[landsinaz]

We have family coming to visit in a few weeks. They are definately not back packers and our favorite car camping spots off of the Rim road are not an option due to all the snow. Any suggestions for out of the way spots that don't involve developed campgrounds? Any suggestions would be appreciated greatly! Thanks!

[plummer150]

Wow, car camping. Done that before in Virginia, and let's just say I'll never do that again.

[montezumawell]

The question is WHEN your friends/family are coming to visit. All of us here on this list will happily give you copious amounts of advice on the subject if we only know WHEN!


J&S

[chihiggs]

Check the Trail Dex for directions--Haunted Canyon. If you continue to the west end of FS 287A, I think the Miles TH, it's down in a little canyon that makes a nice car camping place. I've seen it done and I think you can find water nearby too. Not to mention some cool hikes in the area!!

[landsinaz]

Chihiggs..thanks for the suggestion! Actually, the family will be here the second to last week in March! Let me know what you think! Thanks!

[montezumawell]

the family will be here the second to last week in March

Good to know your family's time frame. That happens to fall in one of the most unpredictable time periods Arizona knows--the Vernal Equinox. (That means: It's SPRING!) In years like this one, it's anybody's guess as to what is going to happen during that time period.

Your best bet is to look at the long range weather forecast--this is a VERY, VERY uncertain year.

Luckily, the US gov't has spent huge sums of money perfecting Climate Prediction. You can go to their Climate Prediction Center here:

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

To save you a bit of "surfing hassle" here is the URL for the correct place at the CPC to see what's coming. Simply click on the 8-14 day forecast. These guys don't have to worry about tomorrow's temperature. They are free to look at the big picture and they do a really excellent job.

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/forecasts/

The bottom line is that car-camping is VERY weather dependent. The day-hikers who populate this website don't pay too much attention to weather because they know they will always be home that night. And, to a degree, backpackers don't necessarily make a "go" or "no go" decision based on the weather. Afterall, it's FUN to take whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Such fun!

But car campers have a much wider range of choices and they don't generally march willingly into the teeth of a major Pacific Storm. Motels always seem like a better option under such circumstances.

Soooo....regardless of the "where" of your car camping destination, it is vitally important to learn how to monitor Arizona late winter-early spring weather and to react accordingly. Don't set your plans in stone. Years like this one can be real awesome when it comes to their legendary "vernal warth."

J&S

[chihiggs]

Montezumawell--Thanks for posting those links. You've helped more than just Landsinaz!!

Stuck the second of your links under my favorites in the Outside folder!

Thanks again!!!

[Greg Jackson]

Years like this one can be real awesome when it comes to their legendary "vernal warth."

What does that mean... springlike what?

[jeremy77777]

I think the Rim country is still one of the best spots. See Spring is a good spot. You can car camp just off the raod there, It has a J-John for the ladies, And the snow is not so bad right now. I was there today. Beautiful.

[montezumawell]

Years like this one can be real awesome when it comes to their legendary "vernal warth."

What does that mean... springlike what?

From dictionary.com:

ver·nal ( P ) Pronunciation Key (vûrnl)
adj.
Of, relating to, or occurring in the spring.
Characteristic of or resembling spring.
Fresh and young; youthful.

-------------------------------
Yes, storms in years such as this one, storms that occur on or about March 21 (The Vernal Equinox) can often be quite intense. That doesn't by any means indicate there may or may not actually BE such a storm or storms. It is only intended to mean that when they DO occur, they can often be very, very intense. In other words, it is simply a time to be "on the lookout" for unusual weather behavior. If it looks like bad weather then and acts like bad weather then, it REALLY WILL BE bad weather then!

J&S

[Abe]

Car camping? Let me suggest if you are going soon, do some ghost town hunting in the deserts and car camp as well. Heres a couple of sights:
http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/az/az.html and http:// http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/az/swansea.html

Great sites, Swansea Arizona is one of my favorite ghost towns I've visited years ago.

[plummer150]

Car camping? Has everyone lost there minds here or what? Cars are cramped and should not be to sleep in. Ugh.

[montezumawell]

Webster's Dictionary probably doesn't have a definition for "car camping."

We'd like to offer ours:

"Carrying copious aounts of camping gear in a car."
"Having the ability to camp anywhere at any time."
"Being able to bring things regular campers can't."
"Having the ability to re-define camping!"
"Bringing pleasure to lots of regular people!"

We're sure there are a LOT of other definitions
to the Fine and Great Art & Science of:

CAR CAMPING! LONG MAY IT LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


J&S

[matt gilbert]

Do you actually mean 'car camping' or do you have an SUV or other (psuedo) off road vehicle? If you do then your options are expanded greatly. If you do: There are a number of spots just off the highway 260 (I think... Its what the beeline connects with above the rim) Anyway look around the area north of milkranch mountain (near pine/strawberry) I have camped here (though not in a car) many times, there are no developed sites and there is very rarely anyone else around. There are also some great views of the rim if your willing to do some hiking from your campsite. There are roads, but none of them are maintained. If all you have is a car, there are lots of places around the base of Four Peaks or down in Sycamore creek, niether have "established" campsites. Just places where lots of other people have camped before. Unfortunately there are almost alway other people nearby. Whatever you do, wherever you go, good luck.

[coaster]

Car camping? Has everyone lost there minds here or what? Cars are cramped and should not be to sleep in. Ugh.

I think there are different forms of car camping. The most annoying (and what comes to mind when I heard the term) is when you get some hillbillies pulling into the camp next to you at 2AM (when you're sound asleep) and their headlights just happen to shine in your tent waking you up. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but since they didn't bring a flashlight, they keep the headlights on while they set up their HUGE Coleman tent while arguing with each other over where the poles go. Once they finally get the tent set up and turn off the car headlights (thankfully), they get the fire started. Then comes the sound cans being popped (presumably beer), so you pray to God that you'll fall asleep quickly before they begin to get roudy.

Cars may be cramped but trucks certainly aren't. On a road trip, I camped at Lees Ferry and I just threw some blankets in the bed of my truck and slept under the stars.

Coaster

[landsinaz]

When we talk about car camping, we definately don't mean sleeping in your car! It's merely a good way to get away and enjoy some outdoor time with most of the comforts of home. It especially works well for people who don't spend as much time outdoors and are more comfortable with a tent and chairs and wine and cheese....or who are not up to carrying thoses same comforts of home on their backs. We have had the unfortunate experience of the 'hillbilly' campers who ruin the peace and quiet of a beautiful night with stereos and bright lights. So I would say our definition of car camping pretty much coincides with Montazumawell's. If you don't have fun car camping, we pretty much figure you are doing it wrong!

[Abe]

Car camping? Has everyone lost there minds here or what? Cars are cramped and should not be to sleep in. Ugh.

I would suggest car-camping comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes depending on the individual or groups. I prefer not to do it; however, there are times you may have to giving the circumstances. The last time I had car camp, and with style I might add; two room Coleman tent, two burner stove, chairs, cots, ect was in Sept of 2002. My oldest son and I were at the Indian Hollow Campground on the North Rim. It would be our last time together before he left for the Marine Corps. We had an awesome relaxing time, to include a nice hike into the Grand Canyon. I knew he would do all the hiking and backpacking while in boot camp. I know, I had done the same when I was his age. So I wanted our trip to be layed back.
Yes, in closing, my car is a 1988 Jeep Cherokee.

[MaryPhyl]

The first thing my boyfriend did when we bought our car was to lay down in the back to make sure he fit

[BajaTaco]

Car camping? Has everyone lost there minds here or what? Cars are cramped and should not be to sleep in. Ugh.

I think there are different forms of car camping. The most annoying (and what comes to mind when I heard the term) is when you get some hillbillies pulling into the camp next to you at 2AM (when you're sound asleep) and their headlights just happen to shine in your tent waking you up. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but since they didn't bring a flashlight, they keep the headlights on while they set up their HUGE Coleman tent while arguing with each other over where the poles go. Once they finally get the tent set up and turn off the car headlights (thankfully), they get the fire started. Then comes the sound cans being popped (presumably beer), so you pray to God that you'll fall asleep quickly before they begin to get roudy.

Cars may be cramped but trucks certainly aren't. On a road trip, I camped at Lees Ferry and I just threw some blankets in the bed of my truck and slept under the stars.

Coaster

Coaster just hit the nail on the head - for me anyway. That is precisely why I rarely ever car camp in places that are "convenient", require a fee (a.k.a. developed campground), or have amenities. I consider car camping a situation where you camp in or near your vehicle, but not trying to sleep in the front seat (I don't do well with that). I thouroughly enjoy it! Especially when it's waaaay out in the middle of nowhere. I always have all of the goodies with me when I travel the backcountry roads. http://www.bajataco.com/Camper1.html

[montezumawell]

Here's a tip that might come in handy for some of your car campers.
It works well on the Mogollon Rim and other places where dispersed forest camping is popular.
First you need some thin plywood or OSB and a couple of cheap hinges. Cut a couple of pieces roughly 18 x 30 or thereabouts and scallop the the one narrow edge on each. Then attach the hinges and get three colors of good quality gloss enamel.
Paint both sides of your hinged wood high gloss reflective white.
Then carefully stencil on or freehand the following on both sides of the wood:

BSA Troop
346
and put an arrow beneath.

You can pick any number for the troop number. You don't have to use "BSA" either. Just the word "Troop" will do.

Now, when you go car camping in the boonies, place the sign along the most logical route to your secluded camp.

In 9 out of 10 cases, NO one will come and try to camp anywhere remotely NEAR you. In the 1 out of 10 cases, some lost Scouts will come rolling in on you!

The technique works wvery well and it only one tool in our extensive arsenal of what we call, "Creative population Control!"

J&S