However, not all campsites in the Phoenix area are created equal so you'll want to come prepared with an idea of where you'll camp. Rigs of all sizes are welcome here. 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. Have you written a blog post about Hackamore Road Dispersed Camping? Ive seen plenty of RVs and trailers here, although its best for passenger vehicles and camper vans. scattered around the campsite and other trash to include a large metal awning. 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. Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. For Sale: 2020 Rugged Mountain Granite 11RL Truck Camper ($49,900), 5-Star Boondocking: Utahs Valley of the Gods, Kid and Gypsy Enjoy Truck Camper Life Abroad. Lots of cars also coming and going. There were some others camping like we were, but there were also multiple sites where people were clearly living out of their Dispersed camping used to be great years ago, but this is the worst degradation of it Ive seen yet. Had an awesome moonrise with silhouettes of the saguaro on the hill in front of it. Call the Red Rock Ranger District for more information: (928) 282-4199, Related Post: Best Free Dispersed Camping Near Sedona. Once you reach Edge of the World itself, youll find plenty of space to spread out in the forest with the best spots located on the rim of a canyon overlooking the beautiful Red Rock Wilderness. black river az dispersed camping; February 26, 2023 . Not down in this deep canyon, though you will find AT&T 3G service further east near the Apache Lake Marina and AT&T 4G service at the end of the trail at Roosevelt Lake. Not homeless (though they may well have looked it; they played HARD here.) 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? Its just 10 miles from Lake Havasu City to the south and 12 miles from I-40 to the north. Last review on here was 2+ years ago, we thought it might improved, it hasnt. 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. Call the Douglas Ranger District for more information: (520) 388-8436. Turn left and continue to site. The road is well-maintained (aside from moderate washboarding) to this point. The mine also blasts the ground with dynamite without warning, which is terrifying if you don't know it's about to happen. The wildlife refuge is sprawling and remote. There are about a dozen large campsites that will fit RVs of any size. Middlemarch Pass winds through the Dragoon Mountains and provides access between Tombstone and Pearce. With so many options to choose from, this is one of the most pocket-friendly ways to spend some time with . Very hilly terrain so having blocks will be helpful but there are flat spots to be found. We just pulled in for a quick overnight stay and so grateful that was all. Fair amount of trash around which is disappointing. BTW, really nice people there, clean showers, club house with a pool table, wifi and free dryers. This dispersed camping area is also very quiet and peaceful with amazingly dark night skies. You can easily reach this campground near Gurney as it is located about two miles down a well-maintained gravel road off U.S. Highway 169. Because of the ability to park right on next to the water, this locations offers a great get away for families and individuals during the hot summer months. Would stay here again for sure. Cell service is lacking across all networks, but is great at the Parks and Rec Center ($60 for family pass for a month which includes gym, climbing wall, kids club and SHOWERS) and the library. If you want a quiet, relaxed camping experience soaking in the views of the Superstitions, this is NOT your place! While traveling along the Apache Trail, you will be able to access different regions that offer various desert experiences. Anthem Dispersed Camping, Anthem Arizona. The numerous OHV trails in the area makes for some road noise and the likelihood of dust. The only saving grace for this site is the view of the Superstition Mountains. Black bears frequent the area. Beautiful Vermillion Cliffs (including The Wave in Coyote Buttes North) is just a short drive away. Download from more. more, We were here while Larry stopped through; it may well have been my kids swinging from the tree. Although the Superstition Wilderness itself is in Tonto National Forest, the dispersed camping on Peralta Road is actually on Arizona State Trust Land. A 5 Diamondback rattlesnake that crossed our path in Big Bend Ranch State Park. And, if you still have questions, Im here to help. 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. Quite a few people living in mini vans but I was not bothered. Camped Sunday night, 2/3/19. We have a class b van and did ok with deft maneuvering. Its very close to the geologic wonders of Chiricahua National Monument. For free camping near Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, look no further than Badger Creek Overlook. more. The views here are spectacular. 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 We're available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Arizona time. The road in is very rutted and bumpy. Exploring behind the main road also had several areas that had a large amount of trash left behind and people possibly living in their vehicles or tents. close to the traffic circle; we inquired inside and were able to fill water bladders no problem. The paved road then follows meandering Harshaw Creek through a sycamore-shaded canyon until crossing over into Coronado National Forest. more. Stunning views. are located west of Highway 83 along Gardner Canyon Road as it winds its way towards Gardner Canyon and the Gardner Trail. Be the first to add a note for Apache Trail Dispersed Camping! The 23-mile dirt access road is rough and windy. Plus, you can walk down to awesome views in just minutes. Good location for both city and mountain exploration which is why we stayed. Reservations and permits are required and can be made online or over the phone. If youre looking for free camping in nearby states, our guide to finding free campsites will help you find the best free camping near you anywhere in the United States. Despite having quite a bit of traffic, Harshaw Road is quiet and peaceful. Although there are options closer to town, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is my favorite place for boondocking near Quartzsite. more. About Explore the vast Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests known for its jaw-dropping mountain country in east-central Arizona. more. 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. Continue along the Desert View Drive portion of Highway 64 for about 15 miles until you reach the turnoff for Coconino Rim Road (also called Forest Road 310). 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. I cant say anything negative about this dispersed camping area. If possible, sending a scout vehicle in first is a good idea. There is an OHV vehicle staging area at the end of the road, so there is constant jeep, truck, dirtbike, atv, utv, etc traffic. Related Post: The Best Dispersed Campsites in Colorado. The spacious, flat campsites here are easily accessed by all rigs, so they can fill up with RV boondockers. 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!! The dirt access roads are maintained year-round. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road! After planning this trip for a [read more], Most of us who enjoy boondocking have been there at one time or another. Campground Camping describes places to tent camp on the Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests. Campers are often loud into the wee hours since this is a popular party location. Edge of the World gets busy, especially in the summer. Clearly this area is used by people staying more than the 14 day limit. Once in near the overlook, the road is much narrower and quite a bit rougher. FWIW? Would not recommend for rigs over 24ft. Learn more: Boondocking 101 A variety of dispersed camping opportunities are available just off of the Apache Trail (Highway 88) which winds its way through the Superstition Mountains, although portions of the road have been closed due to wildfires and flooding for the past several years. Here are two rules for using the bathroom when camping: Be at least 200 ft away from the trail, campsite, or water source. Also! Call the Flagstaff Ranger District for more information: (928) 526-0866. Camp and explore the Sonoran desert trails Camping & RV Sites Campsite reservations are available online or by calling our camping experts at the Arizona State Parks Reservation Desk 1-877-MY PARKS. Here are 11 of my favorite places for free dispersed camping in Arizona to help you find the perfect campsite for your next trip. 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. Craggy Wash is part of the Bureau of Land Management. 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!! Its also just a little over a mile from Walmart. 88 (Apache Trail) on the right, north west out of Apache Junction. 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. Saddle Mountain Overlook is part of Kaibab National Forest. Arizona This is my second time here. Bring an awning or canopy for shade. 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. Theres no cellular reception here. 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. Saddle Mountain Overlook might just boast the best views of any free campsite in Arizona maybe even the entire United States. My husband had to catch an early morning flight out of Gateway Airport in Mesa, which was a half hour away. Loy Butte Road (FR 525) and Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) are two other free dispersed campsites near Sedona that I love. Dispersed camping in Arizona is an experience you can't afford to miss. Apache Trail Dispersed Area Campground 4.0 - 1 Review Mesa, Arizona Claim this business Information Open All year Sites Total: 5 Amenities Tents Pictures Reviews February 13, 2019 - reviewed by Joseph Elliott A Lot More Than 5 Site And Beautiful Sc Lots of space to camp, however it's mostly tent camping. 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. 9 tenths of a mile past mile marker 202 on st. rt. When going #2, dig a 6-8" deep cathole and cover it when done. Menu. The Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures. It appeared that our neighbors were living there more than camping there. But every campsite has amazing views since the Vermillion Cliffs are prominent in the distance. I actually like this spot once I manage to find a spot. Since the creek can fill quickly after a rain, two large, single-lane bridges have been constructed to provide year-round access. Its VERY easy access, any size rig could fit in here. We just pulled in for a quick overnight stay and so grateful that was all. They will be here patrolling overnight for a few weeks to clean things up as complaints have mounted. Expect moderate washboarding, although the road is passable to all vehicles. Reservations and permits are required and can be made online or over the phone. 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). The campsites along Crystal Hill Road are another good bet. It only takes a few seconds. 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. The jeeps and dirt bikes rev their engines at all hours of the night. Outstanding trout and warm-water fishing. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species. Ive seen low-clearance 2WD vehicles (including a Prius) make the drive, but high-clearance and/or 4WD is very helpful. 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 Hackamore Road 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. Apparently, there have been issues of late. We ended up biking through the dispersed camping area which was super sketchy. Youre out relaxing and enjoying your favorite, secluded spot with your family and then it happensTwo trucks pulling toy haulers stop [read more]. Both are also part of the Coconino National Forest. 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. 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 Two large apache trail dispersed camping single-lane bridges have been constructed to provide year-round access it may well have been kids... 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