Boondocking in Arizona | 11 Of The Best Boondocking Spots in Arizona
Arizona is one of the more popular states to explore in an RV and there's no better way to experience the state's raw beauty than by boondocking! From Sedona's majestic red rocks to Coconino National Forest's tranquil forests, Arizona offers a diverse range of landscapes perfect for off-grid camping.
Whether you're a seasoned boondocker or a newbie eager to explore, this guide to 11 top boondocking spots in Arizona will inspire your next adventure.
Imagine waking up to the sunrise over the Grand Canyon or sipping your morning coffee surrounded by the serene wilderness of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Boondocking in Arizona isn't just about finding a free place to park your RV. It's about immersing yourself in nature and finding peace in the solitude.
With our carefully curated list of eleven amazing boondocking locations, you'll discover places that offer breathtaking views and unique experiences.
So pack your essentials, prepare your rig, and embark on a journey showcasing the best of Arizona's great outdoors.
Can I Boondock in Arizona?
Yes, you can absolutely boondock in Arizona! The state is a boondocker's paradise, offering various locations that cater to different preferences, whether you're drawn to desert landscapes, forested areas, or serene lakeside.
The geography, landscapes, and climate vary quite a bit between Northern Arizona and Southern Arizona, each offering its own benefits. Escape the cold of winter by spending time in Southern Arizona, or take a break from the summer heat by finding a boondocking site in Northern Arizona.
Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and national forests are particularly welcoming to RV boondockers, providing numerous dispersed camping opportunities. Popular spots include the stunning red rock country around Sedona, the cool pines of the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, and the peaceful waterside sites at Mittry Lake Wildlife Area near Yuma.
These areas typically allow free or very low-cost stays, making them ideal for extended natural stays. The Grand Canyon state also has a mixture of camping locations. You can find a spot either in a developed campground or a dispersed camping site within BLM lands, forest service lands, or those belonging to the Arizona Department of State Land.
You can typically find free boondocking in Arizona a bit off the beaten path but near popular places like Grand Canyon National Park (both north rim and south rim), Saguaro National Park, Sedona, and even the outskirts of Phoenix and its surrounding area.
Tips for Boondocking in Arizona
When boondocking in Arizona with your RV, here are three essential tips to ensure a great experience:
First, always check the local regulations and land management policies for the specific area you plan to visit, as rules and allowed stay durations can vary. Many of the public lands with a formal camping area will have a posted sign with rules and regulations to help govern your stay.
Second, be prepared with sufficient water, food, and power supplies since amenities are usually unavailable in these remote locations. Depending on how far down a dirt road you are willing to go, many of the best free boondocking spots in the Grand Canyon state will be remote and in wide open spaces far from modern amenities.
Finally, especially when you find a boondocking spot on public land, practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all your trash, minimizing your impact on the environment, and respecting wildlife and other campers. This will ensure that these beautiful spots remain pristine for future visitors.
RELATED READING: Check out our Comprehensive RV Boondocking Guide
Top 11 Places To Boondock In Arizona
Plan your Arizona boondocking adventure by starting with these camping spot recommendations!
Forest Road 237 - Coconino National Forest
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GPS: 35.0541, -111.7272
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Cell Service: Good for the first few sites, then weakens to nothing the further in you go - Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile
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Length of Stay: 14 days
Forest Road 237 is a dispersed camping area near Flagstaff with access to cooler forested areas and hiking trails. It is easily accessible off Highway 89 but on a rough road that worsens the further you drive down.
It offers numerous camping sites spread across multiple loops, suitable for various vehicle sizes, though some sites are unlevel. The area is quiet and scenic, though it can become busy on weekends, with road noise from nearby highways. Amenities are minimal, so campers should pack out all trash and be prepared for basic conditions.
Mittry Lake Wildlife Area - Yuma
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GPS: 32.8203, -114.4719
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Cell Service: Spotty at best
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Length of Stay: 10 Days
Mittry Lake Wildlife Area near Yuma offers great bird-watching and fishing opportunities. There is a range of dispersed camping options, including large gravel parking areas and smaller spots around the lake that are easily accessible by large RVs.
The area provides beautiful views of the lake and basic amenities like pit toilets and dumpsters (pit toilets are a long walk away from the campsites), though cell service can be weak, and the sites and area can get busy on weekends with day-use visitors, ATVs, and campers.
Indian Bread Rocks
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GPS: 32.2387, -109.4997
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Cell Service: Adequate but not great coverage by major carriers
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Length of Stay: 14 Days
Nestled in the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness near the New Mexico border in the southern portion of the state, Indian Bread Rocks is a popular area that offers a serene boondocking experience with striking rock formations and plenty of space for tents and RVs.
We appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, easy access, and great hiking opportunities, but caution should be advised during monsoon season due to potential flooding.
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Schnebly Hill Road - Sedona
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GPS: 34.9115, -111.644
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Cell Service: Good Verizon and AT&T
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Length of Stay: 14 days in a 30-day period
Schnebly Road offers dispersed camping with beautiful views and a secluded atmosphere near Sedona. While the area provides great spots for hammocking and campfires, campers should be aware of the potential for road closures at certain times of the year and rough access conditions, making this area unsuitable for larger vehicles.
But if you're looking for a camping area near Sedona, this is as good as it gets as Sedona itself is not very camper-friendly.
Blankenship Wash - Lake Havasu
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Cell Service: Very Good
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Length of Stay: 14 Days
Blankenship Wash Dispersed Camping near Lake Havasu City offers a serene and secluded boondocking experience with scenic views and ample space for RVs. It's easily accessed off the main road and has quiet surroundings, although the terrain can get a bit rough the further you drive down the road, making it more suitable for well-equipped vehicles. This area is quieter and less busy than nearby Craggy Wash.
Palm Canyon Dispersed Camping - Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
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GPS: 33.3603, -114.107
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Cell Service: Good
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Length of Stay: 14 Days
Located between Quartzsite and Yuma, Palm Canyon in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge offers dispersed camping with breathtaking views of the desert and mountains.
We always enjoy the serene environment, access to hiking and biking trails, and the opportunity to explore the unique Palm Canyon. However, we recommend being prepared for rough road conditions and limited amenities.
Kaibab National Forest - Forest Road 688
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GPS: 35.9262, -112.1245
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Cell Service: Verizon coverage is spotty at best
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Length of Stay: 14 Days
Forest Road 688 in the Kaibab National Forest offers dispersed camping, scenic views among pine trees, and a peaceful environment. The sites are spacious, and the proximity to Grand Canyon National Park is a plus, though the roads and sites can be quite dusty, and the area can be crowded during peak times.
Castle Hot Springs Road - Lake Pleasant
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GPS: 33.8787, -112.3306
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Cell Service: Spotty to decent coverage
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Length of Stay: 14 Days
Pinery Canyon Road - Chiricahua National Monument
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GPS: 31.9694, -109.3209
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Cell Service: Spotty T-Mobile coverage
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Length of Stay: 14 days
Pinery Canyon Road, located in the Chiricahua National Monument area, is a popular spot for boondocking. It offers shaded spots, cooler temperatures, proximity to a small creek, and access to hiking trails. The road to the site can be rough but improves further along, and it's suitable for larger RVs and trailers, though taller vehicles may face challenges with overhanging branches.
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Plomosa Road BLM Land
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GPS: 33.7488, -114.2162
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Cell Service: Great
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Length of Stay: 14 Days
Plomosa Road, near Quartzsite, allows for off-grid living amidst the serene desert surroundings. It offers a peaceful retreat with expansive views and abundant space to park and relax. This area is popular among RV enthusiasts seeking a quiet getaway with easy access to Quartzsite's amenities and nearby natural attractions.
Mogollon Rim - Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
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GPS: 34.2727, -110.8534
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Cell Service: Spotty AT&T and Verizon
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Length of Stay: 14 Days
The Mogollon Rim Dispersed Camping area offers beautiful forested surroundings, spacious sites, and plenty of privacy. This free campsite offers cooler temperatures and a variety of spots suitable for various RV sizes, making it an excellent choice for a serene boondocking experience. The road is accessible, though it can be rough in places, and it's popular for its scenic views of the canyon rim and tranquility.
In Conclusion
Boondocking in Arizona is a true delight for RV enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. From the majestic landscapes of Grand Canyon National Park to the inviting waters of Lake Havasu, countless boondocking locations offer free camping.
Whether you prefer the remote, dispersed camping sites in the Coconino National Forest or the vast open spaces near Quartzsite, Arizona provides a variety of free campsites that cater to different preferences and rig sizes.
Exploring these boondocking sites allows travelers to experience Arizona's natural beauty, some of the best in the American Southwest, without crowded campgrounds. Enjoy the peace and quiet of a dispersed camping site, the convenience of being near stunning landmarks, and the freedom of free camping.
As you plan your next RV adventure, consider the diverse and picturesque boondocking locations across Arizona for an unforgettable and budget-friendly journey.
At Enduro Power Batteries, we're here to help you make the most of your boondocking experience in Arizona. Check out our Baja Series RV Batteries or give us a call to help you customize your power supply needs!
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE PLANNING YOUR POWER SETUP? GIVE US A CALL AT 303-968-1366 AND OUR TEAM WILL HELP YOU GET STARTED! |