ARIZONA FREE CAMPING
Mittry Lake Wildlife Area: is one of the premier spots for free, scenic, waterfront camping along the lower Colorado River in Arizona. Located just north of Yuma, it offers a unique desert oasis experience, excellent fishing and abundant wildlife viewing.
VFW Post 8242: In Yuma, Arizona, and is very popular within the RV and nomad community for offering free (donation-based) dry camping/ (boondocking) located behind VFW Post 8242 on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land at 7120 US-95 (ZIP code: 85365)
Kool Corner: A popular free dispersed camping area on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Arizona. It’s located just outside of Quartzsite, which is the capital of winter boondocking in the Southwest. It sits in La Paz County near other BLM areas like Plomosa Road and La Posa.
Airplane Flat Campground: Is a free, dispersed camping area. It’s located within the Tonto National Forest, just south of the small community of Young, AZ (off Forest Road 512 / Az-288 area). Because it is a dispersed/primitive camping area, don’t expect campground amenities. There are typically no hookups, trash cans or running water.
Agua Fria: BLM near Mayer, AZ. Free dispersed (primitive) camping, but call for important access info. Contact 623‑580‑5500 for updates.
From I‑17, Exit 256 (Badger Springs) or via Bloody Basin Road (Exit 259). First 5 miles of Bloody Basin Road are graded; beyond that, high clearance or 4×4 vehicles are needed. Don’t get stuck.
Ironwood Forest National Monument: Free (Dispersed camping on BLM land). Stay limit is 14 days within a 28 day period. Best time to visit is October through April. Nearest city is Tucson (about 30–45 minutes southeast). It’s home to desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes and rattlesnakes. Because it’s far from major city lights, the night skies are great for stargazing.