Camping Phoenix Area

Hello,
Family and I will be in Phoenix area for Thanksgiving.
Looking a few go to spots within 2 hour drive or so of Phoenix. We are experienced campers, we go often. Most of the camping we do is dispersed we are totally self sufficient.
Not looking for any gnarly 4x4 trail expeditions, trails are fine looking to get out into beautiful Arizona nature, first time camping there.
Any and all suggestions appreciated,
Thanks.

 

Lots and lots of gorgeous places. Most good spots are 2-3 hours from Central Phoenix, not sure which part of the Valley you will be in. You can't go wrong with any of the spots in Prescott and Tonto National Forests. If you go further North you may run into some winter closures, but anywhere in Tonto or Prescott should be fine. The rim road (FR300) is gorgeous, but it is more like 3 hours especially if you are in the west valley.

Hope you enjoy your time here!

 

Awesome, thanks for suggestions.

 

Bulldog Canyon meets your distance-requirements. You'll need to get a permit ($5 or so, I think) and most camping spots are relatively close to the OHV trail so until the sun sets you'll have SXS', Jeeps and other vehicles crawling by, but the Canyon has beautiful views and is still pretty close to the metro area.

 

Sweet, I came across that trail in my searches.
Thank you.

 

4 peaks, good elevation and close to the valley

 

4 peaks is closed due to the fire.

 

check out the Harquahala Mountain area, lots of easy trails with tons of camp spots and basically nobody around! beautiful desert landscapes and the mountain trail takes you from 1,000ft to 5,000 ft elevation in less than an hour

 

Sounds perfect.

thank you guys for feedback