Looking for the best Sun Valley dispersed camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Sun Valley. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Arizona camping adventure.
A beautiful, narrow, canyon-bound lake, accessible by foot trail only, Bear Canyon Lake is one of several in a series of fishing lakes built by Arizona Game and Fish Department. Despite being several miles down a dirt road and having few amenities, it draws many visitors. The partially developed campground which is set among the mixed conifer, oak and aspen, has only limited amenities. Bear Canyon Lake is a "Pack it in - Pack it out" area. There is NO GARBAGE SERVICE. Please be good stewards of the land and leave the area better than how you found it.
For purposes of fire restrictions, this campground is considered to be an 'undeveloped' campground. No fires will be permitted when fire restrictions are in effect for the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest.
At an elevation of 7,560, Bear Canyon Lake consists of 60 surface acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet. Because of its depth, this lake has no water quality problems. The Arizona Department of Game and Fish stocks it with catchable-sized rainbow trout about six times each year.
Arizona fishing regulations apply. Please refer to the current year fishing regulations brochure produced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for further details on licensing requirements, daily bag limits, and other restrictions. Boat motors are restricted to electric motors only.
While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are several sites set aside as designated dispersed camping sites, listed below. Pick up or download a free Motor Vehicle Use Map to know where it is legal to drive. See Guidelines for information and policies, and Specific Sites for more details and contact information.
Know before you go! Be aware extreme winter weather or flooding risks can necessitate the closure of forest roads at different times of the year. Many forest roads that lead to dispersed campsites may be closed during seasonal road closures, so please check the Forest Road Status web page for more information about the status of forest roads in each District.
Fire restrictions may be in place. During fire restrictions, campfires, fires, and charcoal fires are not permitted in dispersed camping areas. This includes both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed. Where can I have a campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions?
The majority of campgrounds on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of recreational areas anywhere on the Forest at no charge. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside recreational areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. Also, remember if you pack it in, then pack it out, don't leave your trash for others to clean up. No permits are required to camp in Wilderness areas.
Scout
Approachable, very good spot near the highway, also with a camper van.
Traveler
Paved road right up to the site. A little noisy from the traffic, but doable. Good flat ground, fire ring, and plenty of available fire wood.
Traveler
Keep driving down the road and space will open up wider. We parked right past the little grate after you get to the more open space. Quite a few others but we weren’t looking for too much room or privacy. Got there right at sunset.
Traveler
Easy to find off Beaver Flats rd. The camp areas are pretty spread out which was nice. Decent shade from some Juniper trees and we could barely hear the road from our campsite. Some of the sites are pretty clase to the road though and are probably fairly noisy. I’m guessing there are about 7 sites total. It’s not the type of place for a big motor home or a big trailer.
Scout
We arrived around noon on Friday, and within an hour or two there were two others who arrived--but thankfully turned around to find another spot. The views were extraordinary as we parked the Land Cruiser with the Roofnest in the ideal spot to not just soak up the afternoon and evening views, but to be blessed by a great sunrise from inside the tent.
The stars... I mean, wow! The starry sky at night was one of the best we've see anywhere, just stunning.
Felt very safe in the area for our 3 year old boy to explore with us, so if you expect any sheer cliffs or dangerous drop-offs, they aren't really there. There were gradual declines from the top, and they aren't immediately near where you'd park.
We will be back--this was a real gem... but expect wind throughout the night being this exposed!
Guide
Pretty exposed. No shade. Lots of fire ants so I wouldn’t suggest tent camping here. I have the option of car camping. So that works. And there’s a nearby rest area on I-17 to use the restroom, though it’s a bit of a drive. Right near montezuma’s well which is one of my favorite monuments. It’s hot. Be prepared.
Ranger
Pristine and usually unoccupied lake off the beaten path. 17 miles of dirt road from Highway to the lake and the last 7 are truly a challenge for anything other than a slightly lifted vehicle. Four camping areas near or with access to Lake with two of them having boat ramps. Skip the first turn off to the right as that is the very narrow part of the lake and rather ugly. The second turn off has two to four campsites with vault toilets and access to the lake through a boat ramp which allows camping and small trailer access lakeside. The churn out to the right is, Really rough and has very little camping or RV access. One of the pictures shows how rough the road is. I took the fourth turn off which is 747 and has one to two camping sites with a fire pit and good RV access along with a boat ramp. Note that fires are allowed in the fire pits because this is above 6, 000 feet but there is no water or trash. Pack it in, pack it out.
Guidebeautiful views! super duper underrated and conveniently close to sedona access: 3stars (for my car, yours will do way better lmao) easy to find on the map! not a difficult road (at first), but gravelly for sure. i drive a 1995 ford f150 2 wheel drive and found that after 2-3 miles in, the road up to the overlook becomes too steep and rocky for my truck to climb, but a 4x4 definitely can do it! if u have a car like mine take it nice and slow and you will do just fine :3 business/safety/people: 5stars! not a SINGLE other camper here and i arrived on a friday night! its like i have the whole desert to myself. all you hear are crickets and very very distant highway sounds. maybe its because i came in early september but this is by far the most quiet of blms ive ever been to sites: sites are easy to back in and most come with rock firepits! in the site im at, people left piles of firewood close to the pit which was an amazing help bc i arrived so late
the only con that i can think of is that there r a lot of bugs (ants and moths especially), which doesnt bother me at all but for some it could be a little annoying. if you have full cover (tent, rv, camper, van, etc) then do not worry at all, but i camp in the bed of my truck so its a lil different for me.
if u want solitude come check this place out !
Traveler
Beautiful desert camping, lots of birds and wildlife. I heard coyotes in the middle of the night that woke me up, and was glad for a rooftop tent.
Traveler
Went down here mid August and it was a beautiful view. Thick tree coverage which hid us from the winds that day / night and the rim was a 200 foot walk away. Able to get there in my Chevy Trax which is front wheel drive only, without any problems. There are there are plenty of spot to pull off into on that forest road. If you don’t get this exact spot just keep driving the road and you’ll find something in no time. A lot of dead trees laying around for firewood, but did need axe and hacksaw to cut size them down. Area had a lot of pine needles on the ground.
Scout
We showed late on Friday eve and were still able to get a great spot for tent camping. Pretty quiet and close to town.
Scout
34.335842 - 110.973221
Numbered free camp sites. First come first served. Beautiful cool high country with many overlooks over the rim. There is a lake near by for fishing, has a small store and you can rent kyaks and small boats.
Camp sites are not near each other, but within sight. Campfires allowed when conditions permit. We stayed 3 nights while on our way home with our new R-Pod 192 Hood River Edition. We will definately go back again. The guy who came buy later to check us in was super nice and very informative.
Ranger
Nice national forest dispersed sites with many level camping areas most with firepits. Very busy In early Aug. Quiet In The pines. A fair amount of trash at several sites: folks enjoy the free sites but pick up your trash!(and other peoples if you see it)
Guide
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.
Guide
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
Traveler
pretty secluded and pretty remote. sites are of different sizes, anyone can camp, big trailers etc. very quiet except for nature and birds. no Verizon for the most part, nice place to explore.
RangerLots of lit up trucks and dirt bikes coming through the night I stayed but the views and rock formations were cool to check out with my dog.
Scout
I came here 2 months ago and I found this place suitable for camping. We had a great time grilling food and playing slope games.
ScoutDispersed
RangerSo this spot was only about 25 minutes from Sedona and it was pretty great. You could hear the hum of I17 but not loud at all. Road was well maintained and the spots had fire pits. Lots of flies buzzing around but nothing biting
Traveler
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.
Guide
A wonderful spot that is secluded and away from the busy FR300 traffic. 8 miles off of Hwy 87. There are no services but close to Kehl Springs Campground where there are restrooms.
There is no cell service but close to the Rim where you have service.
Scout
We pulled into our stop as the sun was setting. Drove back about a quarter mile ona 4wd road. Had a few gun shots and elks during the night.
TravelerHard to find if just looking for signs. Great scenery
Guide
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
LegendJust 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.
TravelerTakes 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sun Valley, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sun Valley, AZ is Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area with a 3.8-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sun Valley, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 115 dispersed camping locations near Sun Valley, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
