Best Dispersed Camping near Surprise, AZ

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Surprise, look no further. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Surprise just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Surprise, AZ (37)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Surprise

121 Reviews of 37 Surprise Campgrounds


  • Chelsey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
    Dec. 16, 2024

    Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    Nice, quiet, friendly site with some trash and glass

    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. Full Verizon cell service and nice warm weather in December.

  • William M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
    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.

  • Jeremy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
    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.

  • William M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot

    Dirt road in but very drivable. Lots of available places to pull off and camp. Beautiful scenery. In sight of I17 but no sound from it at all. No available shade but my solar set up needs full sun, so it's perfect for me. Will definitely come back

  • William M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Badger Springs
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Badger Springs

    Wouldn't suggest

    As soon as I got there, I got the dog out and what do we immediately find? Used drug needles littering the ground around a fire ring. Definitely not somewhere I'd feel comfortable staying the night.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    Requires 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 and will be reverted for the credit card payment so no way to stay there legally.

    Maybe going in person or call them can get me a permit but yeah not this way.

    Anyway the spot is nice and levelled if it would be usable 🙂

  • Caitlin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping near Crown King
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Dispersed camping near Crown King

    Gorgeous secluded camping

    Secluded dispersed camping in the woods just outside of the town Crown King. 4x4 is recommended, campsites are not accessible when snowfall has occurred. Beautiful wildlife including deer always nearby.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)
    May. 29, 2024

    Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    Quiet and beautiful stop over

    Camped for one night on my way from NM to LA.  Arrived at night and it was easy to find. Awoke to a beautiful sunrise at the foot of the mountains. Great rock hunting too! This will be my regular camping spot form now on when traveling the same route.

  • 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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from State land trust/Inspiration Point
    Apr. 29, 2024

    State land trust/Inspiration Point

    Weekdays are best

    State land trust, good spot for a few nights. 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. Quite weekdays, loud weekends due to motor vehicles breaking the rules. (Not a ohv area but treated as such)

  • Jacquelyn I.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Makayla Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
    Mar. 17, 2024

    Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    Like something out of a Western film

    We pulled in late at about 10pm. Wild burros and coyotes set the soundtrack and the cactus shadows looked against the bright night clouds. Absolutely worth the drive! We car camped and the weather was perfect and we slept great. We will definitely be back soon so we can actually pick a site and enjoy it!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)
    Mar. 7, 2024

    Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    Nice and quiet

    This was just an overnight stop. You can get right up next to the mountain if you want. Very rocky though. I made it with a 35' skoolie. Just go slow. It was fairly busy.


Drive Time


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

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Surprise, AZ is Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Surprise, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.