West Boondocking near Flagstaff/Williams

[joe3957]

I am heading west Friday afternoon for a trip up the California Coast. I won't get out of the office until after 4, only likely make Flagstaff or Williams before I want to rest. My intentions are to get up early to push across the desert before it gets hot, so I don't really want to spend much money at an RV park or time looking for a campsite deep in the forest. Anyone have suggestions for safe, somewhat quiet stop that I won't get booted by the local police?

[joe3957]

Bump..anybody got an idea

[eubank]

So you're heading out on I40 from ABQ? My recollection is that there's not a whole lot of boondocking available right off the interstate, but (as just about everybody knows) my recollection is pretty miserable.

It wouldn't be as far as Flag, but we usually stop once we get to Winslow. About a mile short of town is a turn-off onto Hwy 87, and a good deal less than mile on 87 takes you to Homolovi Ruins State Park, which overlooks Winslow (as well as one can overlook anything in that country). Decent campground; not very expensive; interesting musuem and ruins, too.


Lynn

[joe3957]

I hope to get further than Winslow, because I really want to cross the desert early on Saturday. Needles is suppose to be 110 degrees on Saturday and 116 on Sunday, so I figure just push and get across the Mojave as early as possible. That being said, you just never know what will happen out on the road.

[westernviews]

You might want to consider taking a rest break in the afternoon and driving through the desert at night. Just a thought.

I read in some blog that Flagstaff is real strict about not allowing boondocking within city limits.

[azflycaster]

If you head south from Williams on 4th Street, it turns into Perkinville Road (Rt 73). After you pass the lake and dam there are many forest roads where you can slide into the forest for the night. You will need to travel a couple of miles to get outside of Williams. Watch for posted signs about camping and you should be fine.

The Pilot gas station between Flagstaff and Williams has the best prices around.

There is also a Rest Area on i-40 if you don't mind the trucks...

[joe3957]

That is the sort of info I am looking for. I will just be sleeping, but I think I will drive down south into the forest to avoid the trucks and rest stop.

[azflycaster]

If you want a real treat while you are in Williams. Stop in at the Pine Country Restaurant and have a slice of pie. They have some of the best pies in the southwest. They are located at 107 N. Grand Canyon Blvd and there is a large parking lot across the street next to the tracks where you can fit the trailer and truck. We stop there too often!

[Vegasdan]

Flagstaff. From I-40, take exit 195B to Lake Mary rd. Go 5.5 miles on L.M. Rd towards Morman Lake and Payson to cattle guard. Camp is 50 ft on left past cattle guard. It will take any size rig. Water is 3.5 mi. back towards town at water treatment plant on E. side of road. Dump station located in Flagstaff at Giant gas station on Hwy 89 N.

[uwe]

There is a rest area a few miles west of Flagstaff. I used it a few times to rest for a few hours.

[joe3957]

We will just see how far we get now. The Overlander got new axles , wheels rims. I made a repair to the rear end sag, dropped a new finish floor and is now road ready. I thought about dropping you a line Uwe...but I am going to head up the central coast and doubt I will get to Orange County..maybe next time I would love to see the Area 63 sometime.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by joe3957

We will just see how far we get now. The Overlander got new axles , wheels rims. I made a repair to the rear end sag, dropped a new finish floor and is now road ready. I thought about dropping you a line Uwe...but I am going to head up the central coast and doubt I will get to Orange County..maybe next time I would love to see the Area 63 sometime.

Any time!

[dscluchfc]

I have contacted in advance the local church of my denomination in a town along the route on occasion, and had no trouble in securing permission to boondock on the church parking lot for the night.

The locals there have the ability to verify me for reference by contacting my local church if they care to do so.

Never had a problem doing this....I think people who want to cause trouble are still wary about bringing mischief to church property.

[joe3957]

I ended up in the reststop west of Flagstaff. Pulled in about 10:30 out at 4am and was on I15 and the 215 by 10 or something. I was worried about the temps...but it was almost cool that early. Checked in to an RV park at the edge of Ventura...overpriced and crowded, but I scoped out Emma Woods and think I will be able to park on the beach for Sunday nite..and then on to SB, Pismo and if the fire settles Big Sur. Didn't realize Pismo is having Gay Pride this weekend. Oh well.