Call the Arizona State Land Department for more information: (602) 364-2753, For more information on the Superstition Wilderness, call the Mesa Ranger District of Tonto National Forest: (480) 610-3300. That said, RVs and trailers are better off looking for boondocking spots just after the first mile marker after turning off Highway 95. We highly recommend arriving during daylight so you can see the washes. you dont mind rubbish left everywhere, barking dogs, two generators left running all night and couples fighting all through the night. Countless hiking trails wind their way through the Saddle Mountain area and lookout points abound. Lots of hiking trails are located nearby (Wave Cave Trail is a short, sweet, and popular option). We were able to get a spot in the back along the fence with a nice view, so we were pleasantly surprised at the feeling of privacy we had. Dont worry. Those nearest Highway 64 fill up quickly in the peak season, but there are always more sites for those willing to venture further in. Lots of cacti (cholla and saguaro), many evenings with coyotes howling nearby, and unfortunately a fair amount of trash left by campers. For example, FR 195 Campground is a good starting point for first-time visitors (although youll likely want to explore further in). Trash everywhere, actually smelled like urine, and some peopl Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area, located3 miles south of Roosevelt Dam on the south shoreline of Apache Lake, offers shoreline dispersed camping. Overview of Oxbow Designated Dispersed Campsite 25. Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. Its very accessible for small RVs, like [read more], Interested in living full-time in a truck camper and exploring North, Central, and South America? The dirt access roads are maintained year-round. Many of the dispersed campsites here are located just feet from the rim itself. Call the North Kaibab Ranger District for more information: (928) 660-2443, Get Directions to Saddle Mountain Overlook. Pumphouse Wash is another good spot for free camping near Flagstaff. This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com, you dont mind rubbish left everywhere, barking dogs, two generators left running all night and couples fighting all through the night. Camping a bit away from the rim helps minimize wind. tonto national forest to open many recreation sites by may. We were here while Larry stopped through; it may well have been my kids swinging from the tree. It covers roughly 665,000 acres, a mixture of open desert and the rugged Kofa Mountains. black river az dispersed campingwvu mechanical engineering research. Mike, Thanks for the write up. Heavy rains (3 inches in 24 hours) caused significant pooling in the lower areas of the campground which is, as reported, really just an extra-large horse-tra The high elevation makes for cooler temperatures in summertime (and theres shade trees). Pulled in and the place was trashed. Lots of horse trailers which is fine for they only stay for a few hours and then gone. However, part of the Mogollon Rim is located in Coconino National Forest (north and slightly west of Payson). Download from Instead of turning north at the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center, you turn south. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites in Sproul State Forest. I have a very low clearance van, if I can make it then I almost guarantee you can. The Lost Dutchman Museum (inside the gift shop) is well worth $5 (kids free). Nearby Tortilla Campground isnt free (it costs $20 per night), but its a peaceful and scenic place to camp. The views are spectacular, its too bad this area is being abused. Campfires are prohibited from March 1 - May 25 without authorization from the District Forester. The only saving grace for this site is the view of the Superstition Mountains. The noise was there but it wasnt too bad for us and didnt go later than 10:30 pm or so and didnt seem to be before 8:00 am. Turn here north onto Peralta Road and continue past the small neighborhood area until you pass a sign declaring your entrance onto Arizona State Trust Land. 188. These access roads are RV friendly, although big rigs should look for campsites closer to Highway 95 as the roads do become rougher the further in you travel towards the mountains. Cellular service is strong. The Mogollon Rim, an escarpment, extends for roughly 200 miles with countless dispersed camping opportunities atop the high cliffs, many with expansive views of the forests thousands of feet below. We ended up in a great spot, able to make our patio area private and have unobstructed views of the Superstitions. We have a class b van and did ok with deft maneuvering. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Know that the rim-side campsites are exposed to the elements. Whether or not you score a rim-side site, several overlook points are just a short hike away. Located a little over an hour south of Tucson and just 15 minutes from Patagonia, Harshaw Road (sometimes called Harshaw Creek Road) is the ideal location for those exploring southern Arizona near the Mexican border. Although free camping near Sedona is abundant, Schnebly Hill Road is my favorite place to hunker down in Red Rock Country. The six forest districts include Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Coronado, Kaibab, Prescott, and Tonto National Forest. All rights reserved. Herb Martyr Campground is one of my favorites. Its also a popular destination for jeep tours and OHV riders. The main draw is the amazing view of the mountains. I did learn to double check the rear tie downs before the somewhat steep descent at Fish Creek as a few bumps slid our AF 996 firmly against the front bumpers leaving the rear Fastguns twisting in the wind. We once camped near Taos, New Mexico, beside an old homestead which was very picturesque. Unfortunately, the creek is actually a wash and flows only during rain storms, but the amount of rain is enough to water the abundant Arizona Sycamore and Cottonwood trees that line the creek. Perfect for boondocking in an RV or trailer thanks to well-maintained access roads. While traveling along the Apache Trail, you will be able to access different regions that offer various desert experiences. There were a few different "homeless" groups here while we were. Park is open year-round Trails 6 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Day Use Gates are closed and locked from 8 p.m.- 6 a.m. daily. Its not nearly as scenic as Edge of the World, but its much more easily accessible. Call the Black Mesa Ranger District (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests) for more information: (928) 535-7300, Or, call the Mogollon Rim Ranger District (Coconino) for more information: (928) 477-2255. But every campsite has amazing views since the Vermillion Cliffs are prominent in the distance. You wont even find a fire ring though there was evidence of a recent campfire where we were camped. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road! The main benefit of Craggy Wash is its convenience. Several campers were definitely not obeying 14 day limits and appeared to be living in this location. They were nice, but obvs gave us a scare given the time of night. As per the other reviews, it was crowded, even on a rainy Sunday evening. The main road itself is very wide but also very rutted. We tried to get reservations for next year but everything was already booked for the next year. Be the first to add a note for Apache Trail Dispersed Camping! YMMV. Loy Butte Road (FR 525) and Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) are two other free dispersed campsites near Sedona that I love. It seemed vehicles would ma Bumpy road on the way in. Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers mobile app, your trips will instantly auto-sync over Ready for navigation and good times! The Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures. The road is usually in decent condition and rangers visit the area often. Poll Results: Biggest Boondocking Pet Peeve? Be the first to add a video for Hackamore Road Dispersed Camping! Hackamore Rd is not maintained and is basically a dirt bike track. Apache Lakewas formed in 1927 when the Horse Mesa Dam was completed. Because a permit is required, this area isnt 100% free, but its still very cheap! The spacious, flat campsites here are easily accessed by all rigs, so they can fill up with RV boondockers. more. Cellular reception is strong for most providers. Ive seen low-clearance 2WD vehicles (including a Prius) make the drive, but high-clearance and/or 4WD is very helpful. The views here are spectacular. Badger Creek Overlook is part of the Bureau of Land Management. Call the Flagstaff Ranger District for more information: (928) 526-0866. My only gripe is you must pay the Grand Canyon entrance fee ($30 per vehicle) to access these campsites via Desert View Road. Roosevelt Lake is among the most spectacular natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State - but the drive to get there is almost, if not equally, as beautiful. The majority of the campsites are on the righthand (south) side of the road if youre heading in from Highway 181. Had an awesome moonrise with silhouettes of the saguaro on the hill in front of it. This is my first review on this website and unfortunately it is going to be an extremely negative one because it was an extremely negative experience. The best campsites are located near a small stream about 5 miles after turning onto Pinery Canyon Road from Highway 181. tiny black tadpole looking bug in bathroom; ff14 plasmoid iron lake location; top 10 most dangerous areas in cape town; cockapoo rescue michigan; floris nicolas ali, baron van pallandt cause of death; Southeastern Utahs Valley of the Gods is a great place to boondock. It was kind of crowded, but thats to be expected at this time of year in AZ. Overview of Tower Road Designated Dispersed Campsite 64. Few camping experiences are more exhilarating than sleeping under the stars. Further in (roughly 7 miles), the road turns to gravel, but is generally kept in good condition. For example, there is ample BLM camping on Palm Canyon Road before it crosses into the wildlife refuge. Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. Not many good spots for RVs. They did say they were taking down names and plates so it wouldnt happen twice. Apache Trail Dispersed Camping Tonto National Forest Write a Review Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85119 480-610-3300 Official Website GPS: 33.4864, -111.4675 Add Photos View 23 Photos Overview Q&A Cell Service Reviews (9) Amenities Overview of Apache Trail Dispersed Camping Apache Trail Boondock (Open in Google Maps) Little Green Valley (Open in Google Maps) Tortilla Flat Dispersed Camping (Open in Google Maps) Why You'll Love It. On the flip side, the views and landscape are amazing, and the location convenient. Its a quiet, peaceful area with great scenery and lots of wildlife (be careful with food storage as bears frequent the area). The western end of the trail accesses a popular target shooting area along Desert Peak Mountain. Youll have to work to find a level spot. Fair amount of trash around which is disappointing. It only takes a few seconds. Craggy Wash is one of the most popular places for BLM camping in Arizona. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Consistently busy area with campers and horse trailers. Theres no cellular reception here. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System. All were friendly and respectful. Since these are even deeper in the forest, you can expect them to be even quieter and more private than Harshaw Road, although border patrol vehicles are still a common sight. Past the lakes, the original route continues in more traditional fashion to the former copper mining town of Globe , but it is the western half which is the most scenic and well-known, however caution is required when driving and it is not recommended for large RVs or caravans. Although these are the best spots (for views, at least), remember to be alert. Home. Wanderland Travelers would stay here again. 1 video 6 photos 10 reviews 13 miles Roosevelt Lake Tonto Basin - Tonto Basin, Arizona The best campsites along the rim fill up fast and get crowded. There are fire rings, but we ended up making our own because someone had left tons of trash laying around (shame). Nearest Gas 3.5 miles away. Also! Do not attempt at night! We have a 34ft class A with a tow dolly and had no issues. Another favorite of mine (also with views of the Grand Canyon) is the area near Marble Viewpoint. more. The road is well-maintained (aside from moderate washboarding) to this point. Dirt roads are numerous with dispersed camping allowed throughout the entire area. So incredible. TMO signal 2-3 bars depending on where you camp. There is some sort of mine on the other side of the road; they start work well before sunrise at 5am. If you have questions call the local ranger office and they can explain all the restrictions in place for their ranger district in the forest. Riding our quad in Bulldog Canyon (Tonto pass required $6 for 6 months per operator) was great, however we were almost run over a few times by side by sides; the hills and bowl area were fun. Of course, most of those that camp at Coconino Rim Road are visiting the area to see the Grand Canyon itself, so it makes sense to just pay the entrance fee at the South or East Entrance to the park. There are fire rings, but we ended up making our own because someone had left tons of trash laying around (shame). Good location for both city and mountain exploration which is why we stayed. 88. It doesnt matter if its a slide-in or a chassis-mount, a hard-side or a pop-up, if its a truck camper and its carried on a truck, we cover it. Tent camping isn't permitted. Would not recommend for rigs over 24ft. Most 2WD vehicles should be able to make it to the overlook (if you drive slowly). Coconino Rim Road is my go-to for free camping near the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The weather while we boondocked was darn near perfecta high of 80 degrees during the day and a low of 59 at night, perfect sleeping weather. Apache Junction, Camping areas are spread out, but only the ones right off the road are accessible to large rigs. This campsite is far enough from Sedona and Flagstaff to minimize light pollution for very dark night skies and very bright stars. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge doesnt get too many visitors, so you can expect privacy and solitude. Campers are often loud into the wee hours since this is a popular party location. Call the Arizona Strip Field Office for more information: (435) 688-3200, See Also: The Best Dispersed Campsites In Utah. Here are two rules for using the bathroom when camping: Be at least 200 ft away from the trail, campsite, or water source. The wind can get annoying if you dont have an adequate wind block. She was twitching and freaking out to the point that I called an emergency vet and almost took her in!! It was named the Apache Trail after the Native American Indians who originally used this trail to migrate through the Superstition Mountains for over 1,000 years. Related Post: The Best Free Camping in Nevada. I guess sometimes we need to pick and choose. As you head NW from Apache Junction, just beyond Lost Dutchman State Park, the turn into this boondocking spot is 0.9 miles past Mile marker 202 on Apache Trail Rd. Theodore Roosevelt Lakewas formed by the construction of theTheodore Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River in 1911, making it the oldest artificial reservoir in Arizona. A 5 Diamondback rattlesnake that crossed our path in Big Bend Ranch State Park. See 9 traveler reviews, 23 photos and blog posts There are literally hundreds of places to dispersed camp here, although my favorites are accessed north of Highway 260 along or just off Rim Road (FR 300). Clearly this area is used by people staying more than the 14 day limit. Not impressed, but it got the job done. scattered around the campsite and other trash to include a large metal awning. Within the first 5 minutes, my dog got into some human waste which was on display right under a bush right off the road. But you have the homeless camping there with their kids swinging from the trees, very trashy area and deep holes and with this last storm there was water everywhere. Rigs of all sizes are welcome here. Bumpy road on the way in. Unfortunately, all too many visitors leave behind trash and dont properly dispose of human waste make sure youre not one of them! I was so nervous that we would get stuck with our travel trailer trying to get out of there but we received a day after Christmas miracle and we were able to escape unscathed!! We'd stay here again, but only if we had to. Turn right onto State Hwy. I only stealth camp when I cant find anywhere else to stay, although many other campers use this method on a regular or even nightly basis. Few camping experiences are more exhilarating than sleeping under the stars. The dispersed campsites along Pinery Canyon Road make an excellent home base for exploring Chiricahua National Monument. $4,890 Deposit: $500 Select Download Brochure Ask A Question Itinerary Day 2 & 3 You can most likely find a spot even if it looks very busy when you pull in. Have you written a blog post about Apache Trail Dispersed Camping? After planning this trip for a [read more], Most of us who enjoy boondocking have been there at one time or another. It appeared that our neighbors were living there more than camping there. more. We've never boondocked with such close neighbors as the busyness and limited space here requires; I think that plus the bad weather contributed to a community dynamic that we really enjoyed. Black bears frequent the area. Here are a few of the most important things to do: Visit the national forest or BLM website for the public land youre visiting to read up on each areas specific dispersed camping rules and regulations. Enjoy your trip safely in a comfortable and luxury maxi-van that seats 15 guests Gratuity Guide gratuity Available options Single supplement $896 6 left Accommodation is based on double occupancy, a single supplement for a tent and Bear Mountain Lodge is available. Tortilla Flats Campground - Apache Junction, Arizona Campers awake to a scenic backdrop of rugged bluffs, saguaro cactus and desert skies. I will preface this by saying that we didnt camp here, and thank goodness for that. And, dont forget to climb up the nearby Grandview Lookout Tower (you can also use this tower as a destination on Google Maps to find the dispersed campsites). Camping areas are spread out, but only the ones right off the road are accessible to large rigs. In the winter through early spring, snow makes the road impassable. Fish Creek Canyon is perhaps the best and most scenic part of the drive. The 23-mile dirt access road is rough and windy. Arizona Map. The campground has access to recreational opportunities at nearby Bear Canyon Lake, as well as numerous other activities and exploration opportunities along the Mogollon Rim. Each winter, several BLM-managed Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) in Arizona offer long-term boondocking for just $180 for September 15th to April 15th. Drive in a mile or two further (and consider checking out side roads) and youll likely find a campsite thats much more private at least private enough for one night. 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