[azdesertfather]

A friend of mine and I are going to take our 6-year-old boys on their first camping experience next month. We can't do anything needing 4WD, but hope to have something not crowded, not to far from Phoenix, and most importantly someplace the kids might really enjoy. I'm not used to thinking "kid-friendly/fun"...what do you all suggest?

[rushthezeppelin]

I'd imagine something without much elevation change. Would cut down on the complaining factor. Perhaps something on Second Water in Garden Valley would be appropriate. Only about a 3 mile hike in.

[azpride]

Car camping or backpacking?

[azdesertfather]

Car camping or backpacking?

It will need to be camping by the car...other Dad doesn't have the equipment...so yeah that limits things

[azdesertfather]

I'd imagine something without much elevation change. Would cut down on the complaining factor. Perhaps something on Second Water in Garden Valley would be appropriate. Only about a 3 mile hike in.

yeah, great idea...but i'm needing something where they can have fun hiking/exploring, but that we don't have to hike in to camp...

[SuperstitionGuy]

Forest road 172/172A (the road to Rogers Trough TH) which is quite long and has many side roads and excellent low desert camping sites. Talk to Hank/Grasshopper as he knows the area quite well.

[azdesertfather]

Forest road 172/172A (the road to Rogers Trough TH) which is quite long and has many side roads and excellent low desert camping sites. Talk to Hank/Grasshopper as he knows the area quite well.

I think 4WD is required on that road...

[SuperstitionGuy]

No, I have driven 172 all the way to 172A in a Ford Taurus. Of course it was a company car...

And If it has recently been graded there are many places to camp before you get to the more difficult parts of the road.

You may also consider Mesquite Creek just east of Tortilla Flat if the water is running. Lots of fun for the kids to hike and play in the water. Check out the photosets. You can camp very close to Apache Trail (north side) as well.

[nonot]

I'd recommend high clearance for the road to Roger's Trough. As I recall 4x4 wasn't necessary.

[azdesertfather]

I'd recommend high clearance for the road to Roger's Trough. As I recall 4x4 wasn't necessary.

yeah, that's what i was afraid of...won't work with my civic...
i need that JEEP!!!

[mapit]

As a frequent kid camping planner,this time of year ,West Clear creek going in at bull Pen ranch If you hike only 1mile in you get to ford creek twice,kids find it fun and challenge they feel great after,the water is not that deep and if you work as team it is easy.
There are some nice camping spots near creek.very easy trail.At night the ringtail cats make for entertainment.I took 4 year old grandaughter there ,shes 16 now still remembers trips.The road is slow but ok for cars Took wifes prizm in.Have fun ,if you fish its even better.

[azdesertfather]

As a frequent kid camping planner,this time of year ,West Clear creek going in at bull Pen ranch If you hike only 1mile in you get to ford creek twice,kids find it fun and challenge they feel great after,the water is not that deep and if you work as team it is easy.
There are some nice camping spots near creek.very easy trail.At night the ringtail cats make for entertainment.I took 4 year old grandaughter there ,shes 16 now still remembers trips.The road is slow but ok for cars Took wifes prizm in.Have fun ,if you fish its even better.

Thanks for the tip!

Did you camp at Clear Creek Campground, or outside the campground? Is outside the campground better?

I see there is also Beaver Creek Campground out there, not too far from Montezuma Well. I wonder how it is there...I have been meaning to get out there, but never have. Maybe this is the way to go. Would little kids like Clear Creek better than Beaver Creek?

Does anybody know if all of those FR's out there are passable by car? I'm especially thinking about FR618, between AZ260 and I-17; as well as FR119 & FR121 near Montezuma Well, east of I-17. It sounds like FR215 to Bull Pen Ranch is passable.

[mapit]

I go in at bull pen ranch rd off FR618 its slow but car safe,I like to hike about a mile up the creek till you are past the Narrow slide area.There is good camping near trail head so you can set up a base and go exploring without packs.just watch for glass ,its a busy area in summer.I have never camped at organized camp grounds.too anti crowds.Have great trip.Dont forget going up creek gets yuou to cross water and to see ringtails at night.

[BobP]

+1 for West Clear creek. The road to Bullpen is a dirt road but like others said ok for cars. Slide area is fun even for adults.
Get there early, If I remember correctly the beginning part is pretty exposed. When my son was young, we used to go to Zane Grey cabin area just outside of Payson and camp hike. They also have a fish hatchery up there, a little to cold now though.

[azdesertfather]

OK, looks like we're finally going to go this weekend. Any final suggestions? Or any suggestions that you think are better right now for kids than West Clear Creek/Montezuma Well area? If so, please pass along!!

[azdesertfather]

You may also consider Mesquite Creek just east of Tortilla Flat if the water is running. Lots of fun for the kids to hike and play in the water. Check out the photosets. You can camp very close to Apache Trail (north side) as well.

That was what we finally did, thanks for the tip! Supesguy, did I see YOU out there this (Saturday) afternoon) with some grandkids? I thought it was you but it was at a distance...

[SuperstitionGuy]

Yes, you did. We had planned on driving Forest Road 172 and 172A but the Chevy Tahoe we were planning on using was wrecked last night by my daughters brother-in-law. So therefore we opted to drive Apache Trail instead and let the boys who are 5, 7, 10 and 17 hike and play in the water. After hiking upstream and under the road we drove back to Tortilla Flat where they played in the water while I sat in the shade of Tortilla Flat and visited with the snowbirds.

Where were you camped as we passed a number of campsites?

[azdesertfather]

I KNEW IT! I started to shout out to you, but then I thought, NOOOOO, couldn't be SupesGuy!! Thanks so much for the recommendation.

We had followed the dirt road that winds down with a switchback to the little ledge area above the water. We had a popup camper, and of course my trusty blue Civic was down there too. When I saw you we had just made it back to the campside, and I saw you walking along the road just above us.

[SuperstitionGuy]

Yes, as I looked back to see where my grandson Gage was behind me I saw you in the camper and waved at you. If I had know it was you I would have came over and visited for a while. You looked 20 years older through that bug screen window.

[azdesertfather]

ok, that's just weird. i didn't see you wave, but hey back at ya!