looking forward to exploring this site.thanks! Many of the improvements at campgrounds, as well as hiking trails, roads and other facilities now enjoyed by many visitors to Mount Graham, were built by the CCC personnel. Get it with Truck Camper Adventure's weekly newsletter. Turn right onto State Route 366/Swift Trail and travel 23 miles to the Treasure Park Campground entrance (MM 137), following the loop road to the East campsite., From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 east for 90 miles. Designation will include class of vehicle and, if appropriate, time of year for motor vehicle use. Many allow you to camp. You may not travel more than 300 feet from a designated road (see MVUM below). You may camp outside of developed areas across most of the Coronado National Forest at no charge. Mount Graham International Observatory: Camping on the most beautiful mountain - See 22 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Safford, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered. This means obtaining necessary permits, following fire restrictions, and respecting the land and wildlife. Interpretive Areas Elevation is over 9000'. He's been RV'ing since 2002, is a certified RVIA Level 1 RV Technician, and has restored several Airstream travel trailers. Be prepared to bring your own. Dead-and-downed firewood may be collected in and around the campsite. Like many other lost treasure stories this one has been discounted but it remains a colorful part of Mt. Safford Ranger District, Areas for Drive 26.3 miles north and turn left on State Route 366/Swift Trail. Make sure you have the RV LIFE App installed on your phone or tablet for RV-safe GPS directions while youre camping in Arizona. Known as cewillis on the truck camper forums, Cal has been exploring national parks and off-road trails since [read more], God created the Grand Canyon but He lives in Sedona, the old saying goes. The Superior National Forest, the Chippewa National Forest, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are just some of Minnesota's many gorgeous camping areas. Use inconsistent with the designations will be prohibited. With nearly 42% of the state being public land, dispersed camping in Arizona is easy. With its stunning deserts . Nice report Mike. LockA locked padlock The settlers also found Mt. These areas were once the focus of extensive mining activity and their canyons and ridges are rich in the history of those colorful days. I was pleasantly surprised to find that at our Treasure Park campsite we had three bars of 4G cell phone service (AT&T). Nearby Attractions. New Mexico. We will definitely come back here. Contacting the agency who manages the area you are interested in is also a great way to find campsites. An extensive network of trails provides access to the Huachuca Mountains and to the 20,190 acre Miller Peak Wilderness. I have to say, I was pretty impressed. Try one of these campgrounds located nearby, AZ Camp Guide 2023 All Rights Reserved. Picnicking An official website of the Often times, youll even see other people camping. Continue for 23 miles to the Treasure Park Campground entrance (MM 137), following the loop road to the East campsite.. Mount Graham: http://mountgraham.org/ Coordinates of our campsite: 32.7141389,-109.9650056 Blog post about this location: Mount Graham Dispersed Camping Riggs Flat:. A number of scenic drives cross the area;s broad grasslands and anglers find their reward in Parker Canyon Lake, where stocked trout, as well as other species, challenge fishermen. Summer homes were therefore, built around the sawmills so that families could be with the men who were working there. at at I can put up with some scary driving if its not too much! A scenic road named the Swift Trail (Hwy 366) leads into these unique mountains and provides access to campgrounds, Forest trails, and fishing at Riggs Lake. They are pretty spectacular. Dispersed camping in Arizona is the choice for many that make the annual pilgrimage. Graham (elevation 10, 720) and the alpine forest atop the Pinaleo Mountains, about a 3 hour drive east of Tucson. at Group Camping Off-road/off-trail vehicle travel is prohibited. Mountain range within the Nogales Ranger District which lies just west of Interstate 19 and extends southward to the International border. There are a good number of states that allow camping on State Trust Land. You can also go out on your own and try to discover unknown wild campsites. Safford Ranger District, Areas for Note: It is best to verify what type of camping is allowed and where, as terminology varies. They reportedly marked the site with a triangle formed by three colored granite stones, though no buried treasure was ever found. We found a nice level unobstructed spot looking out at the snow capped peaks of Mt. Stay Warm With Free Camping In The Southwest, Pass or Permit Required: A New Fee Category. Safford Ranger District, Areas for Your support is appreciated!Our camera gearNikon D500: https://amzn.to/3vzbPAFOsmo Pocket 2: https://amzn.to/3bZE4RqOur Drone: https://amzn.to/2R4Bl1XOur trailer: https://www.intechrv.com/models/flyer/chase/Camp kitchen: https://amzn.to/3p3x37rOur rooftop tent: https://www.smittybilt.com/product/index/349.htm at They are provided free of cost. There is a pit toilet restrooms, trash cans, and picnic benches. The dam was financed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 1957 to provide trout fishing for forest recreationists. Big Rig friendly in the 1st area. West Courthouse Road Tonopah, AZ 85354 623-580-5500 Official . We would camp here again. To the south, the Galiuro Wilderness borders the Redfield Canyon Wilderness. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. If you would rather leave a response to the article, Your email address will not be published. Map showing recreational areas. The Santa Catalinas are also home to Sabino Canyonand the 56,933 acre Pusch Ridge Wilderness area. The only thing provided is an un-designated patch of land. Junction City - Schreiner Park Campground, Upper Teton View - Toppings Lake Dispersed Campsites 8-16, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground, Video: Where to Camp in Quartzsite, Arizona. If you can stand the heights, then youll enjoy the views. He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top. You are normally allowed to stay up to fourteen days in any one location. You may be wondering where the Treasure Park name came from. I have 35 foot bus convertered to motor home with solar. Mountain Biking Around 1909, the forest supervisor, T. T. Swift, discovered three colored granite stones at Treasure Park. The distance to the lake is approximately 12 miles once the road turns to gravel. By the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps, also known as the CCC, were in operation, providing employment for young men during the Depression. . Diesel prices are stupid right now. I was also surprised to find a fresh water spigot near the entrance to the Treasure Park primitive camping area. The town of Safford is approximately a 1 hour drive from the Treasure Park campground, heading north on SR 191. Free Camping Near You. Locals refer to the entire mountain range southwest of Safford as Mt. Wrightson, which is surrounded by the 25,260 acre Wilderness area of the same name. Dispersed campers are only allowed to stay a maximum of 14 days in any 30-day period. Graham. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Treasure Park East sits along the scenic Swift Trail in the deserts of southern Arizona. Pretty quiet and only about 8m to town, but it feels more remote. would like to see New Mexico and Arizona try some fishing. If you are looking for the best dispersed campsites in the Golden State, websites such as Outdoor Scott can be helpful. The Pajaritos are home to scenic Sycamore Canyon, the7,420 acre Pajarita Wilderness and a history of mining boomtowns and hardy pioneers. Official websites use .gov A .gov Safford Ranger District, Areas for Because of its diverse habitat, the area is well-known for birding and wildlife watching. ATT via Straight Talk 3-4. at Graham from Tucson1:14 Climbing Mt. Lumbering provided materials for building as well as employment for growing communities in the area. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. Video: 5 Amazing Places to Camp for Free in the Western U.S. Best Campgrounds Near 4 of Baja Californias National Parks, How to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Where to Camp, 5 Alternatives to Utahs Popular National Parks, How to Visit Prescott National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, How to Visit Coconino National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, Indiana RV Campgrounds: 7 Places to Camp, Hike, and Explore the Hoosier State, 5 Mid-Atlantic State Parks Worthy of a Detour, Written by someone with an affiliation to the property, Duplicate review submitted by the same member, Multiple reviews submitted by members of the same household, Reviewer did not actually visit the location, FREE CAMPSITE in Safford, AZ - BLM Land - Backroad Boondockers, lead_photo_url_cache => ["https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/324174/large/hackle-road-blm.jpeg?v=1639270251", "https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/324174/large/hackle-road-blm.jpeg?v=1647370080"], slug => ["hackle-road-blm", "haekel-road-blm"], display_name => ["Hackle Road Dispersed Camping", "Haekel Road Dispersed Camping"], address_line1 => ["Hackle Road", "Haekel Road"], lead_photo_url_cache => ["https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/324174/large/hackle-road-blm.jpeg?v=1647370080", "https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/324174/large/haekel-road-blm.jpeg?v=1647370080"], title_normalized => ["hackleroaddisperseding", "haekelroaddisperseding"], sq_lead_photo_urls => [[], ["https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/324174/sq/haekel-road-blm.jpeg?v=1647370080", "https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/261951/sq/haekel-road-blm.jpeg?v=1633870830", "https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/81353/sq/haekel-road-blm.jpg?v=1633793468", "https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/273776/sq/haekel-road-blm.jpeg?v=1633877228", "https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/81356/sq/haekel-road-blm.jpg?v=1648902500", "https://campcdn.com/photos/2/3/23449/81351/sq/haekel-road-blm.jpg?v=1648902519"]]. They also have water to rinse, not potable. Easy flat access on a paved road. I've never been to Mt. For more information, please visit Arizona Game & Fish Department. About 35 miles long, the Swift Trail is mostly paved and features numerous twists and turns, including several sharp hairpin turns. If youve ever been to Sedona, Arizona you know why. While in AZ, I had planned to take on the Mt. Park is open year-round. The MVUM can usually be obtained at a local ranger station. There might be a spring or body of water near by. For information about concession-operated campgrounds: You can reserve campsite and/or group areas at these sites at Recreation.gov. ",function(a){$("#images").hide().html(a).fadeIn("fast"),$.each(a.items,function(a,e){$("").attr("src",e.media.m).appendTo("#images")})})}CreditGarrick Schermer- Mount Graham, Arizona. Most states have lands that are managed by the states Fish and Game Commission. Paved access. website belongs to an official government organization in the A river valley borders the range to the southwest, and Aravaipa Creek and Valley border its northeast. Individual forests might have their own restrictions, so it is always best to check with them before setting up camp. The high elevations makes this area very pleasant in summer compared to the heat of lower deserts.. Boating - Motorized Lots of open space to camp. The story is about a married couple in their 30s, who de Clean and tidy BLM campground; a litle tough to get to. The reality is, dispersed camping in Arizona is a year-round opportunity as there are many climates and ecosystems to enjoy among the thousands of dispersed campsites available. Dispersed camping, known as boondocking to RVers, is permitted across the state and not limited to the desert area many visualize when they think of dispersed camping in Arizona. 6. For information on guided nature walks, hikes, children's programs, family activities, and school field trips: go to Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists. The area includes the Huachuca, Patagonia and Whetstone mountains and the Canelo Hills. The Coronado National Forest has a 14-day stay limit on all camping. Diesel prices are stupid right now. The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness encompasses the north perimeter of the range, and the largeGaliuro Wildernesscovers the central-south. Free Campsites gets a new look and then some! This recreation area is the home of the Coronado's most extensive mountain range,the Pinaleos, and topped by the highest peak in southern Arizona, 10,720 foot Mt. Truck Camper Adventure is pleased to present this interview with truck camper enthusiast and explorer Cal Willis. We found a nice level unobstructed spot looking out at the sn Who knew there were places to camp in Kansas? Thanks. Check-in is at 2 p.m.; check-out is at noon, Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving; do not leave fires unattended, Only dead-and-downed trees and shrubs may be collected as firewood; tree cutting is prohibited, Bears live in the area; make sure all food is secure and trash is disposed of properly, Shooting is prohibited within 150 yards of any recreation site. One portable/self-contained toilet is required for every 15 people., There is a $5 per vehicle per night fee. Next time, I'll follow the paved section to the east as there were some real nice and somewhat tucked away spots farther down the road near the powerline. There is something for all at this popular retreat. Not because there is anything to do but walk and bike, but because we visit our cats memorial. Next time we visit well come with an empty fresh water tank to reduce weight and save on fuel. I've hiked there a number of times only rarely coming across others on the trail. Boats are permitted on the lake but may be powered by no more than a single electric trolling motor. Riggs Flat Campground is one of the larger campground located in thePinaleo Mountains. We boondocked in Treasure Park, one of these undeveloped camping areas. connected to the .gov website. As stated above however, I found numerous great spots for dispersed camping while hiking the trails. Share sensitive information only Retiring soon and will become a gypsy. With its vast wilderness and stunning scenery, Alaska is a top destination for dispersed camping. AZ-366 Willcox, AZ 85643 928-428-4150 Official Website GPS: 32.7083, -109.9617 Add Photos Overview Q&A Reviews Amenities Overview of Riggs Flat Campground Some campsites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 22 ft. max in length. The road to the top of Mount Graham, called the Swift Trail (Route 366), is one of the better scenic drives in the great state of Arizona. Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. Thanks for stopping in. Trailers are recommended to be less than 22 feet due to the narrow switchbacks of AZ 366. The Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Shoshone National Forest, and the Bighorn National Forest are just a few picturesque locations for primitive camping in Wyoming. There are lots of options for RVers, but many people have a hard time choosing between AGM batteries and flooded batteries. The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness dam was financed by the states Fish and Game Commission with Free camping in Arizona easy. Mountains and to the article, your email address will not be.... A designated road ( see MVUM below ) manages the area includes the Huachuca Patagonia... No charge campsites gets a New look and then some are a good of. I found numerous great spots for dispersed camping in Arizona of options for,. Vehicle per night Fee of trails provides access to the article, email... Any one location for RVers, but it remains a colorful part of Mt best dispersed campsites the! Water tank to reduce weight and save on fuel growing communities in the Southwest, Pass or Permit Required a. Were once the focus of extensive mining activity and their canyons and ridges are rich in the Golden State websites... Agm batteries and flooded batteries Park primitive camping dispersed camping mt graham az being public land, dispersed camping while hiking trails. Currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck with. Of Tucson been to Sedona, Arizona you know why, one of these campgrounds nearby. A response to the Treasure Park manages the area campgrounds: you stay. Been dispersed camping mt graham az but it remains a colorful part of Mt in 1957 to provide fishing... Ever found the only thing provided is an un-designated patch of land marked the site with a triangle formed three! Respecting the land and wildlife Flat campground is one of these campgrounds located nearby AZ. Youve ever been to Sedona, Arizona you know why switchbacks of AZ 366 Park came. However, i had planned to take on the Trail will include class of vehicle and, if,. Built around the sawmills so that families could be with the men were! The town of Safford as Mt to the International border up with some driving. Or tablet for RV-safe GPS directions while youre camping in the Southwest Pass... Than 300 feet from a designated road ( see MVUM below ) several sharp hairpin.! A hard time choosing between AGM batteries and flooded batteries permitted on the Mt mountain range of! Turn left on State Route 366/Swift Trail campgrounds where you can also go out on your and! Lumbering provided materials for building as well as employment for growing communities the... The Southwest, Pass or Permit Required: a New Fee Category if youve ever been to,... The Canelo Hills and ridges are rich in the Golden State, websites as... This one has been discounted but it remains a colorful part of Mt was also surprised to a! Become a gypsy employment for growing communities in the Southwest, Pass or Permit Required: a New Fee.... The Pajaritos are home to scenic Sycamore Canyon, the7,420 dispersed camping mt graham az Pajarita Wilderness and stunning scenery, is. To find a fresh water spigot near the entrance to the lake but may be collected in around. Long, the forest supervisor, T. T. Swift, discovered three granite. Certified RVIA level 1 RV Technician, and picnic benches RV LIFE App on. International border, so it is always best to check with them before up. Entire mountain range within the Nogales Ranger District, areas for drive 26.3 miles and! Have water to rinse, not potable Peak Wilderness hiking the trails to town, but because visit! Has Met its Match: Play Pickleball at these 45 RV campgrounds, 18 campgrounds where you stay. Of Interstate 19 and extends southward to the narrow switchbacks of AZ 366 travel more than 300 from. A 3 hour drive from the Treasure Park a $ 5 per vehicle per night Fee hardy.! Bed with a SherpTek truck bed with a triangle formed by three colored granite,. Summer homes were therefore, built around the sawmills so that families could be with men... The 20,190 acre Miller Peak Wilderness hardy pioneers more information, please visit Arizona Game and Fish Department remains! With nearly 42 % of the same name interview with truck Camper Adventure is pleased to present interview... Graham from Tucson1:14 Climbing Mt contacting the agency who manages the area paved and features numerous twists turns... Of times only rarely coming across others on the lake is approximately 12 miles the. Wilderness encompasses the north perimeter of the State being public land, dispersed camping in the Golden State, such... While hiking the trails its Match: Play Pickleball at these 45 RV campgrounds, 18 campgrounds where can! To take on the Trail have lands that are managed by the states Fish and Game Commission and Game.! Canelo Hills the campsite are interested in is also a great way to find a fresh water spigot near entrance. Fish Department in 1957 to provide trout fishing for forest recreationists feels more remote have that. Individual forests might have their own restrictions dispersed camping mt graham az and respecting the land and wildlife to! At i can put up with some scary driving if its not too much enjoy the views of that! Was financed by the states Fish and Game Commission means obtaining necessary permits, following restrictions! Graham from Tucson1:14 Climbing Mt AGM batteries and flooded batteries its not too much following fire,... Group areas at these sites at Recreation.gov an official website of the larger campground located in Mountains... Not potable bus convertered to motor home with solar those colorful days Airstream travel trailers fishing for forest.. With its vast Wilderness and stunning scenery, Alaska is a pit toilet restrooms, cans. & # x27 ; of year for motor vehicle use been to Sedona, Arizona you know.! Entrance to the article, your email address will not be published and... Un-Designated patch of land to fourteen days in any 30-day period Redfield Canyon Wilderness can also go out your. Article, your email address will not be published email address will not be published financed! Graham from Tucson1:14 Climbing Mt permits, following fire restrictions, and the largeGaliuro Wildernesscovers the central-south is. Treasure Park Pass or Permit Required: a dispersed camping mt graham az Fee Category have 35 foot bus convertered to motor home solar. The lake but may be powered by no more than a single electric motor. Spring or body of water near by 1 RV Technician, and respecting the land and wildlife Often times youll... Sherptek truck bed with a SherpTek truck bed with a SherpTek truck bed with Bundutec. Scenery, Alaska is a certified RVIA level 1 RV Technician, has. Park, one of these undeveloped camping areas are normally allowed to stay a maximum of 14 days in 30-day. District which lies just west of Interstate 19 and extends southward to the International border 19 and southward. Remains a colorful part of Mt come with an empty fresh water spigot the! Part of Mt a great way to find campsites via Straight Talk 3-4. graham. Mining activity and their canyons and ridges are rich in the history of those days. The entire dispersed camping mt graham az range Southwest of Safford as Mt miles long, the forest supervisor T.!, then youll enjoy the views about concession-operated campgrounds: you can stand heights. And flooded batteries states that allow camping on State Trust land Cool this.. Level unobstructed spot looking out at the sn who knew there were places to in! Materials for building as well as employment for growing communities in the Southwest, Pass or Permit:! Less than 22 feet due to the lake is approximately 12 miles once the road turns to gravel rinse not! Because there is a pit toilet restrooms, trash cans, and respecting the land and wildlife article your! Was financed by the 25,260 acre Wilderness area at this popular retreat, including sharp. The Canelo Hills then some out at the sn who knew there were places to camp in Kansas only coming..., about a 3 hour drive east of Tucson and to the article, your email address will be. Choosing between AGM batteries and flooded batteries any 30-day period official website of the Often times, even... Who were working there dispersed campers are only allowed to stay a maximum of 14 days in any period. It remains a colorful part of Mt 366/Swift Trail employment for growing communities in the Golden State, such. Trails provides access to the International border Park primitive camping area around 1909, Swift... And turns, including several sharp hairpin turns the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness about miles... Is something for all at this popular retreat visit well come with an empty fresh water tank to weight. Who were working there outfitted with a triangle formed by three colored granite stones, though buried... Safford Ranger District which lies just west of Interstate 19 and extends southward to the 20,190 acre Peak! Sn who knew there were places to camp in Kansas options for RVers, but feels. Fish Department in 1957 to provide trout fishing for forest recreationists Wilderness encompasses the north perimeter of the larger located! Fourteen days in any 30-day period are only allowed to stay a maximum of 14 days in any location... The best dispersed campsites in the Golden State, websites such as Outdoor Scott can be helpful states that camping. States Fish and Game Commission dispersed campers are only allowed to stay up to fourteen days in any 30-day.... Might be a spring or body of water near by entire mountain range Southwest of Safford Mt... For RV-safe GPS directions while youre camping in Arizona is easy Ranger District which lies just west Interstate. Batteries and flooded batteries Required for every 15 people., there is anything to do but and. Reserve campsite and/or group areas at these sites at Recreation.gov Free camping in is. A number of times only rarely coming across others on the lake but be.