Quartzsite Az, Off Gold Nugget Rd.

Howdy folks, thought I'd share a nice little spot for those that might winter in the Quartzsite, Az area, though I admit that I'm hesitant! I'd like to keep it for myself, but since I'm there for so little time thats not really fair. :)

As you can see from the map below, it's NOT on BLM land as so much of the area is, but State Trust land.   so make sure you have your permit before you head out unless your willing to claim you thought you were on BLM land if you should happen to be asked to proved your right to access.

As you can see from the map, it's not far off of the Highway, the road there is pretty easy to follow and smooth when I was there.

  It DOES follow the bottom of a wash for a short distance, so you have to keep that in mind during storm season.

You can see from these photos that the "Parking Area" is actually pretty good sized, the road passes through it cutting it in half, on the days I was out there I never had any issues with traffic or had to worry about keeping Tori on lead to keep her safe.  

Downsides about the camp..  well.. a road runs through it :)   but as I said, no traffic to speak of, I think I saw 2 jeeps..  the larger issue if you have dogs or kids is that there are Cholla Cactus in the area, and if your not careful you may end up having needles to pull!  it wasn't bad and Tori and I would take our walks with no issue, but she's learned how to avoid them.

McNary Rd, near Apache Sunrise

Apache Sunrise area

Visually, I think this has been my favorite for a forest camp.

from the first Show low camp, I went through the town of Mcnary on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, and then out the east side of it near the town of Greer, the forest was totally different than that around Show Low, even though it wasn't all that far away in miles.

The trees were much larger, the woods felt more majestic, and there were open grasslands interspersed in the area. When I pulled off the main road I was greeted by a sign stating that I was now in an Active wolf recovery area (which thrilled me).

it was primitive camping at it's best, no facilities, there were springs nearby, and plenty of space to breath.. it was colder than Show Low, and the only real downside is that I had to deal with mice for the first time! he was a cute little bugger, but frustrated me to no end, and because of him I ended up leaving much sooner than I would have liked to.

I also for the first time heard an Owl during the night, and I would just lay there smiling while he called and hunted.
I will go back once I seal the truck a bit better! there are so many gaps he could get in that it's not feasible for me to keep a mouse out for now. :)   This area is great for walking and looking in the woods, I haven't made it back there as yet, but it’s on my list of favorites

Posted by Steven Ballee' at 8:59 AM

Western Arizona, Vicksburg Rd exit off I-10

 

Ok, have to be honest.. this isnt so much a camp as a place where you can go park for weeks in the winter and pretty much be left alone   and sometimes, that’s just what you need!     View Larger Map

What I did was simple enough, Get off of I-10 at the Vicksburg Rd Exit, and head south into the hardpan desert in the surrounding area.. Once you go over the Cattle guard, your on BLM land.   If you follow that road south, you will come to KOFA NWR, but I didn’t bother to go that far.

Immediately after the Cattle guard there is a left turn into a large flat area of desert, where the surface is hard packed enough to support campers, trailers 18 wheelers.. whatever.. I drove back on that hard surface a ways to be farther from I-10, and parked.  for my walks I would head west into the desert, but I was alone out there, close enough to walk up to the truck stop at the exit if I chose (about a mile) and I was left there alone with one exception, and that was the mechanic from the truck stop coming out after 10 days to make sure I hadn't broke down.. had I wished, I could have followed trails back further away from that area so that I probably wouldn’t have been noticed at all, even with something as big as a box truck.

I came to this spot after being “run out” of the BLM near Quartzsite Az.. and since when you move you have to go at least 25 miles, this suited me well as I think it was 26 <grin> and once here, I never saw any signs of a ranger or enforcement official.  If your looking to be entertained by the surrounding area, or things going on, this wont do it for ya.. but if you are seeking a quiet spot to just let yourself be for a bit.. this is about perfect

 

 

Show Low Az. FR 300

I spent a few weeks in the Show Low Area, I really enjoyed the pines there, being close enough to town to get a good signal on the Aircard, and the ability to walk into the nearest Circle K (convenience store, 4 mile round trip).

the Area i was in was just off of Forest road 300, there was no attempt to find a campground or other developed area, I just found a side road off of the forest road and pulled under some trees.

because if was not developed in any way, and was so close to town.. the forest area was trashed in alot of ways. there were piles and piles of crap that folks has just dumped out the back of their trucks, so that was very disheartening. But I did like the area and will return. I spent almost 3 weeks at this location, it was monsoon season for Az, so got rain most afternoons and was able to capture gallons of it for cooking and basic needs. Plenty of wood around for fires, and the nights were very comfortable (50s).

I am not positive, but I believe I came across 2 tent camps where folks were living full time. I came across the tents while out hiking in the woods, off of any trail, they were fully set up and appeared well supplied from a distance, but there was no vehicle approach at all to them. I figure they were keeping a low profile from the FS, but close enough to town to hold a job. Neither resident caused me any problems