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% (6465 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Arizona

Under $50

99%

(270)

Top camping destinations

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

Tonalea

291 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

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

356 campgrounds

Kaibito

270 campgrounds

Grand Canyon National Park

394 campgrounds

Coronado National Forest

164 campgrounds

Star Hosts in Arizona

99%

(187)

Sun & Moon Retreat

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Dewey, Yavapai

It seems like nearly everyone who comes here says this is a peaceful place! It's like being out in the country whilst still being close enough to so many things, halfway between Sedona and Prescott, in a neighborhood with dirt roads and farm animals in which horses have the right away. The mountains are hypnotic. The air is clean. The stars are breathtaking. You can see the Milky Way on a clear night. The sunsets and sunrises are gorgeous and we see a lot of double rainbows here. The dome is fully furnished for 3 adults or if you have two small children, we can count 2 kids as 1 adult (just let me know). Inside there's a queen bed, futon, clean linens, table w/chairs, portable a/c, electric & propane heaters, lamps, kitchenette, one USB and one two prong outlet for small devices (light electrical usage only), and WIFI is available. Plus a yoga mat and books. Outside there's a picnic table, propane grill, propane firepit with comfortable seating surrounding. The outhouse building is equipped with a camping toilet, handwashing sink, and a camping shower (now heated!). There's also a separate dishwashing station. One towel per guest, grill utensils, cups, and plate ware provided. Bring disposables if you do not want to wash your own dishes. Most of the time guests are able to park next to the dome but sometimes, weather depending, it will be necessary to park and walk in about a hundred feet away from the dome. Also on the property you'll find a walking path carved out through the trees behind the dome with a medicine wheel and labyrinth. The property is located in a rural neighborhood so there are other houses around, but at a far distance, with still plenty of privacy. There are lots of animals like cardinals, hawks, owls, blue jays, roadrunners, hummingbirds, jackrabbits, cottontails, coyotes, and mule deer. Farm animals like donkeys make sounds in the distance which is pretty comical at times. There are occasional sightings of beer, wolves, and mountain lions. The location is central to so many incredible places to explore. Within an hour each direction, there is distinctly different natural terrain to discover. Our local Mortimer Farm is 7 miles away and has a bakery (breakfast/sandwiches/treats), seasonal activities including pick your own food, farm dancing, and monthly farm to table dinners. We also have a local winery, golf course, café, pizzeria, subway and BBQ restaurant. Here are some of the sight seeing possibilities you could use this location to launch from, just to get your mind percolating: Grand Canyon (2.5 hours)Devil’s Bridge (Sedona) Cathedral rock (Sedona) Bell Rock (Sedona) Oak Creek Canyon (Sedona) Bumblebee Giant Saguaros (North Phoenix) Watson’s Lake (Prescott) Granite Dels (Prescott) Ghost Town Tour (Jerome) Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff) Wupatki National Monument (Flagstaff) Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (Flagstaff) Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff) Antelope Canyon (Page) Lake Powell (Page) Horseshoe Bend (Page) Petrified Forest National Park (2.75 hours) Meteor Crater National Landmark (2 hours) Walnut Canyon National Monument (Flagstaff) Montezuma Castle National Monument and Well (Camp Verde) Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Camp Verde) Desert Botanical Gardens (Phoenix) Wine Tasting (Page Springs) It's my intention that anyone who stays here, leaves more nourished in spirit, more firmly planted in their true selves and more deeply in alignment with nature's rhythm. Looking forward to your visit!

100%

(233)

Verde River Vortex

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Clarkdale, Yavapai

Learn more about this land: Greetings fellow adventure lovers! Welcome to Verde River Vortex where we have Comfy Cabin Camping with access to tons of outdoor activities just out the back door. The Cabins are nestled around a patch of Bamboo and other high desert vegetation as well as a very rich cultural history with many Ruins and Other Native American Sights in the surrounding areas. The Verde River is one of Arizona's only two Wild and Scenic Rivers, yet it remains relatively undiscovered as a recreational resource is within walking distance and offers endless exploration and water fun in the Spring and Summer Months! The road to reach us is breathtaking in itself with ancient Sinaguan Ruins and strangely beautifully sculpted landscapes along the River drive. Enjoy miles of forests, rivers, lakes, swimming, hiking, mtb, all near by and all while being comfy and cozy for a nights recharge to do it all again after a hot shower or Jacuzzi or our Absolutely AWESOME wood fired Sauna with Cold water dipping pool under the stars. Each Cabin is fully equipt (hot water/appliances/kitchen/bathroom/dishes) as an Adventure base during your stay providing a comfortable, cozy and unique location for couples or small groups/families to enjoy while adventuring and creating memories in the area. We provide various suggestions on local activities for our guests to enjoy as well as helpful tips to get the most out of their stay. TWO CABINS AVAILABLE: Crystal Cabin Loft With Outdoor Jacuzzi - 1-4 ppl Great For Couples Juniper Cabin 1-4+ ppl Better for families or larger groups needing more space. More details on the spaces can be viewed in the individual cabin pictures/description. approx times to various points of interest from VRV: The Grand Canyon - 2.5hrs Cottonwood - 10-20 Sedona - 30-45 min Flagstaff - 1hr Prescott - 1hr Bryce Canyon - 6hrs Zion Nat Park - 5hrs Mexico - 6-7hrs **It should be noted that this is a Rural Area in which case you might hear Farm Animals, Dogs, Critters like Cayotes ! We are located on a Dirt Road, 4x4 is not needed unless we are having very stormy weather** Safe Adventuring to all and feel free to reach out with any questions.

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

7 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

100%

(13)

Crown Jewel Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Crown King, Yavapai

Come see the best mountain views in the state from your private deck in Crown King, Arizona. This cabin offers all the modern luxuries of a vacation home within the seclusion and beauty of the forest. This is the perfect place to escape the summer heat with temperatures about 25 degrees cooler than Phoenix! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon of reading on the deck or an adventure-packed weekend of hiking and exploring, this is the cabin for you. Bring your motorized toys and enjoy miles of dirt roads, streams, and lakes. Crown King is a destination spot for ATV enthusiasts. The town of Crown King features a historic saloon, family-friendly diner, and general market. The cabin offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Two bedrooms feature queen beds and beautiful views, while the spacious master houses a king-size bed and wrap-around private deck. The main level includes a fully equipped kitchen, wood-burning stove, and large projector perfect for movie nights. The lower wrap-around deck has ample seating and includes a propane BBQ grill. You can play ladder ball, enjoy a game of cornhole, or listen to music on the bluetooth speakers while you watch the sunset. Come relax, escape the city, and reconnect with nature in this one-of-a-kind glamping experience. ***Please Note*** The cabin is located on a maintained, but at times bumpy unpaved road. Getting to the cabin will include about 25 miles of unpaved dirt road that traverses the mountain. High clearance vehicle (SUV/truck, etc) and/or 4WD/AWD is highly encouraged for most roads in Crown King and is required to get all the way up the switch-back driveway at the property. When snow/ice or inclement weather is present, you will need 4-wheel drive and are required to carry snow chains. Refunds cannot be given for disregarding if you are unable to make it to the cabin. Please come prepared for the mountains in an appropriate vehicle.

12 top campgrounds in Arizona

93%

(50)

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.

Sun & Moon Retreat

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Dewey, Yavapai

It seems like nearly everyone who comes here says this is a peaceful place! It's like being out in the country whilst still being close enough to so many things, halfway between Sedona and Prescott, in a neighborhood with dirt roads and farm animals in which horses have the right away. The mountains are hypnotic. The air is clean. The stars are breathtaking. You can see the Milky Way on a clear night. The sunsets and sunrises are gorgeous and we see a lot of double rainbows here. The dome is fully furnished for 3 adults or if you have two small children, we can count 2 kids as 1 adult (just let me know). Inside there's a queen bed, futon, clean linens, table w/chairs, portable a/c, electric & propane heaters, lamps, kitchenette, one USB and one two prong outlet for small devices (light electrical usage only), and WIFI is available. Plus a yoga mat and books. Outside there's a picnic table, propane grill, propane firepit with comfortable seating surrounding. The outhouse building is equipped with a camping toilet, handwashing sink, and a camping shower (now heated!). There's also a separate dishwashing station. One towel per guest, grill utensils, cups, and plate ware provided. Bring disposables if you do not want to wash your own dishes. Most of the time guests are able to park next to the dome but sometimes, weather depending, it will be necessary to park and walk in about a hundred feet away from the dome. Also on the property you'll find a walking path carved out through the trees behind the dome with a medicine wheel and labyrinth. The property is located in a rural neighborhood so there are other houses around, but at a far distance, with still plenty of privacy. There are lots of animals like cardinals, hawks, owls, blue jays, roadrunners, hummingbirds, jackrabbits, cottontails, coyotes, and mule deer. Farm animals like donkeys make sounds in the distance which is pretty comical at times. There are occasional sightings of beer, wolves, and mountain lions. The location is central to so many incredible places to explore. Within an hour each direction, there is distinctly different natural terrain to discover. Our local Mortimer Farm is 7 miles away and has a bakery (breakfast/sandwiches/treats), seasonal activities including pick your own food, farm dancing, and monthly farm to table dinners. We also have a local winery, golf course, café, pizzeria, subway and BBQ restaurant. Here are some of the sight seeing possibilities you could use this location to launch from, just to get your mind percolating: Grand Canyon (2.5 hours)Devil’s Bridge (Sedona) Cathedral rock (Sedona) Bell Rock (Sedona) Oak Creek Canyon (Sedona) Bumblebee Giant Saguaros (North Phoenix) Watson’s Lake (Prescott) Granite Dels (Prescott) Ghost Town Tour (Jerome) Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff) Wupatki National Monument (Flagstaff) Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (Flagstaff) Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff) Antelope Canyon (Page) Lake Powell (Page) Horseshoe Bend (Page) Petrified Forest National Park (2.75 hours) Meteor Crater National Landmark (2 hours) Walnut Canyon National Monument (Flagstaff) Montezuma Castle National Monument and Well (Camp Verde) Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Camp Verde) Desert Botanical Gardens (Phoenix) Wine Tasting (Page Springs) It's my intention that anyone who stays here, leaves more nourished in spirit, more firmly planted in their true selves and more deeply in alignment with nature's rhythm. Looking forward to your visit!

97%

(37)

Phoenix Citi StarGazer A-Frame

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Phoenix, Maricopa

Darling camping A-Frame located in NE Phoenix, just 15 minutes from the airport, perfect for a short stay in Phoenix, or if you're heading up to the Grand Canyon or Sedona. The A-Frame is super cozy and has large clear panels above the bed for night time stargazing. If clouds obscure the stars then simply enjoy the unique star lighting strategically placed in the Citi StarGazer. Super comfortable queen sized bed, and wonderful bedding make for the perfect night's sleep. Linens are provided. Campers may use the onsite swimming pool. Small secondary building with portable toilet and outdoor shower with hot water included. Perfect economical stay for adventurers in the Phoenix area, the fifth largest city in the US with tons of things to do! Located close to great hiking such as Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The A-Frame is located in the large backyard of our Phoenix home in a nice neighborhood. We live onsite and look forward to hosting you! Happy (and economical) travels, y'all!

Camp Saguaro

7 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

Crown Jewel Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Crown King, Yavapai

Come see the best mountain views in the state from your private deck in Crown King, Arizona. This cabin offers all the modern luxuries of a vacation home within the seclusion and beauty of the forest. This is the perfect place to escape the summer heat with temperatures about 25 degrees cooler than Phoenix! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon of reading on the deck or an adventure-packed weekend of hiking and exploring, this is the cabin for you. Bring your motorized toys and enjoy miles of dirt roads, streams, and lakes. Crown King is a destination spot for ATV enthusiasts. The town of Crown King features a historic saloon, family-friendly diner, and general market. The cabin offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Two bedrooms feature queen beds and beautiful views, while the spacious master houses a king-size bed and wrap-around private deck. The main level includes a fully equipped kitchen, wood-burning stove, and large projector perfect for movie nights. The lower wrap-around deck has ample seating and includes a propane BBQ grill. You can play ladder ball, enjoy a game of cornhole, or listen to music on the bluetooth speakers while you watch the sunset. Come relax, escape the city, and reconnect with nature in this one-of-a-kind glamping experience. ***Please Note*** The cabin is located on a maintained, but at times bumpy unpaved road. Getting to the cabin will include about 25 miles of unpaved dirt road that traverses the mountain. High clearance vehicle (SUV/truck, etc) and/or 4WD/AWD is highly encouraged for most roads in Crown King and is required to get all the way up the switch-back driveway at the property. When snow/ice or inclement weather is present, you will need 4-wheel drive and are required to carry snow chains. Refunds cannot be given for disregarding if you are unable to make it to the cabin. Please come prepared for the mountains in an appropriate vehicle.