Dispersed camping near Arenas Valley offers high-desert camping opportunities in the Gila National Forest and adjacent BLM land at elevations ranging from 5,200 to 7,500 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing at night, while summer daytime temperatures can exceed 90°F in lower elevations. Most rustic sites remain accessible year-round with seasonal fire restrictions implemented during dry periods.
What to do
Hiking CDT sections: The Continental Divide Trail passes near several rustic camping areas around Arenas Valley. At Comfort Well Dispersed Camping, visitors find "hiking trails close by" and a camper noted that sites are "close to great hiking around the CDT and fishing in Lake Roberts."
Stargazing in open areas: The lack of light pollution makes rustic camping near Arenas Valley ideal for night sky viewing. A camper at Pine Flats Campground reported "a beautiful spot within the tall pines" with "lots of shade" but also clear views of the night sky.
Mountain biking trails: The network of forest roads provides extensive mountain biking opportunities. Visitors staying at Gold Gulch Road appreciate the "beautiful sunset" views and note there's "plenty of room for everyone and an easy route" to access various recreational trails.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation sites provide relief from summer heat. A reviewer at Bear Mountain Camp noted they "stopped here to spend the night in July because it was cooler (~7500 ft elevation), free, quiet and beautiful."
Cellular connectivity: Several campsites maintain usable cell service despite remote locations. At Cattlemen Trail, one camper reported "getting 3 bars on AT&T which is pretty good I think. Streamed a movie last night with no issues."
Wildlife viewing: Cattle and wildlife frequently visit camping areas. At BLM Near City of Rocks, campers experience "open BLM land" with "great views, desert terrain" and frequent wildlife sightings.
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads require careful driving. One visitor to Gold Gulch Road mentioned it was "easy to set up" and had "quiet" surroundings, though they "came in after dark" and still found "the roads were clear."
Pack out all trash: Many sites show evidence of previous campers leaving debris. At Comfort Well, one camper emphasized the need to "recreate responsibly and leave no trace. Pack out whatever you pack in."
Grazing rights: Cattle frequently roam through camping areas. A visitor at Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed noted they "met Pat she has the grazing rights here" and mentioned only seeing "her cattle one afternoon."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural features: Kids enjoy exploring unique landscapes. One camper at Pine Flats noted "a placard that states 'Constructed by the United States Conservation Corp in 1976'" with interesting gravel piles for kids to investigate.
Prepare for temperature fluctuations: Desert camping means significant day-night temperature differences. A visitor at Comfort Well noted "it is cooler at night and the sky is amazing without any light pollution."
Watch for fire restrictions: Seasonal bans impact camping activities. At Bear Canyon Road Camp, a camper observed "plenty of campgrounds along the way, as well as these dispersed areas" but reminded visitors to check current fire rules.
Tips from RVers
Solar power access: Most sites offer mixed sun/shade for power needs. A camper at Cattlemen Trail mentioned "plenty of shade and also sun for solar recharge."
Level parking surfaces: Many sites feature flat areas suitable for larger vehicles. At Bear Canyon Road, one RVer successfully "pulled my 24 foot (tip to tip) travel trailer up the mountain" noting the "curvy, narrow roads" but advising others to "just be careful and go slow."
Gate clearance: Some access points have challenging entrance features. A visitor to BLM Near City of Rocks explained "when you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate" while another camper warned about a "cattle guard at the beginning [with] a pretty good bump on the right."
