[Dirtrider127]

I am looking for a couple of dispersed camping sites recommendations near Tucson and areas in the Phx area BUT next to trail systems. (If possible)
I've stayed at Golder ranch and rode the 50yr trails before and Gold canyon on the east side of Phx. Looking for BLM, AZ trust sites and not camp grounds.
It's nice to be able to ride from the Van and not have to pack up to go ride.
Do you know of any safe & legal places near S. Mountain, Brown's Ranch, westside of Phx, or west side of Tucson? Any info will be greatly appreciated 🍺

 

[NorCal_In_AZ]

Dispersed camping with access to trails is a problem, at least for the west valley. There are campsites at most the regional parks.

Now if your talking more, “van life” parking and sleeping incognito there’s a few spots you would likely get away with it.

 

[Dirtrider127]

I have a van but that stealth street camping isn't my thing a all. There are places in Prescott and the others I mentioned where you can ride from camp. That's more of what I was hoping for.

 

[NorCal_In_AZ]

Yeah that’s why I asked. There is BLM land we’re you’ll see a few campers near Lake Pleasant. But you’re a few miles from any trails.

There are only a handful of camp spots at Skyline Park in Buckeye, so far from crowded. However those trails are not worth much to ride for coming from out of town. Then there’s the campsites at
the regional parks. Again they are paid for campsites, but not over crowded party spot (except for lake pleasant). White Tanks you can ride from your campsite and do a couple decent rides.

 

[-Chainslap-]

Nothing legal near Browns Ranch or SOMO, that's for sure. If there was I'm sure it would be a shanty town, sort of like the area near New River Road/Carefree Hwy has become.

I guess you could technically camp at Wildcat OHV area and ride into Browns, but I wouldn't really recommend it.

 

[k2rider1964]

Just raise your rent own your rental property in PV and use that money to pay for campsites.

 

[TheSandwichProtector]

The west side of Tucson will be tough to camp as well. Pretty much all the riding in that part of town is within Tucson Mt Park. There's one dedicated camp site within the park that I know of (Gilbert Ray). You could ride out of camp and access all the trails with a little bit of work and some longer miles/climbing. There's no dispersed camping within easy riding distance from most of the good trails that I'm aware of.
If you really want to camp & ride, I'd suggest east of town on along the AZ Trail. Everything east of town is State Land or BLM with dispersed camping any where you'd like. The Pistol Hill/3 Bridges area is a lot of fun to ride with a good mix of XC, some techy rock, and climbing.
Lots of good dispersed camping here:

https://www.trailforks.com/poi/64920/

As well as anywhere south of I10 along Hwy 83 or Charolais Rd/Old Sonoita Hwy.

I'm on the east side of town and if you have any questions I'd be happy to help.

 

[Dirtrider127]

K2- too funny 🤣
Not about the money but not wanting to camp next to some motor home running a generator all day and night.
Heck, I have over 3M Hilton Honors points to use if needed thanks to all the work travel I did pre covid.
Thanks for all the info and it looks like I'll pack up every morning. No biggie but not as relaxing. Nice to have the camp base to ride from.

 

[LaneDetroitCity]

I have parking on the east side of Tucson for dirtbags. Near Milagrosa.

Besides my private 3 acres, there is ton of dispersed camping on trails on the east side of Tucson. Plus the trails are better.