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Help. I am planning a family camping trip for our local MOMS club and need some ideas. We need someplace not too far away (from Chandler) and OK for small children. I don't think most of the families do much camping or hiking so I am looking for something easy but nice. I was thinking the West Fork of Oak creek would be a perfect spot since it is close, cooler, gorgeous, and very easy hiking. But, we want to go sometime in July and I doubt we'll be able to find any campsites open. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks,
Beth

To camp in the West Fork of Oak Creek you have to hike back at least 6 miles. The campgrounds in Oak Creek are like a zoo. If you continue up 89A there are many FR's past the overlook that you can drive down to lots of campsites. It is nice there. It puts you about 15 minutes between Flagstaff and Oak Creek.

We camped a couple nights at Blue Ridge Reservoir last year. It's really nice up there - on top of the Rim. Not sure on hiking opportunities though - there has to be some nice trails along the lake. If you have a canoe or something to take up you will have a great time.

The grounds are about a 10 minute drive from the reservoir access - but it is very beautiful. There are great trails along FR300 (I think that's the fire road that parrallels the Rim.)

Have fun.

Bryan

I agree, Blue Ridge is nice. Besides the for fee campgrounds there are many other 'campsites' also. I was up there about a month ago or so. It was when we had the last snow of the season. Woke up to a blanket of white. Be forewarned though. It was heavily trashed. May be a place to consider for a clean up.

Thanks guys. I didn't even think of dispersed camping near Oak Creek. We'll be giving that a try several times this summer. Any suggestion on what fire road to take for a nice area near water? It'll just be me and hubby and maybe another couple (no kids). We also want to hike and camp one night in the canyon west fork from the west end but haven't found any others to go yet for the car shuttle.

For the family camp thing, I was thinking the fee campgrounds but they are full all summer. But, after talking to a few members, I have a couple more conditions. They want someplace closer than Flagstaff, with real toilets, and activities for the little kids (think playground). Is there a playground at Canyon Lake or Lake Pleasant anywhere? We prefer dispersed camping and hiking so I have no idea where to even look for kid friendly places. I guess 2 and 3 year olds are not into hiking and hanging out in a tent. :-)

Beth

Have you considered a hotel?