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nina_70's avatar
nina_70
Explorer
Jan 28, 2014

Madera Canyon / Tubac AZ boondocking?

Anyone familiar with boondocking around Madera Canyon / Tubac area? I've located the Bog Springs Campground, but it's too small for our beastly size. Wondering if there are boondocking spots at the base of the canyon somewhere?

Nina
  • If you're not afraid of the signage then here are my notes from March, 2013. (It seems Google maps calls it White House Canyon Rd which may or may not be the same - the following notes were made from actual signage on the ground):

    The usual warning signs about possible illegal activities are posted here so, if you are afraid to camp in isolation here, you may wish to pass on them. For those we want a quiet free desert camping experience, here are directions:
    Leaving Madera Canyon on Madera Canyon Rd, turn east (right) onto Florida Canyon Rd, a dirt road.
    A sign near the entrance tells you it goes to Hwy 83 in 14 miles.
    Drive about ¼ mile, then take the first road to the right, Forest Rd 62A. After ¼ mile, a clearing with three fire rings marks the boondocking area on your left. The area is not large but has a great view and could easily accommodate three large RVs.
    N31.78748º W110.87212º (Geographic coordinates at this dispersed camping location)
    Return to Florida Canyon Rd and continue 1.5 miles farther east, keeping right at the Y to follow Box Canyon Rd.
    Watch for Forest Rd 62 and exit right. This road is not as good as the others but doable and you only have to travel ½ mile to a small clearing on the right just past a cattle guard. There is a fire ring and enough space for only only one RV. This location is out-of-site of the main road.
    N31.77707º W110.84810º (Geographic coordinates at this dispersed camping location)
    Although on forest property, the terrain is desert and there is no shade at either location.
  • Thanks folks. I'll check all those options out. I'm not really worried about those criminal signs...they are all over Southern Arizona (we're in a boondocking spot right now with that very signage!), but I do worry about size. Cheers again for the inputs!
  • There is National Forest land just north and to the east of the entrance road to Madera Canyon, (off White House Canyon Rd) where we did find a couple of clearings suitable for boondocking in a larger rig; however, they come with a caution. In fact, I chose not to include them in my recent update for the AZ Frugal Shunpiker's Guide due to the fear factor of signage along the road that warns of criminal activity in the area due to proximity to the border. Personally, I wonder why they don't post similar signs outside every major city in America :-)
    ~Marianne
  • There is a Wal-Mart in Sahaurita, AZ which is just a few miles north of Madera Canyon. Not sure if they allow overnight camping, but you could call them.