Best Dispersed Camping near Surprise, AZ

Surprise, Arizona offers a unique opportunity for dispersed camping in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Dispersed camping in this area allows you to experience the rugged beauty of the desert landscape without the amenities found in developed campgrounds. Surprise City Park Campground and Surprise Area State Park are two popular locations for those seeking primitive sites. These undeveloped areas require campers to be self-sufficient, as there are no facilities such as restrooms or potable water. Practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential to preserve the natural environment. Campers must adhere to public land regulations, including maintaining a safe distance from roads and water sources. The maximum stay limit is typically 14 days, ensuring that the land remains available for future visitors. Access to these remote locations often requires a high-clearance vehicle, especially during the rainy season when roads can become challenging. The primitive nature of the experience means that you must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions are common, so check local guidelines before starting a campfire. Surprise Recreation Area provides a backcountry camping experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. Arizona National Forest Sites are also available for wild camping, offering solitude and a chance to connect with nature. The best time to visit is during the cooler months of fall and spring when temperatures are more comfortable. Summer can bring extreme heat, making it less ideal for camping without proper preparation. Always be aware of local wildlife, and store food securely to prevent attracting animals.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Surprise, Arizona (37)

    1. 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!"

    2. Boulders OHV Area

    6 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."

    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

    9. Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    22 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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Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Surprise, AZ

155 Reviews of 37 Surprise Campgrounds



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 19 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.