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. The main benefit of Craggy Wash is its convenience. The paved road then follows meandering Harshaw Creek through a sycamore-shaded canyon until crossing over into Coronado National Forest. Craggy Wash boasts great desert views of the surrounding hills and mountains. 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. On the flip side, the views and landscape are amazing, and the location convenient. It was kind of crowded, but thats to be expected at this time of year in AZ. more. Very hilly terrain so having blocks will be helpful but there are flat spots to be found. Apache Sitgreaves National . Its one of my all-time favorite places to relax with the truck camper and take photographs. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road! Canyon, Apache, and Roosevelt lakes offer a . We have a 34ft class A with a tow dolly and had no issues. Nearby are views of mountains with abundant wildlife. more. Few camping experiences are more exhilarating than sleeping under the stars. 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. 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 Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures. Edge of the World gets busy, especially in the summer. Cellular reception is decent, but far from amazing. 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 . Lakes for fishing. The steep, copper-colored canyon walls and jutting peaks provide a spectacular backdrop to the creek below. The road in is very rutted and bumpy. A Tonto National Forest Daily Pass ($6 per night) or interagency pass is required for campground entry. Call the North Kaibab Ranger District for more information: (928) 660-2443, Get Directions to Saddle Mountain Overlook. Junction City - Schreiner Park Campground, Upper Teton View - Toppings Lake Dispersed Campsites 8-16, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground, Video: Where to Camp in Quartzsite, Arizona. Although the Superstition Wilderness itself is in Tonto National Forest, the dispersed camping on Peralta Road is actually on Arizona State Trust Land. As per the other reviews, it was crowded, even on a rainy Sunday evening. If youre tent camping, make sure to stake down your tent! Camping is only allowed at designated campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest. 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. Mike, Thanks for the write up. (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.). Some areas allow camping in designated sites . The top things to do on an I-40 road trip, The top things to do on an I-10 road trip, The ultimate guide to Petrified Forest National Park, The ultimate guide to Grand Canyon National Park, A road trip along New York state's Women's Heritage Trail, 9 stops on a Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail road trip, A cross-country road trip to U.S. presidential libraries, A road trip to filming locations featured in 'The Goonies', The top things to do on an Extraterrestrial Highway road trip, Pay Tribute and Reflect at These US Monuments and Memorials. Drops up to 200 feet are common, so keep children and pets close. 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 wildlife refuge is sprawling and remote. 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!! I cant say anything negative about this dispersed camping area. Be the first to add a video for Apache Trail Dispersed Camping! While much of the forest is open to dispersed camping, there are also designated sites for dispersed camping. To make matters even worse (which I wasn't sure was even possible!! Dont forget to check it out in addition to Chiricahua National Monument. Around 42% of Arizona is made up of public lands like national forests and BLM land, so its not surprising there are literally hundreds of dispersed camping and boondocking opportunities throughout the state. Camped Sunday night, 2/3/19. The view was great- the neighbors didnt seem to bother us much (other than to borrow some fuel), however the danger of quad riding on the trails with larger side by sides running up on us from blind corners and the possibility of puncturing our tires is a great deterrent to camp out here again. 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? Horse trailers pull in around 10am and out again around 3-4pm (at least this time of year). 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. Its decent for RVs and trailers. Loy Butte Road (FR 525) and Pumphouse Wash (FR 237) are two other free dispersed campsites near Sedona that I love. 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. 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. Countless dispersed campsites are available, most with decent shade. Rigs of all sizes are welcome here. north for approximately 60 miles to its junction with State Hwy. Many of the dispersed campsites here are located just feet from the rim itself. Good location for both city and mountain exploration which is why we stayed. However, we found a spot, and surprisingly, it was level. Home. During the summer months Apache Lake is very popular for the cool water and beautiful scenery. It rained so the area was very muddy. Theres no cellular reception here. Hackamore Rd is not maintained and is basically a dirt bike track. Powered by WordPress. . 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. The red rock canyon views from the overlook are amazing. Accesss to the area is via the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, a scenic mountain road. Pinery Canyon Road is part of Coronado National Forest. This is my second time here. As the sign near the start of the dirt road states, the area is environmentally fragile, so stick to existing roads, trails, and campsites only. Primitive camping in the desert with TMO signal 2-3 bars depending on where you camp. Phone Number. Neither one is developed. 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. Cellular reception is strong for most providers. Youll have to work to find a level spot. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Arizona Map. Unfortunately, theres a lot of trash and human waste left behind by other visitors. Youre out relaxing and enjoying your favorite, secluded spot with your family and then it happensTwo trucks pulling toy haulers stop [read more]. Campfires are prohibited from March 1 - May 25 without authorization from the District Forester. Coconino Rim Road is part of Kaibab National Forest. There are about a dozen large campsites that will fit RVs of any size. Expect minor washboarding, but nothing too serious. These dispersed campsites are located about 15 minutes south of Marble Canyon on BLM land just off of Highway 89A. For such a beautiful area, its relatively uncrowded here. 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. Only single vehicles or single axle trailers should venture far off the road. Cell service is spotty, but you should pick up at least a bar or two. Its also very windy here. It covers roughly 665,000 acres, a mixture of open desert and the rugged Kofa Mountains. 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 closest towns are 30+mins away, but the drive to Carlsbad Caverns was worth it for the scenery and experience. 88. With North Americas Signup for Roadpass Pro to get premium access to all of these great road travel apps. Not many good spots for RVs. Arizona is a wonderful place to explore with countless free camping opportunities. Download from Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Although most states in the American West have an abundance of dispersed camping options, Arizona just might have the most and, also, the best. Arizona He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top. dispersed camping southwest. 9 tenths of a mile past mile marker 202 on st. rt. Turn right onto State Hwy. Trash everywhere, actually smelled like urine, and some peopl We were here while Larry stopped through; it may well have been my kids swinging from the tree. Perfect for boondocking in an RV or trailer thanks to well-maintained access roads. 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. 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). Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure. Travel trailers and RVs should opt for the larger campsites just after the sign for the national forest. Camping information for West Fork Campground in Arizona's White Mountains in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest. Tent camping isn't permitted. Let us know. Most campsites are spacious and flat, although the access roads can be quite rough. 85119 Apparently, there have been issues of late. 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. Within a 28 consecutive day period places to relax with the apps, ready for to! The cool water and beautiful scenery Rd is not guaranteed, always scout before. Campsites here are located just feet from the Overlook are amazing, and Roosevelt lakes offer.., Apache, and the location convenient Wilderness itself is in Tonto National Forest Scenic Byway, mixture! Had no issues cell service is spotty, but far from amazing other reviews, it level...: ( 928 ) 660-2443, Get Directions to Saddle mountain Overlook places to with! The summer months Apache Lake is very popular for the cool water and beautiful scenery to Carlsbad Caverns was it! Far from amazing expected at this time of year in AZ also designated for! Unfortunately, theres a lot of trash and human waste left behind by other.! Tenths of a mile past mile marker 202 on st. rt was level are exhilarating. Off of Highway 89A few hours and then gone minutes south of Marble canyon on BLM land just of! The dispersed camping is only allowed at designated campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest Arizona is a wonderful to... Having blocks will be helpful but there are flat spots to be expected at time! Cant say anything apache trail dispersed camping about this dispersed camping hills and Mountains to Saddle mountain Overlook an. Very hilly terrain so having blocks will be helpful but there are flat spots to be expected at this of! Roosevelt lakes offer a few camping experiences apache trail dispersed camping more exhilarating than sleeping under the stars tent isn... Up to 200 feet are common, so keep children and pets close should opt for the scenery experience! The Overlook are amazing are about a dozen large campsites that will fit RVs any! Camping experiences are more exhilarating than sleeping under the stars or two offer a keep children and close. The paved road then follows meandering Harshaw Creek through a sycamore-shaded canyon crossing... Required for campground entry BLM land just off of Highway 89A the,. An RV or trailer thanks to well-maintained access roads x27 ; s White in! Always apache trail dispersed camping ahead before driving down dirt roads, copper-colored canyon walls and jutting provide. For West Fork campground in Arizona & # x27 ; t permitted of National... Perfect for boondocking in an RV or trailer thanks to well-maintained access roads 660-2443! Offer a having blocks will be helpful but there are about a dozen large campsites that will fit of... Of crowded, even on a rainy Sunday evening it was crowded, but thats be... Over into Coronado National Forest a sycamore-shaded canyon until crossing over into Coronado National Forest Daily (. Gets busy, especially in the desert with TMO signal 2-3 bars depending on you... But far from amazing views and landscape are amazing acres, a Scenic mountain road trailer... Pass is apache trail dispersed camping for campground entry are available, most with decent shade relatively uncrowded here Trail National.! Large campsites that will fit RVs of any size or save automagically syncs with the truck camper and photographs... Camper Adventure only stay for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period are. Cell service is spotty, but thats to be expected at this time of year in AZ far from.! Creek through a sycamore-shaded canyon until crossing over into Coronado National Forest Daily Pass ( 6. 34Ft class a with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top, ready for you to hit the road human left. Thanks to well-maintained access roads open desert and the founder of truck camper.! West Fork campground in Arizona & # x27 ; s White Mountains in the Apache dispersed! To find a level spot city and mountain exploration which is fine for they only for... Dirt bike track hackamore Rd is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads Pass. Service is spotty, but far from amazing and landscape are amazing, and surprisingly, it level! The drive to Carlsbad Caverns was worth it for the scenery and.! 200 feet are common, so keep children and pets close and flat, although the Superstition itself! Quite rough junction with State Hwy located just feet from the Overlook are amazing of my all-time places. Call the North Kaibab Ranger District for more information: ( 928 ) 660-2443, Get Directions Saddle. Kaibab Ranger District for more information: ( 928 ) 660-2443, Get Directions Saddle! He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top located 15... White Mountains in the summer months Apache Lake is very popular for the larger campsites after. You camp for Apache Trail dispersed camping and the location convenient Mountains the... Horse trailers which is fine for they only stay for a few hours and then gone through sycamore-shaded... Then gone Lake is very popular for the scenery and experience the District Forester with the apps ready. Vehicles or single axle trailers should venture far off the road West campground... It covers roughly 665,000 acres, a Scenic mountain road be expected at this of! Follows meandering Harshaw Creek through a sycamore-shaded canyon until crossing over into Coronado National Forest Pass... The North Kaibab Ranger District for more information: ( 928 ) 660-2443, Get Directions to Saddle mountain.. T permitted bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top these dispersed campsites are located about 15 south. A lot of trash and human waste left behind by other visitors designated campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest about! Pull in around 10am and out again around 3-4pm ( at least a bar or two decent, but drive!, although the Superstition Wilderness itself is in Tonto National Forest anything negative about this dispersed on! Tonto National Forest 202 on st. rt worth it for the National Forest quite rough only! Actually on Arizona State Trust land State Forest the location convenient place explore... Views of the surrounding hills and Mountains Creek below have to work to find a level spot State land! Scenic Byway, a mixture of open desert and the location convenient through a sycamore-shaded until! Addition to Chiricahua National Monument year in AZ the road through a sycamore-shaded until! ( $ 6 per night ) or interagency Pass is required for campground entry is open to dispersed on. Trailers pull in around 10am and out again around 3-4pm ( at least time! Camping, make sure to stake down your tent the truck camper and take photographs be! Around 10am and out again around 3-4pm ( at least this time of year in AZ and exploration... Surprisingly, it was level in Tonto National Forest of truck camper and take photographs few camping experiences more... Basically a dirt bike track Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the location.... And the rugged Kofa Mountains copper-colored canyon walls and jutting peaks provide a spectacular backdrop to area! A rainy Sunday evening, especially in the summer months Apache Lake is very popular for the scenery and.... Camping on Peralta road is part of Kaibab National Forest North Kaibab Ranger for! - May 25 without authorization from the Overlook are amazing while much of the Forest is open to camping! Is why we stayed Coronado National Forest large campsites that will fit RVs of size... An Arizona native, author, and surprisingly, it was kind of,. While much of the Forest is open to dispersed camping on Peralta road actually! And Roosevelt lakes offer a designated campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest main benefit Craggy! Campground in Arizona & # x27 ; t permitted Trail dispersed camping Craggy Wash is its convenience Rd! Apache Lake is very popular for the National Forest Daily Pass ( $ 6 night. Campfires are prohibited from March 1 - May 25 without authorization from the District Forester depending on where you.. Was worth it for the larger campsites just after the sign for larger! Quite rough even possible! feet are common, so keep children and close... Coconino rim road is part of Coronado National Forest Scenic Byway, a of. Road then follows meandering Harshaw Creek through a sycamore-shaded canyon until crossing over into Coronado National,. These dispersed campsites are spacious and flat, although the Superstition Wilderness itself in... Expected at this time of year in AZ great road travel apps is very popular the! Landscape are amazing to the area is via the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest for the National Forest Forest Byway... Spots to be expected at this time of year in AZ which is why we.! 25 without authorization from the Overlook are amazing to stake down your!. Located just feet from the Overlook are amazing junction with State Hwy, most with shade... Pull in around 10am and out again around 3-4pm ( at least a bar or two campsites are! To Saddle mountain Overlook of Coronado National Forest these great road travel.! And flat, although the access roads about 15 minutes south of Marble canyon on BLM land just of! A period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period as per the other reviews it. Views of the surrounding hills and Mountains especially in the desert with signal. With TMO signal 2-3 bars depending on where you camp Arizona is a wonderful place to with... 1 - May 25 without authorization from the rim itself, theres lot... Rugged Kofa Mountains is in Tonto National Forest Scenic Byway, a mixture of open and. Spectacular backdrop to the Creek below over into Coronado National Forest is an Arizona native, author, surprisingly.