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Best Dispersed Camping in Arizona

2,640 Reviews

Arizona's Mogollon Rim area offers multiple free dispersed camping opportunities with stunning overlook views. Forest roads like FR535, FR738, and FR141 provide access to secluded sites directly on the rim where campers can see for miles. Most locations require careful driving on gravel or dirt roads, with some areas necessitating high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. A recent review noted, "There are many spots to choose from. Beautiful views if you keep going up the road."

Across northern Arizona, areas near Flagstaff, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon provide additional dispersed camping options. The East Pocket area near Sedona features spectacular vistas but requires navigating approximately 20 miles of increasingly rough roads. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "The drive itself is an adventure, but doable in just about any car if it hasn't rained." Most sites are primitive with no amenities—campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and weather conditions can quickly change access difficulty.

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Best Dispersed Sites in Arizona (582)

    1. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed

    125 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ

    "Great free dispersed camping immediately outside the Grand Canyon! There are an abundance of sites here, we spent about 45 minutes just picking and choosing our favorite."

    "It’s a well maintained dirt road fine for cars with low clearance. As other reviews state go past no camping signs and horse stables and sights pop up as you go down the road."

    2. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    55 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "I rented a camper van for my desert road trip with my daughter, and read about this spot on Dyrt, the pictures look breathtaking and I really want to try and get here to see it for myself."

    "Finding the area was slightly a challenge but the drive was more than worth it. We went with huge puddles and mud so I recommend a high clearance 4x4 vehicle for the drive up. Views were stunning"

    3. Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    50 Reviews
    Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

    "Great place to disperse Dry camp. Spots are scattered along the main road. You can camp close to the interstate or 3 miles away at the lake. The lake shore gets crowded."

    "We took our camper van down to the water. About 3 miles on the dirt road. Some spots are bumpy but we made it without ever getting stuck. Beautiful view. Worth it."

    4. Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area

    52 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    Website

    "Due to the ease of access from Sedona and Flagstaff this campground sees a lot of action."

    "Campground Review: Couple things to say about this campground... it's dispersed but in numbered lots and unless you have a high clearance 4x4 you must enter from West (89A)."

    5. Soap Creek - Dispersed Camping

    37 Reviews
    Marble Canyon, AZ
    Website
    +1 (202) 208-3801

    "Stayed to the right due to driving a Solis. The ground was manageable to get through with 2 wheel drive. The spot is absolutely sick."

    "The pull-off for this area is situated between a scenic byway sign, from both directions. You have to open an unlocked gate to access the road to the canyon."

    6. FR 222 Dispersed

    36 Reviews
    Bellemont, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "Nice flat areas for camping. Very upsetting to see most of the sites are littered with trash."

    "The surrounding forest is BEAUTIFUL and you can get peaks of the mountains through the trees. We tent camped and it was very quiet with no ambient noise and you can see tons of stars."

    7. Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping - CLOSED UNTIL 2025

    36 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    Website

    "This spot is perfect for boondocking or car camping, but we decided against popping up our camper here and just car camped instead."

    "10-15 minutes from Walnut Canyon National Monument off a side dirt road."

    8. Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts

    35 Reviews
    Woodruff, AZ
    +1 (928) 524-3500

    "Right outside the South Gate of the Petrified Forest National Park. They offer free camping with no hookups for self contained rigs. Water is available at city hall if needed."

    "Dirt lot with about 20 spots for RVs, trailers, campervans, or any other self contained camper. They don't allow tent camping because there are no bathrooms available."

    9. Cactus Forest Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Marana, AZ
    Website

    "This area is about 30 minutes away from Rilloto for supplies. Picacho Peak State park is 20 minutes away for hiking. Overall, it is a quiet area with beautiful views."

    "Classic BLM-style camping, meaning no amenities, dispersed, and pack out all waste. This campground’s name is quite apt; it is indeed a cactus forest, and a beautiful one at that."

    10. Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    32 Reviews
    Quartzsite, AZ
    Website
    +1 (928) 317-3200

    "If you're looking for a no-frills yet enjoyable boondocking experience, Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area near Quartzsite, Arizona, is a great pick."

    "Free dispersed camping, about 3 miles north of Quartzsite, with no services available, but lots of space and beautiful views of surrounding mountains."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos in Arizona

1626 Photos of 582 Arizona Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Arizona

2640 Reviews of 582 Arizona Campgrounds

  • Katie K.
    Mar. 29, 2021

    Cerbat Foothills Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Not sure what the other reviews are about....

    But the place I ended up is just BLM land off the highway. There's a turn off the highway, super easy to miss, and it immediately goes up a hill. There's a gate at the top that just says "please close gate - Bureau of Land Management" so I just went in. The road is very smooth and well worn as of this review, my prius had no problem. Not a single other soul in sight. The road sorta stops after the electricity thing (why am I blanking on what these are called?), but it looks like high clearance vehicles have gone through.

    This spot is amazing. Free public land. There are only a few pull off spots. Very quiet and beautiful.

    Please practice leave no trace etiquette! This spot is gorgeous, let's keep it that way :)

  • Megan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2025

    Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed

    Quiet wooded camp site

    Easy to navigate even towing a vehicle behind our RV. Quiet, wooded site away from road noise. Our site had a fire pit and wood provided when we pulled in. Approx 11 miles from the town Grand canyon village/ South rim of the grand canyon. 14 days consecutive stay limit. Dry camping. Leave no trace.

  • L
    Apr. 11, 2022

    The Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Bliss

    This was the perfect place to have my first dispersed camping experience. I tried following Google Maps to the gate however the dirt road it had me try was no longer accessible by car as it was very overgrown. I returned back on the road and continued for about 1/4 mile and found the accessible main dirt road. The gate was closed, please close it once you get your car inside. You must have a Public Lands Trust permit which I did not realize until I got to the gate. Getting one was super easy. $20 for a full year permit and $1 online convenience fee. Once I secured the permit, it was time to explore and find my home for the evening. The road is easy to navigate (yellow ribbons on the bushes just in case) and not maintained. Texture is mostly washed rocks with nothing too technical. High clearance vehicle is required and 4x4 suggested. I saw Pond 2 (0.5 miles from the gate) off to my right and decided to take a look instead of going to Pond 1 (1.5 miles from the gate) immediately. I found a spot that would work for me. Fires are allowed (always check BLM for up to date fire restrictions!!) I still cleared a 10 foot radius around my hand built fire ring as there was dried grasses around. No trash service, no water. Surprised to see 2 porta-potties at the gate but I can't say what state they were in as I did not use them. Come and enjoy the solitude and epic sunsets

  • Larry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Very Large14 day limit BLM

    This is one five of 14 Day LVTA camping areas in the Quartzsite vicinity. 

    It was a very large site that had entrances on both sides of the road that each had their own host. Lots of flat open spaces. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM). BLM lands have special rules, fees( sometimes none) and can be popular with boon-docking.. I have seen other reviews saying it was free to stay here, but there are signs that say LTVA permits are required for use between September 15th and April 15th. Seasonal fee is $180.00 and 14 day permits were $40.00

    I only had a look around, and decide to move on looking for actual free locations.

  • Larry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Plomosa Road

    OK, but not for me.

    This is one five of 14 Day LVTA camping areas in the Quartzsite vicinity. It has a host on site. Lots of flat open spaces. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM). BLM lands have special rules, fees ( sometimes none) and can be popular with boon-docking. I only had a look around,. It did seem smaller and more densely populated than the other areas. I decided to continue on up the road and ended up staying in open BLM area just beyond Quinn pass. I have T-mobile service and phone was good, but data was painfully slow.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area

    Boondocking Area

    Bureau of Land Management site. 14 day limit. Easy access and we were able to park our 42 ft motor home easily. The area is quiet with trails and lots of area to walk your four legged camper! We saw horseback riders and ATVs enjoying the area. We were able to stay in contact (ATT ) and the city is within an easy drive for supplies. This is a boondock area. Be aware that while camping here you are sharing the area with wildlife (including rattlers). Boondocking etiquette applies (pick up trash and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived). We have camped here several times and will certainly return!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Walnut Canyon USFS Dispersed Camping

    NO DISPERSED CAMPING ALLOWED!!!

    As of May 1, 2023 the Coconino National Forest Service has closed down many dispersed camping areas around the city of Flagstaff. This area is included in that. You can still drive off-road and explore during the day when the Walnut Canyon National Monument is open, but no camping and no camp fires are allowed.

  • 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.

Guide to Arizona

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping in Arizona, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds, often surrounded by stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Arizona

Scenic views for dispersed campers

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