Dispersed camping near Sun City, Arizona offers public land options on both state trust land and BLM property throughout the surrounding desert terrain. Most areas sit at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet with sparse vegetation dominated by creosote bush, palo verde, and occasional saguaro cacti. Access roads range from maintained gravel to rough dirt tracks depending on recent rainfall and maintenance schedules.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Saddle Mountain offers challenging terrain for experienced hikers with minimal shade. A camper at Saddle Mountain BLM noted, "Saddle Mountain is fun to hike but strenuous. The area is quiet and easy to get to."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot desert wildlife including wild burros. At Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, a visitor observed, "Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well."
Stargazing: Clear desert nights reveal exceptional star visibility due to minimal light pollution. One camper at Saddle Mountain BLM remarked, "Stargazing is spectacular. You won't regret it!"
Rock collecting: Several dispersed areas contain interesting geological specimens. A visitor to Saddle Mountain BLM shared, "We road our E bikes all over and did some agate hunting with wonderful success!"
What campers like
Desert solitude: The further from main roads, the more peaceful the camping experience becomes. A camper at Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land praised the "desert and the solitude it brought. The further off carefree you get, the more solitude you'll find."
Balloon watching: Early risers can catch colorful hot air balloons floating across the desert landscape. A visitor to Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 shared, "Awoke to WONDERFUL hot air balloons, cactus and mountains… after sunrise! What a sight!"
Social opportunities: Some camping areas foster community among visitors. One camper at Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 reported, "I had Christmas Eve dinner with a bunch of other campers. A lot of fun."
Open terrain: The landscape provides ample room to spread out. A visitor to Maddock Road Dispersed noted, "Parked here last two years, 6 months at at time over winter. Quiet, spacious, close to water, stores, lake pleasant."
What you should know
Security concerns: Like many dispersed camping areas, theft can occur. At Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance, a camper warned, "No problems except for the people on drugs. Be careful and lock up before you leave to go anywhere."
Permit requirements: Bulldog Canyon requires special authorization. A camper explained, "Easy to get a permit from the ranger station. Just email your name, address, phone number and driver's license number to sm.fs.mesa_ohs@usda.gov and you'll get your permit within 2 days for free."
Weekend noise: Recreational vehicle activity increases on weekends. A visitor to Old Airstrip Camping noted, "Since it was a nice weekend there were a gazillion trucks with their OHVs. I must say I didn't really mind, plus if you have 4x4 you can access more distant parts of the area for calm and privacy."
Recent closures: Some previously popular areas have new restrictions. A camper at Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 reported in April 2025, "Unfortunately, the state has closed this area down. Brand new 'No Motor Vehicle' signs installed. This was a major travel destination for RV'rs and campers."
Tips for camping with families
Cactus hazards: The abundant cacti require careful supervision of children and pets. A camper at Old Airstrip Camping cautioned, "All the cacti so close is a bit hazardous for pets and small children, my dog already got spines in her paws."
Weather timing: Avoid summer months when desert temperatures become dangerous. A visitor at North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp advised, "If you need to dump and/or get fresh water Wickenburg is just miles up the road and the Fast Mart Chevron station has two stations for this, plus propane."
Location scouting: Take time to find the right spot for your group. A camper at Saddle Mountain BLM suggested, "Like any time your looking for a site, park in a safe place and search by either foot or in my case ebike."
Supply logistics: Pack extra water and plan shopping stops carefully. A visitor to Maddock Road Dispersed noted, "Shell by this spot is pricey so make sure to get some stuff at Walmart in Anthem or somewhere else, however the shell is super convenient when in a pickle."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. A visitor to Boulders OHV Area observed, "The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable."
Site selection: Many areas accommodate large rigs but require careful navigation. A camper at Saddle Mountain BLM advised, "Sites here can accommodate the big rigs, but the smaller you are the more options you have."
Dust management: Prepare for significant dust, especially during windy conditions. A visitor to Maddock Road Dispersed reported, "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."
Extended stays: Some areas allow longer camping periods with limited enforcement. A camper at Old Airstrip Camping shared, "Free. Wide open space, an abandoned air strip. Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes."
