Best Dispersed Camping near Superior, AZ

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Superior, AZ

189 Reviews of 48 Superior Campgrounds

• 

  Brittany J.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 24, 2020

  Bermuda Flat Recreation Site

  Shoreline camping great but..

  The directions will bring you right to the recreation area parking lot, where there are a few marked camping spots on the shore and some portable toilets. You must have a Tonto pass to camp at these spots. Free, dispersed camping is located across the highway down the dirt road Bar 3.

• 

  Francis D.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 31, 2023

  Hackamore Road Dispersed

  Great with a light off-roading

  This is a nice quiet spot with excellent cell service. It's on BLM land, so you are out of the reach of the Arizona Land Permits.

  The road is a bit tricky. I got here pretty smooth on my RWD Xterra, so while 4WD isn't necessary, I wouldn't come out here without high clearance and decent suspension. Maybe tie down any loose items as well.

  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. Keep going until you see fire pits made of stone.

• C

  Cypress

  Traveler

  

  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

• 

  Ariel & John W.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 12, 2020

  Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt

  Great boondocking on Roosevelt Lake

  One of our all-time favorite boondocking spots. There are many forests roads off 188 on the southern shore of Lake Roosevelt where dispersed camping is allowed. Some have spectacular views of the lake but are high up and difficult to get to. We found the most easily accesible dispersed camping off Forest Rd 83 between the national monument and little town of Roosevelt. There are large level sites here right off the forest road. As you go further up the forest road, sites get smaller but more private.

  This is all working open range with lots of stock. We woke up many mornings to cattle rooting through our stuff and one morning to a real roundup with cowboys on horses. Amazing. There are lots if Saguaro and jumping Cholla cactus around as well as rattlers and scorpions so be alert.

  We stayed nearly three weeks here and will go back. Lots to do around and across the lake.

  No amenities but there is a dumpster at the head of FS83. Otherwise nearest towns are Punkin Center to the west and Roosevelt to the east, Globe being the nearest large town about 40 min away.

  Note there is also dispersed camping off 88 along the Salt River, also worth taking s look. No cell service along 88, no amenities and roads get much more steep and difficult.

• 

  Rocco

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 31, 2020

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Adults only?

  My only advice here is that it’s not fun for dogs. (And maybe not fun for kids either?) It’s incredibly prickly everywhere. Imagine that, prickly in the cactus forest? You’ll want to avoid wearing sandals too. (I found myself with a piece of a cactus stuck to my foot and then when trying to remove it I got my hand stuck to the cactus that was stuck to my foot. Tools were required. Pain, lots of pain.) Seriously, NO SANDALS. But! PROS: the saguaro cactus are huge and impressive. We really enjoyed driving through this area at sunset and seeing all the iconic cactus. But then our overnight of camping on this random BLM land was just hours of dodging prickles. It’s quite an interesting place, but fair warning, is prickly. Act accordingly.

• 

  Eric W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 11, 2020

  Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed

  Ridiculous

  The area itself is reasonably nice desert camping. Lots and lots of spots in both the AZ State Trust land (permit required) and the BLM land.

  Pros -Lots of fire rings made from rocks in almost every spot. -Room to spread out. -Free.

  Cons -The road coming in is the worst washboarding i have ever seen. Like the worst. Almost un-drivable...and I’ve been down a lot of rutted roads that require high clearance. I didn’t need clearance, i needs a road that isn’t ridiculous. -There is a quarry or something at the end of the road, which you wouldn’t think would matter, but starting at 4:00am...giant, and i mean GIANT rock hauler semi trucks started barreling down the washboarded road every 5-10 minutes until we packed up and left a day early at 10:00am because we couldn’t take the noise anymore. These trucks go down the road at 45mph and just absolutely SHAKE the ground and roar with noises. It was the most absurd thing that had ever happened to me while camping. Do not go here for peaceful camping.

• 

  Beth G.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 23, 2020

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Feels secluded, but close to I-10 and Tucson

  We were surprised on the number of people who ventured out to this BLM spot off Park Link Road in the Cactus Forest over a rainy weekend in Tucson.

  The first dozen dispersed spots were full with camper vans, small trailers and trucks. We continued to drive down the gravel dirt road to a more secluded spot. We didn’t see anyone in our one-night stay beside a mountain biker in the morning.

  Even though It was raining in the area for about 24 hours before we travelled to the campsite, we didn’t have any issues navigating the 1.5 miles down to the site we chose. The truck has some mud in it and the 4x4 wasn’t needed (but made it easier). I would recommend a high clearance vehicle to reach the further back spots. Also, the road was narrow, our F250 brushed a few bushes on the way.

  Most dispersed sites had a fire ring (check locally fire conditions first). I’d suggest bringing in fire wood unless you just want to burn the few fallen twig and limbs. It’s a cactus forest- so the terrain is mostly saguaros, chollas, Palo verde trees and shrubs.

  Our site had a beautiful view of the sunset and a view of Picacho Peak in the distance. We visited in February and the weather was nice (on the chilly side) for our roof top tent. I wouldn’t come here in the summer unless we had a rig with air conditioning. Impressive view of the stars at night. Some traffic noise from I-10.

  No water, toilets, or trash. So be prepared to take out what you bring in. We had 2 bars of LTE slcell service with T-Mobile.

  It’s BLM land close to Tucson, so locals use the area for gun target practice. We heard gun shots until the sunset and starting again the morning. It was basically non-stop. If you want a place to shoot, this would be a good spot to camp.

  🌵 Saguaro Facts: Saguaros can live to be 150-200 years old and grow as tall at 40 feet. A 10 year old saguaro Is about 1.5 inches tall (please watch where you drive, park and step). At 80 years old, it’s around 6 feet tall and starts to bloom. The best time to see saguaro blooms is mid-May through mid-June. At age 95-100, it’s around 15 feet tall and starts to grow it’s first arm. 🌵

• J

  Jim W.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 17, 2018

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

  Blue point access to bulldog canyon

  I have camped at every dispersed camping place within 150 miles of Phoenix. 99 percent are over run by noisy, disrespectful ATV AND DIRT BIKE riders. If they see people camping they like to rev their engines really loud and create big dust flumes to show how nasty they really are. Last year I never saw a dirt bike or ATV in blue point, but this year there's been a lot. Come on guys and gals you have control of every single other spot this was just one place the family could go and have some peace and quiet. NOT THIS YEAR!!! the ATV'S AND dirt bikes have been tearing down the roads making sure they really rev their engines and creat dust when they go by campers. Just be jerks. But besides that, compared to any other place, this is the quietest. Don't park near the gate, the sound from the road can get really loud. 6 am every morning a helicopter comes overhead it's extremely loud, just so you know. Make sure you go to the Tonto national Forest Mesa ranger station and get a permit for bulldog canyon on Ingram street in Mesa. You need the gate combination codes to open the gate and be in there. The rangers do come through and check your permit and ID's to make sure you are the one on the permit. Ive only seen coyotes and wild horses in there.the horses actually came up to my window, it was awesome.you can have fires, but there's no water or toilets. Try to stay away on Friday and Saturday nights. Allot of kids go there to drink and party. One more thing, if you open the gate, close and lock it! I have seen people call the rangers and tell and the rangers came down and took the person's permit away.enjoy!

• E

  Emma A.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 26, 2024

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Great stay

  This was like being able to backcountry camp in Saguaro NP. We got in after dark & overshot the turn in, but looped back around. Our site was great - quiet & peaceful. We enjoyed waking up to the literal forest of cactus.

• 

  JESUS IS KING C.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 2, 2021

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  The place where everyone is not...

  It has what's seems like endless road of dispersed camp sites with endless cacti of any/ every kind... It is no cost and forthe ones who have animals it has a fence yard in the first and second spots for public use...BY FAR ME AND MINES favorite place thus far... Four thumbs up

• j

  jerron

  Scout

  

  Dec. 18, 2022

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - South Entrance - CLOSED

  Dispersed camping close to town

  This is a dispersed camping are close to town.

• s

  scooter

  Scout

  

  Mar. 13, 2022

  A-Cross Road Dispersed Camping

  Dispersed camping spots

  Large flat spot for dispersed camping. Several other spots close by. Not much traffic on the road.

• G

  George K.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 11, 2022

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

  Large area for dispersed camping

  Easy to moderate trails throughout the area. Lots of dispersed camping and miles of trails. Heavy UTV use has made some of the trails even more challenging. Lots of fun.

• 

  Sierra N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 6, 2023

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Saguaro Cactus Wonderland

  If you want saguaros this is the perfect place for you. Awesome dispersed camping. Watch out for jumping chollas and keep your furry friends close. But breathtaking view all around you!

• e

  edwin H.

  Scout

  

  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.

• 

  Michael R.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 21, 2025

  Sycamore Creek Recreation Area

  Interesting place

  Nice location with dispersed camping options. When we were setting up a man came up & warned us that it was a popular spot for Nudists. He was not wrong. Be prepared to run into some interesting people.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 25, 2021

  Peralta Road Dispersed Camping

  Quiet, Gorgeous, Tons of Hiking!

  Drive through the town of Gold Canyon AZ, and you quickly leave behind the sprawl of suburban Phoenix, but embrace the sprawling landscape of the Sonoran Desert which is brimming with life in the spring. The unpaved road leads to multiple pull-offs and side roads where you can find the perfect spot to tuck away and camp for as long as you like.  Embrace the sun and bring your solar panels and plenty of cold drinks -- you'll be rewarded with amazing sunrises and sunsets and all the peace and quiet you can stand.  You may get lucky and find some partial shade under a Palo Verde, too.

  Though adjacent to Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Mountains Wilderness Area, the camping along Peralta Rd. is on Arizona State Lands. Use of this land, for any reason or purpose, requires a special individual permit. These annual permits are available online, https://asld.secure.force.com/recreationalpermit/ and cost $20 (plus $1 online processing fee). The permit is good for 1 year (deal of the century!) and allows access to any other Arizona State Lands where a permit is required. 

  While there are no services available at any of the camping spots, water, gas, or groceries are a short drive back into town. The hiking, and biking opportunities are amazing right around camp via the numerous and unlabeled OHV trails, or a short drive to the Peralta Canyon trailhead. This Forest Service parking area requires either a Tonto Pass, or Interagency Pass, or$10 day pass (available through a self-pay kiosk) serves as the start of many trails that will lead you into the gorgeous Superstition Mountains. Both the road, parking areas and trails are super busy on the weekends, so plan accordingly. During the popular hiking months, Forest Service Volunteers will regulate the parking area, so don't think that you'll get away without buying a pass. The ticket is more expensive.

• 

  Jim A.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• A

  Ali B.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 6, 2022

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Beautiful stay

  Beautiful stay. Great views. It is dispersed camping for miles! We were able to find a spot really quick. The coyotes came out at night and people were shooting all day/night by the mountain range but it didn’t bother us! Definitely coming back! :)

• 

  Monte W.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 8, 2023

  Cactus Forest Dispersed Site

  Quiet and peaceful

  Really nice dispersed camp sites along a dirt road. The directions are accurate and bring you to two dirt roads off of Cattle Tank Road. I went East and there were about a dozen sites, mostly sites for tents and small RV’s. After about a mile the road gets a little rougher and narrow. I didn’t notice any existing sites after a mile or so down the dirt road. The sites were well spread out and very clean. I brought wood for a fire and was able to find some wood around the area to burn as well. Very dark sky with lots of stars. I explored the other dirt road West from Cattle Tank Road and the sites were larger and more suitable for larger RV’s.

• 

  Jose G.

  Traveler

  

  May. 12, 2018

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - North Entrance

  Bulldog Canyon

  Probably one of the closest places to camp on the east valley of the Phoenix area. This place is most used by OHVs so it can get noisy on the weekends. I’ve also seen spots that people use for shooting. This area is just for dispersed camping, no services, cell phone coverage is good with Verizon.

• 

  Christine S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2020

  Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping - South Entrance - CLOSED

  Limited number of dispersed sites

  We stayed here in the spring so the weather was great for no a.c. Boondock sites are on the small side and limited. Don't bring a big rig in here. There is a parking lot with a gate code that you need to get from the BLM but you can do that online. Park in the lot and walk in to scope out site availability. That way you aren't stuck trying to turn around. We have a 19' trailer so that wasn't a problem for us but could be for toy haulers, etc. A lot of ATV traffic here so be prepared to hear engine noise but the scenery is beautiful 😀

• 

  Greg L.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 2, 2022

  Cactus Forest Dispersed

  Dense cactus..bad for dogs!

  This dispersed camping area is actually on the Cattle Tanks road south of Park Links road. The side two- track sandy roads are very narrow and bordered by dense chain fruit cholla plants. This area is not a good choice for dogs and their owners. Also shooting is in the background like everyday. Access for TTs down narrow side roads would be risky.

• 

  Sierra N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 5, 2023

  Cactus Forest Dispersed Site

  True Cactus Living

  Wonderful dispersed camping with beautiful desert cactus, including the Saguaros. Nice and peaceful with desert wildlife, birds and coyotes singing. If you want to be away from the crowds go further down the road. Watch out for jumping cholla cactus and you’ll be just fine. There is a shooting area down the road, a highway in the distance, and some helicopters/planes noise wise. Well worth the hour drive out of town.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 25, 2021

  Cherry Creek Rd (NF203) Dispersed Camping Near Roosevelt Lake - Tonto National Forest

  Great for Equestrian Campers, Hikers, and OHVers

  This area is out there, man, way out there -- but if you want to get further out there, you can. The National Forest to the northeast of Roosevelt Lake is vast and sparsely populated. It is a perfect area to get away, well away, from others. 

  Cherry Creek Rd. quickly leaves pavement behind and simply becomes more potholed and steep the further you get in.  With 4WD, and a high clearance vehicle, this shouldn't be too much of a problem. With lots of parking areas and zero services, campsite selection it's dealer's choice. 

  We got as far as we wanted, about 5 miles in from the paved road and made camp at a wide area right across from a small horse corral. This area is perfect for exploring by horse. Hiking, biking, and OHV is also are popular. 

  The closest water is Cherry Creek, another 3-5 miles further in, so come prepared. A small camping area sits right on the creek which can rise quickly and the ford can become impassible. When we were there, the campground was full, so our dispersed area was just fine with us. 

  The closest services are on the southwest bank of Roosevelt Lake, one gas station and marina store. Within 4o minutes to the north and south lie the towns of Payson and Globe respectively which have all the services you could need.

• 

  Nolan S.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 10, 2019

  Mesquite Wash Dispersed

  Mesquite Wash/Sycamore Creek

  Mesquite Wash is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Fountain Hills, Arizona. Follow the Bee Line Highway, SR 87, a few miles past the Four Peaks turn off. Watch for the Mesquite Wash sign. The main area is on the west side of the highway and is used primarily by off road vehicles. The east side of the highway is quieter and has several pull offs available for dispersed camping.

  There are no facilities; no restrooms, hookups, or trash. Pack it in, pack it out. The best time to go is in the winter months but with the weather being pretty fair it’s not too bad. You can have a fire but it depends on fire danger for the day. Pretty much if it’s hot and or dry, you won’t be able to have a fire.

  It is free and first come first serve, although there are plenty of spots to go around!

  All that being said, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the Sonoran desert! There are so many amazing views! Great for hiking or off roading.

  Side note: Please clean up after yourself! Forest Service has put so many restrictions on this area because people leave their trash out there.

• 

  Robo A.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 13, 2018

  Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Dispersed

  Dispersed Boondock Desert Camping

  Turn off Hwy 74 between Apache Junction and Florence, Turn East on Cottonwood Canyon Rd. and there is dispersed camping with ZERO amenities starting in about 2 thru 5 miles on both sides of the road.

  This is a very popular off road spot for Motocross motorcycles, Jeeps, ATV's, and Side by Sides so be prepared for some dust and some noise from vehicles. There are lots of trails to ride.

  This is Arizona State Trust Land so a permit is required but can be purchased and downloaded from their website at a cost of $21.00 and it is valid for 1 year for the family pass.

  The location was clean and well cared for buy the people that camp there, and there are rock rings for fires but you will need to bring your own wood to burn as there is little in the desert and nowhere close to purchase any.

  We stayed with a group in November and the weather and the sunrise and the sunsets were absolutely amazing to behold. We will definitely be back both for the wide open spaces and the great places to ride.