A detailed guide to FREE BLM dispersed camping near Ajo and Why in Arizona.
As shown on the map below, this article covers dispersed camping along Scenic Loop Rd near Ajo, and at Gunsight Wash near Why. Both areas are reached by traveling along busy I-85.
Location
Scenic Loop Rd – Most folks drive a short distance south from Ajo and turn right on Darby Well Rd. After about 1.9 miles, turn right on Scenic Loop Rd. The dirt road is good. It can also be reached from W. Rocalla Ave in Ajo – this way has a few steeper hills and dips.
Gunsight Wash – From Why, drive 1.9 miles south on I-85 then turn right after crossing a small bridge over the Wash.
Water and Dump
There are water kiosks at the OLSENS IGA and two gas stations – 25 cents a gallon. Unlimited water for 25 cents at the Arizona Water Company behind the Circle K.
Free water Hot showers ($1 for 10 minutes) and dump station $7 at Belly Acres RV Park.
Area GPS Map
I highly recommend the Avenza Maps App!
Unfortunately, there is no feasible Avenza map for this area. Ask for the Mountain Bike Trail Map at the Visitor Center in Ajo, or use my Google Map below.
Scenic Loop or Gunsight Wash Camping?
Scenic Loop is scenic and closer to town with amenities like showers and water. Popular sites fill fast and the rest can be tricky to navigate with sandy and steep roads. Verizon service is spotty and seemingly faster at sites closer to Ajo.
Gunsight Wash is flat and open with fast Verizon service. The area is huge for RVs of all sizes. Finding a spot will never be an issue. It is a 20-minute drive to Ajo but the town of Why has a restaurant and gas station with some groceries and things.
Scenic Loop
This area used to be mined for copper but is now a popular mountain bike destination with trails ranging from “very easy” to “very hard”!
If you need good Verizon service then focus on the areas near Darby Well Rd and closer to Rocalla Ave on the other side. Service is bad in the middle sections.
The central valley is surrounded by high peaks making Scenic Loop one of Arizona’s most attractive spots to boondock.
Most of the campsites are situated along Scenic Loop Rd. Some are basic pullouts and others require a short drive on one of many secondary roads. Some of these side roads can be bumpy, steep, or sandy so it is best to park and recce before committing!
There are a couple of large open areas where RVs can congregate but many sites offer privacy and seclusion.
I marked many of the sites on the map below but certainly not all of them! Happy site hunting!
Gunsight Wash
This is a large open area with a maze of roads and vegetation where you can always find a spot!
Special Request – Folks, this is a large area. Please do not set up camp right next to others! Find your own space and respect the fact that many campers want privacy.
There are two main roads as you approach the camping area.
If you continue straight ahead you will find sites closer to the Wash. By turning left you will move away from the Wash for perhaps more seclusion. If you want shade, camping near the Gunsight Wash may work better.
There is road noise if you camp close to I-85 but traffic dies down after 9 pm when the border crossing shuts down daily.
While not the most attractive area to camp, Gunsight Wash is popular and the fast Verizon service helps! If you are concerned about proximity to the border, don’t be! Both the Sheriff and Border Patrol agents patrol the area.
More about Downtown Ajo and Why
Here is a great article about Downtown Ajo and Why – it talks about things to do and see and where to eat/drink!