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Dispersed Camping

Sycamore Creek Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sycamore Creek Recreation Area in Arizona features rugged terrain with desert landscapes and rocky outcrops. Temperatures can range from 40°F in winter to over 100°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Tonto National Forest, offering hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

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Location

Sycamore Creek Recreation Area is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

33.79807583 N
111.4882364 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Box Bar Road Dispersed

Box Bar Road Dispersed

38 min away

Crabtree Wash

Crabtree Wash

2 hrs 9 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • 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 Sycamore Creek Recreation Area needs a permit.


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 7, 2025

Easy Access, Nice Saguaro stands nearby

Notes about nudists are correct. If you have a large rig or trailer, do not cross the arroyo as the access road has some washout spots.  Adventure vans and off road capable will be fine.  A bit of road noise at night if you don't cross the arroyo.

Pretty clean, but some users seem to leave their trash behind.

Great overnight hang, but not a long term location at all.

Reviewed Jan. 21, 2025

Interesting place

Nice location with dispersed camping options. When we were setting up a man came up & warned us that it was a popular spot for Nudists. He was not wrong. Be prepared to run into some interesting people.

Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2022

Good spot off the highway

Great campsites. Plenty of sites and well spaced. There 2 or 3 sites right off the highway, but if you continue down the road there is a larger area with plenty of other sites. Small shrubs and tree around that give privacy from other campers. The road was easily navigated by our sprinter van, but there are parts of the road that are a bit washed out. The road looks like it may flood in certain months of the year.

I would hesitate bringing an RV past the first few sites, but could be attempted.

Note: please pack out trash. Some sites were littered with trash and there is a clear sign going into the area asking to pack out trash.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Sycamore Creek Recreation Area by Noah E., December 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Sycamore Creek Recreation Area by Noah E., December 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Sycamore Creek Recreation Area by Noah E., December 16, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2022

Dispersed Pull-Off

Was looking for a spot to get out of Phoenix for the evening and this was a good pull off. Plenty of spots with fire rings. No off-road capabilities needed. There are a few spots by the creek.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Sycamore Creek Recreation Area by Brian S., January 30, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sycamore Creek located in Arizona?

Sycamore Creek Recreation Area is located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, making it a convenient getaway from the city. It's situated along a highway but extends beyond the road into more secluded areas. The recreation area features desert landscape with small shrubs and trees typical of the Arizona environment. It's an accessible destination that doesn't require significant travel time from Phoenix, perfect for evening or weekend escapes from urban life.

What camping facilities are available at Sycamore Creek Recreation Area?

Sycamore Creek Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with established sites featuring fire rings. The campground has no formal facilities like bathrooms or water sources. Some sites are located near the highway, but continuing down the road leads to a larger area with more private spots spaced well apart with natural vegetation providing privacy. The area accommodates various camping setups, though larger RVs and trailers may face challenges, particularly when crossing the arroyo where there are some washout spots.

What trails and hiking opportunities are near Sycamore Creek Trailhead?

While specific marked trails aren't detailed, Sycamore Creek Recreation Area offers natural exploration opportunities in the desert landscape. The area features varied terrain including an arroyo that adventure-minded visitors can explore. The surrounding desert environment provides informal hiking possibilities among the native vegetation. For more structured hiking experiences, it's advisable to check with forest service offices for information about established trails in the vicinity before your visit.

Are there any swimming or water activities available at Sycamore Creek?

Sycamore Creek does have water access with a few camping spots located directly by the creek. The water level and flow likely vary seasonally, which is typical of Arizona waterways. While swimming isn't specifically mentioned as an activity, the presence of the creek offers opportunities for cooling off, especially during hot Arizona days. Visitors should check current water conditions before planning water activities, as desert creeks can fluctuate significantly based on recent rainfall and season.