Best Dispersed Camping near Tempe, AZ
Several dispersed camping areas exist within driving distance of Tempe, Arizona, primarily on Tonto National Forest and BLM lands. Bulldog Canyon offers permit-required dispersed camping through multiple entrance points, while free sites can be found at Hackamore Road, Box Bar Road, and along Peralta Road. Most locations require permits through either the Tonto National Forest permit system or Arizona State Trust Land permits, typically costing $6 for multi-day access. These primitive sites provide basic desert camping with no developed facilities.
Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation of unpaved roads. Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles are necessary for reaching interior camping spots at Bulldog Canyon and similar areas. According to reviews, the first half-mile of Bulldog Canyon contains numerous campsites accessible with standard vehicles, but deeper sites require 4x4 capability. Most areas have no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and prepare for self-sufficient desert camping. Camping permits typically allow stays up to 14 days, though specific time limits vary by location.
The desert landscape offers expansive views of saguaro cacti and mountain scenery, particularly notable at sunrise and sunset. "Beautiful location with 10+ spots," noted one camper about Bulldog Canyon. However, several reviewers mention significant off-highway vehicle traffic, especially on weekends. "This place is most used by OHVs so it can get noisy on the weekends," reported one camper. Wildlife sightings can include coyotes and occasionally wild horses. Cell phone reception remains generally good with major carriers across most sites. Camping areas closer to highways experience more road noise, while deeper sites provide greater seclusion but require more capable vehicles.
