Southwest Cheap or Free in Arizona - Page 2

Bob Thompson · 01-27-2007, 07:55 PM

Update and Clarification: Yuma: Camping on BLM land at the Imperial Dam is much easier than all the description given in my original post. The area is very pleasant and everyone we met was quite friendly. There are numerous small areas where RV's tend to cluster, something for everyone. To get there take Business Hwy. I-8 thru town to the west end of Yuma, take Hwy. 24 which occurs just past where I-8 and Business I-8 join back together. Imperial Dam will be about 18 miles up Hwy 24. You can also take Hwy 95 north out of Yuma about 22 miles and there will be a well marked turn-off to the left to Imperial Dam when you first reach the Yuma Proving Grounds. It's about 7 more miles to the Imperial Dam and the BLM land.

Bijou65 · 02-01-2007, 08:12 PM

Hey Bob, can you still boondock West of Flag on Naval Observatory Road? We spent a whole summer there in 1993. I know every spot you have mentioned and a few you didn't. We have lost a few to "PROGRESS" and the relentless RV park owners who want to corral us all for a fee. We are semi-retired from rolling at the moment but we have been on the road for years.

Irv Stern · 02-02-2007, 12:05 PM

Bob: Very much appreciate your taking the time to organize and publish this great list. Thank you.
Irv Stern

niftypkg · 02-27-2007, 08:57 PM

Great list. I'm a newbe in Cottonwood, Az. Transplant from NJ. I have been to a few of those sites already but the more the better.

Bob Thompson · 09-29-2007, 06:06 PM

Update to the Cheap or Free in Sedona.

Delete the first listing which starts: SEDONA: From intersection of HWY-89A & 179, take HWY-179 1/4 mi, cross bridge, left on Schnebly. Boondocking is no longer allowed at the top of Schnebly Hill.

Delete the both listings which say "turn onto Dry Creek Road. Boondocking is no longer allowed off Dry Creek Road.

The listing which starts: SEDONA: On 89A South, heading from Sedona to Cottonwood, immediately before MM 364 is still valid. From 89A, just before MM 364, turn west onto Nationa Forest Road NF-525. You can find several places to park in the first 3/4 mile or so. The first couple places are marked off with large boulders, As you get closer to the 3/4 mile point, parking places are spread out in a big field. Nice quiet place to boondock.

wbrownrr · 09-29-2007, 08:28 PM

Wow! Your great lists keep getting better. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Bob Thompson · 09-30-2007, 12:10 AM

Update to the listing which starts:
FLAGSTAFF: From I-40, take exit 195B to Lake Mary Road. Go 5.5 mi on L.M. Road

This listing should be revised to read:

FLAGSTAFF: From I-40, take exit 195B to Lake Mary Road. Go 5.1 mi on Lake Mary Road towards Payson. Campground is a National Forest Campground and is called CANYON VISTA CAMPGROUND. Look for Campground sign. Campground is on East side of Lake Mary Road. Limit 14 days, There are no hookups. Cost is $16 per night or $8 for Golden Age Pass. Will take all size RV's. Water 3.5 mi back toward town at water treatment plant on E side of road. Dump station located in Flagstaff at Giant gas station on Hwy-89 N.

ScrapIrony-2 · 10-01-2007, 10:31 PM

Mr Bob,
Tremendous thread!!!Thank you for all your efforts(and, hopefully, continued efforts...we will be using this thread over and over this winter.
mike&tracy

Bob Thompson · 10-01-2007, 11:10 PM

Thanks Mike! Your post reminded me of a correction I needed to add.

Update for Payson, Delete the entry which starts:
PAYSON:East Verde River, approx 3 mi N of Payson on Hwy-87 (MM 258),

Overnight Camping is no longer allowed at this location.

bruce1 · 01-29-2008, 01:08 PM

I see dump stations in Glendale and Buckeye. Are there any inexpensive places to stay in this area for a week or two?

niftypkg · 08-02-2009, 06:58 PM

Great list Bob. How is the food at Harrahs? Been staying in Cave Creek CG N. of Phoenix Rt 74 @$20/night. Nice clean place but HOT. My AC in my '71 Overlander conks out above 95%

Not much in Phoenix or not much I could think of. Parts of Phoenix are too dangerous to stay anywhere! I have found Resorts on Scotsdale Rd for $50/night in the summer vs $20 in CC. Like camping but 115% is HOT.

Bob Thompson · 08-02-2009, 08:47 PM

When we need hookups, we stay at Usery Mountain Rec Area on the edge of Mesa. Pretty place, but still hot-hot-hot. In Payson we've stayed at the NF Houston Meadow Campground right at the north edge of town. Even in summer it is tolerable without hookups and A/C.

niftypkg · 08-02-2009, 09:20 PM

Thanks again; copied and recordered. Don't know that Valley that much. I live in the Verde Valley. It's 100 miles to PHX so I don't get down there that much. Mainly when I'm on my way to or coming from Padre Island, Tx. every Jan. via New Mexico. That's 1500 miles!
Took a look see in Lake Pleasant but never camped there.

**azflycaster** · 08-02-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Thompson

When we need hookups, we stay at Usery Mountain Rec Area on the edge of Mesa. Pretty place, but still hot-hot-hot. In Payson we've stayed at the NF Houston Meadow Campground right at the north edge of town. Even in summer it is tolerable without hookups and A/C.

If you head East on 260 out of Payson for around 30 miles, you will be at the top of the Mogollon Rim. It much higher and cooler. Dispersed camping in the national forest is free.