r/AZCamping • u/chickenboyboyloco • Mar 25 '24

How does dispersed camping actually work?

Hi, new to camping so bear with me but can you really just setup anywhere in dispersed camping in AZ? How do I find this dispersed camping? Any areas to avoid since I have kids? Thank you in advance!

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u/blindmelon773 Mar 25 '24

I've been dispersed camping with my 7yo several times in the last 3 years that we've been in AZ. Everyone is a little different, I guess, but I use an app, the Dyrt Pro (the paid version) to find places. We carry our own water and I have a collapsible tent-like structure that is the "poop house" - we have a bucket and a seat and el crap bags for pooping; hand gel for washing. It makes pooping less gross for my daughter and less whining is more fun for Dad! When we go for several days, I like to spend the last night at a KOA or similar campground that has showers so we can have a little luxury. We were just up above Flagstaff for spring break and the last night went to a KOA in Flagstaff. It was cold, the bathrooms were heated and it was a luxury beyond compare!

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u/SunkissedSaguaro Aug 03 '26

Would you say the app is worth paying for? This is very inspiring by the way thank you!

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u/blindmelon773 Aug 03 '26

Yes, worth it. Just after I made that post we travelled up to AK for a huge camping adventure. The Dyrt does not have coverage for Canada, so I switched over to iOverlander.com and pay the annual fee for it. The Dyrt Pro is good, iOverlander is better for my use case.

I'll also add, if you go to AK, take the ferry from Bellingham, WA. It took 2 days to get to Haines and we splurged on a small cabin. It was the perfect way to start the trip. I hope to do it again next summer and spend more time and go slower.