Monte W.

The Dyrt Pro

Arizona City, AZ

Joined June 2020

Spread out sites

Just under 50 sites off the dirt road. All sites have fire rings and are numbered. There were fire restrictions during my stay so definitely look into that beforehand, as with any other place. The sites were nicely spread out. The first few sites were along the rim. The others were within forested areas, well off the dirt road.

Nice alternative to a paid site

11 sites are marked off that you are able to camp. I lucked out and got site #11 which was well separated from the other sites. The other sites are relatively close together. Only down part about my site was it was at the end of the dirt road and had many cars turning around near my site. Picked up a little bit of trash from previous campers. There was quite a bit of toilet paper around the site which was not cool.

Overgrown

Stayed here a night in early April 2024. There were a lot of positive things about this place. Both vault toilets were very clean. The sites that weren’t overgrown with brush had cement tables and fire rings. The roads were narrow and easily managed in my Forester however much of the road, and camp sites, were covered in brush and overgrown trees. I could only locate about 4 sites that weren’t overgrown. The campsite is off of the highway so there is some road noise. Around 7:30 AM someone stopped by a nearby unoccupied site and started cutting wood for about an hour, and then they left. Overall not a bad place for an escape from the heat not far from Globe.

Walking distance to Cliff dwellings

Stayed here for a couple nights in the beginning of September 2023. Weather was upper 80’s during the day and mid 50’s during the night. This site is free and provides a vault toilet (which was clean), water, a fire ring and picnic table. There were about 6-8 sites. I lucked out and ended up getting the last one. The sites were pretty close together but spread out enough. I was able to walk right to the entrance of the cliff dwellings trail from this site in about 5 minutes. I could also walk across street and woods to the river, wasn’t much water though. From silver city on 15, it took me about 90 minutes to reach the campsite. It’s a paved road but gets pretty twisty in spots. I stocked up on food and everything I needed at wal mart in silver city. There was no cell service from silver city to the campground. There is a store, Docs, that will let you use their Wi-Fi. The store has a few things but nothing impressive. It was also difficult finding wood in the immediate area, so either bring wood or stock up along 15 when you’re in the pines. There is also no trash pickup anywhere in the area, so prepare to pack out all trash. The only downside of this site is being able to get a spot. There is also the lower scorpion campsite, plus a few others along the way. There are also plenty of dispersed sites along 15.

Nice area

I took I 17 as the directions stated. Lots of spots that had existing fire rings. I used my propane fire pit since there were fire restrictions. If you drive down Schnebly hill road there a plenty of sites. After about 6 miles on a dirt road you will reach the schnebly hill overlook. The road gets a lot rougher from here. I didn’t go further from here. The site we stayed at wasn’t far from the exit on I17. The sky was beautiful. I would definitely stay here again.

Nice spots

I lucked out and got the last spot, unfortunately it was relatively close to the road and there was some traffic during the day. There are several roads to drive down and find a spot. You must camp at an existing spot. A fire ring was provided and it looks like the area was taken care of.. no trash, fire ring emptied, site was raked. The funny part was I could hear a group of people playing live Mexican music until after midnight but it wasn’t intrusive. The night sky was amazing, nearby hiking trails and plenty to explore. Aside from the traffic and noise into the night the area was beautiful. I’d recommend getting a spot earlier in the day though.

Peaceful and quiet

Stayed here for a couple nights towards the end of May. There were a few other people camping while I was here but it was very quiet. I would estimate there are about 10 sites. Most appeared to have garbage cans. There were two port o potty’s that were not too bad. There were lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake. I was able to find fire wood around for a fire but it was a little challenging finding larger pieces of wood, I would probably bring some wood of my own if I ever returned. Overall it was a great place to stay for free especially since there aren’t lots of campsites in this area. Directions were accurate.

Quiet and peaceful

Really nice dispersed camp sites along a dirt road. The directions are accurate and bring you to two dirt roads off of Cattle Tank Road. I went East and there were about a dozen sites, mostly sites for tents and small RV’s. After about a mile the road gets a little rougher and narrow. I didn’t notice any existing sites after a mile or so down the dirt road. The sites were well spread out and very clean. I brought wood for a fire and was able to find some wood around the area to burn as well. Very dark sky with lots of stars. I explored the other dirt road West from Cattle Tank Road and the sites were larger and more suitable for larger RV’s.

Awesome dispersed sites

Drove about 40 minutes down pinery canyon road. Roads weren’t terrible but had a few washboard spots. Several sites located off the main road. Plenty of wood to collect for the fire. It was pretty cold at night in late November but there was plenty of space between sites that my generator wasn’t offensive to others. Very clean site too.

Very nice

Stayed here in late May for two nights. Sites were well maintained and reasonably private. Hiking trails around to check out the area. Bathrooms were clean. There is a playground for kids and a visitor center that was closed during my stay.

Cramped sites

Stayed here at the end of May 2022. I knew it would be hot, but I can’t describe the intensity of the heat. The campsite itself was very cramped, luckily there were only a half dozen other campers while I was there… I could see this place being very crowded during peak months. I came here to see the dark skies but had to drive a few miles from the campground to avoid the bright lights of other RV’s. There was gas available at the nearby store as well most things you’d need at the store. You have to pay for showers with quarters so be prepared for that… $2.00 for 5 minutes. I crossed into Mexico via the Boquillas Crossing, rode a Burro into the village and had lunch. Bring small bills to pay for things there… cost to ride Burro, horse or truck. Plus $3 per person once you get to Mexico. Then plan on having cash for lunch and to tip your “tour guide.” Overall the campsite needs more space and shade would help too.

Great dispersed area

Stayed here for a couple nights in May 2022. Very windy and dry during my stay so fires were not permitted. I did use my propane fire ring though. I drove about 2 miles down FR222 from 180. Lots of sites to choose from. My spot was near the old Wing mountain recreational area. There were some dirt bikes and shooting during the day but nothing crazy. I also picked up a few bags of garbage from the surrounding area. Pack in and pack out! I will definitely be back in the area again

Lots of space

Stayed here for a night in mid April 2022. I arrived around 5:30 PM and was able to get set up and collect enough wood for a fire. I found a level spot with an existing fire ring. There were a few other campers around but this place has a lot of space so I didn’t notice the neighbors. It was cloudy and a full moon but I could imagine the skies get super dark here. I would stay here again.

Awesome dispersed area

I stayed here on February 19th and 20th of 2022. The weather was great! High of 78 and mid 40’s at night. I pulled off of the main road 188 onto 83 which is a dirt road. The road was easy to navigate. There were about 6 sites that had rock fire rings. I stayed right before the first cattle guard. I did see some cows while I was here but they didn’t seem to care about me being there. There was plenty of downed wood to collect for a fire. Awesome views and great stars at night. I would definitely come back here again. Full dispersed experience.

Great dispersed area

Stayed here on February 12th 2022. The coordinates are accurate as are the other reviews of the area. After turning off the main road, you’ll see a sign with the camping rules. I drove about a mile down the dirt road and found a place to pull off. The road was decent but some areas would be problematic for a vehicle with lower ground clearance. I made my own fire ring and there was plenty of wood around to collect. Didn’t see a single person the whole time I was there. I could hear shooting off in the distance but that doesn’t bother me. I would definitely stay here again.

Plenty to do

I have stayed here a twice and enjoyed both visits. Bathrooms are clean and all sites are well maintained. No wood fires are allowed but you can bring a propane fire pit. Plenty of trails are nearby.

Nice place

Stayed here in November of 2021 in a pop up camper. All the sites were full during my stay. Bathrooms and sites were all well taken care of. Camp hosts were very friendly but not intrusive. Fire wood was also available for sale. Definitely check out the caverns, you won’t be disappointed. You do need to purchase tickets ahead of time. There is plenty of hiking in the area too!

Nice place

Stayed here for two nights in late March. The area recently received a lot of rain so the creek was pretty high and fast flowing. There were several marked campgrounds along the creek and a small site further down the road for $15 a night. I stayed at site 4. Sites were very spaced out and mine was fairly clean when I arrived. My only complaint was there were cars frequently driving by throughout the night on the dirt road. Other than that, really enjoyed this place.

Peaceful at night

The directions to this area were accurate. Multiple sites off of the dirt road. Traffic was a little heavy during the day but died down at night. Shooting was allowed after a certain point so gunshots were heard during the day. The site I stayed had a lot of broken glass and random garbage. I filled a couple grocery bags of cans and bottles. The views were phenomenal during the day and even better at night. For a free campground I cannot complain. I would stay here again.

Very nice site

I stayed here for two nights on 12/30/20 and 12/31/20. The first night was full and very quiet. The second night was a bit louder but quieted down by 10:00 PM. I expected it to be louder since it was New Year’s Eve. The bathrooms were cleaned multiple times throughout the day. The sites were also well taken care of. Water and electric at most sites and there was trash and recycling as well. Views of the mountains were awesome. I recommend making reservations early since they fill up fast. You can not burn wood either. You can use a propane fire pit or burn a duraflame type log in the grill.