Dispersed-camping regions in Arizona

Hand-curated zones inside Arizona that concentrate the highest-quality dispersed and free camping. Each region page lists the federal and state managers, named pull-outs, the practical camping season, and the elevation band that controls almost everything else.

October–April · 900–3,500 ft

Sonoran Desert

Managers: BLM Phoenix, Lower Sonoran, Hassayampa & Tucson Field Offices

Areas: Sonoran Desert National Monument, Ironwood Forest National Monument, Saddle Mountain…

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May–October · 6,500–7,800 ft

Mogollon Rim

Managers: Coconino & Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Areas: Rim Road FR300 corridor, Knoll Lake area, Woods Canyon dispersed…

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mid-May–October (north rim closes for snow) · 6,800–9,200 ft

Kaibab Plateau & Grand Canyon Rim

Managers: Kaibab National Forest (North & South Kaibab Ranger Districts)

Areas: FR 610 to East Rim, Demotte Park dispersed, Tusayan dispersed corridor…

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April–October · 4,500–6,500 ft

Arizona Strip & Vermilion Cliffs

Managers: BLM Arizona Strip District; Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Areas: House Rock Valley Road, Stateline campground area, Toroweap Road corridor…

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year-round at elevation, summer best · 3,500–9,500 ft

Sky Islands of Southeast Arizona

Managers: Coronado National Forest (Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, Chiricahua districts)

Areas: Catalina Highway dispersed pull-outs, Madera Canyon road, Chiricahua Pinery Canyon…

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