Free camping in Arizona is absolutely abundant.
The Grand Canyon state has no shortage of places to dock your travel trailer, touring van or truck
camper. In this video, I'll be sharing many of the highest-rated, five-star reviewed
camping options from the Campendium community. And you're not gonna believe that these are all free.
Whether you want to post up in the Sonoran desert next to a giant saguaro, cool off and dip your
kayak in some water, or explore a high altitude ponderosa pine forest, Arizona has got you covered.
There is just so much geographic diversity and only 15 percent of the state is privately owned.
Simply put, that translates into an enormous amount of camping options. Just remember to pack out
everything that you pack in, including small bits of trash, bullet casings, and especially use toilet
paper. Thank you. Let's kick it off with one of the highest-rated, free camping areas in the north near
the epic south rim of the Grand Canyon. There's Forest Road 688 in the Kaibab National Forest.
Chelsea's review said "Great way to camp for free by the Grand Canyon. We stayed
three nights arriving on a Thursday, the site was easy to access, but the road was
pretty dusty which is to be expected. We had enough sun to use our solar panels
but also had plenty of trees for shade and hammocks. We would definitely camp here again.
X-teen reported "Awesome beautiful spot right near the Grand Canyon.
This boondocking spot is hidden from the main road, big and beautiful. There's plenty of space
accessible to all vehicles and easy to find spots. We tent camped and felt totally safe. Very quick
drive to the southern entrance of the Grand Canyon. Would definitely stay here again and
would recommend. Tater reported "Beautiful wooded secluded sites. Easy to find 15 minutes from the
entrance to the park. I have paid a lot more money for sites not near as nice, convenient or quiet."
One of the highest-rated free camping spots near flagstaff is Willard Springs Road in
Coconino National Forest. Dooners and Dockers reported "Our family stayed here in May and we
were pleasantly surprised by the area. It offered plenty of shade, tall trees, a trail to hike, a pond,
nice ground cover to keep the dust down, plenty of space to spread out and excellent cell service
with the tower at the entrance and dump station less than five miles away. It was busy, but we
still had privacy. We would definitely stay here again. Wabina's review said "After being in the
desert for four months, this is heaven! Road just opened last weekend so still a bit of saturated
roads but the drive in is paved till you turn left into the camp area. Easy to find a great level spot
and good for big rigs. Permanent Vacation reported "I like this place! Large spread out sites among
medium density oaks and pines. Some prickly brush thrown in to remind you you're in the southwest.
Dusty dirt soil, not particularly rocky so good for tent stakes and digging holes for whatever you
need to dig holes for. It's about 15 miles south of Flagstaff so if you can tolerate a few degrees
warmer temperature due to the lower elevation, it's worth the trip. Towards the center of the state
sitting on the edge of the Colorado plateau, you have the Mogollon Rim. It's such a breathtaking spot
both figuratively and literally as the elevation soars up to eight thousand feet in some places.
I personally love this region so much that I created an entire video dedicated to it which
you can check out right here or I'll link it down in the description below. One of the many
options on the rim is Old Rim Road where there's plenty of dispersed camping. Weed Dog reported
"So quiet. There are other rigs but I rarely saw anyone. If you want solitude this is for you. The
wind moving through the trees at this elevation is magnificent. No water no toilets so be prepared."
Four Feet Four Paws says "Another great spot up in this high country. There are about 50 dispersed
sites along this stretch of road. This whole area is beautiful. There are lakes and trails nearby.
We hiked the rim trail from the trailhead across the highway from the visitors center
and rode our mountain bikes. We plan to return to this area." And Bell reported "Great access to Willow
Springs Lake. The lake is great for fishing, lots of trout and one of our favorite lakes to kayak on."
Finding great camping down in the desert is where Arizona really shines and that's a good thing
especially for snowbirds and campers looking to soak up some dry heat in the winter months.
Saddle Mountain is a highly rated dispersed camping area west of Phoenix off of i-10.
Slipped Streaming Away reviewed it saying "Amazing views Saddleback Mountain was quiet and beautiful
and we'll definitely be staying here again. We took a beautiful hike up Saddleback Mountain trail"
Cricket reported "Second stay here at Saddle Mountain BLM and we will be back
again! Enjoyed lots of sun, hiking, high views, quad rides, sunsets and sunrises."
Campendium reviewers love Plomosa Road Camping Area, a BLM spot north of quartzite known for its mellow
vibes incredible sunsets and wide-open vistas. Don't take my word for it, you can see it all for
yourself in a virtual drive through over at our Campendium360 channel linked here and down in
the description below. A Bit Eccentric reviewed Plomosa and said "Biggest boondocking site ever!
No way to explain Quartzsite, you have to see it! This location is three miles of flat desert
with many RVers some of the easiest BLM docking anywhere." Gems of the Road reported
"Wide open space for free. It's a full-timer's dream to camp in Quartzsite during the RV and gem
show. Plomosa Road is perfect just for that. Far enough out of town to enjoy the quiet and
night sky, but close enough to town to enjoy the amenities. Great service with our cell booster and
easy to find flat spots. Palm Canyon Dispersed Camping is another favorite close to Quartzsite.
Matt reported "My favorite place. The area in the canyons here are just breathtakingly
beautiful. Sunsets and sunrises and the way the colors change and the light on the rocks
was just magical. Some wonderful hikes and explorations." Further down into the sunbelt is
Cienegita Camping Area. Nomadic Neighbors reported "Supremely peaceful grassland camping near Tucson.
Even by boondocking standards this place is seriously quiet and peaceful.
We stayed here for a week in March and even though the six other sites here were taken each night,
the distance and mesquite groves between sites made for a great feeling of seclusion.
There are a handful of cacti here and there but it is for the most part grasslands and mesquite
trees. Greg and Roxy Travels said "Spectacular place to stay. The history is pretty amazing with all of
the movies that have been filmed here. Overall a very nice place to spend a few days off the grid."
And further south near the old west town of Tombstone nestled in the Dragoon Mountains
is Forest Road 687 Dispersed Camping. Nitro Fish reviewed this area and said "With the high rating
of this place I was a little worried about finding a nice site, but to my surprise there's all kinds
of nice sites here. The smaller the rig the more choices you have. In more than half the sites your
views of the beautiful Dragoon Mountains and not your neighbors. The locals love it up here as well."
Vegas Veges reported "A beautiful whimsical playground of rock-laden mountains. Massive
peanut-shaped boulders, interesting deciduous trees and sweeping grasslands.
Campsites were large, level and full of fun attributes." A few more highly rated options
to check out are Indian Bread Rocks east of Tucson, Fortuna Pond near Yuma and Craggy Wash near Lake
Havasu. There are just so many more incredible and free camping options to find on your own
at campendium.com where you can sort all the highest-rated and most reviewed options available.
Thanks so much for tuning in and until next time stay safe be respectful and enjoy the journey.