Where can I camp for free in Arizona?

Arizona offers several options for free camping, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands. Some popular free camping areas in Arizona include: Cottonwood Canyon Road near the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Saddle Mountain BLM Dispersed Camping near Tonopah Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping at Lake Powell Forest Road 525 near Sedona in the Coconino National Forest Craggy Wash BLM Dispersed Camping near Lake Havasu City Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and check local regulations before setting up camp. Note that amenities are limited or nonexistent at these free campsites, so come prepared with your own water, waste disposal, and other necessities.

Camping in Arizona: Best Arizona Campgrounds 2023

Q: Can you camp along the Salt River?

Yes, you can camp along the Salt River in Arizona . There are several developed campgrounds and day-use sites managed by the Tonto National Forest . While Coon Bluff, Phon D Sutton, and Granite Reef recreation sites are popular day-use options, there are other campgrounds available for overnight stays. Additionally, you can find private campgrounds along the Salt River, such as the San Tan Valley Hipcamp. Keep in mind that some sites may require a fee, and it's important to follow any posted rules and regulations while camping in these areas.

United States
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Arizona

92% (6518 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Arizona

Dog-friendly getaways

93%

(52)

Top camping destinations

Setting up our camp fire in the nice, established pit.

Tonalea

291 campgrounds

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

356 campgrounds

Coronado National Forest

164 campgrounds

Kaibito

270 campgrounds

Happiness if found while swaying in a hammock, by the warmth of a campfire, the company in the wild and the food in my belly.

Coconino National Forest

413 campgrounds

Grand Canyon National Park

394 campgrounds

Under $50

Booked 3 times

Petrified Forest/Nick’s Place

57 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Sun Valley, Navajo

⭐️Raw land⭐️ Pack in pack out please! No utilities for now. Great for camping,glamping,long term or short term. 2.38 acres. Near historic Route 66. As well as the city of Holbrook where the movie ‘Cars’ took inspiration from. Lots to see,Petrified Forest just right down the road as well! Have a great stay! 🌵

Geo Dome Campsite, I-17 Access

8 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Phoenix, Maricopa

Currently looking for long term winter RV and Vanlife guests to round out our tight little community! Come visit and see what makes every one who has stayed here fall in love with this amazing little slice of heaven in the desert. My description: This is a convenient spot in the city of Phoenix, but it feels like you are camping in the country. Closest neighbors are 150 feet away. I've got 2.3 acres, 5 minutes to Walmart, movie theater, 100's of dining choices in Norterra shopping complex. You'll be behind tall fence/block wall on a full acre to spread out on. (Bring an extension cord for prime spots if applicable) There is some light highway and minimal residential noise if that matters to you. You will hear birds nesting in our cacti, see tons or dove, finches, numerous species of hummingbirds or even hear some coyotes yipping at nighttime. We are about a 4 minute drive from a nice hiking area. 3 30 amp and 2 50 amp power added September 2022. Full time campsite manager on site now. Laundry has free large capacity machines. Water pressure and quality is great. The campfire has tree shade with table and chairs. Extension cord power (when available). Water hose for water. Septic system with tap at campsite. Quiet generators are fine for summer A/C. If you need 30 or 50 amp power you'll have to park closer to the domes or have an extension. Electric hookups...contact for availability. There is an acre to choose your perfect spot, but power and water might not be exactly where you want it. Please be respectful of the property and all of our neighbors as we are surrounded by residential housing. Please drive slow inside the property and keep the gate closed when not in use as there are coyotes in the area. Please do let us know ahead of time if you are afraid of dogs or have allergies. My manager has a small pup and there are others here depending who is staying. I have perfect drinkable amazing deep-well zero particulate well water. Inside my extra geo dome I have a shower, sink, and toilet. While 40 years old and ugly, they are functional. You are welcome to camp or relax inside the 40 foot dome, BUT THERE ARE NO BEDS OR BEDDING. This Hipcamp listing is for camp and RV sites only, not a bed in a geo dome. Please message with arrival time so we can meet you at the gate.

Hawks Hideaway Camping, LLC

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Cottonwood, Yavapai

We offer various camping accommodations, as well as a teepee. See our different listings for info on each. A few choice examples of local activities to do on or very near to our campsite include: Bird watching, hiking, river rafting or tubing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, stargazing, and even rockhounding. This area conforms to the Arizona Dark Sky initiative, and while we are not dark-sky certified, we've had several guests compliment us on our location. When it comes to rockhounding, or amateur geology, this is a fantastic area for exploration and study. The cliff walls of the Verde River offer clear and distinct sedimentary layers, and the frequent flooding of the massive sandy riverbed reveals countless undiscovered treasures.We gladly welcome pets, including horses, as long as the guests inform us of their presence, and takes care of all their needs, including cleaning up any mess. There is a professional horse-boarding field and stables adjacent to our property, and a long pleasant trail allows horseback riders to follow the Verde Greenway into Old Town Cottonwood if they so desire. Please remember that this is a natural and secluded spot located directly adjacent to the state-maintained Verde Ripparian Greenway and the Verde River. This means you may encounter wildlife and pests associated with being in such close connection to nature. Be prepared to tuck your food away and bring ample protection from the insects.

Camp Saguaro

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Tucson, Pima

Camp Saguaro is nestled in a unique and rural area on the west side of Tucson, Arizona. With the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center, Tucson Mountain Park, and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum all within four miles, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors. Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park boast hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and non-motorized mountain bikes are permitted on the trails in Tucson Mountain Park. Let us be your base camp for desert exploration whether it's hiking, riding, birdwatching, and learning. Come to Camp Saguaro and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. What to expect: We are in a rural neighborhood where most parcels are 1-3 acres, we have seven acres. It's quiet around here but along with the natural sounds of the desert like yipping coyotes, and woodpeckers pecking, you may hear a horse, dog, or chicken. While we are on the outskirts of Tucson, we are not completely remote. Camp Saguaro is tobacco-free. Local attractions: Saguaro National Park- 2.3 miles or 2.6 miles to an entrance, 3.7 miles to the visitor center Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum-3.9 miles Tucson Mountain Park-2.5 miles Old Tucson Studios (over 400 movies have been filmed here)-7.1 miles International Wildlife Museum-11 miles King's Canyon Trailhead-3.8 miles Necessities: Gasoline-Speedway 5.7 miles Propane-Wagon Wheel 5.8 miles, West Ajo Feeds 12 miles Hardware-Picture Rocks Hardware 5.6 miles Groceries-Fry's Cortaro Road 14 miles

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Kaibab Paiute RV Park

75 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Kaibab, Mohave

For discounted prices please give us a call at (928) 643-6601 The Kaibab Paiute RV Park and Campgound is located between Fredonia and Colorado City Arizona on the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation. We are settled right in the middle of everywhere you want to see in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, Zion National park, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon North Rim are just a few National parks that are easy day trips from our location. We offer a beautiful backdrop and wonderful amenities to your relaxing stay with us as you take a break from your daily adventures in our breathtaking land that we are so blessed to call home. For discounted prices please give us a call at (928) 643-6601

12 top campgrounds in Arizona

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Camp Saguaro

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Tucson, Pima

Camp Saguaro is nestled in a unique and rural area on the west side of Tucson, Arizona. With the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center, Tucson Mountain Park, and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum all within four miles, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors. Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park boast hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and non-motorized mountain bikes are permitted on the trails in Tucson Mountain Park. Let us be your base camp for desert exploration whether it's hiking, riding, birdwatching, and learning. Come to Camp Saguaro and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. What to expect: We are in a rural neighborhood where most parcels are 1-3 acres, we have seven acres. It's quiet around here but along with the natural sounds of the desert like yipping coyotes, and woodpeckers pecking, you may hear a horse, dog, or chicken. While we are on the outskirts of Tucson, we are not completely remote. Camp Saguaro is tobacco-free. Local attractions: Saguaro National Park- 2.3 miles or 2.6 miles to an entrance, 3.7 miles to the visitor center Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum-3.9 miles Tucson Mountain Park-2.5 miles Old Tucson Studios (over 400 movies have been filmed here)-7.1 miles International Wildlife Museum-11 miles King's Canyon Trailhead-3.8 miles Necessities: Gasoline-Speedway 5.7 miles Propane-Wagon Wheel 5.8 miles, West Ajo Feeds 12 miles Hardware-Picture Rocks Hardware 5.6 miles Groceries-Fry's Cortaro Road 14 miles