Camping in Arizona without reservations

05/29/2024 Read time: < 5min

Did you know that you can camp in most national forests here in Arizona completely for free and without reservations?

Well, you can!

Dispersed camping, also known as "boondocking or primitive camping", offers an unparalleled experience for those looking to connect with nature in a more secluded and personal setting without having to worry about reservations or payments in advance. Here’s why dispersed camping in Arizona is an adventure you don’t want to miss.

Freedom to Choose Your Perfect Spot

One of the most significant benefits of dispersed camping is the freedom to choose your campsite. Whether you’re seeking solitude, scenic views, or proximity to hiking trails, Arizona's vast national forests provide a myriad of options to suit your preferences. From the ponderosa pines of the Coconino National Forest to the striking landscapes of the Tonto National Forest, you can find a spot that matches your desired experience and all without having to fight over the best campsite in the lot.

Tailor Your Experience to Your Group

Dispersed camping is highly versatile, accommodating different party sizes and demographics. Whether you're planning a solo retreat, a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or celebration with friends, you can find a site that meets your needs. Larger groups can find ample space for setting up multiple tents, while couples and solo campers might prefer more secluded spots. Many areas are also kid-friendly, offering easy access to streams, meadows, and trails that can keep little ones entertained.

Accessibility for All Vehicle Types

Another fantastic aspect of dispersed camping in Arizona is the accessibility for various vehicle types. From rugged 4x4s to standard sedans, there are plenty of forest roads both paved and unpaved leading to potential campsites. High-clearance vehicles can take advantage of more remote locations, while others can still find beautiful spots accessible by well-maintained dirt roads. Just be sure to check road conditions and vehicle recommendations before heading out to ensure a safe journey.

Embrace the Leave No Trace Principles

While enjoying the freedom and beauty of dispersed camping, it's crucial to follow the Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines help preserve the natural environment and ensure that everyone can enjoy it for years to come. Here are the key principles to remember:

Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established trails and campsites, and avoid fragile ecosystems. Don't blaze your own trail.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out. This includes all trash, leftover food, and toilet paper.
Leave What You Find: Preserve the past and leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
Minimize Campfire Impact: Use gas stoves for cooking and utilize lanterns and flashlights or headlamps for light. If you build a fire, keep it small and use established fire rings if at all possible.
Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed animals. Store food securely to avoid attracting them. Your life or the life of your family and friends is not worth a cool Instagram photo.
Be Considerate of Other Campers: Respect other campers and the quality of their experience. Keep noise to a minimum and yield to other users on trails. Turn your generators off when it gets dark.

How to Get Started

There are a couple of tools we can use to explore the amazing camping opportunities available in Arizona. The first are the Interactive Visitor Map and the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) provided by the Forest Service.

Interactive Visitor Map

The interactive visitor map provided by the USFS is an interactive map that shows basically every forest road, campsite, trail, and other forest service related activity in one interactive map.

Available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/index.html, the map is as simple to use as any other interactive map.

Filter the icons and markers by activity or just scroll around to see what's available in the area you're interested in visiting.

Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)

A Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is an official document provided by the U.S. Forest Service that shows where motorized travel is allowed within national forests. These maps highlight roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicles, including the designated dispersed camping areas. They are updated annually to reflect any changes in road status and access restrictions, ensuring that campers have the most current information.

How do I get a MVUM?

MVUMs can be obtained a few different ways. The first is directly from the national forest government website for the forest you'll be staying in. For example, if you're going up north near the Mogollon Rim and into the higher elevation pines of the Coconino National Forest, you can download the maps directly from the Coconino National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov. You can also pick up a hard copy or paper map from a Coconino Visitor Center or at some outdoor retail stores such as Bass Pro Shops or Sportsman's Warehouse.

Other national forests throughout Arizona have similar maps available but each forest will have slightly different map formats and sections, so poke around to find the map that covers the area you want to camp in.

Looking for something less complicated? We'll cover a couple of handy apps that can make finding your spot even easier.

Offline Mapping Apps

There are several apps available that make finding your perfect camping spot a breeze. The first is recommended by the forest service themselves, Avenza Maps.

Avenza Maps is a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices that allows users to download and use maps offline. This is particularly useful for campers and outdoor enthusiasts who venture into areas with limited or no cell service. The app provides access to a vast library of maps, including MVUMs, topographic maps, and recreational maps, which can be used without an internet connection. Avenza with downloaded maps of your desired locale is highly recommended for anyone venturing out into the wild. You can find the Avenza Maps website at https://store.avenza.com/ and is free to download and use but some custom maps require a small fee to download. *Be sure to download your maps in advance from within the app, just downloading the app won't cut it.*

The Dyrt is another useful tool for planning and mapping camping trips in Arizona. We personally utilize The Dyrt for their free interactive map to find dispersed camping sites in Arizona but they also offer offline maps you can download for Pro Members (paid subscription). They also offer reviews on some dispersed sites so you can get an idea of what to expect before you arrive.

They offer an intuitive map that will update and show known sites as you move around the state. Just navigate to an area of the state you want to camp in to see established dispersed camping spots quickly and easily. Mark these sites on your downloaded Avenza map and you have a solid solution for mapping with or without an internet connection or cell service. You can access The Dyrt at their website https://thedyrt.com/search

Conclusion

Dispersed camping in Arizona offers a unique opportunity to experience the state's natural beauty in a personal and cost-effective way without relying on reservations or overcrowded campsites. With the freedom to choose your site, the ability to tailor your experience to your group, and accessibility for various vehicle types, it's an adventure that’s both accessible and rewarding. Just remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles to help protect and preserve these wonderful areas for future generations.

Happy camping Cool Campers!

- The Cool Camp Team

Current Order