Map showing campground location near Peoria, Arizona

Camper submitted image from Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

Dispersed Camping off hwy 74

Wind gusts and weekend side-by-side traffic characterize this dispersed camping area on State Trust Land along Highway 74. Campers park along dirt roads that branch off the main highway, with sites scattered across several miles of accessible terrain. The area accommodates both RVs and tent campers, though lower clearance vehicles need to stay closer to the main road to avoid steep washes.

Road conditions vary significantly depending on how far campers venture from the highway. Four-wheel-drive rigs can navigate deeper into the area for more isolated spots, while standard vehicles find level parking near the entrance. Cell service remains strong throughout the area, with Verizon coverage confirmed by multiple visitors. The proximity to Lake Pleasant moderates temperatures slightly compared to surrounding desert areas.

Recent changes have impacted access, with new "No Motor Vehicle" signs installed as of spring 2025, effectively closing the area to camping. Before closure, the site required a $15 permit from the Arizona State Land Department. Tamra J. noted waking to "hot air balloons, cactus and mountains" at sunrise, highlighting the area's desert mountain setting.

For campers seeking current alternatives, Maddock Road Dispersed - AZ State Trust Land offers similar dispersed camping less than a mile northeast.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed Camping off hwy 74 is located in Arizona

Coordinates

33.81165304690023 N
112.2385950946363 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 60 users
Last on 4/2/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 97 users
Last on 4/2/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 4/2/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 60 users
Last on 4/2/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 97 users
Last on 4/2/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 4/2/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Drive Time

18 min from Phoenix, AZ
58 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
1 hr 41 min from Flagstaff, AZ
3 hrs from Lake Havasu City, AZ

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the scenic mountain and cactus setting with generally level sites, though crowds and weekend ATV noise were common concerns. Recent closure with new vehicle restrictions has unfortunately ended access to this former dispersed camping destination.

Christopher H.

Scout

Reviewed May. 6, 2025

CLOSED as of April 24, 2025

Unfortunately, the state has closed this area down. Brand new “No Motor Vehicle” signs installed. This was a major travel destination for RV’rs and campers passing through, or staying for a while in close proximity to Phoenix. Major disappointment. I gave it 5 stars because that’s what it was when open.

Month of VisitMarch

Albert A.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2025

This spot seems to be closing down along with many others

Brand new "No Motor vehicle" signs have been erected this week. Literally I got here yesterday and the sign was up today. The last spot up the road the exact same thing.

Month of VisitApril

Eric S.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 4, 2025

Close to town

It’s not bad most days. The wind gets pretty strong out here and there are a lot of side by sides that run very late into the night in the weekends, usually. The temps are a little cooler because of the proximity to Lake Pleasant. But, you’re only minutes to Peoria from here for supplies and North Phoenix and Anthem are very close too.

Siteopen sites. FCFS

Month of VisitMarch

(6) View All

Gregg T.

Ranger

Reviewed Dec. 27, 2024

Wide open state land

Yes, I paid the$15 fee and I've been here a couple weeks. People are pretty great. I had Christmas Eve dinner with a bunch of other campers. A lot of fun

Sitenear the road

Month of VisitDecember

(8) View All

Chelsey W.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 16, 2024

Nice, quiet, friendly site with some trash and glass

The campsite is good, quiet, easily accessible and I met some friendly neighbors. I love all the cacti as well. There is quite a bit of trash and glass around. Full Verizon cell service and nice warm weather in December.

Month of VisitDecember

Ralph S.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2024

Requires permit

Area is marked and needs permit as well. As a foreigner I can't buy the permit online since only US address can be entered and will be reverted for the credit card payment so no way to stay there legally.

Maybe going in person or call them can get me a permit but yeah not this way.

Anyway the spot is nice and levelled if it would be usable 🙂

Month of VisitAugust

James P.

Legend

Reviewed Feb. 29, 2024

Nice Desert Site

Only stayed for the night but could have stayed longer if we didn’t have someplace to be. Lower clearance rigs and vehicles need to stay closer to the main road. We have a 4x4 class C towing a Jeep so we went through some steep banked washes. The further you get away from the main road the less people. Will stay here again.

SiteDesert

Month of VisitFebruary

(12) View All

Gretta G.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 11, 2024

Quiet and peaceful

My experience here was good meet a couple if nice people and mainly everyone keeps to themselves. Conviently close to the new gas station here so made it nice it has been a little cold this time of year so remember to bundle up at night!

SiteBehind the new shell on lake pleasant parkway and the 74

Month of VisitJanuary

Tamra J.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 29, 2023

Great stopover! And great week stay!

We drove in late at night and could not see too well, but parked and slept soundly. Awoke to WONDERFUL hot air balloons, cactus and mountains… after sunrise! What a sight!

We returned for a longer stay! Lovely and quiet! (We drove further from the road, and parked in daylight this time!)

Sitenot sure

Month of VisitMarch

(4) View All

Spencer P.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 22, 2023

So many rvs and campers…

Pulled onto the road and for several miles you can pretty much pull off anywhere and camp where you please. Hundreds? Of other campers all along the several mile stretch

Month of VisitMarch

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping available along Highway 74 near Phoenix?

Yes, dispersed camping is available along Highway 74 near Phoenix. This stretch offers miles of camping opportunities where you can pull off the road and set up camp. The area features desert landscapes with cacti and mountain views. Campsites vary in privacy, with those farther from the main road offering more seclusion. Note that some sections now require a $15 permit, and recent reports indicate some areas have new vehicle restrictions. Lower clearance vehicles should stay closer to the highway, while 4x4 vehicles can navigate the steeper washes to reach more remote spots.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Phoenix?

Dispersed camping off Highway 74 provides a popular free camping option near Phoenix. The area stretches for several miles where you can pull off and camp in numerous spots. While technically free, be aware that some portions now require a $15 permit fee. The location offers beautiful desert scenery with cacti and mountain views, and it's conveniently located close to Peoria for supplies. You'll find numerous spots with varying levels of privacy, though some areas have recently had vehicle restrictions implemented. Other free dispersed camping options near Phoenix include areas around Lake Pleasant and parts of Tonto National Forest.

What camping options are available at Redington Pass near Phoenix?

Redington Pass, located east of Tucson rather than near Phoenix, offers primitive dispersed camping opportunities in the Coronado National Forest. Unlike Highway 74, Redington Pass features higher elevation terrain with different vegetation. For camping options actually near Phoenix, Highway 74 dispersed camping provides desert landscapes with cacti and mountain views. The area attracts a variety of campers, from overnight stays to longer-term visitors. Cell service is generally good with full Verizon coverage reported. Consider checking permit requirements before visiting any dispersed camping area near Phoenix.

Where can I find tent camping sites along rivers near Phoenix?

For river camping near Phoenix, check out sites along the Verde River in Tonto National Forest or the Lower Salt River Recreation Area. While Highway 74 dispersed camping doesn't offer riverside sites (it's near Lake Pleasant), it provides desert camping with mountain views and cacti. For water-adjacent camping, consider developed campgrounds at Lake Pleasant Regional Park or Bartlett Lake, which offer tent sites near water. The Lower Salt River area provides opportunities for camping with river access, though most sites require permits through recreation.gov.

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DISPERSED CAMPING

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

Drive Time

Is dispersed camping available along Highway 74 near Phoenix?

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Phoenix?

What camping options are available at Redington Pass near Phoenix?

Where can I find tent camping sites along rivers near Phoenix?