Top Free Dispersed Camping near Tonopah, AZ

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Tonopah? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Arizona excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Tonopah, AZ (21)

Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Tonopah

76 Reviews of 21 Tonopah Campgrounds


  • 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 🙂

  • 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.

  • B
    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)

  • Makayla Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Great BLM Camping and Staging Area
    Mar. 17, 2024

    Great BLM Camping and 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.

  • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
    Feb. 29, 2024

    Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    Nice Desert Site

    Only stayed for the night but could have stayed longer if we didn’t have someplace to be. 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 further you get away from the main road the less people. Will stay here again.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Vulture Peak Road North State Trust Land
    Feb. 15, 2024

    Vulture Peak Road North State Trust Land

    Dispersed AZ ST trust lands

    Rough sloped area at crest by cell tower. This is AZ Trust Land so a $15 online permit is needed to be legit. Cell signal is very good. Only a few miles into town and a grocery store.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Vulture Mine Road South Dispersed
    Feb. 14, 2024

    Vulture Mine Road South Dispersed

    Ok, but on AZ State Trust land

    Access road is rutted and could be muddy if wet. Large open flat area in middle. Free dispersed but need the $15 AZ lands permit. Cell signal is very good. No toilets, no trash, no tables...just rock fire rings. Close to the hwy so some hwy noise. Campers look to be folks that work in town, trashy vehicles and industrial setups, not really a RV nomad community area imho, has a sketchy vibe. The dispersed area a bit to the north closer to town by the cell tower may be a better spot

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ghost Town Road Camp
    Jan. 30, 2024

    Ghost Town Road Camp

    Camp amongst the cactus

    Great spot plenty of private areas, pretty clean, amazing sunset, great scenery. Watch out for coyotes if you have animals

  • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)
    Jan. 28, 2024

    Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    Great spot. Great views

    January Rv 23 fr Cell. Att. 3 bars

    This is a great spot that is easy to get to. You can see lots of lights from a refinery or factory of some sort but it didn’t really distract. The 10 fwy is only a few miles away and you can see it but if you are facing the mountains it feels more remote. Take the road further in. Most rv’s or big rigs can get pretty close to the mountain before the road becomes too tough. There are several roads that cut into the camping area from the main highway so you do t have to take the one that the directions here send you to. We were able to stream tv with good cell reception on att. I went on my dirt bike for the r into the mountains Very cool spot.

  • Jordan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)
    Jan. 13, 2024

    Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, AZ)

    Rock Solid Camping

    Love this Saddle Mtn Campsite! The pin location is accurate but it looks there are multiple different access routes. We really enjoyed it here because you can pull up within 50-100 yards from Saddle mountain and camp right below it. So cool.

    We tent camped for about 5 days here, the crowd was minimal, felt very safe. Plenty of trails to walk, can explore the mountain and there are petroglyphs here. We only found a couple, but didn’t look too hard.

    Overall loved this place, easy access, safe, fun and some cool views!

  • Gretta G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74
    Jan. 11, 2024

    Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

    Quiet and peaceful

    My experience here was good meet a couple if nice people and mainly everyone keeps to themselves. Conviently close to the new gas station here so made it nice it has been a little cold this time of year so remember to bundle up at night!

  • The Wanderer The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land
    Dec. 31, 2023

    Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land

    72 thousand FREE acres

    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. I've parked here in my converted Skoolie of 36 feet for two years. I DO purchase the $ 15-a-year permit and I DO display it. But in 2 years, I've not seen even one "official" vehicle and have never been asked to see my permit or how long I have parked. It is messy, I like to clean it up at times, please help and please remember, this is your land so do not trash it to the point that we will be kicked off. I've watched this happen all over northern AZ and it does not need to happen here. Pack it in and pack it out. Leave no trace. There are garbage cans 1 mile from this land. A new gas station/convenience store has been erected a mile from Maddock Road. Although Maddock Road is no longer an access point to the lands, there are plenty of other access points. The new gas station has diesel, water dispensing, propane dispensing, and all the conveniences anyone would need. It is a paradise in Winter, believe that. In summer, it is hotter than the dickens. I bounce from Flag to this location yearly, it works well for us nomads.

  • HOWARD S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cow Creek Road Dispersed
    Oct. 31, 2023

    Cow Creek Road Dispersed

    Lots of room, loud burros nightly.

    There is a long access road. Not too rough for our sedan but watch out that you enter the campground at the correct entrance. It's not great but the others are worse. Burros are loud and wander around at night. Don't bother them, they can be lethal, otherwise, they are pretty peaceful.

  • Anna O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Great BLM Camping and Staging Area
    Aug. 4, 2023

    Great BLM Camping and Staging Area

    Free and beautiful

    It was a great area to boondock camp, roads are rough but worth the trip. Cellphone service is spotty. Lots of ATV on the weekends. Be prepared to get stuck in the mud if it rains. There's a great lil gem you can hike to called Mudd Spings, it's super small natural spring.

  • Erika M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness
    Jun. 23, 2023

    BLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness

    Great spot for a overnight spot to stop

    As many of the other reviewers noted, it’s great for an easy overnight stop. I don’t see it as a place you’d want to “camp” but easily accessible from the highway. Yes you can hear the traffic but it is quiet enough. There was no one else there when we camped.

  • Ann Marie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ghost Town Road BLM Camping
    Apr. 25, 2023

    Ghost Town Road BLM Camping

    Beautiful Sandy Location

    This area is hard sand, many winding roads with secluded spots to camp and lots of green in between so quite private. However, with all that said, people seemed to want to camp all around ME! BUMMER! There are two cemeteries to explore. An old one with gravestones from liked 1902 and the other is more modern but it still has many old graves. I had cell coverage Verizon 2-3 bars most times but sometimes in and out, especially in the evening. I stayed 12 days. Went to Wickenburg to Fast Mart dump and get water, Safeway for groceries, and West Plaza Green Laundry right across the street from the Safeway and the Fast Mart is just a quarter mile down the road. Really convenient!



Guide to Tonopah

Camping near Tonopah, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Saddle Mountain BLM. Campers have noted, "Saddle Mountain is fun to hike but strenuous. The area is quiet and easy to get to." The scenic views make the effort worthwhile.
  • Rock Hunting: If you enjoy collecting unique stones, this area is a treasure trove. One visitor mentioned, "Great rock hunting too! This will be my regular camping spot from now on when traveling the same route."
  • Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky is breathtaking. A camper at Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground said, "Prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular night sky."

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Saddle Mountain BLM shared, "This was just an overnight stop. You can get right up next to the mountain if you want."
  • Accessibility: Campgrounds like White Tank Mountain are conveniently located near Phoenix, making them easy to reach. A visitor noted, "Located less than an hour from Phoenix, this campground is an easy getaway."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at White Tank Mountain Regional Park remarked, "Cleanest flush toilets and showers I've ever seen in a campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Painted Rock Petroglyph Site And Campground, lack basic amenities like showers and electric hookups. A visitor cautioned, "Be prepared for the lack of amenities like showers and laundry facilities."
  • Reservation Requirements: Many campgrounds now require reservations. A camper at Painted Rock mentioned, "You need to reserve online as there is no way to pay at the park."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at White Tank Mountain noted, "Wildlife: birds, coyotes, reptiles, etc."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Leaf Verde RV Resort that offer amenities for families. A reviewer said, "Clean bathrooms, great lounge with a library, pool."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One family shared, "This was the perfect spot... the nights were absolutely incomparable."
  • Safety First: Always supervise children, especially near water or rocky areas. A camper at Saddle Mountain BLM advised, "Just go slow. It was fairly busy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Saddle Mountain BLM mentioned, "It was fairly busy... I made it with a 35' skoolie."
  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Spots: Campgrounds like White Tank Mountain are accommodating for larger RVs. A reviewer noted, "The sites can fit good sized rigs."
  • Stay Connected: If you need to work or stay in touch, check cell service availability. One camper at Painted Rock warned, "No service for T-mobile and no lights in restrooms."

Camping near Tonopah, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tonopah, AZ is Great BLM Camping and Staging Area with a 4-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Tonopah, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.