp host was very friendly and helpful (Darell)." Hosts can direct families to age-appropriate trails and activities.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many dispersed areas have physical barriers preventing larger vehicles from reaching camping spots. A visitor to Pipeline Road advised, "Sites are about 1/2 mile in till a big dip wash that restricts most TTs and RVs."
High-clearance requirements: Standard passenger vehicles struggle on most access roads. One RVer stated about Pipeline Road, "Dispersed BLM camping folks the main road in has a pretty good little drop-down I wouldn't take a big rig past the first area on the right."
Suspension concerns: Road conditions can damage RV systems. A camper with experience in the area cautioned, "For extra clarification DO NOT go into Bulldog Canyon OHV (You need a permit in this part)! There is a right turn onto this trail right before the gate."
