As I am looking down the road for our annual hiatus to AZ. after late Jan or so, we have gradually worked our way each year further east. Last year we hung around Gold Canyon, Apache Junction, Superior, Florence, and even got up some in to Globe and the Tonto Basin. Looking for a dry camp spot or 2 in the Eagar or Springerville area to base out of. We have atv's and usually spend a few weeks out boondocking, and then slide in to a RV park, or town, for a few days for laundry and replenish, then back out. Without giving up your favorite spot, but close to it, any suggestions? Also, when would one expect the snow to not be an issue at the higher elevations? 2-4 rigs, 40' M/H being the biggest limiting factor for how rough the road or site may be, other than that, everyone is used to staying out for weeks.

You will most likely see snow and cold in January. Have you tried the area around Roosevelt Lake?

I would explore the area around Horse Thief Basin and Cordes Junction. Lots of places to boondock in that area. IIRC, ATVs are welcomed too.....Dennis

I thought that ATVs in Arizona, even operated on Federal land now require a permit, or license? .My brother in law had to purchase these permits to operate his 3 ATVs in northern AZ , around Payson. .

They do, and my ride is licensed both on road and off road in AZ, plus we buy an AZ. State Lands permit every year. We stay longer, but basically you are good for 30 days on your home state license in AZ, but you still need the state lands permit. We have friends in Cordes Junction, and have been in the country to the west of the 17, Black Canyon, Crown King. Checked out Roosevelt Lake while touring the Tonto Basin. We were just looking for timbered areas this year. What about around Show Low and south? Is that more Forest Service or BLM-State Lands?

I’m not up to speed on atv rules and restrictions on forest land. Weather at high elevations is always somewhat unpredictable, but January would not be the time I’d choose to go to that area unless one were an experienced winter camper and snowmobiling. Nights will almost certainly be subzero and with plenty of snow and there may be restrictions on traveling forest roads. And a “dry” camp spot is probably very unlikely. A good area for summer, but in winter I’d think along the line of sub 4000’ elevations.

Eastern AZ. question | Good Sam Community

rfryer
Explorer
Oct 17, 2013
I’m not up to speed on atv rules and restrictions on forest land. Weather at high elevations is always somewhat unpredictable, but January would not be the time I’d choose to go to that area unless one were an experienced winter camper and snowmobiling. Nights will almost certainly be subzero and with plenty of snow and there may be restrictions on traveling forest roads. And a “dry” camp spot is probably very unlikely. A good area for summer, but in winter I’d think along the line of sub 4000’ elevations.
Camorhino
Explorer
Oct 17, 2013
They do, and my ride is licensed both on road and off road in AZ, plus we buy an AZ. State Lands permit every year. We stay longer, but basically you are good for 30 days on your home state license in AZ, but you still need the state lands permit.
We have friends in Cordes Junction, and have been in the country to the west of the 17, Black Canyon, Crown King. Checked out Roosevelt Lake while touring the Tonto Basin. We were just looking for timbered areas this year. What about around Show Low and south? Is that more Forest Service or BLM-State Lands?
mpfireman
Explorer
Oct 17, 2013
I thought that ATVs in Arizona, even operated on Federal land now require a permit, or license? .My brother in law had to purchase these permits to operate his 3 ATVs in northern AZ , around Payson.
.
Executive45
Explorer III
Oct 17, 2013
I would explore the area around Horse Thief Basin and Cordes Junction. Lots of places to boondock in that area. IIRC, ATVs are welcomed too.....Dennis
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Oct 17, 2013
You will most likely see snow and cold in January. Have you tried the area around Roosevelt Lake?

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