Need some camping area suggestions

Going on an impromptu camping trip with the gf this weekend. Been camping around the forest lakes area (mainly Willow Springs, Woods Canyon and Bear Canyon) my whole life and want to branch out and see what other areas have to offer.

Looking for lesser-known/frequented areas, particularly with it being a 3-day weekend, I would like to avoid the crowds. Just looking for a nice getaway to do some fishing and hiking.

 

You probably won’t be avoiding the crowds anywhere this weekend unless you already have hard to get to spots that you know how to get to. I couldn’t even get permits for some remote spots out near the GC.

 

Chevelon canyon lake. The only way down to the lake is hike or bike. There is a camp area at the top where the road stops. I haven't been down there in many years.

 

Holiday weekend up on the rim, my advice is look at the Coconino NF MVUM and find a dispersed area as far away from the 87 or 260 as you can. There is a lot of spots tucked away about halfway down FR 300 on some of the side roads. Road 300g is one of them IIRC

 

Come over to Graham county near Safford, no crowds. Fish and hike the Gila Box Riparian or if that's too hot,

Climb the 10k peak south of town, Mount Graham. Lakes to fish, many trails to hike. This all is about 3 hours east of the valley.

 

Strongly considering checking this out. That seems to be the direction that will see the least amount of traffic leaving and coming back. Fingers crossed, lol

 

I heard there was a ton of fire damage out that way... I know a friend of mine recently headed to ash creek falls and he said that area specifically looks totally different from years ago. Any idea if other areas nearby are affected?

 

There was a fire on Mt Graham 2 years ago. There are spots that have been heavily burned, lightly burned and totally untouched.

The beauty of the mountain still persists in my opinion. What won't change is the 5 degree temperature drop every 1000 ft. It a great break from the heat.

Talking about falls, there is a great short hike at the end of a 4 W drive trail called Frye Mesa which is a trip half way up the side of the Safford side of Mt Graham and the pay off is a beautiful hidden waterfall and fishing.

Here's a shot of my Inferno at the Frye Mesa Dam.

 

You got more info on this hidden falls location?

 

Link to tripadvisor

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...iews-Frye_Mesa_Reservoir-Safford_Arizona.html


Yeah the gravel road heading up to the Frye Mesa starts at the edge of the town called Thatcher where Eastern Arizona College Campus is located.

Corner of Reay Lane and Frye Mesa Road. Narrow trecherous ledge road, but hey, that's half the fun! Once you are at the top there is a even more exciting last 300 yards down to the dam. A stock offroad can make it down, but a sport may lose a few things.

If you make it this far, there is a fishing pond behind the dam and a 1/4 mile hiking trail around the pond to the waterfall.

 

I'll be making this trip soon. Sounds fun!

 

Tell us how it goes.

 

Canada!