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. 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. Mello Mike is an Amazon.com associate. The dirt access roads are maintained year-round. There are fire rings, but we ended up making our own because someone had left tons of trash laying around (shame). After Badger Creek Overlook, my favorite place to camp near Vermillion Cliffs is Stateline Campground, a small campground on the border between Utah and Arizona. This is a good location for boondocking in an RV or trailer. The roads arent in the best shape, but expect nothing worse than moderate washboarding at least until youre about 7 miles in. I have a very low clearance van, if I can make it then I almost guarantee you can. If you are into mud and rough, rutted roads, you will be in pig heaven here!! Well, later that evening, I realized that my poor dog was totally STONED (and not in a good, mellow kind of way!!). There are fire rings, but we ended up making our own because someone had left tons of trash laying around (shame). Visit in the off season or on a weekday during summer to beat (most) of the crowds. are located west of Highway 83 along Gardner Canyon Road as it winds its way towards Gardner Canyon and the Gardner Trail. Its decent for RVs and trailers. 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. Overview of Oxbow Designated Dispersed Campsite 25. The area itself is beautiful. Had an awesome moonrise with silhouettes of the saguaro on the hill in front of it. A recreational permit is required to camp here just $15 for individuals and $20 for families gets you a yearly pass good for free camping on nearly 8 million acres of land across the state. Unfortunately, there are just a handful of sites with views of the Grand Canyon itself. 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. Quite a few people living in mini vans but I was not bothered. Gross, I know!! The location is great! YMMV. The only saving grace for this site is the view of the Superstition Mountains. 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. Camped Sunday night, 2/3/19. Some areas allow camping in designated sites . A fellow camper said the weekend was noisy with partying. 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. 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. Craggy Wash is crowded. Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area, located3 miles south of Roosevelt Dam on the south shoreline of Apache Lake, offers shoreline dispersed camping. While traveling along the Apache Trail, you will be able to access different regions that offer various desert experiences. Dont worry. Peralta Road dispersed camping isnt the quietest. I cant say anything negative about this dispersed camping area. Harshaw Road is quite busy. Many sites are spacious enough and the access road is smooth enough for large RVs and trailers. Please always follow the7 Leave No Trace principles(especially packing out all your trash,properly disposing of human waste, respecting campfire bans, and only using previously-used campsites) when dispersed camping in Arizona. Offers a pool, Steaming Hot Jacuzz Do not attempt at night! The Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures. Just when we finally fell asleep, the local sheriff paid a visit, and we had to provide license and info. Being rainy, there was some mud and soft areas where people drove, but mostly it was hard-packed. 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. But this convenience has a downside it gets crowded here. Eve Bring an awning or canopy for shade. tonto national forest an arizona national forest gitlab.dstv.com 1 / 30 Both Non-motorized and Motorized boating is allowed at Apache Lake. There are a lot of hiking trails in this area (the Big Loop Trail is my favorite). However, part of the Mogollon Rim is located in Coconino National Forest (north and slightly west of Payson). Download from This area can accommodate even the biggest RVs and trailers. Apache Trail, Just shoot me a line: jake@campnado.com, See Also: My Favorite Camping Gear for 2022, Best Free Campsites Near Grand Canyon National Park, dispersed camping in Coronado National Forest, blacktop boondocking in a store parking lot, New Mexicos Best Free Dispersed Campsites. Two Trucks and Two Campers! The paved road then follows meandering Harshaw Creek through a sycamore-shaded canyon until crossing over into Coronado National Forest. Lots of campsites yet plenty of privacy. Anthem Dispersed Camping, Anthem Arizona. more. Pinery Canyon Road is part of Coronado National Forest. Dont forget to check it out in addition to Chiricahua National Monument. Rigs of all sizes are welcome here. The road has several large holes and dips along the trail, when we arrived and parked I saw large pieces of broken tiles (possibly roof tiles?) 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 . Several sites are large enough for RVs and trailers. Tent camping isn't permitted. California condors also live here. Truck Camper Adventure is an emagazine offering truck camper news, reviews, travel tips, and more. Today the Pass is known for its breathtaking views, hiking, and dispersed camping locations. Apparently, there have been issues of late. One thing very frustrating was the number of trucks and recreation vehicles speeding through the roads at all hours of the day and night. Although youll see good camping spots almost immediately, its important to continue down the dirt road until you pass the sign for Kaibab National Forest (just past the first cattle guard). 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!! Be the first to add a note for Apache Trail Dispersed Camping! Honestly, theres very little negative to say about dispersed camping here. The views here are spectacular. Continue on US Route 60 just past the small community of Gold Canyon. 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. The area is regularly patrolled by Forest Service Rangers I felt plenty safe leaving my tent behind to explore the national park. The Lost Dutchman Museum (inside the gift shop) is well worth $5 (kids free). Apache Sitgreaves National . Lots of hiking trails are located nearby (Wave Cave Trail is a short, sweet, and popular option). These dispersed campsites are located about 15 minutes south of Marble Canyon on BLM land just off of Highway 89A. 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). 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. Just make sure you take Woody Mountain Road and youll arrive at the correct spot. Today, Im going to share my favorite free campsites in Arizona. This location provided a reliable water source and other resources in an otherwise harsh landscape. Only single vehicles or single axle trailers should venture far off the road. Call the North Kaibab Ranger District for more information: (928) 660-2443, Get Directions to Saddle Mountain Overlook. The views of the Colorado River from the cliffs above are hard to beat. Herb Martyr Campground is one of my favorites. BTW, really nice people there, clean showers, club house with a pool table, wifi and free dryers. For nearly 10 millennia, the Tonto Basin has provided, and continues to provide, a home to many diverse people. 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. The red rock canyon views from the overlook are amazing. East of Phoenix, Arizona, is the historic Apache Trail which travels through the Superstition Mountains region. Lone Tree, another BLM dispersed camping area, is located just off Highway 95, about 4 miles north of the turnoff for Craggy Wash. Because its so convenient and can fit RVs of all sizes, it tends to get crowded here as well. Fish Creek Canyon is perhaps the best and most scenic part of the drive. So by the time the OHVs stop, you have a few hours to sleep before the constant beeping if trucks. Some can accommodate . It was kind of crowded, but thats to be expected at this time of year in AZ. Tonto National Monumentprotects two well-preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings and diverse artifacts. 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 Perfect for boondocking in an RV or trailer thanks to well-maintained access roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101 88 are unpaved) to Three Mile Wash Recreation Site. Cell signal is great, which is rare for boondocking. They did say they were taking down names and plates so it wouldnt happen twice. Dispersed camping used to be great years ago, but this is the worst degradation of it Ive seen yet. With so many options to choose from, this is one of the most pocket-friendly ways to spend some time with . It is convenient to the Maverick ATV Trail. We highly recommend arriving during daylight so you can see the washes. There is some sort of mine on the other side of the road; they start work well before sunrise at 5am. Class A busses probably wouldn't make it. Just note that its only accessible from late spring to late fall due to its high elevation. Poll Results: Biggest Boondocking Pet Peeve? Not satisfied with the free campsites on my list? Dirt roads are numerous with dispersed camping allowed throughout the entire area. We tried to get reservations for next year but everything was already booked for the next year. and a decent price on diesel, especially with any Kroger card (Fred Meyer, Smiths, etc.). Neither one is developed. Let us know. 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