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The last couple of times I've been to Brown's Peak, there have been campers at the trailhead. Both times, they were car campers using the spot next to their vehicle as their campsite.

I always understood that camping at trailheads was a no no. I don't really know where I picked the idea up, but I have always thought that people were/are not supposed to camp at a trailhead, be it the actual trailhead or the parking area.

Is this wrong? Is it right?

Ummm.. guess I'm guilty--we frequently camp at trailheads.

Dispersed camping is allowed across the Tonto, unless posted or closed. For the Browns Peak trailhead, common sense and courtesy would apply. Weekends are busy and not a good camping spot during the week normally few visitors and why not. I spent Christmas 1979 at the trailhead. And on another occasion as I arrived several groups of people were inside their vehicles. Hoisting pack, I ambled up the trail. When I returned I was informed the reason they were inside their vehicles was because a bear had made an appearance. I camped on several occasions east of the communications facility and had to move because a chopper came in to land.

I'll go with CK1 on this - I always thought it was good etiquite to not camp at the trailhead.

But, as with most things involving etiquite - it is probably not a "law" as such and different people will have different interpretations of what the etiquite is.

Maybe GTG can track down MightyMousE for a comment

I have no clue myself. I guess it would depend on the trailhead.

It doesn't seem like it would be proper to camp at the Horton trailhead with campgrounds all around. Then again I believe it specifically states "No Camping" at the trailhead.

I almost always see people camping / (living?) at Miles and Barnhardt Trailheads.

It's kinda the unwritten law. It is also just good manners. Try to stay away from the trailhead. Unless there is nowhere else to go.

I'd never camp at a trailhead for 2 reasons. First, I like a little solitude when backpacking. Secondly, it's too easy for drunks and crazies to wander into camp if you're at the trailhead. Bubba likes to be able to drive when he's drinking and staggering down a trail is usually not on his agenda. If you put at least a couple hundred feet between yourself and the trailhead it will greatly reduce unpleasant encounters. Make it a few miles and you won't even have to listen to him sling gravel as he makes his u-turn!

I think I've met Bubba....

I don't even like camping in campgrounds much less a trailhead. Deep in the wilderness is the only way for me. The further you go in the fewer people you will see.

I'm with Glen. Get me as far away from the general populace as I can.

Camping way out where nobody can be heard is a rare and priceless treasure. Just being able to listen to the sounds of nature - and not some drunk idiot (or, worse yet, automobile noise) is one of the best things about hiking into a wilderness area.

Silence can be golden.

I am with you there BoyNhisdog. Solitude is great. I have camped in desinated campgrounds before, but nothing beats getting away from people. One time on a backpacking trip in Colorado we did not see anybody for 3 days. It was great. One sweet suprtise tho, was camping at Cottonwood camp in the Grand Canyon we were the only ones there for 2 nights. We had reservaions for only one night, but since there was no park ranger around we camped for 2 nights. Our second night was suppose to be in Indian Gardens. It rained on us for over 24 hours and it was snowing in the upper elevations. When we hiked out all the campers were comming in the area. It's great having a campground to yourself in the Grand Canyon. We even cooked under the ranger station, which is not allowed.

I also agree solitude is a great thing so I really don't mind people gypsy camping at the trailhead, because that means less people on the trail!!! I went into the superstitions and once I got in there far enough it felt like I was the only person on earth! It was an amazing feeling.