11 Best Places for Free Dispersed Camping in Arizona

Today, I’m going to share my favorite free campsites in Arizona.

Around 42% of Arizona is made up of public lands like national forests and BLM land, so it’s not surprising there are literally hundreds of dispersed camping and boondocking opportunities throughout the state.

Rather than list them all, I’ve narrowed down your options to just 11 of the very best.

Related Post: The Best Dispersed Campsites in Colorado

Best Dispersed Campsites in Arizona

Jump to the free campsite you want to know more about:

• Schnebly Hill Road
• Edge of the World
• Coconino Rim Road
• Saddle Mountain Overlook
• Mogollon Rim Road
• Peralta Canyon
• Palm Canyon Road
• Pinery Canyon Road
• Craggy Wash
• Badger Creek Overlook
• Harshaw Road

Or, browse our Arizona dispersed camping map to find a free campsite near you.

My Favorite Dispersed Campsites in Arizona

Here are 11 of my favorite places for free dispersed camping in Arizona to help you find the perfect campsite for your next trip.

Schnebly Hill Road (Coconino National Forest)

Near Sedona

Although free camping near Sedona is abundant, Schnebly Hill Road is my favorite place to hunker down in Red Rock Country.

Unless you have a 4×4 vehicle, it’s important to access Schnebly Hill Road (Forest Road 153) from I-17 rather than from Sedona itself to avoid the roughest parts of the road.

RVs and trailers should look for camping within a mile or two of the main highway – after this, the road gets rough and turning around is difficult.

Countless dispersed campsites are available, most with decent shade. The further you drive in, the more likely you are to find a private campsite.

About six miles west of I-17 is Schnebly Hill Vista. The red rock canyon views from the overlook are amazing. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to camp at the overlook itself. Most 2WD vehicles should be able to make it to the overlook (if you drive slowly). Only 4×4 vehicles should attempt to continue further west.

What I Like:

The beautiful views and quiet forest atmosphere always make me happy I stopped here for a night. Although it gets busy, visitors willing to brave the rough road can certainly snag quiet and relatively private sites.

What I Don’t Like:

Schnebly Hill Road is popular so it’s often busy and noisy. It’s also a popular destination for jeep tours and OHV riders. As the crow flies, it’s not far from Sedona, but making the drive into town takes over an hour due to the lay of the land.

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

Loy Butte Road (FR 525) is another great spot for free camping near Sedona (also part of Coconino National Forest). Although camping here is still free, designated dispersed camping is now required.

Related Post: Best Free Dispersed Camping Near Sedona

Edge of the World (Coconino National Forest)

Near Flagstaff

Edge of the World is hands down one of the most amazing places to camp in Arizona, free or paid.

This free dispersed camping area isn’t very far from Flagstaff (or Sedona) as the crow flies, but it’s quite a trek to reach in a vehicle.

The 23-mile dirt access road is rough and windy. I’ve seen low-clearance 2WD vehicles (including a Prius) make the drive, but high-clearance and/or 4WD is very helpful. Just take it slow and you’ll arrive in one piece in almost any vehicle, although RVs and trailers should probably avoid camping here.

Once you reach Edge of the World itself, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out in the forest with the best spots located on the rim of a canyon overlooking the beautiful Red Rock Wilderness.

Edge of the World is sometimes called East Pocket or End of the World. Just make sure you take Woody Mountain Road and you’ll arrive at the correct spot.

What I Like:

The views from the end of the road are what make Edge of the World home to arguably the best free camping in Arizona. There are also plenty of shade trees to shield you from the hot sun. This campsite is far enough from Sedona and Flagstaff to minimize light pollution for very dark night skies and very bright stars. 

What I Don’t Like:

Edge of the World gets busy, especially in the summer. The best campsites along the rim fill up fast and get crowded. You can almost always find great non-view campsites away from the rim as well as along spur roads on your drive in.

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

Pumphouse Wash is another good spot for free camping near Flagstaff. It’s not nearly as scenic as Edge of the World, but it’s much more easily accessible. It’s decent for RVs and trailers. Just know that true dispersed camping isn’t allowed here – you must camp in one of the roughly 100 designated dispersed campsites (which are still completely free).

Coconino Rim Road (Kaibab National Forest)

South Rim Grand Canyon

Coconino Rim Road is my go-to for free camping near the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

The easiest access is via the South Entrance to the national park. Continue along the Desert View Drive portion of Highway 64 for about 15 miles until you reach the turnoff for Coconino Rim Road (also called Forest Road 310).

Although you’ll see good camping spots almost immediately, it’s important to continue down the dirt road until you pass the sign for Kaibab National Forest (just past the first cattle guard).

Coconino Rim Road has plenty of campsites for everyone. Those nearest Highway 64 fill up quickly in the peak season, but there are always more sites for those willing to venture further in. You can also turn off on several other roads (such as Forest Road 307) to access even more campsites.

What I Like:

Coconino Rim Road has fantastic access to Grand Canyon lookout points, including Grandview Point and Moran Point. The area is regularly patrolled by Forest Service Rangers – I felt plenty safe leaving my tent behind to explore the national park.

Most campsites are spacious and flat, although the access roads can be quite rough. I’ve seen plenty of RVs and trailers here, although it’s best for passenger vehicles and camper vans. I love the mix of trees for shade and open areas to charge my devices with my solar panels.

Cell service is strong thanks to a nearby cellular tower. And, don’t forget to climb up the nearby Grandview Lookout Tower (you can also use this tower as a destination on Google Maps to find the dispersed campsites).

What I Don’t Like:

Because it’s free and so close to Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino Rim Road is busy. There’s quite a bit of daytime traffic (including ATVs) so expect noise and dust. Luckily, there’s a ton of room to spread out so you’re all but guaranteed to find a campsite for the night.

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

Other dispersed camping opportunities are prevalent in the Tusayan Ranger District of Kaibab National Forest (south of the national park). Forest Road 302 east of Tusayan is also home to some of my favorite dispersed campsites in Arizona, although it’s not as convenient to the Grand Canyon as Coconino Rim Road.

Related Post: Best Free Campsites Near Grand Canyon National Park

Saddle Mountain Overlook (Kaibab National Forest)

North Rim Grand Canyon

Saddle Mountain Overlook might just boast the best views of any free campsite in Arizona – maybe even the entire United States.

Unfortunately, there are just a handful of sites with views of the Grand Canyon itself. If you’re lucky enough to score one of these, then you’re in for a real treat – sunrise and sunset against the canyon walls is indescribably beautiful.

Find these campsites by setting Google Maps to “Saddle Mountain Overlook.” Follow the gravel access road for roughly 14 miles from where it turns off Highway 67 near the North Rim Country Store (about 6 miles north of the national park’s North Entrance).

Expect moderate washboarding, although the road is passable to all vehicles. Once in near the overlook, the road is much narrower and quite a bit rougher. Plenty of campsites along the access road accommodate RVs and trailers, but those near the overlook are best for passenger vehicles only (high-clearance and/or four-wheel is beneficial, but not a must).

All the spots near the rim full? Don’t worry. Countless hiking trails wind their way through the Saddle Mountain area and lookout points abound. A short hike will bring you to the edge of the canyon.

What I Like:

Camp at Saddle Mountain Overlook for the Grand Canyon views. Whether or not you score a rim-side site, several overlook points are just a short hike away. The road is usually in decent condition and rangers visit the area often.

What I Don’t Like:

I can’t say anything negative about this dispersed camping area. Just note that it’s only accessible from late spring to late fall due to its high elevation. In the winter through early spring, snow makes the road impassable.

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

The North Kaibab Ranger District offers countless dispersed camping opportunities. Nearly all of the forest service roads off of Highway 67 have dispersed campsites. Another favorite of mine (also with views of the Grand Canyon) is the area near Marble Viewpoint.

Mogollon Rim Road (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest)

Near Payson

Just northeast of Payson is another one of my favorite places for dispersed camping in Arizona.

The Mogollon Rim, an escarpment, extends for roughly 200 miles with countless dispersed camping opportunities atop the high cliffs, many with expansive views of the forests thousands of feet below.

There are literally hundreds of places to dispersed camp here, although my favorites are accessed north of Highway 260 along or just off Rim Road (FR 300). Turn north at the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center to reach these.

Many of the dispersed camping areas can be found on Google Maps and are named after the forest road they’re located on. For example, FR 195 Campground is a good starting point for first-time visitors (although you’ll likely want to explore further in).

Another one of my favorite places to camp on the Mogollon Rim is actually south of Highway 260 on Old Rim Road (FR 171), known as FR 171 Campground. Instead of turning north at the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center, you turn south.

Many of the dispersed campsites here are located just feet from the rim itself. Although these are the best spots (for views, at least), remember to be alert. Drops up to 200 feet are common, so keep children and pets close.

Because of the popularity of the Mogollon Rim, many of the area’s dispersed campsites are actually designated. You must camp within 50 feet of a designated campsite, usually marked with a “Camp Here” post.

Know that the rim-side campsites are exposed to the elements. Strong winds are common. Lightning storms here are extremely scary (and not at all uncommon). Camping a bit away from the rim helps minimize wind. Plus, you can walk down to awesome views in just minutes.

What I Like:

Stunning views. Lots of campsites yet plenty of privacy. Miles of hiking, 4×4, and horseback riding trails. Lakes for fishing. The high elevation makes for cooler temperatures in summertime (and there’s shade trees). Perfect for boondocking in an RV or trailer thanks to well-maintained access roads.

What I Don’t Like:

Mogollon Rim is just two hours from Phoenix so it gets very busy. OHV riding is allowed, so there’s a lot of road noise depending on where you camp. Visit in the off season or on a weekday during summer to beat (most) of the crowds.

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

Rim Road and Old Rim Road are located in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

However, part of the Mogollon Rim is located in Coconino National Forest (north and slightly west of Payson). Milk Ranch Point Road is my favorite place to dispersed camp in the Coconino section of Mogollon Rim. It has equally good views, although the road in is rougher and narrower.

Both Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves also have a ton of developed campgrounds (paid) in the Mogollon Rim area.

Peralta Canyon (Arizona State Trust Land)

Near Phoenix

For free camping near Phoenix, dispersed camping near the Superstition Wilderness is likely your best bet.

Several options are available, but my personal favorite is the area along Peralta Road in Peralta Canyon which leads to Peralta Trailhead, the starting point for some of the most popular desert canyon hikes in Arizona.

Although the Superstition Wilderness itself is in Tonto National Forest, the dispersed camping on Peralta Road is actually on Arizona State Trust Land. A recreational permit is required to camp here – just $15 for individuals and $20 for families gets you a yearly pass good for free camping on nearly 8 million acres of land across the state.

Reach Peralta Canyon by heading east out of Phoenix towards Apache Junction. Continue on US Route 60 just past the small community of Gold Canyon. Turn here north onto Peralta Road and continue past the small neighborhood area until you pass a sign declaring your entrance onto Arizona State Trust Land.

The dispersed campsites here are spacious and mostly level. This is a good location for boondocking in an RV or trailer. The gravel road is usually in decent shape, aside from minor washboarding (the campsites themselves can get rutted after a heavy rain).

What I Like:

The main draw is the amazing view of the mountains. This is an excellent spot for birding as well as seeing wildflowers in spring. Many sites are spacious enough and the access road is smooth enough for large RVs and trailers. Lots of hiking trails are located nearby (Wave Cave Trail is a short, sweet, and popular option). Cellular reception is strong for most providers.

What I Don’t Like:

Peralta Road dispersed camping isn’t the quietest. The road is quite busy with ATV and OHV traffic which means campsites can get dusty. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of trash and human waste left behind by other visitors. Because a permit is required, this area isn’t 100% free, but it’s still very cheap!

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

The Superstition Wilderness has a ton of additional camping options, including dispersed camping and boondocking as well as backpacking.

Look towards the forest roads near Tortilla Flat just northeast of Apache Junction. A variety of dispersed camping opportunities are available just off of the Apache Trail (Highway 88) which winds its way through the Superstition Mountains, although portions of the road have been closed due to wildfires and flooding for the past several years.

Nearby Tortilla Campground isn’t free (it costs $20 per night), but it’s a peaceful and scenic place to camp. Plus, it’s just a short walk into Tortilla Flat to get an ice cream. As a winter-only campground (summer camping is just too hot!), it’s only open from October 1 to March 31.

Palm Canyon Road (Kofa National Wildlife Refuge)

Near Quartzsite

Although there are options closer to town, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is my favorite place for boondocking near Quartzsite.

The wildlife refuge is sprawling and remote. It covers roughly 665,000 acres, a mixture of open desert and the rugged Kofa Mountains. Dirt roads are numerous with dispersed camping allowed throughout the entire area.

The dirt access roads are maintained year-round. Expect minor washboarding, but nothing too serious. These access roads are RV friendly, although big rigs should look for campsites closer to Highway 95 as the roads do become rougher the further in you travel towards the mountains.

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge doesn’t get too many visitors, so you can expect privacy and solitude. The exception is near the borders of the park, just off Highway 95. The spacious, flat campsites here are easily accessed by all rigs, so they can fill up with RV boondockers. But, drive into the park just a few miles, and you’re sure to find privacy. 

Dispersed camping and boondocking are allowed throughout the entire refuge, although my favorite campsites are those along Palm Canyon Road. The campsites along Crystal Hill Road are another good bet.

What I Like:

Kofa is an ideal place for RV boondocking in Arizona. Campsites are spacious enough for the largest rigs and the dirt roads are well maintained. The mountain views are beautiful and the stars are bright at night. Cellular reception is decent, but far from amazing. Kofa is conveniently located off of Highway 95 between Quartzsite and Yuma.

What I Don’t Like:

Expect wind while camping here. The wind can get annoying if you don’t have an adequate wind block. There’s lots of cholla, so keep an eye on your dogs.  

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

Much of the surrounding area is BLM land. In fact, most of the roads leading into Kofa from Highway 95 are on BLM land, which means dispersed camping is allowed before you even enter the park. For example, there is ample BLM camping on Palm Canyon Road before it crosses into the wildlife refuge.

Each winter, several BLM-managed Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) in Arizona offer long-term boondocking for just $180 for September 15th to April 15th. La Posa LTVA and Midland LTVA are located near Quartzsite while Imperial Dam LTVA is located near Yuma.

Pinery Canyon Road (Coronado National Forest)

Near Wilcox

Pinery Canyon Road is hands down my favorite place for free camping in southeast Arizona.

It’s located about 45 minutes away from Wilcox in Coronado National Forest. It’s very close to the geologic wonders of Chiricahua National Monument.

The best campsites are located near a small stream about 5 miles after turning onto Pinery Canyon Road from Highway 181. The majority of the campsites are on the righthand (south) side of the road if you’re heading in from Highway 181.

Rigs of all sizes are welcome here. The first several campsites are quite spacious and include a large dirt “parking lot” bordered by trees. The road is well-maintained (aside from moderate washboarding) to this point. At about 7 miles in, the road is much rougher. RVs and trailers should avoid traveling beyond this point. 

The dispersed campsites along Pinery Canyon Road make an excellent home base for exploring Chiricahua National Monument. It’s a quiet, peaceful area with great scenery and lots of wildlife (be careful with food storage as bears frequent the area).

What I Like:

Not only is nearby Cave Creek Canyon beautiful, but it’s also home to some of the best birding in Arizona (including the chance to see the elegant trogon). Don’t forget to check it out in addition to Chiricahua National Monument. This dispersed camping area is also very quiet and peaceful with amazingly dark night skies. There are a lot of hiking trails in this area (the Big Loop Trail is my favorite).

What I Don’t Like:

The roads aren’t in the best shape, but expect nothing worse than moderate washboarding – at least until you’re about 7 miles in. Travel trailers and RVs should opt for the larger campsites just after the sign for the national forest. There’s no cellular reception here.

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

There is ample dispersed camping in Coronado National Forest, including throughout the rest of the Chiricahua Mountains area. Several small, developed national forest campgrounds are also available for a small fee. Herb Martyr Campground is one of my favorites. It costs just $15 per night.

Craggy Wash (BLM Land)

Near Lake Havasu

Craggy Wash is one of the most popular places for BLM camping in Arizona.

It’s just 10 miles from Lake Havasu City to the south and 12 miles from I-40 to the north. It’s also just a little over a mile from Walmart. But this convenience has a downside – it gets crowded here.

Luckily, the crowds tend to congregate between mile one and two after the turn-off from Highway 95. Drive in a mile or two further (and consider checking out side roads) and you’ll likely find a campsite that’s much more private – at least private enough for one night.

The BLM access road is a bit bumpy, but doable in all vehicles. That said, RVs and trailers are better off looking for boondocking spots just after the first mile marker after turning off Highway 95. Not only are these campsites the most level, but they’re also the most spacious with plenty of room for even the biggest rigs (but keep your eyes peeled so you don’t get stuck in soft sand).

If you can tough out the crowds for a night or two, then you’re in for a real treat. Craggy Wash boasts great desert views of the surrounding hills and mountains. Sunset and sunrise here is very special.

What I Like:

The main benefit of Craggy Wash is its convenience. It’s just 15 minutes to Lake Havasu City and 15 minutes the other direction to I-40. This is a great place to rest for the night on a road trip, especially since the nearby Walmart doesn’t allow overnight RV parking. Cellular service is strong. This area can accommodate even the biggest RVs and trailers. 

What I Don’t Like:

Craggy Wash is crowded. Campers are often loud into the wee hours since this is a popular party location. The numerous OHV trails in the area makes for some road noise and the likelihood of dust. Unfortunately, all too many visitors leave behind trash and don’t properly dispose of human waste – make sure you’re not one of them!

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

Lone Tree, another BLM dispersed camping area, is located just off Highway 95, about 4 miles north of the turnoff for Craggy Wash. Because it’s so convenient and can fit RVs of all sizes, it tends to get crowded here as well.

Badger Creek Overlook (BLM Land)

Near Vermillion Cliffs

For free camping near Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, look no further than Badger Creek Overlook.

These dispersed campsites are located about 15 minutes south of Marble Canyon on BLM land just off of Highway 89A. The best campsites look out over the Colorado River (near the start of the Grand Canyon). But every campsite has amazing views since the Vermillion Cliffs are prominent in the distance.

For such a beautiful area, it’s relatively uncrowded here. The overlook (a small turnaround area) gets plenty of visitors during the daytime, but not many stick around to camp, at least in my experience.

Several sites are large enough for RVs and trailers. Just know that there’s not much room to turn around at the end of the road. The road itself is a little bumpy but not horrible. The campsites are decently spaced apart, so you’re in for a quiet and peaceful night without many close neighbors.

Snakes, tarantulas, and other critters are common here – so watch your step and keep dogs close. California condors also live here. As the sign near the start of the dirt road states, the area is environmentally fragile, so stick to existing roads, trails, and campsites only.

What I Like:

The views of the Colorado River from the cliffs above are hard to beat. Although it gets a little busy during the day, it’s surprisingly uncrowded here at night. The campsites themselves are spacious and relatively private. Beautiful Vermillion Cliffs (including The Wave in Coyote Buttes North) is just a short drive away.

What I Don’t Like:

Badger Creek Overlook is exposed. There is no shade and it gets hot – especially during the summer. Bring an awning or canopy for shade. It’s also very windy here. If you’re tent camping, make sure to stake down your tent!

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

After Badger Creek Overlook, my favorite place to camp near Vermillion Cliffs is Stateline Campground, a small campground on the border between Utah and Arizona. It’s a developed campground (no dispersed camping allowed), but it’s still free!

Related Post: The Best Dispersed Campsites In Utah

Harshaw Road (Coronado National Forest)

Near Patagonia

Last but not least on our list of the best dispersed campsites in Arizona is Harshaw Road.

Located a little over an hour south of Tucson and just 15 minutes from Patagonia, Harshaw Road (sometimes called Harshaw Creek Road) is the ideal location for those exploring southern Arizona near the Mexican border.

The drive into these free campsites starts in Patagonia, a quaint town with a rich mining history known for its fantastic birding opportunities. The paved road then follows meandering Harshaw Creek through a sycamore-shaded canyon until crossing over into Coronado National Forest.

It’s here that the campsites first appear. There are about a dozen large campsites that will fit RVs of any size. Better yet? These are all along the paved access road. Further in (roughly 7 miles), the road turns to gravel, but is generally kept in good condition.

Thanks to the elevation (which increases the deeper in you drive along Harshaw Road) this area is excellent for summer camping to escape the Arizona heat.

What I Like:

Despite having quite a bit of traffic, Harshaw Road is quiet and peaceful. The campsites are all private. Several are large enough for even the biggest RVs. The area itself is beautiful. Cell service is spotty, but you should pick up at least a bar or two.

What I Don’t Like:

Harshaw Road is quite busy. Not only with other recreationalists, but also with work vehicles driving to and from the area’s still active mines. That’s not to mention the abundance of border patrol vehicles which drive through the area at all hours, including the middle of the night.

Other Free Campsites Nearby:

Coronado National Forest has several other dispersed camping opportunities near Patagonia, including along San Rafael Road. Since these are even deeper in the forest, you can expect them to be even quieter and more private than Harshaw Road, although border patrol vehicles are still a common sight.

How to Find Even More Free Camping in Arizona

Not satisfied with the free campsites on my list?

Luckily, the state has literally hundreds of others, most located on public lands. Here’s how to find other dispersed campsites in Arizona:

• Apps – FreeCampsites.net and iOverlander are my favorite apps/websites to find potential dispersed campsites. Many of those listed have user-submitted reviews and pictures.

• Online Maps – I use satellite view on Google Maps to find potential dispersed campsites. Then I like to use Gaia GPS or FreeRoam to turn on public land overlays for BLM land and national forests.

• MVUM Maps – Pick up paper USFS and BLM motor vehicle use maps in ranger stations to identify roads with potential dispersed camping opportunities. Avenza Maps provides a digital solution to MVUMs.

Other options for free camping in Arizona include camping in store parking lots (like Walmart or Cracker Barrel), casino camping, and even stealth camping.

Related Post: New Mexico’s Best Free Dispersed Campsites

Arizona Dispersed Camping Rules and Regulations

The popularity of dispersed camping has taken a toll on many of Arizona’s most beautiful natural areas.  

It’s very important to always follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when dispersed camping in Arizona – or anywhere else for that matter – to limit human impact on the land as much as possible.

Here are a few of the most important things to do:

• Pack Out Trash – Don’t expect garbage cans. Plan ahead and bring trash bags. Pack out all of your trash, including food waste. Clean up around your campsite to leave it even cleaner than when you arrived.

• Properly Dispose of Human Waste – Vault toilets are few and far between at dispersed campsites. Know how to bury human waste – or, better yet, pack it out.

• Respect Campfire Restrictions – Always follow all fire restrictions. Never have a campfire in an area where they are banned.

• Avoid Closed Areas – Portions of BLM land and national forests will periodically be closed to the public. Obey all signage and stay out of these areas. They’re often extremely environmentally sensitive.

• Don’t Overstay – Most public land in Arizona has a 14-day camping limit. Please don’t overstay. Usually you can move a certain number of miles and camp for an additional 14 days.

Visit the national forest or BLM website for the public land you’re visiting to read up on each area’s specific dispersed camping rules and regulations.

Related Post: The Best Free Camping in Nevada

Have Fun Camping in Arizona!

Arizona is a wonderful place to explore with countless free camping opportunities.

Although most states in the American West have an abundance of dispersed camping options, Arizona just might have the most – and, also, the best.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions about dispersed camping in Arizona.

More Help: jake@campnado.com