Spring car camping suggestions

[rustyshackleford135]

Hello fellow outdoor enthusiasts! I’m looking to do a couple nights car camping over the weekend. Looks like the roads up on the rim are all closed and it’s too cold and might even have snow on the ground if I head east towards showlow or alpine. So I was looking for dispersed camping around Payson below the rim elevation and there really doesn’t seem to be near as many forest service roads so I’m not confident about finding a spot.

Any suggestions for camping during the shoulder season? Would really prefer to be in the trees somewhere. I drive a subaru if roads are a concern. Please just no jeep trails. Also would prefer seclusion.
Thank you

[Nighthiker]

West on the Control Road from Tonto Village and take the turnoff to Robert's Mesa. Lot of campers up here already.

[big_load]

There was no snow anywhere near the 260 TH on Monday.

[chumley]

Try anything along the 288. Countless options that fit your criteria.

[rustyshackleford135]

@big_load
Unfortunately I called a ranger office yesterday and they said all the roads are still closed though. Do they normally do that until the mud dries up a litttle?

[rustyshackleford135]

Try anything along the 288. Countless options that fit your criteria.

Will do! Hadn’t taken 288 much past where the trees start. Great to hear there’s plenty of options. Thank you.

[Grasshopper]

The Coconino NF- Mogollon Rim Ranger District announced on 5/4/23 that many of the Mogollon Rim Forest Roads are now open to include the Rim Road (FR300) and FR95 access in from Hwy 87/FR 95 . This announcement includes a caution that some of these Forest Roads will still be wet with muddy spots.