Both Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves also have a ton of developed campgrounds (paid) in the Mogollon Rim area. The views here are spectacular. Arizona's six National Forests are listed below along with a link to the dispersed camping guidelines for each: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest dispersed camping . Its a quiet, peaceful area with great scenery and lots of wildlife (be careful with food storage as bears frequent the area). Dispersed Campsite along See Canyon Trail Dispersed Camping is also known as boondocking, dry camping, and wild camping. They were nice, but obvs gave us a scare given the time of night. Mogollon Rim is just two hours from Phoenix so it gets very busy. RVs and trailers should look for camping within a mile or two of the main highway after this, the road gets rough and turning around is difficult. The road is quite busy with ATV and OHV traffic which means campsites can get dusty. Aside from the views of the Superstition Mountains, this is a terrible spot. Description; Amenities; Details; 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). Plus, you can walk down to awesome views in just minutes. While were were camped we were fortunate to have a full moon which bathed the canyon in an eerie yet spectacular glow during the night. The morning was also loud with construction trucks nearby. Have you written a blog post about Hackamore Road Dispersed Camping? ), its only open from October 1 to March 31. A short hike will bring you to the edge of the canyon. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing. Only single vehicles or single axle trailers should venture far off the road. All were friendly and respectful. For such a beautiful area, its relatively uncrowded here. However, we found a spot, and surprisingly, it was level. The mountains are rugged and unforgiving, but they have a strong and mysterious draw on the adventurous type. Overview of Oxbow Designated Dispersed Campsite 25. Cell signal is great, which is rare for boondocking. Learn more: Boondocking 101 Although there are options closer to town, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is my favorite place for boondocking near Quartzsite. Apache Trail, But this convenience has a downside it gets crowded here. Loy Butte Road (FR 525) and Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) are two other free dispersed campsites near Sedona that I love. Pinery Canyon Road is part of Coronado National Forest. Gross, I know!! The views are spectacular, its too bad this area is being abused. I guess sometimes we need to pick and choose. The area itself is beautiful. more. Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure. Black bears frequent the area. more. Thats not to mention the abundance of border patrol vehicles which drive through the area at all hours, including the middle of the night. In any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge (36CFR 261.10d) With any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition (36CFR 261.5b) Choose a remote area with an earthen backdrop. 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. FWIW? The campsites themselves are spacious and relatively private. "Dispersed camping," as it's called, is legal camping in undeveloped campsites, often just off of forest access roads. Campsites are spacious enough for the largest rigs and the dirt roads are well maintained. It covers roughly 665,000 acres, a mixture of open desert and the rugged Kofa Mountains. The overlook (a small turnaround area) gets plenty of visitors during the daytime, but not many stick around to camp, at least in my experience. On the flip side, the views and landscape are amazing, and the location convenient. Call the North Kaibab Ranger District for more information: (928) 660-2443, Get Directions to Saddle Mountain Overlook. Clearly this area is used by people staying more than the 14 day limit. There are some nice trails right out of this boondocking spot or Lost Dutchman State Park is just 2 miles up the road. The exception is near the borders of the park, just off Highway 95. Call the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge offices for more information: (928) 783-7861. See 9 traveler reviews, 23 photos and blog posts If possible, sending a scout vehicle in first is a good idea. From Mesa: Take State Hwy. Menu. Arizona You can most likely find a spot even if it looks very busy when you pull in. 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. 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. In the winter through early spring, snow makes the road impassable. An example is Twin Arrows Casino Resort near Flagstaff. Neither one is developed. We ended up in a great spot, able to make our patio area private and have unobstructed views of the Superstitions. Anthem Dispersed Camping, Anthem Arizona. One thing very frustrating was the number of trucks and recreation vehicles speeding through the roads at all hours of the day and night. Friends were able to work from their RV with a WeBoost. Its just 10 miles from Lake Havasu City to the south and 12 miles from I-40 to the north. First of all, I want to say that the views were PHENOMENAL!! 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 Superstition Wilderness has a ton of additional camping options, including dispersed camping and boondocking as well as backpacking. Visitor Center/Park Store Monday-Sunday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. (starting Nov. 1) (Summer hours may vary) Thanksgiving - 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Christmas Eve - 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Christmas Day - closed Park Entrance Fee Per Vehicle (1-4 Adults): $10 Camping a bit away from the rim helps minimize wind. The road is well-maintained (aside from moderate washboarding) to this point. A 5 Diamondback rattlesnake that crossed our path in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Laundry, propane (Metro Lift had best price when we were here; gas station's nearby was almost double it), Costco and Winco are all within reach. Not only with other recreationalists, but also with work vehicles driving to and from the areas still active mines. Be the first to add a video for Apache Trail Dispersed Camping! There are a lot of hiking trails in this area (the Big Loop Trail is my favorite). 1 video 6 photos 10 reviews 13 miles Roosevelt Lake Tonto Basin - Tonto Basin, Arizona We tried to get reservations for next year but everything was already booked for the next year. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road! Trail Maps Filter by Elevation Join Roadpass Pro GPS: 33.8635, -112.1476 View on Google Maps At about 7 miles in, the road is much rougher. 85119 We highly recommend arriving during daylight so you can see the washes. 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. There is an OHV vehicle staging area at the end of the road, so there is constant jeep, truck, dirtbike, atv, utv, etc traffic. 88, and drive past historic Roosevelt Dam (unpaved) for 3 miles to Three Mile Wash Recreation Site. If you want a quiet, relaxed camping experience soaking in the views of the Superstitions, this is NOT your place! 87/Beeline Hwy. Today, Im going to share my favorite free campsites in Arizona. We have a class b van and did ok with deft maneuvering. The campsites are decently spaced apart, so youre in for a quiet and peaceful night without many close neighbors. how long does hiv live outside the body; black river az dispersed camping When going #2, dig a 6-8" deep cathole and cover it when done. Unless you have a 44 vehicle, its important to access Schnebly Hill Road (Forest Road 153) from I-17 rather than from Sedona itself to avoid the roughest parts of the road. Smaller RVs may have an easier time leveling or finding a place when the horse trailers are here (hot tip: park at the entrance and scout by foot), but there is absolutely space for any size rig. Truck Camper Adventure is an emagazine offering truck camper news, reviews, travel tips, and more. With so many options to choose from, this is one of the most pocket-friendly ways to spend some time with . While traveling along the Apache Trail, you will be able to access different regions that offer various desert experiences. 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. . Learn more: Boondocking 101, Campendium users haven't asked any questions about Apache Trail Dispersed Camping, I will preface this by saying that we didnt camp here, and thank goodness for that. Only single vehicles or single axle trailers should venture far off the road. If youre lucky enough to score one of these, then youre in for a real treat sunrise and sunset against the canyon walls is indescribably beautiful. The main road itself is very wide but also very rutted. Sunset and sunrise here is very special. Once you get in there are many roads that arent as terrible that snake ar Be the first to add a note for Apache Trail Dispersed Camping! Know that the rim-side campsites are exposed to the elements. Good location for both city and mountain exploration which is why we stayed. Although free camping near Sedona is abundant, Schnebly Hill Road is my favorite place to hunker down in Red Rock Country. Rather than list them all, Ive narrowed down your options to just 11 of the very best. The road into this huge maze is extremely rutted with massive pits and you will have to take a perfect line in once you pass the fenced building on your left. The easiest access is via the South Entrance to the national park. The campsites are all private. Beautiful Vermillion Cliffs (including The Wave in Coyote Buttes North) is just a short drive away. They did say they were taking down names and plates so it wouldnt happen twice. See traveler reviews, photos and blog posts Arizona Free Camping Anthem Anthem Dispersed Camping Anthem Dispersed Camping State Trust Land . A communications expert and licensed ham radio operator, he retired from the U.S. Navy in 2004 as a CWO3 after 24 years, holds a BS degree . and a decent price on diesel, especially with any Kroger card (Fred Meyer, Smiths, etc.). Look at a map, know before you go. Campground Camping describes places to tent camp on the Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. Video: 5 Amazing Places to Camp for Free in the Western U.S. Best Campgrounds Near 4 of Baja Californias National Parks, How to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Where to Camp, 5 Alternatives to Utahs Popular National Parks, How to Visit Prescott National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, How to Visit Coconino National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, Indiana RV Campgrounds: 7 Places to Camp, Hike, and Explore the Hoosier State, 5 Mid-Atlantic State Parks Worthy of a Detour, Reviews of Apache Trail Dispersed Camping, Written by someone with an affiliation to the property, Duplicate review submitted by the same member, Multiple reviews submitted by members of the same household, Reviewer did not actually visit the location. The beautiful views and quiet forest atmosphere always make me happy I stopped here for a night. Arizona is a wonderful place to explore with countless free camping opportunities. 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. Nearest Gas 3.5 miles away. Arizona is also home to countless casinos, many of which offer free casino boondocking in their parking lots. Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. There were a few different "homeless" groups here while we were. Most campsites are spacious and flat, although the access roads can be quite rough. more. The views from the end of the road are what make Edge of the World home to arguably the best free camping in Arizona. Not impressed, but it got the job done. It costs just $15 per night. 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. Be the first to add a video for Hackamore Road Dispersed Camping! Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. Continue on US Route 60 just past the small community of Gold Canyon. dispersed camping southwest. Lots of hiking trails are located nearby (Wave Cave Trail is a short, sweet, and popular option). During the summer months Apache Lake is very popular for the cool water and beautiful scenery. 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. 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 middle section of trail closest to the intersection of South Cattle Tank Road accesses an extensive BLM dispersed camping area. Theres no cellular reception here. We love that area too but hated the fact that we had no internet. Good location for both city and mountain exploration which is why we That said, RVs and trailers are better off looking for boondocking spots just after the first mile marker after turning off Highway 95. We just pulled in for a quick overnight stay and so grateful that was all. Coronado National Forest has several other dispersed camping opportunities near Patagonia, including along San Rafael Road. more. We went to sleep to coyotes howling and woke to birds singing. There are fire rings, but we ended up making our own because someone had left tons of trash laying around (shame). It only takes a few seconds. Would not recommend for rigs over 24ft. Although these are the best spots (for views, at least), remember to be alert. The recreation area is apart of the Tonto National Forest- Tonto Basin Ranger Districtand encompasses over 500,000 acres and includes numerous recreational opportunities located along the shores of Roosevelt Lake. Phone Number. tonto national forest to open many recreation sites by may. My only gripe is you must pay the Grand Canyon entrance fee ($30 per vehicle) to access these campsites via Desert View Road. Had an awesome moonrise with silhouettes of the saguaro on the hill in front of it. Let us know. While the road noise wasn't bad, someone ran their generator all through the night. Youll notice a bit of traffic (including some ATVs), but this is minimal, especially compared to other popular Arizona dispersed camping locations. The Lost Dutchman Museum (inside the gift shop) is well worth $5 (kids free). You can also turn off on several other roads (such as Forest Road 307) to access even more campsites. The best campsites look out over the Colorado River (near the start of the Grand Canyon). Low clearance beware. Herb Martyr Campground is one of my favorites. Eve One thing very frustrating was the number of trucks and recreation vehicles speeding through the roads at all hours of the day and night. Tall tales, trip guides, & the world's weird & wonderful. Cellular reception is decent, but far from amazing. February 27, 2023 alexandra bonefas scott No Comments . Dates for 2024 Truck Camper Adventure Quartzsite Rally Now Set, For Sale: 2019 Ford F450 2020 Eagle Cap 1160 ($149,000), Tern Overland AirFlo RV Mattress Pad Eliminates Condensation and Mold. Turn north at the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center to reach these. My husband had to catch an early morning flight out of Gateway Airport in Mesa, which was a half hour away. USA, *Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Its VERY easy access, any size rig could fit in here. The majority of the campsites are on the righthand (south) side of the road if youre heading in from Highway 181. Its very close to the geologic wonders of Chiricahua National Monument. Nearly always there would be "room for one more" if you just need a place to overnight and aren't too picky. Great hiking. Self-contained toilets are required. The steep, copper-colored canyon walls and jutting peaks provide a spectacular backdrop to the creek below. We were in the area over this past weekend and primitave camped east of Tortilla Flats. The road into this huge maze is extremely rutted with massive pits and you will have to take a perfect line in once you pass the fenced building on your left. This area can accommodate even the biggest RVs and trailers. Dont worry. Forest Road 302 east of Tusayan is also home to some of my favorite dispersed campsites in Arizona, although its not as convenient to the Grand Canyon as Coconino Rim Road. Even though it was very busy, we thought there were at least three different places we could have stayed in our 33' motorhome. Whether or not you score a rim-side site, several overlook points are just a short hike away. Would not recommend for rigs over 24ft. 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. Once you get in there are many roads that arent as terrible that snake around all over the place. The wildlife refuge is sprawling and remote. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. There are biking and hiking trails, and the park itself is lovely for a walk. Dispersed camping used to be great years ago, but this is the worst degradation of it Ive seen yet. houses that take section 8 vouchers augusta, ga, A lot of hiking trails are located nearby ( Wave Cave Trail is my favorite free campsites Arizona. 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