Central Arizona Newbie Teardropper - Where to Camp First

[shootr]

Look what me and the Mrs. just got!



We're in the Mesa area and want to head up to the Payson area in a couple weekends to christen her. Somewhere with trees and water would be perfect - what campgrounds do you all recommend?

Thanks!

[rockinrobin]

Two years ago, I took a tour of Southeast Arizona in November with my teardrop. Chiricahua National Monument was an awesome place, with a nice campground. No electric. Karchner caverns campground was just Ok, but the cavern tour was great! Stayed at a Snowbird campground in west Tucson surrounded by giant trailers, nice people, and the tour of the Titan Missile Museum about a half mile from the campground was very interesting! Weather in November in Arizona is really nice! Ronnie

[ssrjim]

I'd start here:

Spooktacular 2014

When: 8am Thursday October 23rd - 4pm Sunday October 26th. New park reservation fees are based on half days. We took full days on Thursday and Sunday to allow flexibility.

Where: Spectacular Catalina State Park just north of Tucson on Highway 77. Mountain views, numerous mesquite trees, modern bathrooms, hiking and biking trails. Horses available to rent. A Super Walmart grocery store is directly across the highway.

Fees: $15 camping per night, pay at the gate. Sign in and pay the $5 event fee at the event.

Weather: Warm to hot days, cold nights (bring a heater, bring a jacket).

Camp Sites: We have the large group area. Shady sites along the rim are on a first come basis. All sites are dry camping. Water is available in the group ramada and there are power outlets in the restrooms.

Decorations: Please decorate for Halloween.

Schedule:

Thursday: Unstructured. Early birds may choose bonfire or movie.

Friday: PM: Meet and greet after dinner. Outdoor movies after dark.

Saturday: Potluck dinner and awards in group area at 5pm Bonfire

Sunday: Relax or go explore local attractions and plan to pull out by 4pm.

[ssrjim]

To answer your Payson question, I like this one:

http://www.camparizona.com/Campsites/Pa ... 0point.htm

[bc toys]

might want to think about coming out to buckskin the 1st weekend in Dec 4-7 2014 we have a great time there will be lots of Az Nv and Cali people and we all have something in common We love camping

[shootr]

Well we're all loaded and am heading out after work tomorrow - should only be an hour and a half and setting up in the dark has to be learned, so...

We're going to try an area north a little of Payson to a place called Bushy Canyon. It's along the East Verde River and looks nice from the satellite shots. Here's to hoping for the best!

[mkitchen]

So, how did your trip go? Being in Mesa, you should be able to do some camping throughout the winter. Even just sneaking off to Usury Pass or White Tanks for a weekend would be fun. You may want to hold off on too many more trips up to the trees as that means higher elevations and cooler weather. Enjoy your deserts through the winter and head up higher in the summer. There is lots to see and do all year long.
Also, check out the Arizona section of TEARJERKERS http://www.tearjerkers.net/new_forum/vi ... ae2550d29a
Mikey

[shootr]

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=61351&p=1102197#p1100537

This thread has turned into my unofficial, rambling blog of sorts.

But it went great! Absolutely love that camp is set up in 5 minutes and packed up almost as fast. We're heading to Oak Flats next weekend - still chilly but the days will be great for hiking and watching others climb the boulders and cliffs. Hopefully we'll be able to participate in the Spring Clean '15.