Kristina C.
Traveler
TravelerWest Hunt Road
Beautiful drive, varied sites. Wouldn’t recommend for large vehicles.
Best Dispersed Camping in Arizona
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.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds in Arizona (649)
1. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed
96 ReviewsGrand 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)
59 ReviewsSedona, AZWebsite+1 (928) 527-3600"The trail is a commitment as it can take 2 hours or so to get up. But once you’re there it’s so nice and peaceful. There are no facilities, you do get decent service near the edge."
"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."
3. Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area
59 ReviewsMunds Park, AZWebsite"Due to the ease of access from Sedona and Flagstaff this campground sees a lot of action."
"The worst part of the road is at the entrance off the highway, then it does get a bit better."
4. Soap Creek - Dispersed Camping
42 ReviewsMarble Canyon, AZWebsite+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."
5. FR 222 Dispersed
41 ReviewsBellemont, AZWebsite+1 (928) 527-3600"Nice flat areas for camping. Very upsetting to see most of the sites are littered with trash."
"Didn’t see any wildlife but I’m sure they are around! No amenities so come prepared for dry camping. Flagstaff is about 15 min away and had good AT&T service and was able to work remotely."
6. Cactus Forest Dispersed
39 ReviewsMarana, AZWebsite"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."
7. Crystal Forest Museum and Gifts
40 ReviewsWoodruff, AZ+1 (928) 524-3500"Good place to dispersed camp on private property. Concrete pads, some with picnic tables. Safe and quiet."
"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."
8. Snyder Hill BLM Camping Area
43 ReviewsCortaro, AZWebsite+1 (520) 258-7200"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!"
"This BLM property, right off the Ajo highway near Tucson, is extremely convenient for a short or extended stay. Anyone can stay up to 14 nights, free of charge. "
9. Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping - CLOSED UNTIL 2025
36 ReviewsFlagstaff, AZWebsite"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."
10. Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping
33 ReviewsWilliams, AZWebsite+1 (928) 635-8200"We just kept driving along a pretty rugged dirt road until we found a site. Turned out to be great. Not a person in sight and very wooded."
"Very accessible. Large area. Do not need 4 wheel drive to reach a spot you can camp in. Other spots you might need high clearance."
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos in Arizona
1903 Photos of 649 Arizona Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews in Arizona
3183 Reviews of 649 Arizona Campgrounds
Emily A.TravelerF328 dispersed camping spot
Road in was a little rough but to be expected with the amount of rain the area has had over the last month. Campsites are not on top of each other so you have privacy. AT&T cell reception LTE 4 bars.
Matt G.
RangerForest Service Road #200 Dispersed Camping
Great spot about an hour from the north rim. Good cell coverage an big enough area to fit any vehicle. Right off main road an the little bit of gravel isnt bad.
- AAbigail L.
ScoutForest Service Road 328 Dispersed
Easy to access, multiple spots with fire pits, super close to Grand Canyon visitor center. Road wasn’t bad.
Papa's J.
GuidePlomosa BLM Dispersed Camping Area
It's Dispersed Camping 🤙🤟🔥 Got to cold in the mountains, had to get to the Desert 🤙
Sehvanna S.GuideBLM - North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness
I just pulled in here and didn't go very far up the road, it's dark and I'm in my 25ft Class C Motorhome. Not gonna lie, it feels a little bit wrong to be sitting here and camping out 😂 I have never been in this area, and I am hoping it will work out ok. I couldn't see if there were established places to park, so I just found a level spot behind a bush.
- Matt G.Ranger
W Big Wash Road Dispersed
Great place to stop. Not to far off the main road. Gravel road pretty decent. Multiple places to choose from. Minimal vehicles pass bye. Good cell signal.
- Matt G.Ranger
Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed
Great little stop over. Close to Grand Canyon. Good cell. A few cars go bye here an there but overall a super nice spot.
Kleine L.GuideNolan Tank Large Dispersed Area
Definitely my favorite campground in the area. There’s shade and more privacy than the other flat ones. It gets crowded on the weekends and there is also a decent amount of people during the week. Be sure to get here before 2pm on weekends.
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
- Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed offers a free camping experience year-round, with no permits required and the freedom to enjoy campfires and pets.
- At Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) Dispersed Camping Area, you can find ample space for big rigs, although be prepared for a lack of amenities like toilets and showers.
- Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF) provides a peaceful retreat with beautiful views and the option for tent, RV, or horse camping, all without the need for a permit.
Scenic views for dispersed campers
- Edge of the World (East Pocket) is known for its breathtaking views overlooking Sedona, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate stunning landscapes.
- Soap Creek - Dispersed Camping offers incredible vistas of the Vermilion Cliffs, perfect for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
- Walnut Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping features gorgeous grasslands and pinyon pines, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
Activities for outdoor enthusiasts
- At Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you can enjoy access to the lake, making it ideal for swimming and fishing while surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, with plenty of open space for hiking and exploring the surrounding forest.
- Happy Camp Trail offers a serene location for hiking, with well-spaced campsites that allow for a tranquil outdoor experience.
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