HikeArizona.COM

Hi there, I just found this site and what a great place!

I grew up camping but my husband did not. I'd love to start doing just some weekend trips. Problem is..he doesn't like campgrounds..at least unless they are very peaceful. Can anyone tell me a nice place, preferably some place a bit cooler?....Flagstaff maybe? That would be nice just for a simple, weekend tent camp? Oh, and not a backpack camp...we don't have the equip for that yet.

Thanks so much!

head north, find a dirt road (make sure you are in national forest land), drive down it until you find a good spot. The more capable your vehicle, the better the spot you will find.

I am new to this forum and camping too. Last weekend we went camping. We did it just the way the OP mentioned. Drove up to about 5 mi south of grand canyon park in the kaibab forest and drove down a dirt forest road and camped. It was great, free, and we were able to get into grand canyon before the crowds!

Anyway, my question is: when you are car camping, are there any rules about where you can and cannot park and camp? I mean I know certain areas are posted as no camping, but anywhere that is not posted, do you have to be some certain distance from the road? or are you not allowed to drive off the road?

I always like to follow the rules.

Thanks,
Meg

The rules are on the back of any national forest map. For the most part, you can go pretty much anywhere you want. (going off memory here so feel free to correct me) Basically you need to be 1/4 mile from a paved road or a lake (unless it's a numbered site). Be sure you are not in the boudaries of a national park or monument, or on state land islands (examples grand canyon, tonto natural bridge, sunset crater area...).

Also, don't make your own road, try to use existing fire pits, clean up after your self, and have a blast.

Heres a site with all the rules laid out.

http://www.wmonline.com/attract/RULESASF.HTM

http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtopic.php?t=1165

You might try this thread, it's still my favorite spot within 110 miles of Phoenix.

Additionally, I've always found rangers to be very flexable in regards to rules and regulations, as long as your exceptions make sense.

Susan and I have sort of adopted the area mentioned in this thread. I always take garbage bags and a rake with us to do a little extra clean up. I know I'll get gas for this statement, but in general, I more adapt to be amazed at how clean the Arizona wilderness is than how littered it is.

Most of my camping time is also spent on the rim. I usually go north out of Payson on SR87 past Pine and Strawberry to a secret spot I have on the rim. I would tell you but then it wouldn't be my secret spot. But seriously anywhere on this side of the rim is great. You can camp on the edge where the rim drops sheer about a 100ft. or so and have the best views!

Wow, thank you all for your advice. I like the idea of heading down a dirt road and finding a place. I didn't know that was legal. Going to check out the rules now... Can't wait!

My last name is Riley, rileydog. I'd just hop on 17 and take it north for about 1 1/2 hrs and see what you find.

Pretty much, if it's not posted, it's legal to camp there ... the problem is that sometimes land is posted in a fashion that makes it difficult to see, particularly state trust land. National Forest land is usually well marked where it's legal and where it's not to camp ... But I've always simply gone off the paved road about half a mile or so, found a place to pull over that's already been used before (don't make your own parking spot) and set my camp up. Never had anyone say anything to me about it, but I always camp lightly (usually just a bedroll beside my vehicle) and I always use places that have been used before.

Leva