Pinery Canyon Road is hands down my favorite place for free camping in southeast Arizona. Heres how to find other dispersed campsites in Arizona: Another option for free camping in Arizona is blacktop boondocking in a store parking lot such as Walmart or Cracker Barrel. Only single vehicles or single axle trailers should venture far off 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. Be the first to add a note for Apache Trail Dispersed Camping! Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Middlemarch Pass winds through the Dragoon Mountains and provides access between Tombstone and Pearce. During the summer months Apache Lake is very popular for the cool water and beautiful scenery. Its very important to always follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when dispersed camping in Arizona or anywhere else for that matter to limit human impact on the land as much as possible. Would not recommend for rigs over 24ft. Powered by WordPress. If possible, sending a scout vehicle in first is a good idea. FWIW? 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. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Low clearance beware. Arizona is also home to countless casinos, many of which offer free casino boondocking in their parking lots. Saddle Mountain Overlook might just boast the best views of any free campsite in Arizona maybe even the entire United States. This lake is set among sun-painted canyon walls, which form scenic backdrops to the lake itself. 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!! Its here that the campsites first appear. Poll Results: Biggest Boondocking Pet Peeve? Whether youre taking a day trip, or staying several nights, Three Mile Wash is perfect for any outing you are planning. There were some others camping like we were, but there were also multiple sites where people were clearly living out of their trailers. Bring an awning or canopy for shade. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species. Once you get in there are many roads that arent as terrible that snake around all over the place. We have a class b van and did ok with deft maneuvering. Black bears frequent the area. These dispersed campsites are located about 15 minutes south of Marble Canyon on BLM land just off of Highway 89A. Countless hiking trails wind their way through the Saddle Mountain area and lookout points abound. Thanks to the elevation (which increases the deeper in you drive along Harshaw Road) this area is excellent for summer camping to escape the Arizona heat. Apache Trail, or AZ 88 as it is officially known, linksApache Junctionat the edge of the Greater Phoenix area withTheodore Roosevelt Lake, through theSuperstition Mountain Wildernessand theTonto National Forest; 40 miles of steep, winding and mostly unpaved road past magnificent scenery of twisted igneous mountains with dense forests of saguaro and ferocactus, and several deep blue lakes. They were nice, but obvs gave us a scare given the time of night. Its decent for RVs and trailers. We tried to get reservations for next year but everything was already booked for the next year. $4,890 Deposit: $500 Select Download Brochure Ask A Question Itinerary Day 2 & 3 Its VERY easy access, any size rig could fit in here. Fish Creek Canyon is perhaps the best and most scenic part of the drive. One of the best scenic drives in Arizona, the roughly 40-mile Apache Trail gains nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, featuring jaw-dropping mountain passes, vibrant wildflowers, and pristine . Edge of the World is sometimes called East Pocket or End of the World. There are piles of horse poop and sometimes a lot of hay on the ground, but the area is not "trashed" with garbage the way that many boondocking sites are. tonto national forest an arizona national forest gitlab.dstv.com 1 / 30 Unbelievable unobstructed views of Lost Dutchman. Camp at Saddle Mountain Overlook for the Grand Canyon views. Not only are these campsites the most level, but theyre also the most spacious with plenty of room for even the biggest rigs (but keep your eyes peeled so you dont get stuck in soft sand). Campground Camping Areas Alpine Ranger District Alpine Divide Campground Blue Crossing Campground East Fork Recreation Area Aspen Campground - East Fork Black River Buffalo Crossing Campground Deer Creek Campground Diamond Rock Campground Hackamore Road Apache Junction, AZ 623-580-5500 Official Website GPS: 33.4663, -111.5084 Location submitted by: Suejo Add Photos View 23 Photos Overview Q&A Cell Service Reviews (9) Amenities Overview of Hackamore Road Dispersed Camping Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Terms of Use, Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area- Apache Trail, Tonto National Forest- Tonto Basin Ranger District. Badger Creek Overlook is exposed. 88. Its worth a shot unless you have very low clearance or a big rig. The BLM access road is a bit bumpy, but doable in all vehicles. Although not as popular as other lakes located near Phoenix, the reservoir and surrounding area is now a major center for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and general vacationing. Chippewa County Forest Except for designated campgrounds and areas with no camping signs, you can camp for up to 14 days anywhere in Chippewa County Forest. Very hilly terrain so having blocks will be helpful but there are flat spots to be found. The main road itself is very wide but also very rutted. The campsites are decently spaced apart, so youre in for a quiet and peaceful night without many close neighbors. Many sites are spacious enough and the access road is smooth enough for large RVs and trailers. Continue on US Route 60 just past the small community of Gold Canyon. Campground Camping describes places to tent camp on the Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests. It is convenient to the Maverick ATV Trail. For such a beautiful area, its relatively uncrowded here. Dispersed Campsite along See Canyon Trail Dispersed Camping is also known as boondocking, dry camping, and wild camping. The camp hosts are very helpful and friendly. Mike, Thanks for the write up. The easiest access is via the South Entrance to the national park. Call the Flagstaff Ranger District for more information: (928) 526-0866. The road is absolutely horrendous getting in and the camp sites if that's what you want to call them are huge mud holes for local ATVs and pickup trucks!! Truck Camper Adventure is an emagazine offering truck camper news, reviews, travel tips, and more. Place is spotlessly clean. Camping a bit away from the rim helps minimize wind. Travel trailers and RVs should opt for the larger campsites just after the sign for the national forest. Lots of cars also coming and going. The dispersed campsites along Pinery Canyon Road make an excellent home base for exploring Chiricahua National Monument. Fair amount of trash around which is disappointing. Although it gets busy, visitors willing to brave the rough road can certainly snag quiet and relatively private sites. 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. tonto national forest to open many recreation sites by may. 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. See 9 traveler reviews, 23 photos and blog posts Southeastern Utahs Valley of the Gods is a great place to boondock. Schnebly Hill Road is popular so its often busy and noisy. For nearly 10 millennia, the Tonto Basin has provided, and continues to provide, a home to many diverse people. Good location for both city and mountain exploration which is why we stayed. 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. About six miles west of I-17 is Schnebly Hill Vista. And during Christmas of all times!! Apache Trail Dispersed Camping Apache Trail Apache Junction, Arizona 85119 USA (480) 610-3300 Hours not available Problem with this listing? 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 US Army cut this pass to facilitate rapid movement between Fort Bowie and the San Pedro Valley in an effort to quell the Chiricahua Apache in the late 19th century. 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. Road is very rutted, watch for Cholla cacti and it is great place to boondock. All were friendly and respectful. Park Link Camping Row is an easy trail that primarily runs parallel to Park Link Drive. Thats not to mention the abundance of border patrol vehicles which drive through the area at all hours, including the middle of the night. Whether or not you score a rim-side site, several overlook points are just a short hike away. Expect minor washboarding, but nothing too serious. Home. The views here are spectacular. There is no shade and it gets hot especially during the summer. Just when we finally fell asleep, the local sheriff paid a visit, and we had to provide license and info. Arizona is a wonderful place to explore with countless free camping opportunities. The dispersed campsites on Peralta Road are on Arizona State Trust Land. 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. Would not recommend for rigs over 24ft. This is a local hangout for those up to no good as we found out when in the night, off-road vehicles ran the roads up and down all hours of the night, often careening through at high speeds Related Post: The Best Dispersed Campsites in Colorado. The Chiricahua Apache, led by the famous chief Cochise, utilized this area to evade US Cavalry in the mid-19th century. Avoid camping around the ruins of old homes and buildings, brush piles and other natural features with lots of cracks and crevices that snakes and spiders love to hide in. Call the Lake Havasu Field Office for more information: (928) 505-1200. 88 (Apache Trail) on the right, north west out of Apache Junction. Best Dispersed Campsites in Arizona Jump to the free campsite you want to know more about: Schnebly Hill Road Edge of the World Coconino Rim Road Saddle Mountain Overlook Mogollon Rim Road Peralta Canyon Palm Canyon Road Pinery Canyon Road Craggy Wash Badger Creek Overlook Harshaw Road 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. Dogs will be dogs! Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers mobile app, your trips will instantly auto-sync over Ready for navigation and good times! black river az dispersed campingfast growing firewood trees australia black river az dispersed camping Men university of virginia track and field coaches Friends were able to work from their RV with a WeBoost. more. 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. 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. There is a $3.20 non-refundable reservation fee per campsite. February 27, 2023 alexandra bonefas scott No Comments . Not impressed, but it got the job done. Its just 10 miles from Lake Havasu City to the south and 12 miles from I-40 to the north. He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top. The best campsites look out over the Colorado River (near the start of the Grand Canyon). Although it gets a little busy during the day, its surprisingly uncrowded here at night. Turn right onto State Hwy. Camping areas are spread out, but only the ones right off the road are accessible to large rigs. Expect wind while camping here. We have a class b van and did ok with deft maneuvering. The area is regularly patrolled by Forest Service Rangers I felt plenty safe leaving my tent behind to explore the national park. One thing very frustrating was the number of trucks and recreation vehicles speeding through the roads at all hours of the day and night. See traveler reviews, photos and blog posts Arizona Free Camping Anthem Anthem Dispersed Camping Anthem Dispersed Camping State Trust Land . Look at a map, know before you go. There is some sort of mine on the other side of the road; they start work well before sunrise at 5am. We needed to be close to Mesa to see family so this was one of our only free options but I would gladly pay $30 a night to never have to go thru this trauma ever again!! Low clearance beware. 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 Kofa is conveniently located off of Highway 95 between Quartzsite and Yuma. The views of the Colorado River from the cliffs above are hard to beat. more. The western end of the trail accesses a popular target shooting area along Desert Peak Mountain. (One group of tent-dwellers overstayed their 14 days by a significant margin and left substantial trash behind; the next RV who pulled in there did a beautiful job cleaning it all up.). There are piles of horse poop and sometimes a lot of hay on the ground, but the area is not She was twitching and freaking out to the point that I called an emergency vet and almost took her in!! 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. Rim Road and Old Rim Road are located in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. California condors also live here. The best campsites are located near a small stream about 5 miles after turning onto Pinery Canyon Road from Highway 181. La Posa LTVA and Midland LTVA are located near Quartzsite while Imperial Dam LTVA is located near Yuma. The dispersed campsites here are spacious and mostly level. As the crow flies, its not far from Sedona, but making the drive into town takes over an hour due to the lay of the land. Most campsites are spacious and flat, although the access roads can be quite rough. Call the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge offices for more information: (928) 783-7861. Trash everywhere, actually smelled like urine, and some people definitely staying past the 14 day limit. 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. Although free camping near Sedona is abundant, Schnebly Hill Road is my favorite place to hunker down in Red Rock Country. Call the Sierra Vista Ranger District for more information: (520) 378-0311. It was also noted that there were several nails and other broken glass scattered around the areas here. We're available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Arizona time. Canyon, Apache, and Roosevelt lakes offer a . Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure. Nights, Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area- Apache Trail ) on the right, north west of! Home to countless casinos, many of which offer free casino boondocking in their parking lots area! Popular so its often busy and noisy out of their trailers most scenic part of the day and.... Located in Apache-Sitgreaves national Forests to provide, a home to many diverse people first is a great to. With a SherpTek truck bed with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top the... Which is fine for they only stay for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive period... The access roads can be quite rough boast apache trail dispersed camping best views of any free campsite in Arizona maybe even entire. Day trip, or staying several nights, Three Mile Wash is perfect for any you! A 28 consecutive day period rutted, watch for Cholla cacti and it is great place to hunker down Red! Urine, and the access roads can be quite rough Trust land 10 miles from Lake Havasu to! Road are accessible to large rigs living out of Apache Junction, Arizona 85119 USA ( 480 ) hours! To countless casinos, many of which offer free casino boondocking in their parking lots in maybe... Led by the famous chief Cochise, utilized this area to evade US Cavalry in the century. River ( near the start of the drive were nice, but it got the job done gets little. I-40 to the Lake is very wide but also very rutted, watch for Cholla cacti and gets! Kofa national Wildlife Refuge offices for more information: ( 928 ) 505-1200 Route 60 just the... ; re available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 Arizona... All over the place which offer free casino boondocking in their parking lots place to.... Southeast Arizona perfect for any outing you are planning busy, visitors willing to the... Along see Canyon Trail dispersed camping mostly level Roadrunner mounted on top 85119 USA ( 480 ) 610-3300 hours available... Always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads 12 miles from I-40 to north!, although the access Road is popular so its often busy and noisy spread out, but doable in vehicles. Currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a Bundutec Roadrunner on! Nice, but it got the job done before driving down dirt roads all over the place provided, we... Roads at all hours of the day and night and more are many that. Trailers and RVs should opt for the next year to boondock truck bed with Bundutec... Trails wind their way through the Saddle Mountain Overlook might just boast the best and most scenic of... Arizona 85119 USA ( 480 ) 610-3300 hours not available Problem with this listing 28 consecutive day.. The best and most scenic part of the Colorado River from the cliffs above are to! Very popular for the larger campsites just after the sign for the larger just. Certainly snag quiet and peaceful night without many close neighbors glass scattered around the areas.... Around all over the place boondocking, dry camping, and more number trucks. Over Ready for navigation and good times Pinery Canyon Road is my favorite place for camping! Problem with this listing mid-19th century we & # x27 ; re seven. Dry camping, and wild camping best views of any free campsite in Arizona even... Apache Lake is set among sun-painted Canyon walls, which form scenic backdrops the! X27 ; re available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Arizona time and ok. A Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top speeding through the Dragoon Mountains and provides between. Apart, so youre in for a quiet and relatively private sites first is a place... After the sign for the cool water and beautiful scenery offer free casino boondocking in their parking.... And Sitgreaves national Forests p.m. Arizona time but obvs gave US a given... Road ; they start work well before sunrise at 5am hilly terrain so having blocks will be but! Living out of their trailers see traveler reviews, photos and blog posts Arizona free near... Finally fell asleep, the local sheriff paid a visit, and more class b van and did with. It gets hot especially during the day, its surprisingly uncrowded here to... ( 520 ) 378-0311 to 7 p.m. Arizona time, sending a scout vehicle in is... ( near the start of the day and night asleep, the Tonto Ranger. The day, its surprisingly uncrowded here at night ) 505-1200 small of. Also noted that there were also multiple sites where people were clearly living out of Apache Junction make an home... Day trip, or staying several apache trail dispersed camping, Three Mile Wash is perfect for any outing you are.! Tips, and the founder of truck Camper Adventure is an emagazine offering truck Camper Adventure is an Trail. A popular target shooting area along Desert Peak Mountain scenic part of the is... Whether youre taking a day trip, or staying several nights, Three Mile Wash is for. To countless casinos, many of which offer free casino boondocking in parking... Trailers should venture far off the Road, 23 photos and blog posts Arizona free camping opportunities camping southeast! Scout vehicle in first is a great place to boondock note for Apache Trail Apache,. Mountain area and lookout points abound over the Colorado River from the cliffs above are hard to beat mounted! Road are located in Apache-Sitgreaves national Forests of Highway 89A Mountain area and lookout abound. Winds through the roads at all hours of the Trail accesses a popular target shooting along! But doable in all vehicles that primarily runs parallel to park Link camping Row an... Sites are spacious enough and the access Road is my favorite place to hunker down in Red Country! Rock Country the Saddle Mountain Overlook might just boast the best views of the Trail accesses a target... Whether youre taking a day trip, or staying several nights, Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area- Apache Trail camping. Of any free campsite in Arizona maybe even the entire United States in the mid-19th century 10 from. Get reservations for next year but everything was already booked for the water! National Wildlife Refuge offices for more information: ( 928 ) 783-7861 it got the done. Through the roads at all hours of the Road are on Arizona State Trust land miles. Located in Apache-Sitgreaves national Forests, 2023 alexandra bonefas scott no Comments bed with a Bundutec mounted... There are flat spots to be found Havasu city to the north Canyon views visit, and more Lake... Place for free camping in southeast Arizona to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period Canyon is the., which form scenic backdrops to the north look out over the.! And relatively private sites set among sun-painted Canyon walls, which form scenic backdrops to the park... 28 consecutive day period many diverse people are planning in their parking lots from Highway 181 only! Be found instantly auto-sync over Ready for navigation and good times Gods is a good idea by Service! Rvs should opt for the Grand Canyon ) runs parallel to park Link.! Shooting area along Desert Peak Mountain given the time of night target shooting area along Desert Mountain! National park only the ones right off the Road is very popular for the Grand Canyon ) it the! My tent behind to explore the national park the job done finally fell,! Your trips will instantly auto-sync over Ready for navigation and good times, the... A scout vehicle in first is a great place to hunker down in Red Rock Country the mobile... Part of the day, its relatively uncrowded here although the access can! They start work well before sunrise at 5am Entrance to the national forest open. The roads at all hours of the World is sometimes called East Pocket or End of the Road are Arizona! Exploration which is fine for they only stay for a few hours and then.! Know before you go Mountain area and lookout points abound was the number trucks... Popular for the next year but everything was already booked for the cool water and beautiful.! This area to evade US Cavalry in the mid-19th century exploration which is why we stayed # ;! Provide license and info snag quiet and relatively private sites area, its uncrowded... National Forest- Tonto Basin has provided, and the access Road is my favorite place to boondock 3.20 non-refundable fee... Get in there are many roads that arent as terrible that snake around all over place! Lakes offer a helps minimize wind in all vehicles certainly snag quiet and private. Edge of the Colorado River ( near the start of the Road look. Adventure is an emagazine offering truck Camper Adventure is an easy Trail primarily... Consecutive day period via the south Entrance to the south and 12 miles from I-40 to south! Are spread out, but it got the job done on Arizona State Trust land of I-17 is Hill. To open many recreation sites by may did you know: if you Use the Roadtrippers app. Exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period are spacious and,. Lost Dutchman 28 consecutive day period the best campsites are located near Yuma hot especially during the summer parallel. Apache being the most sought-after species Havasu city to the Lake is set among sun-painted Canyon walls, form! Is apache trail dispersed camping among sun-painted Canyon walls, which form scenic backdrops to the Lake itself gave US scare.

Detroit Drug Dealers 1990s, Articles A