A rando group of rv'ers they mostly have rvs and camper vans https://xscapers.com/
State Park Camping: State Parks and State Recreation areas are open to pretty much any type of camping, from sleeping on the ground to a tent, to a 1 million dollar motor home. The only requirement is that the people camping are doing so on a campsite and not just tossing a sleeping bag anywhere. State run, government controlled campgrounds will not prevent anyone from camping with any type of equipment, so long as it fits the campsite.
From https://www.rvforum.net/threads/campgrounds-and-non-traditional-rvs.144967/
Coconino dispersed camping https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3839183.pdf
https://thedyrt.com/magazine/lifestyle/free-camping-national-forests/
https://www.themanual.com/outdoors/how-to-use-bear-spray/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Tucson/comments/18xpxls/best_dispersed_camping/
https://azland.my.salesforce-sites.com/recreationalpermit/
If you're looking for something that won't be super crowded take a look at Lake Arivaca. It's a beautiful Lake and not many people go there. There's been several times where I've had the entire Lake to myself. 3 hours south of tempe. Rough road, bring loppers , no cell service Camping is in the marina parking lot.
https://freecampsites.net/#!(34.01397,±111.26404)
New Mexico NM has some great state parks. My favorite is Bottomless lake state park
From https://www.rvforum.net/threads/i-have-fulltime-remote-job-and-i-want-to-boondock-fulltime.144381/
Actually, you are a lot better in NM state parks to buy an annual camping pass. As an out-of-stater, it will cost you $225, and will give you free access to non-electric sites. However, with that pass, getting an electric site will cost you only $4 per night additional. But remember that there is a 14 day limit in every NM state park, so you will have to move every 14 days. Also, you need to make reservations very very quickly if you plan on doing that this summer, as spots go very quickly and many are probably already gone.
From https://www.rvforum.net/threads/i-have-fulltime-remote-job-and-i-want-to-boondock-fulltime.144381/
Boondocking. ...eh, probably not a great setup for a full-time tech worker. Your life will become about being chased from place to place, charging batteries, and finding a reliable water and dump source.
Campgrounds with Hookups Staying in a campground with hookups, and moving place to place when you want to - that's where it's at, IMO. It should cost you less than renting a place, and many places will offer a monthly rate if you choose to stay. Electric is sometimes metered and charged separately, considering summer AC usage and such.
https://campgrounds.rvlife.com/#/
Flagstaff: Lake Mary: Find a dirt road off lake mary rd and go down it til you find a spot.
South Flag/Sedona:
Head up northwest up the road off of 89A just above the the overlook and from Fort Tuthill.
Happy Jack: between Payson and Flagstaff Just need to check if cellular is available
West of Sedona Travel 3 miles west of Lower Red Rock loop Road on Hwy 89A to Forest Road 525. A designated camping corridor starts approximately 2 mi N. of 89A on FR525 and ends at Boynton Pass Rd (FR152C). All of FR525C is a designated camping corridor https://maps.app.goo.gl/P7UrJPTpDyewGjSP6
South of Sedona Oak Creek Vista ● North of Sedona(closed during winter season): HWY 89A north of Oak Creek Vista to the west FR535 is a designated camping corridor for dispersed camping. To the east FR237 has site specific designated camping areas. South of Sedona : : FR121, FR689, FR214, FR215, FR618 more than 1 mile south of Beaver Creek Campground. All have designated dispersed camping corridors Horses/ Trailers Bruce Brockett Trailhead from FR618
https://freecampsites.net/#!(34.89494,±111.73058)
Schnebly Hill Road - East of Sedona - Sedona, Arizona
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Free, dispersed camping in the Coconino national Forest near Sedona, AZ. Dispersed camping is permitted between Schnebly Hill Vista and I-17. Look for the "camping allowed" sign if coming from … 11 photos 44 reviews 6 miles
Schnebly Hill Rd. FR226 Dispersed - Munds Park, Arizona
There are many sites along this road East of I17. Many fine for big rigs, this one is our favorite for vans or truck campers. Water and propane available nearby …
Willard Springs Exit West - Munds Park, Arizona
A free dispersed camping area in the Coconino National Forest. There is a designated shooting area nearby. So expect gun shots from time to time. Verizon cell tower right at the entrance … 7 photos 13 reviews 6 miles
End of the World - Sedona - Sedona, Arizona
This is a well-known dispersed camping area overlooking the red rock valley around Sedona. The views are spectacular from many of the spots that dot the area along the rim. … 3 photos 5 reviews 8 miles
Harding Point - Sedona, Arizona
Free camping location overlooking Oak Creek. 4 reviews 9 miles
Rocky Park - Munds Park, Arizona
This free campsite is located within the Coconino National Forest's Mormon Lake Ranger District. 9 miles
Spiral - Sedona, Arizona
Great spot! roads a little rough wouldn't go unless you got clearance 34.866171,-111.899810 2 photos 9 miles
Pumphouse Wash - Sedona, Arizona
This free campsite is located within the Coconino National Forest's Mormon Lake Ranger District. 10 miles
Oak Creek Canyon - North of Sedona - Sedona, Arizona
Dispersed camping north of Sedona, AZ in the Coconino National Forest. Sites are located off Hwy 89A north of Oak Creek Vista at the top of Oak Creek Canyon. GPS … 1 photo 12 reviews 10 miles
Fr 525 - Loy Butte Road - Sedona, Arizona
Free camping and campfires allowed zone. Only on this road. Plenty of turnouts off the road to park. 14 day maximum. Fires in a metal container only, fires 100% put … 4 videos 50 photos 41 reviews 10 miles
FR - 9549 - Sedona, Arizona
Kelly Canyon Forest Meadow - Flagstaff, Arizona
This free campsite is located within the Coconino National Forest's Mormon Lake Ranger District. This is a high elevation location. 10 miles
Oak Creek - Sedona, Arizona
We arrived at this camp site as of this website's instructions we were there half an hour what a gentleman from the Forestry Department pulled up and told us we … 1 review 10 miles
Coconino Forest Road 535 - Sedona, Arizona
Dirt road off of 89A to Sedona with plenty of dispersed camping on the right side. No toilets, no water, just simple fire pits. Would not bring a large RV … 5 photos 10 reviews 11 miles
FR525 & FR525C - West of Sedona - Sedona, Arizona
Travel 3 miles west of Lower Red Rock Loop Road on Hwy. 89A to Forest Road 525. The first 5 miles of FR 525 and all of FR 525C are … 1 video 26 photos 39 reviews 11 miles
Pumphouse Wash - Flagstaff, Arizona
There are four loops with 11 to 26 spaces each along forest service road 237 with free designated campsites. The first two loops the spaces are smaller and best suited … 1 video 10 photos 27 reviews 11 miles
Kelly Canyon - Flagstaff, Arizona
Gate was locked :( on April 9th 2019 4pm 7 reviews 14 miles
Stoneman Lake - Munds Park, Arizona
There are quite a few sites along the way up Stoneman Lake Rd. There are a lot of bigger rocks, so not all sites are drive-in with a car, but … 5 photos 4 reviews 14 miles
SR 179 Dispersed Campsite - Lake Montezuma, Arizona
Free camping near Montezuma Castle National Monument in the Coconino National Forest. No facilities - true boondocking / dry camping. Nothing more than an open area. Directions: Take I-17 exit 298 to … 1 photo 7 reviews 14 miles
Priest Draw - Flagstaff, Arizona
This camping area is absolutely beautiful, and it’s very secluded within the forest!!!...THERE WAS ALMOST NO TRAFFIC, and there’s a ton of trees that are suitable for hammoking...There are plenty … 1 photo 7 reviews
Coconino dispersed camping
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3839183.pdf
https://thedyrt.com/alerts
https://www.themanual.com/outdoors/how-to-use-bear-spray/
Campendium
To find cancelled campgrounds: Campnab.com
Dyrt Alerts thedirt.com/alerts
Public Access Database https://www.usgs.gov/news/technical-announcement/mapping-public-lands-united-states?fbclid=IwY2xjawGN0cxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZYgqGHXDIU6yZVXQYp1r_5UA6KjVwNzwyrb8hzQQ6eN96iKX_U5c3iOwg_aem_DVe7cP4vXttG_5EeLSJhTQ
BLM Link info about BLM https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping?fbclid=IwY2xjawGN0oZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaG3aJu6Qc3UnG2vN_LD-EjbQZBxB9rIPSHhv64csPV5MdnBVZrVQqmJtA_aem_6QVMuaaLa351dglyF2YBCg
Winter Camping:
https://thedyrt.com/camping/arizona/cactus-forest 32.61307243121949, -111.201845614824 (easier to get to) 32.64574937596929, -111.20400826312492 (harder to get to - more secluded) About an hour and 20 minutes away Good Cell Service Some shooting near by Cactus Forest Dispersed Site, near Tucson, Arizona, offers a unique camping experience surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and iconic saguaro cacti. This location is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the natural beauty.
The area features well-spread-out sites along dirt roads, making it suitable for both tents and smaller RVs. Campers have noted the clean surroundings and the opportunity to enjoy a starry night sky, with one visitor mentioning, “The views of the stars out here were probably the best I’ve ever seen!” Just keep an eye out for the jumping cholla cactus if you’re bringing your furry friends along.
While there are no amenities like water or toilets, the freedom to have campfires and the absence of permits required make it an appealing choice for many. Some campers have mentioned the occasional noise from a nearby shooting range, but it generally doesn’t detract from the serene atmosphere. If you’re looking for a spot to unwind and soak in the desert vibes, Cactus Forest is definitely worth a visit.
https://thedyrt.com/camping/arizona/ragged-top-rd-dispersed Nearby attractions include the Ironwood Forest National Monument, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. 32.44031883592771, -111.44511145917272 1 hour and 45 minutes away Poor cell service Great raised up spot that allows for a full vista of the surrounding mountains and thousands of saguaros. Not a single person drove past the site during the weekend. Overlooks the Pinal County Airport and plane graveyard (this can be seen on the drive in, or with binoculars directly from the site). Adequately lifted 4x4 needed to reach.
https://thedyrt.com/camping/arizona/superstition-mountains-dispersed-sites-along-hwy-88 33.52860058, -111.31978597 Unknown ATT but good Verizon Att looks like 4g 1 hour and 15 minute drive Continue up the Apache Trail to the summit between the west side and the east. Just 2 miles before the Fish Creek Overlook, lie several dispersed areas off the dirt road to camp for up to 14 days. Camping here was quiet and serene at night when nearly all the day-time traffic had disappeared. Hiking and biking opportunities were within close proximity, as well as paddling on Canyon lake, 10 miles down the valley. recommend it for high clearance vehicles and people who are NOT tent camping.
Fish Creek Lookout is 2 miles up the road.
Central Arizona https://thedyrt.com/camping/arizona/blm-sonoran-national-monument-vekol-road-dispersed-camping-area/gallery/nature/media/803222 BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area 32.81190014, -112.253461
The Sonoran Desert National Monument is in south central Arizona, 60 miles from Phoenix. Interstate 8 provides some access at the Vekol interchange (Exit 144) and the Freeman Interchange (Exit 140). Arizona Route 238 and the Maricopa Road afford access to the North Maricopa Mountains and the Butterfield Overland Stage Route.
There is a few private property signs. Go past those TK the next set of camp sites.
From https://thedyrt.com/camping/arizona/blm-sonoran-national-monument-vekol-road-dispersed-camping-area
Vekol Exit 144 free BLM dispersed This is free dispersed camping on the BLM Sonoran National Monument. At Interstate 8, Exit 144 go south. BLM starts in about .6 mile. Note that the gravel road then will pass thru some pvt land that the Dyrt does not show, before the BLM again at the road fork to the Vekol Ranch (2.1 miles in from hwy). See attached screenshot from the BLM monument map. Lots of sites scattered along the main graded gravel road. There is an info kiosk at junction of road going to the Vekol Ranch. Most of the campers seem to be in this area to avoid interstate truck noise. Excellent cell signal on all carriers. No water, marked sites, tables, fire rings or trash dumpsters. Nearest services are in Sanfield (poor), Maricopa (best) or Gila Bend (fuel, RV stuff) so come prepared. Maricopa has a Fry's Market and gas. Sanfield has a Family Dollar and Circle K gas. Gila Bend has most services but not a major food market. Not much Sonoran cactus vegetation by the kiosk sign in in this area, no cholla and very few Saguaros, area is just a wide flat creosote palo verde sandy plain. Update: if you go another mile or two south (uphill) on the main road you can camp at the #8007b and #8007c road spurs and #8045 spur. More Sonoran vegetation there and very scenic...lots of Saguaro cactus to camp with on flat open desert pavement. Farther away from the hwy noise is a plus! If you are concerned about potential safety issues from illegal smuggling warnings, then staying down close to BLMat the .6 mile mark is likely best. Month of Visit January BLM Sonoran Desert National Monument - Vekol Road Dispersed Camping Area
City places to overnight Public roads Hospital Industrial park Strip malls Lowe’s, h depot Apartment complexes Gas station / truck stops Churches not on weekends
A site for top sites to go to https://gritoverland.com/best-off-road-camping-sites-for-camper-vans/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=TylerSchrock/magazine/Vanlife