Dispersed camping near Surprise, Arizona offers multiple locations across public lands managed by both BLM and Arizona State Trust. Camping elevations range from approximately 1,700 to 2,100 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between sites. Winter visitors can expect nighttime temperatures to drop into the 40s while daytime highs typically reach the 60s-70s from November through February.
What to do
Off-road adventures: The Boulders OHV Area provides extensive trail networks for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles. "Miles of desert and washes to explore with tons of dispersed camping sites. Can get busy on holiday or event weekends but worth it otherwise. Some weekends have horse or Dirtbike events," notes Caitlin S.
Wildlife watching: Wild burro sightings are common at several camping areas around Surprise. At the Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area, campers report regular encounters. "The burros are no joke! You can hear and see them all around you. We also heard a few coyotes right after dusk which was cool," shares Elisabeth Q.
Stargazing: Limited light pollution makes most sites excellent for night sky observation. "Stars were insane. I bet during the week it's very calm and even better," reports Kiley S. about Old Airstrip Camping. Clear winter nights provide optimal viewing conditions, particularly at sites farther from Highway 74.
What campers like
Space and privacy: Many sites offer room to spread out away from other campers. At Maddock Road Dispersed, the land is extensive. "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," explains a camper known as The Wanderer.
Sunrise views: Morning vistas frequently feature hot air balloons over the desert landscape. "Awoke to WONDERFUL hot air balloons, cactus and mountains… after sunrise! What a sight!" writes Tamra J. about dispersed camping areas off Highway 74.
Convenient location: Most sites offer relatively quick access to services. "Close to shopping and anything we needed it was great," reports Laura S. about staying at Maddock Road. Another camper at Dispersed Camping off Hwy 74 notes, "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."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most State Trust Land locations require a $15-16 annual permit. "Area is marked and needs permit as well. As a foreigner I can't buy the permit online since only US address can be entered," explains Ralph S. about Highway 74 camping. BLM locations typically remain free.
Changing regulations: Several previously popular areas have recently received access restrictions. A camper at Lake Pleasant Dispersed Camp reported simply: "Could not Enter. Closed," while another at Highway 74 noted: "Brand new 'No Motor vehicle' signs have been erected this week."
Fluctuating crowds: Weekends bring significantly more people and noise, especially near OHV areas. "Quite weekdays, loud weekends due to motor vehicles breaking the rules. (Not a ohv area but treated as such)," writes Brent T. about camping at State Land Trust/Inspiration Point.
Weather considerations: Wind can create dust issues throughout the area. "It was windy and dusty on our stay, but generally not much to complain about," notes Adria K. about Maddock Road camping. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations farther from OHV staging areas for quieter family experiences. "We arrived late at night to a site full of off roading vehicles and other ATVs. Obviously a meet. The ground is very compact and straight dirt, multiple RVs had generators running so the night was loud. We ended up leaving," shares Finn L. about Old Airstrip Camping.
Safety precautions: Desert terrain presents unique challenges for children and pets. At Saddle Mountain BLM, one camper explains: "All the cacti so close is a bit hazardous for pets and small children, my dog already got spines in her paws."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about maintaining distance from wild burros. "Burros are loud and wander around at night. Don't bother them, they can be lethal, otherwise, they are pretty peaceful," advises Howard S. about camping near Cow Creek Road.
Educational opportunities: Several areas offer informal geology exploration. "We road our E bikes all over and did some agate hunting with wonderful success!" reports Wendie K. about Saddle Mountain BLM.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads vary dramatically in quality, requiring careful navigation. "The road in is a little rough, but ok. Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties," notes William M. about the Old Airstrip area. For North Castle Hot Springs Road, a camper shares: "Excellent... Lots of room, flat, and just off a paved road."
Leveling considerations: Most areas feature relatively flat parking options. "Nice and levelled if it would be usable," observes Ralph S. about Highway 74 sites, while another camper at Boulders OHV Area writes, "We liked it there. Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space."
Site selection strategy: For larger rigs, scouting ahead is recommended. "We have a 4WD truck, so we were able to get past most of the RVs and toy haulers," shares Elisabeth Q. Another camper advises: "The land goes way back to the mountain, you can go deeper as there are many more level spots beyond the main area. Will need a smaller RV to fit the narrow rocky road, scout first before rolling out back."
