Want to go dispersed camping near Topawa? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
$20 / night
This Ironwood Forest National Monument (map: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2020-12/AZ_IronwoodForestNM-508.pdf) is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 4,261 feet. Three areas within the monument, the Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archeological District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The monument is a travel corridor for illegal immigrants traveling from Mexico. All suspected illegal activities should be reported to BLM or local law enforcement authorities. Stay safe by avoiding contact with persons exhibiting suspicious behavior or engaged in dangerous activities. Drive with caution and look for fast-moving vehicles and pedestrians on back roads. Some roads are rugged: high clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in those areas.
This Ironwood Forest National Monument is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 4,261 feet. Three areas within the monument, the Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archeological District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The monument is a travel corridor for illegal immigrants traveling from Mexico. All suspected illegal activities should be reported to BLM or local law enforcement authorities. Stay safe by avoiding contact with persons exhibiting suspicious behavior or engaged in dangerous activities. Drive with caution and look for fast-moving vehicles and pedestrians on back roads. Some roads are rugged: high clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in those areas.
Ranger
Very easy access relatively close to shopping. Out of the way. However there is a light to moderate amount of garbage. It is near a highway and you do hear traffic. Extremely easy to access and there are many spots and the land is pretty full of campers some look like their full-timers or permanent the sign does say 14 day limit. I saw two tent campers as well. There are two or three entrances all on the same road and the camping area is cordoned off with a metal cable so the land cannot be used as a drive-thru or pass through area. The weather is moderate in the 70s during the day down to the lower 50s at night I got here the day before Halloween.
GuideI can’t say for sure because there is a posted 14 day limit but it looked like many of the people where living there are a permanent basis. Site is small and there is no privacy.
As a solo female, I didn’t stay here. I drove over to Ironwood NM and camped there instead.
Guide
It was well worth the short drive over here to compare it with Snyder Hill. Go through the gate and there are plenty of spaces without being on top other people.
Roads are a little sandy so I’d be careful on them when wet.
Traveler
Great raised up spot that allows for a full vista of the surrounding mountains and thousands of saguaros. Not a single person drove past the site during the weekend. Overlooks the Pinal County Airport and plane graveyard (this can be seen on the drive in, or with binoculars directly from the site). Adequately lifted 4x4 needed to reach.
TravelerDon't go if it rained that day! Clay mud all over. We arrived late dusk and couldn't see well. We have 4 wheels truck and still got stuck in the mud. Next morning most of the water had seeped in the ground... 9am tried to move.... no luck. Another camper offered wood boards... we'll see. If it would have been dry, it would be a great easy spot to use.
GuideWould recommend pulling in during the day when you have some sunlight. GREAT little hill to hike with a very defined rocky trail. Plenty of fire rings. Do your part and pick up some of the trash! It's such a well-trafficked area that the trash really piles up.
Great little gas station close with water and propane refill stations. Walmart not far either.
Pretty good access to Saguaro NP, less than a 30-minute drive to the visitor center and even closer to the Tuscon Mountain Range.
GuideI would come back here again! There’s several spots and it’s literally next to Saguaro NP! It was a little muddy, but there were paths around the mud. Very private and nice.
TravelerIf you don't have a 4WD vehicle, you may want to look elsewhere. As of writing this, the road is extremely muddy and worn down, so you won't be able to get far in a low-clearance vehicle. I was still able to stop and set up my tent for the night, but it was not a nice spot.
As other people have said, it's behind a closed gate but you're fine to go through. Road condition aside, it is flat and pretty easy to find a level spot for your tent or trailer.
Legend
No camping as of Nov 2023. All frenched off
LegendEntire area is fenced off and appears to be closed to dispersed camping. The larger area to the west is still available.
ScoutWe were there 10/27/23 and the area is closed.
TravelerEasy to find navigate to. There is a closed gate at the entrance, you’re allowed to open it, just close it behind you. Not a ton of spaces to set up camp but very peaceful and quiet. Mountain View’s in the distance and 15 minutes from Saguaro NP. Great cell service with ATT.
ScoutLots of campers here, but everyone keeps to themselves out here, you can only stay 14 days straight. 2 gas stations near by less then a 1/2 a mile away. Camp fires allowed and all animals have to be leashed. Small cave on the mountain next to it and trails to go on, plus dirt riding also. Liked it a lot.
Traveler
We parked fairly close to the entrance so there was some road noise, but the view of the area was better here than farther in. There's quite a few spots here or one could make their own. There are some spots way back in off pipeline road, just look at satellite images to see. We were here for a week. Thanks to most who clean up their trash, almost no garbage here, just a few specs here and there.
GuideStunning area and views. Plenty of easy dirt roads that we were able to take our ebikes on. Good sites…but watch for rain in the forecast…the desert floor turns to mush and you might find yourself stuck until it dries out. Our 30ft RV had no issues maneuvering around. Plenty of other campers around too.
ScoutNot too bad. Quiet right now but definitely could see it getting busy at certain times of the year. Nice views especially if you’re facing the west (sunset obviously). Would probably stay here again.
GuideWe’ve just begun our dispersed camping adventures but out of the places we’ve been, this has been the coolest! There was a good number of people out there in all sorts of rigs, but there was still plenty of space! We couldn’t see or hear anyone else. There were a lot of pull offs, which gives plenty of options to find a favorite spot. We turned left right before the dried up river bed & went down a bit from there.
GuideIt's an easy place to find, close to the highway. Take a hike to the top of the hill for a great view of the valley. Crowded when we were here. Go around the hill there are more spots and less people..
ScoutTons of trash strewn around, some permanent residents, road noise, crowded.
GuideLots of people and trash. Nice view of Tucson mountains and lots of space but that’s about it.
RangerThis place is highly overcrowded and there is trash and garbage all over. If I had another option, I wouldn’t camp here for the night. Street noise, trash and overcrowding. Not a winner.
ScoutPretty full lots of RVs, tents, people sleeping in their cars for the night, heard shoot range in the morning, fairly quiet at night the road right beside us wasn’t too loud… heard animal noises in the hills maybe dinosaurs rawer’s (just kidding) but sounded like it.
LegendAlthough this is a place to legally park and camp, it’s pretty bad. It is absolutely jammed with folks all across the camping/living spectrum. It’s busy! There’s garbage and glass everywhere. Old tires, discarded clothes, plastic bags. Literally everywhere. Folks seem to let their dogs just run free and we were approached by several unfriendly barking jumping large dogs. There was also a slight feeling of being unsafe here - although just a feeling, nothing actually happened to back it up. We’ve been full time vanlifers for over a year and this is by far the most unpleasant place we’ve stayed. Does it work in a pinch, sure. Would I try to find somewhere else to camp if I were you - definitely.
GuideAfter reading reviews I was skeptical. Some traffic noise but really not that bad. Looks like this area had been cleaned up from trash. I didn't have any trash in my area, few shady spots. Closest camper 150+ and barely visible through brush. Will be coming back.
TravelerSpent a night here, the site was great if you’re looking for a mostly flat area to camp. There’s a herd of bulls / cows that graze in the area. It wasn’t busy for us, but I’m assuming that’s because it was a week day. There weren’t any major places that we had seen previous camp sites.
Cell service was great for all in the group with Verizon. No water. Pack in and pack out.
GuideNot a pleasant place in any respect. Dirty, muddy disorganized. But free and convenient when visiting Saguaro National park when that campground is full.
ScoutNice location near Tucson. A little noisy due to the highway nearby, quiets down at night. Good campsite to get your fill of Tucson. Friendly campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Topawa, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Topawa, AZ is Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area with a 3.3-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Topawa, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Topawa, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
