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Does anyone know of a good AZ campground guide or map? I always go to the Payson/Rim area and I am looking to try new places but I would feel more comfortable with some kind of guide in case the first place I look is full. Any suggestions?

For the National Forest obtain their current forest service visitors maps and look at the index,. I made copies of these for quick reference for the developed and undeveloped designated campgrounds. When I visit the campgrounds I try to obtain a campground map and identify (most of the camp grounds you can only reserve certain sites) good sites for tent camping or pop-up trailer camping. For dispersed camping (outside of wilderness areas) of the national forestcheck with the forest for the current information as some areas may be closed. I would also suggest obtain a copy of the Arizona Game and Fish Game Managment Areas. These maps show more roads than the forest service maps.

For BLM managed area check with the BLM, they also have several nice campgrounds around the state. For State Parks obtain a copy of Arizona State Parks.

Most of the printed guides are dated, you my also just post a question to this site.

Hi there JimmineyGrl, I usally go on line to the national park sights to look for campgrounds. My kids and I spent the last week-end at Bonito Campground near Sunset Crater after I done some digging. Here's the address':

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/

I hope these help, I know I have them listed in my favorite for quick access.

You should go down to wide world of maps and ask them for the trail and campground guides to the areas you're interested in. If they have them those guys will find them. If you are looking for maps, topo or road, you should look into the TOPO! Arizona software by national geographic and USGS. Its a bit of an investment (about $100) but you get every 7.5 minute quadrangle of the state plus four other levels of topo and road maps. If you use topo maps then map for map I think its worth the money.

Thanks for all the help!

I don't know how to read a topographical map. Is this something difficult to learn?

Not only is it not difficult, if you plan on doing any off-trail hikes it is essential (even if you don't it is a handy skill to have). I would recommend getting a decent book on orientation (orientation is the process of finding your way on land with a map and compass, navigation is the same process on the ocean).

Heres a brief rundown of topo maps: Each line on the map represents a unit of elevation, on the 7.5 minute quads, usually 40 ft (sometimes its different though, each map will say what the contour interval (distance between two lines) is). By looking at the map you are really seeing what the land would look like were you flying overhead. These maps are useful in finding your way because they allow you to identify landmarks (usually high points like mountains, or obvious features like a canyon or a cliff). Finding landmarks on the map and identifying them on the actual terrain is best learned through practice and experience.

Many hikers go their entire lives without map-reading skills, and if you are hiking solely on well marked trails that is fine. I think its a good skill to have anyway.

JimmineyGrl~ don't know how to read a topographical map. Is this something difficult to learn?~

I asked the same thing at the HappyHour with a few people.

I'm very new to hiking. I want to learn how to use a compass and map. It's no fun to worry about getting lost and not having the skills to at least try to find my way back.

Just an :idea: don't mean to put you on the spot. Matt, any chance you want to teach something like this? Get a group together? Or anyone else interested in teaching this. I'd show up. Buy ya a beer or two.

I'm more a hands on person. I'd like to learn it that way if possible. I've checked out a few books on navigating, but honestly, I bet what you could teach us in 5 minutes takes an hour of reading.

Sheri

I hearby nominate one Matt Gilbert

In response to joe bartels' reply:

I second the motion!!! :twisted:


Sherileeaz

I third! (clack clack) (that was a gavel sound effect)

cool, that was settled rather civil like

okay so when is the class matt?

will there be refreshments at your place afterwords

All right, All right.

Since you all voted, nice and civil, I suppose I have an obligation.

I will work something out and let you all know in the next couple days.

Thanks Matt, I would like to sign up for your class......nice of you to volunteer to teach the class :-)

In response to matt gilbert's reply:

What a guy!!! *applause*
*untwisting his arm now*

Sherileeaz

Since I have already had some pms inquiring about this, I just want to let you know it will be in mid july, (and sheri, it will be hands on). I promise I will post more as soon as I figure it out.

matt gilbert wrote:Since I have already had some pms inquiring about this, I just want to let you know it will be in mid july, (and sheri, it will be hands on). I promise I will post more as soon as I figure it out.

THANKS!

(Matt can I adopt you? LOL always wanted a son!!!)

Sheri

Count me in, I need a refresher course on reading topographical maps... So Matt when are you doing this class? And did i get it right, refreshments at Sheri's afterwards...LOLOLOL

Tom_AZ wrote:Count me in, I need a refresher course on reading topographical maps... So Matt when are you doing this class? And did i get it right, refreshments at Sheri's afterwards...LOLOLOL

HAHA Nice try but everyone keeps asking, "where's Avondale?"
But I will chip in for the refreshments, least I can do since I twisted Matt's arm on this!

Sherileeaz

I dont mind chipping in either