Top Free Dispersed Camping near Waddell, AZ

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Waddell? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Waddell, AZ (37)

Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Waddell

131 Reviews of 37 Waddell 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 🙂

  • Caitlin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping near Crown King
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Dispersed camping near Crown King

    Gorgeous secluded camping

    Secluded dispersed camping in the woods just outside of the town Crown King. 4x4 is recommended, campsites are not accessible when snowfall has occurred. Beautiful wildlife including deer always nearby.

  • 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.

  • Patrick C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar Road Dispersed
    May. 1, 2024

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Fun spot

    This is a great spot and easy to get to. Lots of shaded areas. You can camp next to your car , wich there might be campers running generators, or you can hike towards the river and set up camp to get away from that. Close to the river with several walk in spots to play in.

  • 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)

  • Jacquelyn I.
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Bar Road Dispersed
    Apr. 27, 2024

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Easy Drive In

    We don’t have an offroad car, so it is always nice when the gravel road is well managed. No heart aches getting in and finding an open area to camp. I was pleasently surprised at the many little nooks of privacy that you could set up camp. Outhouses are well maintained. Bring your own water though and you do need to pay ahead of time, there are no pay boxes on site.

  • 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.



Guide to Waddell

Camping near Waddell, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at White Tank Mountain Regional Park. One visitor mentioned, "Great views, bring water and watch out for the heat." The park has trails for all skill levels, making it a great spot for families and solo adventurers alike.
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground for some fishing. A camper shared, "I fished off the shoreline which was only a few hundred feet from my spot." It’s a nice way to relax and enjoy the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for wild burros and other wildlife at Saddle Mountain BLM. One reviewer noted, "The area is quiet and easy to get to," making it perfect for spotting animals.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Cave Creek Regional Park. A visitor said, "Facilities were clean round the clock, shower water was hot, staff friendly."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at White Tank Mountain. One camper remarked, "Well spaced campsites with excellent views in all directions."
  • Safety: Campers feel secure at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort. A reviewer mentioned, "I stayed 10 days and as a single woman I felt very safe."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "Semi developed so no hookups," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds on weekends at popular spots like Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground. One visitor said, "Busy on weekends and empty during the week," so plan your trip accordingly.
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, be cautious. A camper at Lake Pleasant warned, "Wild donkeys from old miners back in the day still roam around. They are very accustomed to humans."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cave Creek Regional Park that offer amenities and activities for kids. A reviewer said, "The staff here is very friendly and helpful!"
  • Plan for Heat: If camping in summer, be prepared for high temperatures. One camper at White Tank Mountain advised, "It can get hot in the sun and there's very little natural shade."
  • Bring Entertainment: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games or fishing gear. A visitor at Lake Pleasant mentioned, "Relaxed and fished off the shoreline."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Saddle Mountain BLM said, "You can see lots of lights from a refinery or factory of some sort but it didn’t really distract."
  • Use Amenities Wisely: Some campgrounds charge for amenities. A camper at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort noted, "You have to pay an extra $10/night to use the bathrooms/showers."
  • Stay Connected: If you need internet, check cell service availability. A visitor at White Tank Mountain mentioned, "Cell phone connection was spotty."

Camping near Waddell, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo travelers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Waddell, 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 Waddell, AZ?

    TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Waddell, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.