Top Free Dispersed Camping near Superior, AZ

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Superior? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Arizona camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Superior, AZ (43)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance
    Camper-submitted photo from Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    1. Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

    26 Reviews
    64 Photos
    482 Saves

    FREE permit required from the Mesa Ranger District office at 5140 E. Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205; 480-610-3300. Permits can be requested online or by email. The permit will be emailed to you within 48 hours (except weekends and holidays). This space is very large so it may be best to divide it by the access points. The point I'll be using is Access #3- Forest Road (FR) 10, south entrance: This access point is reached from Apache Junction. From Mesa: Travel 15 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to the Idaho Street exit. Follow Idaho Street north 4½ miles to McKellips. Turn right on McKellips and travel ½ mile to the Wolverine Pass Road and turn left. Follow it for 7/8 mile and turn right on Tonto Road. Travel north on Tonto Road for ¼ mile to Cactus and turn left. Follow Cactus to McDowell Road and follow it to FR 10 gate.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountain AZ state trust dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt
    Camper-submitted photo from Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt
    Camper-submitted photo from Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt
    Camper-submitted photo from Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt
    Camper-submitted photo from Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt
    Camper-submitted photo from Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed

    5. Hackamore Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    8 Photos
    77 Saves

    Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from White Canyon Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from White Canyon Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
    Camper-submitted photo from EADS Wash
    Camper-submitted photo from EADS Wash
    Camper-submitted photo from EADS Wash
    Camper-submitted photo from EADS Wash
    Camper-submitted photo from EADS Wash
    Camper-submitted photo from EADS Wash

    8. EADS Wash

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    66 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Eucalyptus
    Camper-submitted photo from Eucalyptus
    Camper-submitted photo from Eucalyptus
    Camper-submitted photo from Eucalyptus
    Camper-submitted photo from Eucalyptus
    Camper-submitted photo from Eucalyptus

    9. Eucalyptus

    2 Reviews
    12 Photos
    35 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Trailhead Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Trailhead Dispersed

    10. Buena Vista Trailhead Dispersed

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    30 Saves

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 43 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Superior

177 Reviews of 43 Superior Campgrounds


  • e
    Camper-submitted photo from Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Peralta Canyon / Gold Canyon Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Dispersed camping not allowed currently

    September 21, 2024: We’ve dispersed camped here many times in last three years, took a trip out there today and every dispersed access point is plowed up with very deep trenches not allowing vehicles or rigs to access. Sad affair with squatters taking advantage and leaving trash, there was not a soul in sight. Maybe they’ll reopen it later when it cools down.

  • Jim A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Saguaro Cove
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Saguaro Cove

    Remote Camping

    Takes 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Picket Post
    May. 22, 2024

    Picket Post

    Quick Night

    Good place to pull off in a pinch for free. You do hear road noise. Close to Arizona Trail, where it crosses 60 so you can hike both directions if you decide to, or take the trail up to the top of the mountain. Very beautiful area

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest - Park Link Road - S. Cattle Tanks Road BLM dispersed
    May. 3, 2024

    Cactus Forest - Park Link Road - S. Cattle Tanks Road BLM dispersed

    Remote, Private, and free but accessible.

    Remote, private, and free but accessible. Not a standard RV parking lot campground but rather several campsites with ample space between them for privacy, along an unpaved sandy road, just off a quiet paved back road. About 20-30min from gas stations, water, food, etc. It has no facilities or even pit toilets. Exactly what I wanted. This campground is aptly named as it is quite literally in the middle of a Saguaro cactus forest 🌵 along with many other different cactus species and wildlife. This location is tranquil and wild. I couldn't think of a better way to immerse yourself in the middle of this national park than this campground. It's a tight drive in if you go past the 2-3 RV sites at the beginning of the east side. I have a 2015 Toyota Tacoma with a roof top tent pulling a 12x6 enclosed trailer with standard wheels. My trailer made it through without scratches and at no point did I even think about four-wheel drive. A larger camper I couldn't speak for. It is quite sandy and has some mogul sections where the water flows have washed some of the trail away but overall an easy drive.

    Disclosures and warnings:

    There are three sides to this campground. The east side, west side, and North end. The West side is the most trailer friendly and most visited as it is where the GPS leads you. However, it gets worse the deeper you go in after roughly 10-15 sites. The east side you could probably manage a trailer for the first 2-3 sites. After that there would be no where to turn around and it gets rough off-road quick, like deep dried up sandy river bed crossings (month of May) and is more exposed to the sun with slightly less cacti than the west side. The North end is the most private and remote of the other two and the quietest. However, it is nothing short of a four-wheel drive off-road trail. I would not recommend anything other than off road vehicles in the north end and the sites are small, just for tents or 1 vehicle.

    There are almost no rocks to worry about on the way in but the cacti here are more than capable of creating flat tires so take care to avoid pieces that have fallen onto the road. Especially the Jumping Cholla cacti! They are the worst things you will come across in this campground and are everywhere, easily the most dominant species of cactus in this area. They have evolved to break apart into spiny segments when they make contact with someone or something to propagate. Sometimes if the wind blows strong enough they cover the ground around their base with a mound of their spined segments. These segments often roll or blow into the roadways. The spines are hard as stone and sometimes over 2 in long. They have evolved special reversed barbs that you can't see with your eyes on every main spine. They go into anything except metal, including Kevlar reinforced tire sidewalls like a knife through hot butter and then hook in and don't come out unless you rip them out. I rode my adventure bike through the campground to explore, lost my footing in the sand and fell against one of these. I had 3-4 segments stuck to my arm. I spent 10 to 15 minutes ripping these segments out of my arm, pulling my skin away from my body about an inch before they will rip out. Don't make the same mistake as me.

    GUNS! In my opinion the biggest downside to this campground is the almost constant gunfire all day long as there is a public shooting area on the south west side of the campground. If you are in the west side and you are looking southwest, there is a tiny little mountain ridgeline about a half mile away. All around the base of that ridgeline people are allowed to pull up and shoot at targets on the hill side. The locals show up as the sun just comes over the trees around 5:00 a.m. and they don't stop until the sun sets almost everyday of the week. They do however, quit at night so you can sleep.

    If you camp here you are IN THE desert. During the day is fine. You will likely only run into swarms of flies. At night however, is a different story. ESPECIALLY If you decide to have a fire on a cold night or set up a lantern near the ground while making dinner. I stayed here for 9 days straight and I came across 6 rattlesnakes (mostly sidewinders), more camel spiders than I can count (at least 5+ per night), 3 brown recluse spiders, packs of coyotes rolling through at night and early morning (watch your pets), and 2 killer bee swarms in the trees. All within the campground boundaries, so just be ready for rugged camping.

  • Patrick C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar Road Dispersed
    May. 1, 2024

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Fun spot

    This is a great spot and easy to get to. 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. Close to the river with several walk in spots to play in.

  • Jacquelyn I.
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar Road Dispersed
    Apr. 27, 2024

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Easy Drive In

    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. I was pleasently surprised at the many little nooks of privacy that you could set up camp. Outhouses are well maintained. Bring your own water though and you do need to pay ahead of time, there are no pay boxes on site.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed
    Mar. 10, 2024

    Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed

    Enjoyed tent camping

    I’ve never been out here. Got a state land trust family pass for the area just in case we needed it. The cottonwood canyon rd is dirt/gravel and it is very flat and not washboarded. Cars can drive in. Just be aware that many of the pull offs from the road have dips or hills but there are also plenty of flat pull offs that lower ground clearance vehicles can pass. For tent camping finding a spot without a lot of sharp rocks and prickles from the various cacti can be a little challenging but it’s totally doable. Use caution when walking about between the cacti. Lots of prickles you can’t see well on the ground. Be extra careful if you have dogs. Probably want to have tweezers or pliers with you to remove the spines. We came out when it was covered in grass but I can imagine it might get pretty dusty if there isn’t any grass. There’s basically no shade to speak of but plenty of bushes/cacti etc for privacy. Very easy to find spots away from other campers on the weekend. There’s lots of gunfire and explosions in the distance during the day and at night. Many ATVs/OHVs driving up and down the main road at night. It got pretty much silent at about 11pm. There are probably a lot of places a decent way from the main road that may be quieter but there are no signs anywhere so you just kind of have to pull off and drive around. Camp was raided by quail early in the morning and we had some cows visit but they didn’t come too close. All in all pretty cool area will definitely come back

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Schoolhouse Point Dispersed
    Mar. 2, 2024

    Schoolhouse Point Dispersed

    Free Lakeside camping

    Pretty, dispersed camping near schoolhouse Point in Roosevelt lake. On the road down to the state campground there are two dispersed camping areas on the left easily visible on the left side, (the gps point may not be accurate, I made it after I left) if you pass both there's an easy turn around at the boat ramp even for big rigs. Some dips coming off the paved road but very easy access overall, might be tight for really big rigs. Probably 20+ sites at each of the two pull offs, most have fire rings and decent shade. Couple minutes drive to the boat ramp at schoolhouse Point which has bathrooms, dumpsters, and both drive in and walk-in lake access. Currently (as of 3/24) no potable water even at the paid campground at the end of the road, you can either pump from the lake if you have a filter or Tonto national monument about 10min up the road has a water spigot before the pay gate. 14 day limit per usual for national forests but a really lovely spot to call home for a while! Lots of great hiking nearby as well as swimming and boating on the lake

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest
    Feb. 6, 2024

    Dispersed Site Near Tonto National Forest

    Area Closed now due to "homeless problems"

    I live in the area and the BLM finally closed this area along with other areas nearby due to junk, abandoned vehicles, vicious dogs etc. It will become the Apache Junction and Goldfield Recreation area. Closed completely for 2 yr for vegetation restoration and when it reopens it will provide residents with OHV and Horse trails along with Staging areas.

  • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cactus Forest Dispersed Site
    Jan. 26, 2024

    Cactus Forest Dispersed Site

    Very pretty. Little noisy

    January Rv 24 ft Cell service. Att 2 and o 3 bars. Able to stream

    This is a beautiful spot. The spots are a little close together.

    Not good for dogs really cus of cholla cactus everywhere. Watch where you walk and be sire to check shoes before entering your home for the night.

    There is an outdoor shooting range close enough to Hear semi auto’s all day and as late as 10:45 pm. They were at it again at 8 am. Not sure if it is some military training area or what. That gets a bit old. It’s a good distance away so it’s not real loud, just present Road is good to drive big rv or 5th wheel no lroblem

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Apache Trail North Camp
    Jan. 9, 2024

    Apache Trail North Camp

    Superstition Dispersed

    There’s a hill north of this spot that we camped on. Some power lines in the way, but generally a great view. Not intense off reading or anything, but not suitable for trailers. Very exposed area so be ready for wind.

  • Jordan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hackamore Road Dispersed
    Jan. 6, 2024

    Hackamore Road Dispersed

    Love / Hate

    I have a love/hate relationship with this place. It’s got great views of the mountains, TONS of awesome trails to walk/ride love the access to the little ghost town nearby. The road in is just terrible & it’s very dirty (mostly on the main road) though, and people can be very noisy with their vehicles but that’s not too bad.

    Overall I love camping here. We were here for a week last year, came back as our first spot on the trip this year and it was awesome again.

  • Harriet D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88
    Dec. 16, 2023

    Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88

    Not great for tent campers!

    Beautiful area, but I would only recommend it for high clearance vehicles and people who are NOT tent camping. The ground is very rocky and we couldn't find a great place to get a tent staked down in the windy conditions, so we left. Minimal coverage from wind and sun or for bathroom use. 

    Keep in mind that AZ-88 is CLOSED to motor vehicles slightly after Tortilla Trailhead, so you cannot get to Roosevelt Lake easily from here. There are pit toilets at the road closure area and you can turn around easily there.



Guide to Superior

Camping near Superior, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, or just relax under the stars, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Lace up your boots and conquer one of the park's diverse hiking trails. From challenging climbs to scenic strolls, there's a path for every level."
  • Off-Roading: If you have a UTV, head to Lost Dutchman State Park Campground for some thrilling rides. A visitor raved, "Dust off your UTVs and get ready for a blast! The washboard washes offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts."
  • Stargazing: The clear skies around Catalina State Park Campground make it perfect for stargazing. One camper noted, "I can camp and do my astrophotography at the same time."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Picacho Peak State Park Campground love the breathtaking sunsets. One review said, "Great views and epic sunsets. The peak looms over the campground, and the layout is perfect to take in all the surroundings."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Usery Mountain Regional Park. A visitor shared, "Clean restrooms, and fire pits. The hosts are incredible."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers at McDowell Mountain Regional Park enjoy the large, private sites. One camper mentioned, "Nice large private sites with a wonderful view of the mountains and desert."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Burnt Corral Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "Bathrooms are pit toilets. Pretty smelly but clean and well-stocked."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Cactus Forest Dispersed. One camper warned, "I came across 6 rattlesnakes... and packs of coyotes rolling through at night."
  • Road Conditions: If you're heading to Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, be aware that the roads can be rough. A visitor said, "The road is in the worst condition... it was impossible to get through."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Catalina State Park Campground is a great option with plenty of hiking trails. One camper mentioned, "There is some hiking including guided Ranger-led tours."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions, like Picacho Peak State Park Campground, which offers hiking trails and picnic areas. A camper shared, "Had a great time hiking the Sunset Trail to Picacho Peak."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Make sure to bring plenty of food and drinks, especially if you're camping at places like Cactus Forest Dispersed, where amenities are limited. One camper noted, "Remote, private, and free but accessible."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. For example, Burnt Corral Campground has no electric hookups, so plan accordingly. A visitor mentioned, "No showers and no cell service!"
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be close together, like at Tortilla Campground. One camper noted, "Sites are close together without much privacy but they are spacious."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Campgrounds like Usery Mountain Regional Park are close to biking trails. A camper shared, "There are tons of trails and the views are awesome."

Camping near Superior, AZ, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful Arizona outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Superior, AZ is Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance with a 3.7-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 43 dispersed camping locations near Superior, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.