Sonoran Desert, Southern Arizona?

[_DJ_1]

Thinking about spending some time this winter here. Looking for suggestions for boondocking, dry camping and points of interest.

No desire to enter CA and their ludicrous gun laws.

I would also like to keep this in the TC section as we can get to and camp in more spots in which I would like to go.

Thanks....DJ

[dahkota]

Jefe 4X4, I remember hearing something about it being closed for a while but at the time, I was an easterner so didn't pay much attention. I found an interesting article that repeats much of what you stated. It is amazing what a difference there is now.

The Nation's Most Dangerous Park...

[_DJ_1]

Thanks everyone so far!!! Got a list started and putting together a travel plan. :C

[Rollnhome]

From Park Service Site

"What most people want to know: Is the monument a safe place to visit?

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a safe place to visit. However, illegal border crossings and activities, including drug smuggling, occur daily. It is unlikely that you will encounter any illegal border activity but you should be aware that such a situation is possible. Many safety precautions are in existence as a means to protect you and to continue preserving this national treasure.

Remember that cell phone service is usually out of range within Monument boundaries.

Know where you are at all times, follow good safety procedures and use common sense when making decisions.
Do not pickup hitch-hikers
Keep valuables, including spare change, out of sight and lock your vehicle
Avoid traveling in well-used but unofficial "trails"
People in distress may ask for food, water or other assistance. It is recommended that you do not make contact. Report the location of the distressed people to park staff, or the Border Patrol.
Report ANY suspicious behavior to park staff or Border Patrol. Please do not contact suspicious persons."

Staying in park campground OK. Boondocking in the area??????

[jefe_4x4]

Dahkota,
That's good to hear. My experience several years ago was much different. We went down a dirt road about 10 miles from the border and the place was alive with agents. We were in the TC and they didn't even give us a second look. The road had an interesting patina. I asked one of the agents why the road was so smooth, like it had been brushed. He said they tow 3 tires tied together to get a nightly fresh pallet about footprints across the road. We then happened upon said 3 tires, turned and ready for action.
jefe

[dahkota]

Wow. Interesting. We spent almost two months in far southern Arizona this year, February and March. In Organ Pipe, which we absolutely loved, we camped about 1.5 miles from the border and did some off road trails that led us to and along the border. The entire time, we saw not one illegal, no fence jumpers (there isn't even much of a fence there), no piles of trash strewn about from their run across the border, but dozens of border agents. We had a great time and loved the area. The park was open and the campground was great for a NP campgrond.

There is boondocking just north of the Park and there were quite a few people staying there. There is also some great boondocking near the Chiracahuas and down outside of Bisbee.

Beautiful area and I wouldn't hesitate to go back. In fact, we will be traveling through there again in about two weeks...

[jefe_4x4]

South and east of Tempe has some great 4WD accessible canyons. One I think is Cottonwood Cyn which had some of the oldest and largest cottonwoods I have ever seen. East and North of Phoenix have some great back roads and wonderful desert beauty. South of Florence Jct. are some great camping and jeeping areas. Just wide open BLM land.
About staying anywhere near the southern border: don't. Much of southern AZ is closed to Americans now with so much human and drug trafficking taking place. We tried to camp near Organ Pipe a few years ago and the gates were down and there was a FED sign saying keep out on account of desperate people migrating. As close as we could get was Ajo.
jefe

[errante]

If you like hiking check out Chiricahua national park outside of Willcox az. It is a fee free park. There is no boondocking in the park but i have been told it is an option just outside the park. Having said that the campground is nice and no big rvs. If you tow a large trailer don't go there. Look for details online. $12 or $6 with a senior pass. No showers but clean heads with flush toilets. The hiking is awesome, take a camera. There is a free parks transport to the top and you can hike down.

[Tiger4x4RV]

From my trip in March, 2012, here are a couple of suggestions for remote areas where you might enjoy boondocking.

Las Cienegas National Conservation Area Camping info on the webpage.

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge There are designated remote sites, I think about 100 of them! Amazing place.

I also stayed some state and USFS campgrounds (Catalina, Patagonia Lake, Madera Canyon, Organ Pipe), but those might be too tame for your tastes.

Do remember that the border is nearby. You may not want your camp to be viewed as a supply depot for illegal border crossers. I saw several of them, plus many Border Patrol vehicles.

Here are a few photos from my trip:
https://picasaweb.google.com/CVKSmith/ExploringSouthernAZMarch2012

[msgtord]

Check out the Organ Pipe Monument south of Ajo, Az and the Cabeza Prieta wildlife refuge.

[Rollnhome]

I'd stay North of highway 8. Salt River has nice spots.

[dbbls]

Lots of public land around Phenix and south and west of there. Quartzite is an interesting place to visit once. Public land all around there.

[Buzzcut1]

san juan river bed south of globe is nice, area around payson and verde . out by the sonoran desert museum there is a ton of stuff just be aware of the smugglers and stay alerr