New River Road Dispersed Camping

It’s everything everyone has said already. A wonderful option, one to be protected. We paid for the permit although no one ever comes by to check it, felt it was the right thing to do, took 5 mins online. Everyone here is pleasant, quiet and keeps to themselves, the issue is the full timers. Lots of trash and evidence of overstays, although it’s pretty much contained to their sites. Wish they’d clean up, we don’t want to lose this a dispersed option. Highly recommend however, and we used Google maps w/ satellite overlay to scope out the roads, really helpful. We stayed Thursday-Sunday so I put in the $16/3 for nightly cost. Well worth it.

Convenient location with lots for space for any size rig and it was free. A little road noise but not bad. There are multiple access roads, some better than others. The road is a little bumpy but take it slow and no problems. Some homeless folks living out of their rigs but they didn't bother anyone and i felt safe. There was some garbage around and one burned up trailer frame. Cell service was great and it was close to so many things. Would have no problem staying again.

This Area is huge, some spots look like a campground with Pullthroughs and everything. You can go remote or stay close to the roads, some stay all winter. Everyday you have hot airballons going up. Plus there is a cool Dog Park just 3 miles in direction of Peoria. Being close to Peoria some would give 5 Stars for location but there are nicer spots around. Noise Level is defined by you - the further ... We took the road one further north. Good Class A access

State Trust Land near Lake Pleasant but be aware that one access road (which is actually a private road to a growers lot tucked way back always) is no longer useable to get into the area from the side. Large ditches have been dug either side of the road at least 3 feet deep and 3 feet across so you can no longer use the little side entrance and it makes it much more difficult to get to some areas. If you do happen to go down that road (it’s been recently paved) you have to go down to the end of the road to turn around. Several times we have seen people head down that road only to come out 10 minutes later. There is one main entrance off New River Road and if you don’t mind rough roads a few others. The ditches are wide and deep enough that I can’t even get across to walk my dog let alone drive across. As a result already getting crowded compared to previous years we have been here.

I’ve camped all over the United States and my favorite spots are ones like this: wide-open, no neighbors, peaceful… with a bit of traffic noise since it’s so close to the road. I’m far enough back that it’s doable, especially when you’re not outdoors.

The black gnats at sunset… awful. Put your wine away because they’ll be all over it.

Other than the ‘next to gripes’ there is a positive side to it - spacious and private. I paid $15.00 for the permit and haven’t seen or heard from anyone. Great little place.

Pros: Accessible. Free (You may need to get an annual pass for $21, which rangers may rarely ask you to represent, which is really almost free of charge). Close to the lake Pleasant (Especially good for me, as a Scuba Diving fan). Close to Carefree exit 223 with I-17, where there's an amazing In N Out!. Soon a new Shell Gas Station to be opened close by, for supplement. Fantastic weather, between Nov-Mar.

Cons: A bit noisy (Close to the main road ; ATVs during the weekend makes it noisy and dusty ; Wild Donkeys may make it too noisy in the middle of the night). Nothing around (No water ; no Dumping Place ; no hookup). Summer- way too hot!

The east side of New River Rd. has the largest open areas if you want easy parking but closer neighbors. We stayed NE of New River Rd & Maddock Rd. & found several sites that were more private. The road to our site was rough but easily passible in our DP. Area was very peaceful day & night.

Services, such as groceries, are about a 15 minute drive. We did not need to refill water or dump but several have recommended Orangewood RV Center about 20 minutes away.

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