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

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