Rough, rocky roads lead into this BLM dispersed camping area within the campgrounds near Lower Sonoran Field Office boundary, and access conditions are not to be underestimated. Side-by-side traffic has carved deep ruts into the interior tracks, particularly at corners, making progress difficult for larger vehicles unless drivers stay to the high side. The area is free to camp, no reservation required, with campfires, pets, and alcohol all permitted. Highway 85 generates road noise at lower elevations, but it fades as campers push farther into the hills. Night skies show Phoenix light pollution on the horizon, though stars remain visible. Buckeye, roughly 15 miles north, has resupply options including a Walmart; a Pilot travel center near Interstate 8 to the south provides fuel, showers, laundry, and dump stations. Carry enough water before heading in.
Description
This 63,200-acre wilderness lies in southwestern Maricopa County, 12 miles east of Gila Bend and 20 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. It contains a 10-mile section of the Maricopa Mountains, a low-elevation (1,000 to 2,813 feet) Sonoran Desert range, and extensive surrounding desert plains. The North Maricopa Mountains are a jumble of long ridges and isolated peaks, separated by bajadas and washes. Vegetation includes saguaro, cholla, ocotillo and other Sonoran Desert plant species. Desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, coyotes, bobcat, fox, deer, Gambel's quail and raptors inhabit the wilderness. The wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation, including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife observation and photography. The Margie's Cove and Brittlebush Trails take you through the heart of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNorth Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area is located in Arizona near Gila Bend
Coordinates
33.10301447 N
112.52863818 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area needs a permit.
