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Best Dispersed Camping near Surprise, AZ

157 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas surround Surprise, Arizona, primarily on State Trust Land and BLM-managed property. Boulders OHV Area, located near Peoria, offers designated dispersed camping zones with some basic amenities including toilets. Other options include Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, Maddock Road Dispersed, and multiple pull-off spots along Highway 74. Most locations require an Arizona State Trust Land permit ($15) for legal camping, while some BLM areas remain free. Primitive camping is permitted at North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp and the Lake Pleasant area, though recent closures have affected some previously popular sites.

Access roads to most dispersed sites are unpaved with varying conditions. Many areas require slow navigation on dirt roads that may feature steep grades, washes, or rough terrain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for sites farther from main roads, particularly at Boulders OHV and North Castle Hot Springs. Most areas lack basic amenities such as water, hookups, or trash service. Cell service varies significantly, with Verizon reporting 1-bar coverage at some locations. Camping duration is typically limited to 14 days within a 28-day period on most public lands, though enforcement varies by location.

The dispersed camping experience near Surprise offers desert landscapes with views of mountains and abundant cacti. Weekday visits typically provide quieter experiences than weekends, when OHV traffic increases significantly. Winter and spring months deliver more comfortable temperatures for desert camping. Recent reviews indicate changing access conditions, with some previously open areas receiving new "No Motor Vehicle" restrictions. "Brand new 'No Motor Vehicle' signs have been erected this week. Literally I got here yesterday and the sign was up today," reported one camper in April 2025 regarding Highway 74 camping areas. Another noted, "The area is good, quiet, easily accessible and I met some friendly neighbors. There is quite a bit of trash and glass around."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Surprise, Arizona (38)

    1. Boulders OHV Area

    7 Reviews
    Wittmann, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space

    The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable.

    Service: 1 bar Verizon"

    "Huge area to disperse camp with an actual bathroom. If you dont mind occasional off road vehicles driving through during the day, its a good spot with plenty of room."

    2. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    19 miles

    "Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties. There's no facilities so be prepared. Good level land and plenty of room."

    "Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"

    3. State land trust/Inspiration Point

    6 Reviews
    Surprise, AZ
    5 miles
    Website

    "Gunshots in the distance, but no incidents/casualties lol. Pulled my 31ft TT back into a spot for a week. Close 10 min drive to stores like WinCo and Safeway and gas stations."

    4. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    "That's right, this is AZ, State Trust land, AKA: FREE camping and parking land—72,000 acres of open dispersed, rough, rugged, off-the-grid life."

    "Numerous campsites available in an area along State Road 74 and New River/Lake Pleasant Roads, at least 2 or 3000 acres with hundreds of establish campsites."

    5. Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    10 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    15 miles

    "Lower clearance rigs and vehicles need to stay closer to the main road. We have a 4x4 class C towing a Jeep so we went through some steep banked washes."

    "The campsite is good, quiet, easily accessible and I met some friendly neighbors. I love all the cacti as well. There is quite a bit of trash and glass around."

    6. North Castle Hot Springs Road Camp

    2 Reviews
    Morristown, AZ
    15 miles

    "Lots of room, flat, and just off a paved road. This is better than the wild camping we found up in Wickenburg."

    "Great camping with tons of off-roading nearby."

    7. Anthem Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Anthem, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    8. Lake Pleasant Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    14 miles
    Website

    9. Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    23 Reviews
    Tonopah, AZ
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 665-2100

    "This is one of my favorite areas to boondock in the southwest winter season. The views are phenomenal ! To my surprise I thought it would be crowded here this year, but no."

    "Turned left on the dirt road around mile marker 13--as other reviewers stated, the dirt roads closer to you when coming from the east are very rocky--I had to take it VERY slow just driving my high-clearance"

    10. Cow Creek Road Dispersed

    1 Review
    Black Canyon City, AZ
    20 miles
    +1 (623) 580-5500
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Surprise, AZ

95 Photos of 38 Surprise Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Surprise, AZ

157 Reviews of 38 Surprise Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great spot to pull in

    Drove a mini van on the road, wasn’t too washed out or anything. A sedan could definitely drive to many of the spots. Many campsites available, beautiful scenery! Please help keep this place clean by leaving no trace!

  • The Wanderer
    Dec. 31, 2023

    Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    72 thousand FREE acres

    That's right, this is AZ, State Trust land, AKA: FREE camping and parking land—72,000 acres of open dispersed, rough, rugged, off-the-grid life. I've parked here in my converted Skoolie of 36 feet for two years. I DO purchase the $ 15-a-year permit and I DO display it. But in 2 years, I've not seen even one "official" vehicle and have never been asked to see my permit or how long I have parked. It is messy, I like to clean it up at times, please help and please remember, this is your land so do not trash it to the point that we will be kicked off. I've watched this happen all over northern AZ and it does not need to happen here. Pack it in and pack it out. Leave no trace. There are garbage cans 1 mile from this land. A new gas station/convenience store has been erected a mile from Maddock Road. Although Maddock Road is no longer an access point to the lands, there are plenty of other access points. The new gas station has diesel, water dispensing, propane dispensing, and all the conveniences anyone would need. It is a paradise in Winter, believe that. In summer, it is hotter than the dickens. I bounce from Flag to this location yearly, it works well for us nomads.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 5, 2022

    Ghost Town Road BLM Camping

    Nice little area with great sunsets.

    This is a relatively small BLM dispersed camping area. There’s maybe 20 sites depending on the the type of vehicle you drive. There are definitely some high clearance vehicle only areas but we were able to find a nice spot in our Winnebago next to the base of the hills. There are no services here, it is strictly dry camping. There is s cemetery right next to the area, a little weird but they didn’t make much noise. There are plenty of hills to hike around on and there are some old mines in the area but be cautious, there are arsenic warning signs in some and it appears some mining is still going on. Great sunsets and star filled nights.

  • RGR D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Great Rest Overnight

    The Bloody Bath access road was an easy drive (F250 SD with a truck camper). Washboards were easy to navigate but watch your speed on the down hill turns. We initially selected the site closest to Bloody Bath Road but decided to move further back to a site about a 1/4 mile in. The road (trail) back to the final site was a bit washed out (dry) with some deep ruts but again easily navigated in our truck. A 2WD Van or a SUV could easily access the site. The site was quiet. The biggest bummer was the amount of trash and empty beer cans strewn around the site. Real bummer.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2021

    Box Wash Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Great hiking

    This is a FREE BLM camping area. 

    There are multiple places to pull off along Vulture Mine Rd that have dirt roads that you can take further back. We made a couple of attempts in our 26 ft Class C and almost got stuck and had to back out so be aware that some of the roads look good then suddenly become impassable with no turn around. We ended up near the Vulture Peak trailhead with an easy pull off and a view of the peak (33.880550,-112.820176).

    There is no water or garbage so pack in and pack out and pack out more than you brought in if you feel inclined. There is a pit toilet bathroom at the trailhead entrance. This is also an ATV area so watch out while hiking because most thought they had the right of way. 

    There is good hiking to the peak and across the street there is another access to hike in. There is some road noise but it is not too bad., overall a quiet place. This is a trailhead so there is a lot of day use traffic of vehicles, ATVs and hikers but the nights were quiet and pleasant. Chollas are everywhere and we constantly had to pick them out of our dogs so be aware. We did not see any wildlife except some birds but heard coyotes every night. 

    Note: There is a nice spot about 3 spots in that has an old table and a couple of broken chairs sitting in it. No one came into that spot while we were there for 7 days so though it looks like someone is saving a spot, but I think unfortunately someone just left a bunch of junk there. 

    Decent Verizon and AT&T coverage.

  • William M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 12, 2024

    Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    Worth the trip

    The road in is a little rough, but ok. Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties. There's no facilities so be prepared. Good level land and plenty of room. Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well. Fantastic views and quiet atmosphere, so far. Been here two nights and plan to stay for at least another week.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 26, 2021

    Buckeye Hills BLM - CLOSED

    FREE but Dirty and Loud

    Managed by Lower Sonoran BLM Field Office. Free camping, but you have to love the sound of gunshots and love the view of trash everywhere. 

    There are multiple dirt roads you can take to find spots in Buckeye Hills that run adjacent to Powers Butte Wildlife Area where there is no camping allowed. We stayed here in different spots for 3 days while waiting for mail in Buckeye. The place is filthy! Shooting garbage and illegal dumping is common, in fact one night we woke up and just down the road was a new pile of some illegal dumping. 

    If you can get used to the constant gun fire, you’ll still have to put up with ATVs racing up and down the various roads. The dirt here is a fine deep powder in a lot of areas so there is lots of dust that gets kicked up when they race by, sometimes just back in forth right in front of where you are parked. 

    There is not really hiking or biking unless you want to dodge bullets or ATVs. There also appears to be a lot of long time“residents” in the area as well. There are no amenities here so pack in and pack out though it is obvious not many do. We picked up trash and about 7 lbs of casings around our spots we stayed in. Besides the noise and physical pollution there is also light pollution from Palo Verde and Buckeye. 

    1-2 bars Verizon& ATT, streaming with pauses for buffering

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2024

    Vulture Mine Road South Dispersed

    Ok, but on AZ State Trust land

    Access road is fresh gravel so better than 2024. Large open flat area in middle close to a livestock water and corral, so cow noise and smell. Free dispersed but need the $15 AZ lands permit. Cell signal is very good. No toilets, no trash, no tables...just rock fire rings. Close to the hwy so some hwy noise. Some Campers look to be folks that work in town. The other dispersed camping area a bit to the north closer to town by the cell tower may be another good spot. Only 4.5 miles to the Safeway in town.

    Only 2 stars as the area is no scenic and had beat down vegetation, cow crap smell and general vibe is ick.

  • Jeremy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 10, 2024

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Very convenient stop between phoenix metro area & Sedona

    Dirt road is a bit washboard but very manageable by any vehicle.

    Spots line the road to the left & right as you travel down the road. cell Service can be excellent or poor depending on site you choose (avoid the ones in the dips/valleys if its a concern for you)

    No facilities, just good ol’ convenient Arizona boondocking.

    I came in mid December and there were only a handful of others.

Guide to Surprise

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Surprise, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

  • This area offers a unique experience with wild burros and coyotes providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. Check it out at Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area.
  • Enjoy the freedom of camping without permits, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous trips. It's a great place to set up camp and enjoy a fire under the stars.
  • The roads may be rough, but the stunning desert scenery and the chance to hike to nearby Mudd Springs make the journey worthwhile.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Surprise, Arizona

  • Always arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends when other campers flock to popular areas like Boulders OHV Area.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many spots, such as Dispersed Camping off Hwy 74, do not offer drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including burros and coyotes, which can add to the charm of your camping experience.

Explore outdoor adventures while free camping near Surprise

  • For those seeking adventure, the Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land offers vast open spaces perfect for hiking and exploring rugged terrain.
  • If you're into off-roading, the Boulders OHV Area provides miles of trails and dispersed camping sites, making it a great base for your outdoor activities.
  • Don't miss the chance to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, especially at locations like Vulture Peak Road North State Trust Land, where the scenery is simply stunning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Surprise?

Dispersed camping near Surprise is truly primitive with minimal to no facilities. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area offers level land with plenty of space but no facilities - you'll need to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Similarly, Vulture Mine Road South Dispersed provides a large open flat area for camping but has no toilets, trash service, or tables - just basic rock fire rings. Most sites offer good cell signal coverage, though it varies by exact location. Come prepared with all necessities including water, waste disposal solutions, and food as these areas follow true leave-no-trace principles.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Surprise?

Several excellent dispersed camping areas exist near Surprise, AZ. Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping offers beautiful scenery with many campsites accessible even to standard vehicles. The dirt road has some washboard sections but remains manageable for most vehicles. Another option is Ghost Town Road BLM Camping, which provides approximately 20 dispersed sites with varying accessibility - some requiring high-clearance vehicles while others accommodate larger RVs near the hills. Both locations offer the classic dispersed camping experience with stunning desert views and plenty of privacy.

Is free camping available in Surprise, and are there any permits required?

Yes, free camping is available near Surprise, though some areas require permits. Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land offers free camping but requires a $15 annual Arizona State Land Trust permit that must be displayed. This permit grants access to 72,000 acres of open dispersed camping land. In contrast, Saddle Mountain BLM provides completely free boondocking with phenomenal views without requiring permits, as it's on Bureau of Land Management property. Always check current regulations before camping, as permit requirements may change, and most areas have stay limits (typically 14 days within a 28-day period).

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