Free Dispersed Camping in Arizona: Where to Actually Go
I've spent the last few seasons exploring Arizona's dispersed camping scene, and I'm constantly surprised by how many incredible free spots are hidden in plain sight. With 20 dispersed sites scattered across the state, you can camp for free in some truly stunning locations—no reservations, no fees, just you and nature.
The beauty of Arizona is the variety. You've got everything from easily accessible lowlands to moderate elevation areas. Most sites require you to pack in all your water, and many require some backcountry experience.
The Best Spots I've Found
After camping at dozens of these locations, here are my top picks. Each one offers something unique, and I've included the exact coordinates so you can find them on your GPS or mapping app.
1. Ajo Scenic Loop
"Free dispersed camping around Sonoran Desert NM Arizona. Saguaro flats and rugged hills with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Ajo/OPNM vicinity. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Extreme summer heat Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 32.3710°N, 112.8680°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
2. Cave Creek – Seven Springs Road
"Free dispersed camping at Cave Creek – Seven Springs Road in Arizona. Riparian canyon and desert hills with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Seven Springs. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Narrow for trailers Arrive early
Coordinates: 33.9880°N, 111.8800°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
3. Parker Canyon Lake Vicinity
"Free dispersed camping at Parker Canyon Lake Vicinity in Arizona. Oak grasslands and foothills with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Parker Canyon. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Windy at lake Arrive early
Coordinates: 31.4200°N, 110.4500°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
4. Williams/Kaibab FR 124/140
"Free dispersed camping around Kaibab NF – Williams Arizona. Ponderosa pine flats near Route 66 with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Bill Williams Mountain. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Thunderstorms/mud Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 35.3000°N, 112.1500°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
5. Ashurst Lake Backroads
"Free dispersed camping at Ashurst Lake Backroads in Arizona. Open meadows and ponderosa with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Ashurst and Marshall Lakes. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Windy; popular Arrive early
Coordinates: 35.0270°N, 111.3770°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
6. Chiricahua – Pinery Canyon Rd
"Free dispersed camping around Coronado NF Arizona. Oak–pine canyons and birding with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Portal/Sunrise area. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Steep grades; tight turns Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 31.9000°N, 109.3500°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
7. Mogollon Rim FR 300 Pullouts
"Free dispersed camping around Coconino NF Arizona. Rim-edge overlooks and ponderosa flats with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Woods Canyon/Willow Springs. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Steep drop-offs; crowded weekends Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 34.4680°N, 111.2460°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
8. Cinder Hills OHV Vicinity
"Free dispersed camping around Coconino NF Arizona. Cinder cones and ponderosa flats with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Sunset Crater area. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Dusty; OHV noise Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 35.3010°N, 111.5280°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
What You Actually Need to Bring
Forget the generic packing lists. Here's what actually matters for Arizona dispersed camping, based on real experience:
Water is your top priority. Most of these sites have no water. Seriously. I usually pack 5-gallon jugs—one per person for a weekend trip. It's heavy but non-negotiable.
Vehicle matters more than you think. Most sites are accessible with a regular SUV, but check recent trip reports. Roads change after rain and snow.
Navigation tools. Cell service is terrible or nonexistent at most dispersed sites. I use Gaia GPS with downloaded offline maps. The USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps are also helpful—grab them from the ranger station or download PDFs before you leave.
Finding These Spots
All the sites I've listed include exact GPS coordinates. Plug them into your navigation app. But here's the thing—these are general areas, not specific campsites. You'll need to find your actual spot within that area. Look for established pullouts and fire rings. Don't create new sites.
Recent trip reports are gold. Check forums, AllTrails, iOverlander. Conditions change constantly. A road that was fine in August might be impassable in June with snowmelt mud.
