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I'm planning on doing some car camping, day hiking and swimming off the Apache trail in early May. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best parts of the trail to car camp in the most secluded areas? We're respectful campers who love the outdoors and great hikes, but also want the convenience of being able to drive in, as there are varying skills levels with us. Thanks for your recommendations!

Thats a tough one. Very very few places to get off the road with your vehicle along Apache Trail far enough to consider being secluded and legal.
You might try the old section of the road east of Tortilla Flat after that last dip in the road. The old section of the road is on the right near a highline tower. But there will be no swimming pools up that drainage.

Upper and lower Fish Creek are best for possible swimming holes but there is only car camping just off the road to lower Fish Creek and it is not secluded at all.

I would say Burnt Corral it isn't secluded but it is a very nice spot none the less. I have to agree there aren't to many secluded places along that road but it is beautiful.

Fair enough. I figured seclusion might be challenging. I'm an east coaster so I'm not incredibly familiar with the camping options in AZ. I've done several hikes in greater Phoenix and Sedona but not much car camping. Any secluded options near water within a 2 hour drive north of Phoenix that you can recommend? I think my fellow campers crave some wilderness as well. Thanks for your help!!!

Lug some water into the wilderness. It's worth it. However, if you need to car camp and rate seclusion higher than nearby water, there are good options near the Tule TH. It's past the end of the Apache Trail, heading back toward Globe. There is water available at a tank a ways in from the TH.

aragonesque wrote:Any secluded options near water within a 2 hour drive north of Phoenix

you seek yoda

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