Tent camping near Tolleson, Arizona provides access to desert landscapes with minimal light pollution in designated areas of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands. Camping elevation ranges from approximately 1,000 to 2,500 feet in the surrounding desert areas, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Winter nights can drop to the 40s while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 105°F, making seasonal planning critical.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood offers direct access to extensive trail networks suitable for various skill levels. As one visitor noted, "Excellent mountain biking and hiking trails right out of the campground."
Wildlife viewing: The Salt River area near The Point Campground provides opportunities to spot Big Horn Sheep and diverse bird species. A visitor reported, "Keep on the lookout for lots of birds and Big Horned Sheep as you paddle/boat up river to the Horse Mesa Dam area."
OHV recreation: Boulders OHV Area offers designated trails for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. According to one camper, "Miles of desert and washes to explore with tons of dispersed camping sites... Nearby washes lead to tons of trails near castle hot springs that can lead to various abounded mine sites (including Anderson Mill)."
Stargazing: Dark skies at Margies Cove West provide excellent night sky viewing opportunities away from Phoenix light pollution. A camper observed, "The mountain's block out a lot of light pollution from the City so it get's very very dark."
What campers like
Site spacing: McDowell Regional Park-Ironwood receives praise for its well-separated sites. A visitor mentioned, "Sites are fairly well spread out. One restroom, flush toilets, water spigot outside, dumpster. Friendly to camper vans."
Privacy options: Many dispersed sites around Tolleson allow campers to position themselves away from others. One camper at Margies Cove West noted, "Best part is that you can distance yourself as far as you want from any human being."
Accessible desert landscape: Hackamore Road Dispersed camping area offers scenic desert immersion with minimal development. A camper shared, "Great campsite. Scenic views and trails everywhere."
Bathroom facilities: Several sites like Boulders OHV Area provide basic facilities uncommon for dispersed camping. A visitor noted, "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Hackamore Road warned, "Roads are a little rough, just take it slow. There are a lot of sites, lots of utvs and folks riding horses out here."
Seasonal insects: Margies Cove West Campground experiences significant fly issues during certain periods. One camper observed, "When I left the Margie Cove area, I crossed over 85 on Woods Road to old US 80... I found the source of the flies. There is a huge cattle stockyard about 2 miles from Woods Road."
Cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. At Hackamore Road, a camper reported, "This is a nice quiet spot with excellent cell service. It's on BLM land, so you are out of the reach of the Arizona Land Permits."
Noise levels: Some sites experience recreational vehicle traffic noise. A Boulders OHV visitor reported, "Sound of ATV and dirt bikes is pretty constant, otherwise it is quiet, great star views, with a outhouse bathroom."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: McDowell Regional Park has dedicated family-friendly facilities. One visitor noted, "We stayed in site 27 which was close to the kids playground. We did do a short 3 mile hike and it was very nice on the Granite and then Wagner trail."
Short hikes: Several areas feature accessible walking trails suitable for various ages. At McDowell Regional Park, a camper mentioned, "Lots of hiking to do around if you're looking for something flat (but close access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve if you're looking for something more strenuous)."
Water activities: The Point Campground offers boat-in access only but provides covered picnic tables and boat docks. A visitor explained, "The sites were in a bit of disrepair and the bathroom wasn't stocked and smelled a bit, but the views and location of this site can't be beat!"
Avoid summer months: Desert camping with children can be dangerous during peak summer heat. Winter weekends offer the most comfortable temperatures for family tent camping near Tolleson.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Several areas provide naturally level parking spots. At Boulders OHV Area, a camper noted, "We liked it there. Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space. The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable."
Height restrictions: Many dispersed sites have limited clearance for larger rigs. A Hackamore Road visitor cautioned, "So unless you have high clearance. Stay away. We have a 40ft school bus and we'll if not for the potholes Everywhere it's the horrid uneven land."
Weekend congestion: Certain areas become crowded on holidays and weekends. A Boulders OHV visitor mentioned, "Can get busy on holiday or event weekends but worth it otherwise. Some weekends have horse or Dirtbike events."
Water planning: With no water sources at most dispersed sites, RVers should bring one gallon per person per day. Most sites have a 14-day stay limit under BLM regulations.
