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Best Dispersed Camping near Young, AZ

226 Reviews

Dispersed camping along the Mogollon Rim near Young, Arizona offers several free sites with impressive views and forest surroundings. Old Rim Road (Forest Road 171) provides numerous remote sites spaced well apart for privacy, with many overlooking the rim. FR738 Dispersed Camping features multiple locations directly on the rim's edge with panoramic views extending for miles. These areas accommodate both tents and larger vehicles including RVs.

Little Green Valley offers additional off-grid campsites accessible via well-graded forest service roads. A camper noted that "woods were awesome and very little noise besides cars driving along the road," though some sites are close to roadways. For those seeking more seclusion, "if you keep following the road back, there are campsites all the way along it and it gets very peaceful and quiet." Most areas lack facilities—no toilets, water, or trash service—though Bear Canyon Lake and Valentine Ridge do provide basic toilets. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with most sites featuring established fire rings when conditions permit. During monsoon season, roads may become challenging for two-wheel drive vehicles.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Young, Arizona (89)

    1. Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    20 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-7300

    "Bear Canyon campground and lake located off AZ260 north east of payson."

    "The lake is not very easily accessible for camping but it's an easy hike down for fishing, photography, and simply enjoying nature. Keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a bald eagle."

    2. Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Sun Valley, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "This is a beautiful spot off AZ state highway 260. Roads are a bit bumpy, and they have some shallow water crossings. Rvs and campers can make it in with relative ease."

    "This is just a dirt road off of the highway."

    3. Old Rim Road/ Forest Road 171 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    14 miles
    Website

    4. FR738 Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "Along with this site, there are many dispersed camping sites right on the side of the rim with great views that you can see miles out. Great for tent camping but also big enough for campers and RVs"

    "I tried camping nearby and everywhere was full. This site had at least 5 or 6 spots open and most sites have an overlook. The road to the sites was not bad at all."

    5. Old Rim Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    14 miles
    Website

    "Just under 50 sites off the dirt road. All sites have fire rings and are numbered. There were fire restrictions during my stay so definitely look into that beforehand, as with any other place."

    "I wanted to get out of the southern Arizona heat. This place did just that. Only the opposite side of the highway of Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake. Both are just a 15min drive."

    6. Rim Road

    6 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    18 miles

    "We came up from Phoenix to get away from city life for 48 hours and this place is beautiful. We just got here and I have at least some reception because I’m doing the review from the site."

    "We showed late on Friday eve and were still able to get a great spot for tent camping. Pretty quiet and close to town."

    7. Valentine Ridge Campground

    2 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 467-3200

    "It was a small campground located off of some unpaved forest roads with large campsites equipped with fire pits and some even with BBQ grills. There were picnic tables at the sites as well."

    8. Mogollon Rimn Dispersed, AZ FR 9350

    3 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    16 miles

    "34.335842 - 110.973221 Numbered free camp sites. First come first served. Beautiful cool high country with many overlooks over the rim."

    "There is a pit toilets at the beginning of the road due to a trail departure. Nice flat spots with fire pits and the road to go is a bit bumpy but if you don’t go too fast it is easy :)"

    9. Reynolds Creek Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Young, AZ
    16 miles

    "Great creek side camping with lots of sycamore shade trees. Wild turkeys are plentiful through here."

    "Different options right near hear, but overall secluded. Forest road 410 has a few sites. Deer, elk, rabbits, birds, plenty of fun little spiders everywhere."

    10. Forest Road 195 Campground

    3 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    16 miles

    "pretty secluded and pretty remote. sites are of different sizes, anyone can camp, big trailers etc. very quiet except for nature and birds. no Verizon for the most part, nice place to explore."

    "Off the beaten path. Spacious and quite with little wildlife"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Young, AZ

144 Photos of 89 Young Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Young, AZ

226 Reviews of 89 Young Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2024

    Schoolhouse Point Dispersed

    Free Lakeside camping

    Pretty, dispersed camping near schoolhouse Point in Roosevelt lake. On the road down to the state campground there are two dispersed camping areas on the left easily visible on the left side, (the gps point may not be accurate, I made it after I left) if you pass both there's an easy turn around at the boat ramp even for big rigs. Some dips coming off the paved road but very easy access overall, might be tight for really big rigs. Probably 20+ sites at each of the two pull offs, most have fire rings and decent shade. Couple minutes drive to the boat ramp at schoolhouse Point which has bathrooms, dumpsters, and both drive in and walk-in lake access. Currently (as of 3/24) no potable water even at the paid campground at the end of the road, you can either pump from the lake if you have a filter or Tonto national monument about 10min up the road has a water spigot before the pay gate. 14 day limit per usual for national forests but a really lovely spot to call home for a while! Lots of great hiking nearby as well as swimming and boating on the lake

  • Nolan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    Bear Canyon

    Bear Canyon campground and lake located off AZ260 north east of payson. Near Woods Canyon lake(larger and more accessible), and Knoll lake(smaller than Bear Canyon)

    Bear Canyon campground is easily accessible and free. No reservations. No water/electric hookups. No picnic tables. No trash service-pack it in, pack it out. It will fill up on weekends during the summer as the weather is so temperate. We came up on a weekday and stayed to the beginning of the weekend and it wasn’t too crowded.

    Pros: The weather was amazing. High of 75-78 in the day and high 40’s at night. There was a constant breeze which kept it cool and fresh feeling. The lake is a short hike(0.2 miles) from the trailhead. And provides good fishing from the shore. There is plenty of free firewood’s around; just bring a saw and splitting axe. Near the Rim and other lakes (Woods Canyon and Knoll). Pit toilets were a far walk depending on where you camped but they were clean.

    Cons: This entire area is very rocky! We have a pop up but I can’t imagine tent camping without an air mattress. Each campsite maybe has a fire pit and that’s it. Boats and Kayaks would be a real challenge to bring down and up as the trail is very steep, rocky, and loose.

    Overall, we were disappointed that we were unable to use our kayaks but the weather make up for it and it was a great, relaxing trip.

  • Harriet D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 16, 2023

    Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88

    Not great for tent campers!

    Beautiful area, but I would only recommend it for high clearance vehicles and people who are NOT tent camping. The ground is very rocky and we couldn't find a great place to get a tent staked down in the windy conditions, so we left. Minimal coverage from wind and sun or for bathroom use. 

    Keep in mind that AZ-88 is CLOSED to motor vehicles slightly after Tortilla Trailhead, so you cannot get to Roosevelt Lake easily from here. There are pit toilets at the road closure area and you can turn around easily there.

  • Nolan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2019

    Mesquite Wash Dispersed

    Mesquite Wash/Sycamore Creek

    Mesquite Wash is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Fountain Hills, Arizona. Follow the Bee Line Highway, SR 87, a few miles past the Four Peaks turn off. Watch for the Mesquite Wash sign. The main area is on the west side of the highway and is used primarily by off road vehicles. The east side of the highway is quieter and has several pull offs available for dispersed camping.

    There are no facilities; no restrooms, hookups, or trash. Pack it in, pack it out. The best time to go is in the winter months but with the weather being pretty fair it’s not too bad. You can have a fire but it depends on fire danger for the day. Pretty much if it’s hot and or dry, you won’t be able to have a fire.

    It is free and first come first serve, although there are plenty of spots to go around!

    All that being said, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the Sonoran desert! There are so many amazing views! Great for hiking or off roading.

    Side note: Please clean up after yourself! Forest Service has put so many restrictions on this area because people leave their trash out there.

  • Gillian C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping

    Highly Used Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping off dirt roads. Highly Used but still space for privacy. Fire restrictions in the summer. No cell service. Some groups were loud and some vehicle traffic throughout the night. Sites are not numbered, just camp near the road. Check out Woods Canyon Lake on the way in!

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt

    Great boondocking on Roosevelt Lake

    One of our all-time favorite boondocking spots. There are many forests roads off 188 on the southern shore of Lake Roosevelt where dispersed camping is allowed. Some have spectacular views of the lake but are high up and difficult to get to. We found the most easily accesible dispersed camping off Forest Rd 83 between the national monument and little town of Roosevelt. There are large level sites here right off the forest road. As you go further up the forest road, sites get smaller but more private.

    This is all working open range with lots of stock. We woke up many mornings to cattle rooting through our stuff and one morning to a real roundup with cowboys on horses. Amazing. There are lots if Saguaro and jumping Cholla cactus around as well as rattlers and scorpions so be alert.

    We stayed nearly three weeks here and will go back. Lots to do around and across the lake.

    No amenities but there is a dumpster at the head of FS83. Otherwise nearest towns are Punkin Center to the west and Roosevelt to the east, Globe being the nearest large town about 40 min away.

    Note there is also dispersed camping off 88 along the Salt River, also worth taking s look. No cell service along 88, no amenities and roads get much more steep and difficult.

  • J
    Jul. 21, 2022

    FS 609 - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect Getaway

    I was very skeptical about visiting this campsite at first, because I felt the information that I could find online was minimal. After visiting, however, I would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone. It was spacious enough to spread out from other campers. It was lovely to be right in the middle of the forest. I'd recommend driving further in to be away from the noise of the highway. I saw some reviews saying the gate was closed, but it was open when we were there in July 2022. Important things to note: This campground is located in the Coconino National Forest, please follow their rules and fire restrictions. No reservations are necessary for this campground. We found service to be a little spotty, but not impossible. Dogs are allowed. The turn in was pretty subtle, so definitely keep an eye out for it and use Google Maps over Apple Maps, because Apple Maps has no idea where this site is! All in all, I would visit again!

  • Gillian C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    West Clear Creek Dispersed Camping

    Pretty Dispersed Camping

    Standard dispersed camping along many off-road trails. Quiet and clean with no amenities. Fire restrictions in the summer. The West Clear Creek trailhead is nearby, so light vehicle trafiic for the trail. Tons of available spaces with privacy. No cell service.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2025

    Rim Road

    Beautiful Escape

    We came up from Phoenix to get away from city life for 48 hours and this place is beautiful. We just got here and I have at least some reception because I’m doing the review from the site. Was it easy to get to, right off the highway, we drove back about a mile into the woods and there was tons of places to camp. Granted it’s early January so that could have something to do with all the open spots. There’s no facilities of any kind. We’re totally Boondocking it with our RV no hook ups just the water we brought and a generator, but I couldn’t be happier so quiet.

    Oh yeah. If you are checking the weather, it’s closer to Heber than Payson. Payson low tonight expected to be 37, but Heber is expected to get to 24. Brrrrr

Guide to Young

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Young, Arizona, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while experiencing the freedom of camping without the confines of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

  • The Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area offers a scenic drive along a well-maintained dirt road, making it accessible for most vehicles.
  • Campers can enjoy activities like fishing and hiking, but be prepared for a steep trek down to the lake, which can be challenging after a long day outdoors.
  • This area is popular among ATV users, so expect some noise, especially during weekends when the campgrounds can get crowded.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Young, Arizona

  • When visiting Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed, remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash services available.
  • The roads leading to FR414 Dispersed Camp Site are well-graded, making it suitable for larger vehicles, but be cautious of potential road noise from nearby highways.
  • If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider Rim Road, where you can find numerous dispersed sites away from the main roads, providing a peaceful retreat in nature.

Exploring the natural beauty at Reynolds Creek Dispersed

  • The Reynolds Creek Dispersed area is known for its secluded spots, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape surrounded by wildlife.
  • Be prepared for some rough terrain; a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to navigate the rocky roads, especially after rain.
  • This location is ideal for nature lovers, with opportunities to spot deer, elk, and various bird species while enjoying the serene creekside environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the road condition on Young Road for accessing dispersed camping sites?

Road conditions on Young Road (Highway 288) can vary significantly with the seasons and weather. Similar to Rim Road and Trail 1371 Dispersed Camping, expect a paved road with numerous potholes for the main stretch, transitioning to dirt roads with varying conditions to access actual camping sites. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most dispersed sites, especially after rain or snow. The main road is generally passable for most vehicles, but side forest roads often require 4WD or higher clearance.

Where is Valentine Ridge dispersed camping area located near Young, AZ?

Valentine Ridge Campground is located in the Tonto National Forest near Young, Arizona. It's situated off Highway 288, which runs between Young and Roosevelt Lake. This free dispersed camping area offers drive-in access and basic toilet facilities. The camping area provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding forest and recreational opportunities in the Young area.

How far is Young, AZ from Payson for a day trip while dispersed camping?

Young, AZ is approximately 50-55 miles from Payson, making it a feasible day trip while staying at dispersed sites like Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area. The drive typically takes 1.5-2 hours each way due to winding mountain roads. Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping offers another option between the two locations. Plan for a full day excursion, as the scenic drive through the Tonto National Forest includes elevation changes and numerous curves that slow travel time.

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